First Time For Everything: ON HOLD

Chapter One

As the subway pulled out from the station, I slid down in my seat as a sudden wave of realization washed over me: I had left everyone and everything in my past behind. This realization brought to my attention that I was completely and utterly alone. I knew no one here and had no one here.

It's not that I wasn't used to being alone. Back in my hometown of Springcreek, Mississippi, I was always the lone black of sheep. Sure, I had a tight knit family and several close friends from various backgrounds; but, I was always the sore tuhumb of the group.

Physically speaking, with my 5'10" frame, I practically towered over most people, guys and girls alike. I had more curves than a water bottle and most girls (and I'm darn proud of 'em). I had a mane of fiery, deep hickory-colored hair that was thicker than a rainforest and cascaded down to my shoulder blades. My lips were full and bountiful, much to my dismay at times. My light brown eyes seemed to have a way to unnerve people because, as I have been told numerous times, they pierce into the souls of the people they land upon. If my physical features didn't set me apart, then my whimsically grounded (note the paradoxical statement there) surely did. It's not like I went out hunting for attention, it just always found me. And with attention came her vehemous sister, drama. Constantly being picked on throughout my school career, except for college and grad school, really did a number on me... I shuddered at the memories that drifted though my mind.

The sudden jerk of the train snapped me out of the inner realms of my mind and shoved me back into reality. I shuffled out of the subway and onto the platform along with the other passengers. I fished around in my purse for my sunglasses and map as I slowly emerged from the station.

Streaming sunlight rolled over my skin while the sounds of whirring, honking taxis zooming by me flooded my ears. Fleeting glimpses of people hurrying past me filled my eyes. Hesistating, I looked around me and took in my surroundings. Wow. I had made it. I was in New York City, the place of my dreams. A slow smile crept onto my face at my accomplishment. I debated whether I should do a Captain Morgan pose or not; I wisely decided against it. "Alright," I muttered to myself. First things first, I need to find a place to live, a loft preferrably.

I strolled down block after block in SoHo, perusing through available lofts. So far, none popped out at me. I was getting slightly disgruntled, frustrated at myself for not researching criteria for buying or leasing lofts. As I turned the corner, completely unaware of my surroundings, a broad surface collided into my face, causing me to fall flat on my rear end. A choice swear word slipped out of my mouth, followed by a firm grip pulling me up. "Thank you," I said as dusted off my shorts.

A deep chuckle rumbled in front of me. "You're not from around here, are you?" a velvety smooth, baritone voiced inquired, amusement evident in his tone. I slowly lifted my eyes to the face the figure in front of me. Sweet Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I must've died. I was sure of that.

Standing in front of me was the most gorgeous man I had ever laid my unworthy eyes upon. He had to have been a model; yet, even that didn't suit him. More like da Vinci himself had carved this man out of flesh and blood. His tall frame easily exceeded the 6'3" mark. He had broad shoulders; and, though he wore a loose t-shirt, I could pick up hints of the rippling muscles that comprised his sturdy build. As if his stature was enough to make me swoon, his facial features K.O.'d me.

His raven-black hair, which was slightly disheveled and glistened in the sunlight, swooped down to a stop at the top of his sharply angled eyebrows. His pale-rose colored lips were filled to the right volume and were spread apart just enough to reveal the dazzling, white pearls that were his teeth. He had a straight-bridged nose with softly angled nostrils.

But the most striking features of his face were his eyes. They were an electrifying shade of green with silver flakes around the pupils, that when hit just right by light, smoldered continually. He had long, thick eyelashes that framed his eyes and only enhanced the electric quality they possessed.