"I didn't mean to startle you, I'm sorry," he said, staring at me for a few seconds before introducing himself. "I'm Alan Mayer."
"Okay…?" I replied. "And who are you?" he asked.
"I'm Elaina… Elaina Manchester. I'm here on vacation for a few weeks; I'm renting that cabin for my stay," I said, pointing to the house, which was a very stupid thing to do on my part.
"That's cool," he said.
"What brings you here?" I inquired.
"To see the beach, of course," he said with a smile.
"Right. Do you live around here?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied.
"Why does he keep giving me short responses?" I thought to myself.
"Well, it's getting late, and I have things to do, so I'll leave," I said, getting up. Before I could take a step, my stomach decided to embarrass me by growling in hunger, and I could feel a blush rising in my cheeks.
"You're hungry," the man commented, making me blush harder.
"Yeah, I know. You didn't have to comment on it," I replied.
I guess he found that funny because he started laughing.
"I don't find it funny. Why are you laughing?" I asked, feeling a bit annoyed, which I guess he noticed because he stopped laughing, stared at me for a moment, and then got up.
"Come with me," he said.
"Huh? Come with you to where?"
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you or anything."
"Oh, wow, thanks for trying to calm me down with your words. Now, should I follow you, a stranger who basically appeared out of nowhere, just because you said you won't harm me?" I remarked, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
"Do you know where we can find something to eat?" he inquired. Realizing that I'm completely clueless about the area, and doubtful about the GPS working in such a rural place.
"You see how unfamiliar you are with this place? What if you get lost? But fear not, my lady, I offer to be your guide for the duration of your stay here."
"W-why would you want to do that? You don't even know me," I questioned.
"What do you mean? Of course, I do. You're Elaina, right?"
"All you know about me is my name," I said, giving him a pointed look.
"That wouldn't be an issue if we get acquainted, right? We could ask each other questions as we make our way to the market."
I gazed blankly at him for a moment as a few thoughts circulated in my mind. Can I trust him? What if he's a serial killer? But then again, he does have a point—I don't know anything or anyone here, so having him as a guide could be quite helpful. But what if he's dangerous?
"So, what do you say?" he prompted.
After some contemplation, I relented. "Fine, I'll take you up on your offer, but just so you know, I know taekwondo."
"Okay, let's go."
As we walked towards the market, our conversation flowed effortlessly, and I found myself enjoying his company more than I expected. For some reason I felt relaxed, he was so easy to talk to. God, where as this man been all my life.
I know you must be thinking girl calm down you just met him. Besides weren't you worried that he was a serial killer. And I don't blame you because that is a very valid thought but this man is something else.
His beauty is so ethereal, almost unreal, and his voice is so deliciously smooth—
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch where you said you were from," he cut in, interrupting my internal rambling.
Finally. A normal question.
"I'm from the city. Born and raised," I replied, brushing a bit of hair out of my face. "Needed a break from the noise. And the traffic. And the people. Basically… everything."
He nodded like he understood exactly what I meant, which was kind of impossible, but whatever.
"You picked a good place for that," he said, his eyes scanning the beach like he'd seen it a million times and still found it worth looking at. "Not a lot of tourists know about this spot."
"Yeah, I noticed," I said, side-eyeing the completely empty stretch of sand. "Where is everyone? Doesn't anyone else live here?"
"A few people. Mostly older folks. Retired. Some just like being left alone," he answered.
That last bit made me side-eye him. "Which one are you?"
He smirked a little. "The 'left alone' type."
"Of course you are," I muttered under my breath, not expecting him to hear—but of course, he did. His smirk widened just enough for it to be annoying.