ONE To Watch Me (The ONE Series, Part 1, Book 1)

by Alicia Maxwell

  "Are you going to get it?"

  "Nope, I'll call back later."

  Silence fills the room again, only to be broken by what I assume is the chime of a voicemail. Alex seems not to care.

  The phone starts ringing again. This time it’s a different tone, one that gets Alex's attention immediately.

  "Sorry, I think I better take it."

  I lift up to let him out. Once he’s on his feet, he makes a beeline to the kitchen and grabs his phone there. As my body loses contact with his, I start shivering and feel overexposed and self-conscious. Wrapping myself in a throw that was thankfully right beside me on the opposite armrest, I look at Alex.

  The phone is pushed to his ear as he looks straight ahead. His facial expression is giving nothing away, except his jaws seem to clench tightly together. I assume whoever is on the other line is not bearing any good news. Alex does not utter a single word, just keeps listening.

  "Ok, I'll be there." He disconnects the call and walks around to the living room. Pulling on his jeans, he finally makes eye contact with me.

  "I'm sorry, Angel. I have to go. Now."

  Something about him is different, distant, as if there is a wall being erected between us. I don't know what it is. I don't dare asking him if he’s coming back to see me again. It would break me if he said no right to my face. I just sit there and watch him. Alex takes his shirt from one of the dining chairs and puts it on. After finishing righting his clothes, he stops in front of me and leans over to kiss my forehead. He plants his lips right along the small vein that seems to give me away each time. His kiss is as gentle and intimate as I remember it.

  "I don't know how long I'll be. I’ll see you as soon as I deal with this situation. If you need me, just text the number I left on the countertop."

  Alex lifts my face to him and kisses my lips gently. No hot passion or lust, just a tender kiss. I look into his eyes and see something that wasn’t there before. From dark blues flooded with lust and passion, they are icy cold now.

  I nod and try not to break down in tears. I'm not sure what has happened. I’ve never seen him like this, and it’s somewhat frightening. The glare sends shivers through my whole body.

  "Have some fun while I'm gone. Go by the beach, maybe shop later. Just relax and enjoy yourself, ok?"

  I nod again and he pecks my lips before heading straight to the door.

  Once it closes behind him, the tears start falling uncontrollably from my eyes. I feel lost, and I can't even understand why.

  I make it to the bathroom, vision blurred by tears, and step under the hot shower. I let the water run down my body, standing there with my eyes closed, trying to pull myself together. Is this what it’s going to feel like when I have to put actual distance between us and go back to Chicago? Or will it be worse?

  I let the water wash away my tears, regaining strength in process.

  I came to Miami to rediscover myself, to find a new path for my life, but instead I'm a mess. I fell for the first guy I saw, and now I’m lost without him.

  I have to learn to be strong for myself, find my own way.

  I laugh at the feeling I woke up with. Dreaming of Alex all night left me high in the sky. Reality is far from euphoric.

  I calm down and step out of the shower with a resolve to take matters into my own hands. I make no long-term plans or promises to myself. I’m simply going to go right back to where I started and focus on me, making sure to enjoy the rest of my time here to the fullest.

  First things first, I need to eat. Stepping into the kitchen, I’m immediately assaulted by remnants of Alex's presence. The coffee he made for me is cold now, so I pour it down the sink and make myself another cup. The toast is salvageable, and I bite into it.

  The calls to the office are next. I check my email first, to make sure I haven’t missed anything. To my delight there is nothing urgent there. Then I call my assistant, Kelly. Her quick update confirms everything is running smoothly. I exhale with relief. The most dreadful call, the one to my father, won’t be needed.

  It’s already past one in the afternoon by the time I wrap up. The sun is high and hot. Skipping the beach would be wise, considering I nearly burned the other day. I change into my yoga clothes and head straight to the studio I saw nearby, hoping they’ll have a class taking place.

  Twelve

  It turns out they do indeed have a class, and I make it right on time. I prepay quickly, refusing to purchase a membership just yet.

  The practice is intense, but fun. For the next ninety minutes, I completely forget all my worries. The instructor is a young lady, probably around my age. She is beautiful, yet seems completely oblivious of her looks. Being a mid-height brunette, I have a soft spot for tall blonds. They always remind me of the picture-perfect beauty. That's what this girl is. Slim and toned all over, with golden skin and perfectly chiseled features.

  As I’m collecting my things after class and getting ready to leave the studio, she approaches me.

  "I see you’ve done yoga before."

  "Oh yeah, I try to go whenever I have time."

  “I’m Meredith, by the way.”

  “It’s a pleasure! I’m Emily.”

  I extend my hand and am met with hers. Our handshake is gentle, yet firm at the same time. I’m used to getting a sense of people from their handshakes. The feeling I get from hers is comforting and grounding.

  "Do you live here?"

  "No, I'm just vacationing. I live in Chicago."

  "Chicago is great! I used to live there until recently." Her voice is nostalgic and a bit sad. I guess she misses the city. Do I miss it? Good question. I don’t know. Chicago is indeed a great place to live. It’s a pity I have mostly sad memories associated with it lately.

  "Miami has better weather,” I joke, to lighten both of our moods.

  "No argument there." She laughs and visibly relaxes.

  "How long have you been teaching yoga?"

  "A couple of years already. It all started because I needed an emotional outlet, and yoga was it for me. I loved it so much, I built my career and business around it. If you can't live without it, might as well live with it to the fullest."

  "It’s amazing! You’re the second person I’ve met here over the past few days who’s turned a passion into their life's work." The other, of course, being Alex and his passion for boats.

  "Really? Interesting. I didn't think about it that way. It’s just that back when I started doing yoga professionally, it seemed the only way to stay sane." She casts her eyes downward for a second, as though she regrets saying too much.

  "I use it to keep my sanity too. Brings me peace and clarity." I really like her. She has a vibe I relate to so naturally—maybe it’s because we both use yoga to cope with our anxiety.

  "I completely agree. I feel better after each class, even if I don't practice and just teach." A sad smile stretches over her lips, but doesn’t reach her eyes.

  "You do an amazing job teaching. I’ve seen dozens of instructors over the years and let me tell you, even after just one class, you are in my all-time, top-three list." I smile brightly, my words one-hundred-percent true.

  "No way!" She laughs heartily.

  "For sure! This is not some lame compliment. I really loved it! When is your next practice?"

  "Aw, thank you! I'm teaching every day at nine and noon. This two o’clock is usually taught by my partner, Lorrie. I’m just substituting today."

  "Perfect, then I'll see you tomorrow in the morning!"

  "Great, I'll be looking forward to it."

  With a smile, I push the door open and step out into the hot Miami air. The class had a great effect on my mood, making me calmer and more optimistic. I feel I have the strength to face whatever life throws at me next. Maybe I should start all over, here in Miami, build my business from scratch, do it my way. An unusual wave of positivity washes over me. I am so lucky. I have managed to meet two very different people who inspire me with the way they take contro
l of their lives and do what they love. The thought of Alex make me miss him more. I wonder why he hasn’t called.

  My condo is eerie-quiet and empty. I slide all of the curtains and shades open to fill the rooms with a view of the endless ocean. As much as I appreciate this serenity, I need something to distract me from my thoughts of Alex. I put my phone into the speaker dock and turn on my playlist. Some music would be great.

  To my surprise, the condo is equipped with a speaker system that plays the music in every room. I sway my hips to the beat, making my way to the bathroom. The sound surrounds me at every turn. I tug at my sweaty yoga outfit and remove it instantly, feeling the cool air on my hot skin. Stepping under the water jets, I let them shoot at me from every direction and massage my tense muscles. Even in the shower, I’m surrounded by the beat of my favorite songs by Maroon5.

  After showering and throwing on a swimsuit and cover up, I head downstairs to have lunch at the café by the pool. Hopefully the sun will roll over the buildings to the west and leave the beach in shade. I can’t think of a better ending to the day than shell picking.

  As I’m munching on my salad, I feel eyes on me again. Looking around, I see not even one familiar face, but the feeling is nagging at me. Dismissing the idea as a case of paranoia, I try to think of something pleasant. Looking at the ocean and waves brings back thoughts of Alex. My heart aches; I miss him too much.

  Adrian is at his cabana, as usual. Waving a hello, he takes my towels and spreads them over a recently vacated reclining chair right in front of the water.

  I lie down under the umbrella, watching the waves come and go, thinking and rethinking about how I’ve spent just a few days with Alex, but feel closer to him than I ever did to Matthew.

  Alex just accepts me as I am, no improvement necessary.

  Matthew, on the contrary, only wants to see the well-polished edition, superficial emotions, and none of the true me. Why hadn't I seen this before?

  I must have dozed off for a little, because the next time I open my eyes, the sun is low behind the buildings and the beach is shaded. Chills run through my body as the wind blows harder.

  Stretching on the lounge chair, I feel a pleasant ache in my muscles from all the vigorous activity of the past few days. Between Alex and yoga practice I am feeling sore everywhere.

  The display on my phone shows five p.m., and no calls or messages from Alex. I feel a pang of disappointment, but quickly push it away.

  Having nowhere to go and nothing to do is a new feeling for me. I consider my options, and reason that staying by the beach is the easiest one. As the beach service guys start storing away the chairs and umbrellas, I gather my stuff and go for a walk by the water. Surprisingly enough, it’s not as cold as I remembered it being the last time I went swimming. I walk along the beach, threading through the shallow waves. In and out, in and out, the ocean is alive, and so comforting.

  When I was a little girl, I would collect dozens and dozens of shells, then hide them in my suitcase and secretly take them home to show to my nanny. My mother always made me throw them out, because they were useless and messy, as she put it.

  Now, being a grown up, I feel giddy at the thought of yet another freedom I have. Childish, really, but pleasing nonetheless. I’ll collect all the shells I like, then put them on display in my condo.

  I get so carried away I miss the sunset, and I realize it’s late when I can barely make out the shells I’m picking. Feeling slightly disoriented, it takes me a minute to figure out how far I’ve walked. I’m way past the pier and the tall buildings. I think I made it down to the public beach. Yep, I did. I dread the walk back home, alone in the dark, and contemplate crossing the beach and catching an Uber on Collins.

  I start heading away from the water in the direction I think Collins should be. I hope the stretch here is as narrow as it is up north, by the hotel. The sand slowly turns into gravel, and I put my flip-flops on. The trail takes turns surrounded by tall tropical bushes with big, round leaves and occasional palm trees. It’s even darker in here, and my heart rate picks up.

  Deep breath in, slow exhale, deep breath in, slow exhale. I try not to panic, and to watch the trail for any signs of Collins ahead. Suddenly my world comes to a stop, I can’t move, can’t breathe, can’t scream. Someone grabs me from behind and covers my mouth with a large, rough hand, holding my body hostage with the other one. I’m pushed ahead toward the small shelter building that houses a rest area, vending machines, and bathrooms.

  He’s dragging me to the men’s bathroom. My panic doubles. Graphic images form in my mind. My legs are useless, paralyzed by fear. I sense his huge frame behind me and feel completely helpless. His breath is hot in my ear, growling something. He speaks in a rough whisper, and my fear-fogged mind can barely make out the words.

  “You will pay for your defiance.”

  I’m getting dizzy from the lack of oxygen, his massive hand covering too much of my face. Hopelessness settles in, and I go limp in his hold. He growls deeper as he is burdened with the weight of my sagging body.

  Then he collides with something and drops me to the ground with a thump. I open my mouth to gulp oxygen, and feel an immediate rush of adrenalin in my veins. I jump from the ground, only to discover him fighting another guy. I have no idea what’s going on, and I don’t intend to find out either.

  My legs start moving and soon, I’m running full speed toward the lights of Collins, finally visible behind the tall palm trees. The trail doesn’t go straight—it veers around, teasing me with its close proximity to the still-inaccessible road ahead. I hear loud steps behind, running faster and approaching me. I run as fast as I can, but it’s no good.

  Stealing a glance behind me, I see a man just a few steps away now. He is not the same one who grabbed me; he’s the other guy, the one who’d gone after my attacker.

  “Wait, I’m not going to hurt you,” he says, his deep voice right behind me.

  I’m in shock and can’t stop running, not willing to take a chance and be captured again. In a few steps, he catches up with me and grabs and lifts me off the ground in a clean swipe, dropping to the side of the trail and into the tall grass. He falls on his back, cradling me to his chest. I try to fight him, but he holds me tightly, rocking slightly from side to side.

  “Shhh… I’m not going to hurt you. I promise!” His voice is quiet and comforting.

  The fight leaves me and I sag against his wide chest. His heartbeat is loud against my ear. I try to catch my breath, feeling tired and powerless. I can’t begin to decipher what has just happened. I only hope I’m not making a mistake now. My senses are no longer firing off; I feel safe in his strong arms.

  When my breathing becomes steadier, he lifts up from the ground, sitting with me in his lap. I look at his face, dark eyes staring straight at me. There is no menace in them. Only worry and protectiveness. Who is he?

  “Are you ok now? Will you try running away if I let you go?”

  “I’m ok, I won’t run.” I couldn’t even if I wanted to, I’m too exhausted.

  “Did I hurt you when we fell? I tried to stop you but you wouldn’t.”

  “I’m ok. I’m not hurt, just scared as hell. Are you ok? I think I fell right on top of you.”

  “That was the plan.” He smiles now. His face is tough, but the smile is open and friendly. His dark hair is cropped short, thick eyebrows hang low above big dark eyes. There is a vertical scar on his left eyebrow, a thin line cutting across. Strong cheekbones and a face covered in short stubble make him look positively murderous. Until he smiles, that is, and gazes at me with that protective look in his eyes. I feel safe. Crazy, but true.

  “Are you done studying me?” He cocks his scarred eyebrow at me.

  “I don’t bite, I promise.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s still hard to believe what almost happened. And you, you saved me. Thank you! I’m so lucky you happened to be there.”

  I can’t keep eye contact any longer, or I’ll melt into
a pool of tears. I look down into my trembling hands, clasped together at my lap. A shudder runs through my body and I begin to tremble all over. He hugs me tentatively and whispers calming words in my ear. It takes a few minutes, but he succeeds and I calm down again. Then he wastes no time, lifting from the ground while keeping me in a tight hug. I’m lifted like a feather, and he starts walking with me toward the road.

  I protest and beg to be put down, promising to not run and to be able to walk on my own. He relents and soon my feet are on the gravel path, taking shaky steps. Our pace slows down with my tentative steps. My knees are not steady, but I refuse to admit it. I take the arm he offers, and we walk in silence for a few minutes.

  “What happened to the guy who attacked me?”

  “He’s going to think twice before he ever does it again.”

  “Did you beat him and leave him there? What if he goes mad and attacks another girl? Although I doubt anyone is stupid enough to be as careless as I was.”

  “First of all, you are not careless, stop with that self-projecting guilt trip. Second, I doubt hurting anyone will be on his agenda for the foreseeable future.”

  “So, in other words, the guy is lucky to be alive after he met you in person?” I look up at his face but again see no menace. Looking down at me he simply says:

  “We all choose our actions and must face the consequences.”

  As if this was planned. To choose being a criminal or a retaliator.

  We’re approaching the road, and I realize I never learned my savior’s name.

  “I’m Emmeline.” I extend my small hand, and he wraps it gently in his massive one.

  “I’m Victor.”

  “Nice to meet you, and thank you again! I really have no words to express how grateful I am.”

  He gently puts his other hand on top of the one that’s holding mine.

  “There’s no need to thank me. Anyone in my place would have done the same. I’m just lucky to have been there at the right time. It’s always nice to put scumbags where they belong. I’m just really sorry it all happened to you. Must have scared the living shit out of you.”