Love Doesn't Come With A Guarantee

CHAPTER ONE I carefully left my apartment at 6:00 a.m. as I do every morning. As I walked out of the building, I noticed the doorman wasn't at his post. It didn't bother me. Although the neighborhood was quiet I enjoyed having the doorman escort me daily. I started walking toward the back of the building where my car was parked. Normally, there would be lights beaming from every lamppost to lead the way, but today it was completely dark. I looked around, but Joe the doorman was still nowhere in sight. I told myself not to worry. I could see my car in the distance. I walked fast at first, but when I thought I heard footsteps behind me, I turned around to see if Joe had caught up with me. What I saw when I turned around was definitely not Joe. I stared into the face of the most handsome man I had ever seen. Although he was a stranger, I felt suddenly safe. I didn't move. I waited for him to speak. He looked me over slowly and seductively from head to toe. Then he said in a deep sensual voice "Good morning, beautiful." Why did he have to say that? Now I was speechless. I then turned around and tried to walk away when I felt his hand embrace my arm. "Aren't you going to say hello?" I felt like such a fool. I didn't know what to say to this man. He was too perfect for me to converse with. He stood over six feet tall, he had beautiful dark brown skin, golden brown eyes with the most beautiful coal black naturally curly hair I had ever seen. His face was as smooth as a baby's behind. I breathed in his expensive cologne. I still couldn't speak. Instead, I wanted to grab him and plant a kiss on those perfectly shaped juicy lips. I could smell his breath. It smelled like fresh peppermint, and I wanted to taste it. Wow! What had come over me? I'd never lusted after a stranger before, but this encounter was different. I gathered my senses, released my arm from his embrace, and managed to say, "Good morning sir." He smiled with approval and replied, "What a sweet little voice you have." "Thank you." "What's your name?" I didn't know if I should respond or go on my way. No matter how beautiful this man was, I didn't know him from Adam. But because I wanted the conversation to continue, I heard myself saying, "My name is Cynthia." He then asked me if he could escort me to my car. I couldn't refuse although something inside of me was telling me to be careful. We walked slowly and silently to my car which was a little unnerving. Neither of us had anything to say. I noticed on the way to my car that he walked slightly behind me. When I glanced out of the corner of my eye, I then figured out why he couldn't speak. He was engrossed in lust for my curvaceous body. I started to laugh because he was like a little puppy that had found a bone. “Why are you laughing?” “I enjoy seeing you enjoy yourself.” He took a step back and said, "I hope you don't think I was staring at your rear end. I'm a gentleman. I was fascinated by the way your skirt sways from side to side when you walk." "Well, isn't that the same thing?" We both laughed, and then he grabbed me with a strong grip. He pulled me so close I almost screamed, but then I decided that I wanted to ride this one out. How could I stand there enjoying this strange tongue exploring every crevice inside my hot, wet, wanting mouth? I knew I should pull away, but it felt so good. My body started trembling. I was holding on for dear life. He pulled me closer as if he needed me. I wasn't sure if I needed him, but one thing's was for sure, I needed that kiss. Slowly, we both began to regain our senses. He gently placed his hand on my cheek and began to stroke my soft skin. I thought I would melt, but I couldn't. I wanted to be ready for whatever happened next. Suddenly he spoke. He apologized for his aggressive behavior. "I hope I didn't upset you." He said while making a puppy face. I was everything but upset. Who was this mystery man? He took the keys out of my hand and gently helped me into my car. As I rolled my window down, he reached in to place the keys in the ignition and politely pressed his soft cheek against mine. I braced myself, but to my dismay he said, "See you soon." And he walked out of my life as quickly as he had come into it. I called after him, "Hey, what's your name?" He just kept walking. All day at work, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I didn't get any work done. I just sat in my chair gazing out the window hoping and praying my dream man wasn't just a dream. As I sat there twirling my hair staring blankly at my computer screen, I couldn't help but taste the aroma of his spicy splendor. I kept licking my finger the way he had that morning. At every thought of him, my body tingled. I tried to concentrate on my work, but it was no use. His handsome face filled every inch of my mind. This man had managed to engulf my emotions in such a short period. I felt so gullible but rejuvenated all at the same time. God, it felt so good but yet so bad. I had never done anything like that in my life. I was always such a good girl. “Please God, forgive me for feeling this good.” I said out loud as I gazed out the window and lost track of time. All my thoughts were filled with my man. Not one man could compare to my man. Did I say "my man?" What was wrong with me? I needed to get a grip. "Cynthia, what's wrong with you, girl?" My coworker had noticed I wasn't myself. "Oh, I'm alright." "I know that look. You've got man trouble". She paused "Oh, but you don't have a man." I guess it wasn't a secret, but did she have to remind me? Although everyone knew that not many men found me attractive, it still hurt to be the only girl in the office that never had a date. I'm not ugly! I have curves in all the right places. Men always comment on how shapely I am, but that's usually it. I’m never asked out. As a certified public accountant, I meet men all the time. Even when I arrange a business lunch and my client asks for my number, they never call. My best friend, Lisa, has told me over and over that I scare men away. She seems to believe men are looking for a sure thing. She is always telling me to raise my hemline, wear low-cut dresses, show more skin, and more men will be interested. When I see the other women that practice this behavior I notice that dating is a breeze for them. It's just that I grew up believing women should have high standards and morals. Today was the first time I let my guard down and look what happened. He just walked away. Finally, it was 5:00. I rushed out of the building, raced to my car, and took off leaving tire marks. I had an hour drive home, but today I was determined to make it in 30 minutes flat, and I succeeded. When I reached the parking lot behind my building, a tingling sensation went through my body. I couldn't stop thinking about my dream man. I hoped he would be waiting for me. I parked my car, and then I just sat there for a while. I didn't doubt he would walk up any minute now. After about 20 minutes, I decided it was time to go inside. I walked slowly to my building. Joe was at his post.