Entering the lounge around midnight, I caught him looking at me from the corner where he was seated. As I settled into the business lounge of the international airport, engrossed in my romance novel amidst the hushed chatter and rhythmic clatter of footsteps, I caught him looking at me again, and this time, our eyes locked.

His gaze, deep pools of an unknown shade, confined me. A radiant smile graced his lips, infecting me in return, and I found myself smiling back.

Now, my heart fluttered like a butterfly’s wings. I convinced myself to concentrate on the novel I was reading, attempting to focus on the world of fictional romance. However, his smile lingered in my thoughts, and his presence remained a constant distraction.

He was seated opposite me, a few seats away, yet his gaze was as intimate as if he was standing beside me. I stole glances at him. An hour passed just like that, exchanging smiles and gazes. I found myself longing to break the silence with this stranger who had so effortlessly captured my attention, but I held back.

After some time, I went to grab a soft drink, and to my surprise, he was right there, checking for a drink himself. Our eyes met again, and this time, I gave him a radiant smile. He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary, and I could feel his eyes tracing the contours of my face, dwelling on the curves of my lips. As our eyes locked once more, there was an unspoken awareness of our intense physical attraction —a depth of unspoken hum of desires.

As we fell into an easy conversation, he inquired about the book that had captured my attention. I wanted to confess that it wasn’t the book but his presence that held my attention. Nevertheless, I kept my thoughts at bay and cheerfully revealed the title.

“Oh, nice. A romance book, huh?” he commented, his smile widening. “Hey fellow romantic enthusiast,” he added, developing a connection that seemed destined to bloom.

“Would you mind if I offered you a drink?” he asked politely.

I blushed, “I’d love to,” I said.

“What kind of drink would you like? A cocktail or a mocktail?”

“I’ll have a mocktail,” I replied.

“I’m quite skilled at mixing mocktails,” he said confidently. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will,” I said, feeling a sense of anticipation.

We got our drinks and went back to our seats.

“Come join me here,” he said, gesturing to the seat next to him.

“Let me grab my belongings,” I said, gathering my handbag and book.

“No, wait,” he said. “I’ll come there.”

“That makes it easy for me,” I replied, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach.

He grabbed his belongings and moved to my side, settling into the seat next to me. There was something in his presence that held me, an undeniable attraction that drew him in. I’m by no means Paris, but he came to me anyway, sitting right next to me, and my heart raced faster.

As we settled into our seats, a lively conversation unfolded, and we exchanged our names and shared our travel destinations. There was an irresistible charm about him that pulled me into his orbit.

I’m attracted to this man not only for his warm smile and refined appearance but also for the intoxicating fragrance that cocooned him. His smile was like a beacon of warmth in the airport’s cool ambiance, and his looks were sharp and sophisticated. However, it was his scent that truly hypnotized me, igniting a spark of fascination within. The distinctive blend of masculine notes whispered tales of hidden secrets and untold stories, making my senses swirl. When he moved closer, I found myself inhaling his scent, savoring the aroma that could encourage me to do a lot if we were in a private room alone. I just wished to slide under the radar with him.

It was unfortunate that we were heading to different destinations, but fortunate that we were both on early morning flights. However, to my luck, he said his flight was actually delayed, which gave us more time with each other.

Our laughter echoed through the lounge as we talked and laughed for hours. Whenever our hands brushed, every cell in my body reacted physically. I felt something trapped in my throat other than my breath. I craved his touch all over me. My body seemed to mold perfectly into the silhouettes of his; there was compassion and tenderness in his every touch. I longed to lean in closer to feel the softness of his skin beneath my fingertips.

His fingers were long and slender. Whenever his fingers moved, especially when he pointed at something or moved things, I found it surprisingly sexy and wanted them on my skin. His thick, dark gray mixed hair framed his face with a touch of ruggedness, and his neatly trimmed beard added a hint of intrigue, hinting at invisible depths beneath his gentle demeanor that only deepened my fascination. I couldn’t shake the desire to feel that beard grazing my skin. I yearned to trace its contours with my fingers, to feel its texture against my own skin.

As the hours slipped by like mere minutes, I wished my flight could be delayed too, just so I could prolong this intriguing encounter. But the call for my flight echoed through the airport terminal, pulling me back to reality. I got ready to leave, and he held my hand to see me off.

As he held my hand gently, his other hand carrying my belongings, his touch remained on mine for a moment longer. My voice felt trapped in my chest with the extra beating of my heart. We walked towards the elevator, our footsteps totally rhythmic, creating a silent symphony of unspoken connection.

When we exited from the lift he pulled me into a warm hug and planted a delicate kiss on my forehead. His touch was gentle yet firm, conveying a depth of affection that spoke more than any words could convey. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment, wishing it could last forever.

He walked me to my gate, our footsteps syncing through the vast terminal. As we hugged again to say our goodbyes, he whispered into my ear with his alluring smile, “It was truly incredible meeting you.” I held his hand, smiled, and replied, “Same here, It was a joy to have met you.” but my voice caught in my throat, choked with the weight of unspoken emotions.

I watched him walk away with a smile. A pang of despair tugged at my heart as his figure slowly faded into the distance.

As the plane took off, I settled into my seat, my mind replaying every moment of our encounter. His gaze, his smile, his touch, his scent – they all played back in my thoughts. I longed to run back to him, to extend this fleeting connection and decipher the enigma between us.

I chided myself for not exchanging numbers, and for failing to prolong this unexpected encounter. Yet, in our shared unspoken understanding, we both recognized the ephemeral nature of our connection, choosing to savor the present moment rather than burden it with the anticipations of the future.

Despite not exchanging numbers or personal details beyond our names, his alluring nature, radiant smile, and enticing scent were etched into my memory like a timeless melody. Though his face might fade with time, his scent and smile would forever linger.

I hope the memories of our encounter linger in his mind as vividly and fondly as they do in mine.

If by chance, the universe conspires and our fates align again, we never know — someday, we might meet under the starlit sky.

©Shimmering Muse 2023 | All Rights Reserved