Stalking me

As I turned on the block, I suddenly felt like going back. Standing casually on the side of his car was no other than Mr. Nathan Hayes. Was he waiting for me, but that was absurd.

Not having any other option, I continued to walk in his direction. Maybe he was waiting for someone else. That should be the more reasonable explanation for it.

"Hi, there!" He greeted me as soon as I was near. I stopped in my tracks and looked around. Was he talking to me? No one was around but the two of us. I was suddenly cautious, remembering his words.

"Scarlet." He called out to me. At least, he knew my name, but I should not put my guard down. He could easily use his charm and get what he wanted. I did not want to be another girl on his bedpost.

"What do you want?" Wanting to get this over with and be on my way.

"I was wondering if maybe we can go grab a bite." He was already opening his passenger door, indicating that he wanted me to climb into his car. That was presumptuous of him, thinking that I would easily jump in. Well, he was going to be disappointed.

"I don't think that would be a good idea." I turned on my heels and continued walking in the direction of my apartment. Hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone.

"Ok!" He stated as I heard him closed the door and trailed behind me. Clearly, he did not get the signal as he continued to follow me.

"What are you doing?" Asking him when I felt him walking beside me now. His closeness was not helping as I became too aware of him. His mere nearness was already sending goosebumps on my body.

"If you won't dine with me, the least I can do is walk you home." Now, I was alarmed, wondering if I should continue on my way home. I did not think it was wise to disclose to a stranger where I lived. However, I did not think it was also wise to stay here with him.

"Are you stalking me?" It was very unlikely, but I just had to ask. What else was he doing following me home?

"Nope. Definitely not." He mildly laughed. "I just want to make sure that you make it home safely."

"Ok mister, I am more than capable of taking myself safely back home. You are in no obligation to..." I was saying as he cut me in the middle of my sentence.

"Call me Nathan" he interrupted. Still walking beside me, matching my fast stride with ease. I almost wanted to run, but I knew it would be futile. With his athletic built, I would assume that he run every day.

"It does not matter. You can go back to your car and leave me alone." I put more irritation in my tone hoping that he would finally go away. I continued to walk in the direction of my apartment.

Apparently, he was as stubborn as I was. Putting both his hands in either side of his pockets as he leisurely walked alongside me.

"Why are you avoiding me?" He suddenly changed the subject as we neared my house.

"I am not..." I stammered, taken aback by the unexpected question.

"Don't deny it." Nathan firmly said. He occasionally glanced in my direction before focusing again on the pavement.

"I have no reason to avoid you." I denied still, not expecting that he noticed. In truth, I had every reason to avoid him. I was afraid of the undeniable attraction I had with him. There was no acceptable explanation for it. All the warning bells told me to stay away from him, but for an unknown reason, he kept showing up and I could not seem to keep away from him.

"I've been meaning to talk to you, but you were always busy or something." He brushed his fingers through his unruly hair making me looked up to him.

He wanted to talk to me. Why? My mind was cautious but the other parts of me were more than exhilarated. It was like my mind and my body was playing tug of war. One wanted to be near him, while the other wanted to run as far away.

"You said you wanted to talk. Why?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me. I should have kept quiet, not entertaining this conversation.

"Look. I confess I did try to forget you since you walked away from me at the club. I don't want to push myself if you are not interested." He explained.

"So, why are you..." I was saying.

"Let me finished." He interrupted. "There was something about you. I can't explain it, but I can't get you out of my mind. I know I have to see you." He declared.

I was speechless. I knew I should be running by now, but I was rooted on the spot. I did not even realize that we had to stop moving.

"Anyway, would you go out with me? I am really interested to get to know you." Not knowing what to say to that, I stared at him for a minute, trying to figure out his intention. Not anticipating any of this to happen.

"Do you always harass the woman you wanted to go out with?" I wanted to sound sarcastic, but my voice ended up huskier, which was the result of him standing close to me.

"Only you." He finally admitted. "I never had a choice. This was the only way to see you and talk to you. I had never worked this hard to see a girl." He admitted. Should I be flattered with that statement or be suspicious of his intent?

I was not even aware that we were now standing in front of my apartment. I looked at his messy brown hair and a few stubbles on his jawline. It gave him an approachable boy-next-door look compared to his usual authoritative self.

Studying his face closely, I found something different about him. It was not just his physical look, but there was something strange in a good way. His eyes were friendlier, it communicated with me on a deeper level. His smile was genuine as if he was truly happy to be here with me.

"Please. Have dinner with me tomorrow." His voice had a rich bass tone to it, which only added up to his appeal. He invaded my space and reached out his hand, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear while he leaned impossibly closer.

No. No. No. My mind kept saying. It was the only possible answer to his question. "Ok," I muttered. The word just spilled out of my mouth. I wanted to snap at myself, but whom should I blame when my mouth had a brain of its own. As I stared through his eyes, I knew I was in big trouble.

"I will pick you up at 6 pm." He brushed his knuckle so lightly on the side of my cheek before walking away back to the direction of his car. "Good night." Leaving me baffled on what I just agreed to.

Opening my front door in a daze, I gradually realized what I had done. I wanted to shout, run after him, and took it back, but I was far too late. I did not have his number so there was no way for me to cancel out on our date.

OHHH. What have I have done? I slumped on the couch, covered my face with the throw pillow, and shouted my frustration. I just agreed to go out with him. What happened to my determination to stay away from him? This was one of those days that your brain and your body were not in sync with one another.

I was just glad that Gemma was not here, or I would absolutely get an earful. Maybe she did not need to find out. I would go out with him and end it there.

It was just a date. One night. Nothing more.