Chapter 1

Planes 

Each day is a gift and not a given right. I often say that to myself, to be thankful for every day and count my blessings. I never expected to be where I am at this very moment in my life. All I can be is thankful. I didn't expect to run into him after what happened, but he saved my life on more than one account we were bound to cross paths again. I don't think I have everything figured out yet and I still don't think I am worthy to have him in my life. In my own opinion he has everything going for him and I'm just starting out.

If we end up together, we will be facing a long list of problems. I live in a country that is still healing from the past. It was taboo too cross the color line. Things have changed and it's not taboo anymore. Truth be told it all comes down to fear and more specifically the fear of letting go.

You cannot help who your heart falls for .Falling in love is inevitable its life. However I found that ;the most potent kind of love happens when you both fall in love with each other at the same time ,unexpectedly under magical circumstances. I used to believe that dreams that come true were not for girls like me, and looking back at my past failed relationships; I really knew how to pick crazy and disturbed men, who knew nothing about loving a strong willed independent woman. 

Don't get me wrong there is a fine line between crazy and freaky. All my two exes didn't get me... this guy however has me thinking about hearts and flowers. We have an undeniable connection. I've ignored most of his calls, and texts because what he makes me feel is powerful. I really like him and ,we connect on all levels; Spiritually, mentally , and physically. In my defense I blame it on my lack of self control and curiosity. Why did we get delayed on that day?

I guess I should start from the beginning. Two weeks ago I was booked on a flight to Cape Town.

There was a Sports and fitness expo and conference. The whole event lasted for five days... well make it seven considering the horrible weather. All I wanted to do was attend the event and participate in the activities that were organized by the company that hosted everyone. The sports conference was a breath of fresh air; compared to the job I do , which keeps me busy enough .On top everything the person I was assisting , insisted that I take the trip because I work too damn hard. I had fun and I made friends. There was a specific group that was untouchable as if I cared about them. They can exclude themselves from the rest of us .Funny enough one of the guys couldn't stop looking at me when we had club night with the groups we were split into. I pretended not to see or notice anything .He was also at the gym , restaurant ,and a food market the group I was with decided to go to. 

I didn't think much of it at that time and I all I wanted to do on day five was go home with my new gadgets and a new list of friends. 

There was an awesome watch that you could link to your phone. It was new technology so only the people who attended the conference would have it. It tracked your fitness progress, routes, mapped out new trails and gyms. Your eating plan was also programmed on the watch. My favorite feature was the safety feature .It was the safety button and mechanism. 

I have the best of luck when it comes to getting injured out of the blue. I have the scars to prove it. So if at any point during my workout I fall or injure myself accidentally. It will alert the nearest person within the same area. Maybe I will fall; and the hottie who looks like a Greek god , has glowing skin and obsidian light brown eyes and a healthy mane of curly hair will save me ... Like that would ever happen. 

By the time we all said our last goodbyes; I had packed my suitcase and booked my flight ahead of time so that I could get the window seat in first class, since all the business class seats were taken. Maybe it was a sign to stay one more day but I needed to go home. I was home sick for some sort of odd reason. I love my own space and food. I also needed time to ease back into work mode, because Cape Town is a resort city and as much as I love mixing work with play ,I really needed to get my head back in the game.

I made it to the airport on time and I boarded the plane back home. I fell asleep after I buckled up. The flight was a two hour flight and I made sure I fueled up with the right amount of proteins , carbohydrates and fluids. I didn't feel the plane take off however; I was woken up by turbulence which scared the living daylights out of me. At first I thought I was dreaming, but then something in me told me to wake up. When my eyes shot wide open everything was shaking.

As fate would have it I was sitting next to a guy Who; looked like a Greek god , in a navy blue blazer and crisp white dress shirt . He had brown eyes eyes and dark brown hair. I thought I was dreaming but I wasn't , it couldn't be him no way ... He reached out and held my hand gently but firmly as if to say I've got you and I will not let anything happen to you. 

When I blinked again his eyes looked almost dark brown in color. There was something calming about his eyes and I couldn't bring myself to stop looking. The last thing I remembered was bumping my head and losing consciousness.

When I eventually came around I woke up only to locked eyes again, with the guy I was sitting next to me on the plane .

I was on his lap facing up and there were flashing lights everywhere red and blue lights to be exact. There were people crying; kids crying , screaming ,and shouting. My head hurt just a little bit from the impact of whatever the hell it hit on the plane. I closed my eyes for couple of seconds, and I started crying cause I was feeling a bit overwhelmed , and he spoke;

"Please don't cry .You are alive and that's all that matters."

I lifted my head , wiped my tears and looked at him again. He was that guy who was everywhere I was during the Fitness expo conference . He was the same dude who I saw at the club and the market ... Needing clarity I asked an apt question;

"Who are you ?"

"I was the guy you were sitting next to. I'm glad you came around. My name is Aaron Brooks."

I locked eyes with Aaron and he was looking at me with blood shot red eyes and he couldn't stop staring.

I stretched out my hand and he pulled me in for a hug. At first I thought I was in between dreaming and being awake ,but then I realized I wasn't because ; Aaron smelled clean and minty fresh with hints of citrusy nodes. ..Weirdly enough him holding me made me feel somewhat safe and cared for. 

I pulled back and locked eyes with him again. His eyes held pain and worry. Being the person I was I couldn't hold back what I thought, for fear of not helping someone in need. 

"Please don't worry I am fine Aaron Brooks."

He shook his head and smiled at me.

" No one has ever called me by my full name before . How do you know I'm worried?"

" Your eyes gave you away . You're looking at me but your eyes tell me a different story. My guess is that you've been through hell and you're still in hell. I'm sorry for your loss. "

"How can you tell so much just by looking ?"

I half smiled at Aaron who couldn't stop looking at me. Did I have a mark on my face, or worse did my make up smudge all over my face and do I have a clown face? Oh hell I must look hideous. I tied my hair back into a pony tail and I had comfy clothing on so I didn't look like I just walked out the house in weekend gear which would be joggers a t-shirt or a hoody depending on the weather. 

" What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing .You just look like the black version of someone I loved... Well almost."

"What happened to her ?"

"She was tragically taken away from me and that's it."

" I am so sorry. That's it."

" It's okay . Nothing's wrong with your face . You are perfect. "

" Thank you... you're perfect too."

When Aaron shook his head and his eyes went glossy , I had the inate feeling to kiss him and make whatever pain he felt go away. What the hell is wrong with me? My heart has never felt this connected to a total stranger and stalker no doubt but I have to maintain all self control.

I tried to stand up but I felt a sharp pain on the side of my head sending me back into the cute mans arms and lap.

" Take it easy they just patched you up . while you were out of it our language was brought to us and they booked us into the nearest hotel ."

I saw two officials headed our way with a lady who looked panicked and had what looked like my smart phone with her . I could tell by the blue and pink back cover and she had my hand bag with her. How did she know where to find me ?

" Oh okay .Looks like I won't be your responsibility for long . The officials are headed this way and my guess is that my phone has been blowing up since news of the emergency crash landing . I might have hurt my head just a little bit but I just spotted a news crew setting up near the fire truck."

I moved from Aaron's lap to the vacant seat next to him and sat down only to look up to a man who still wouldn't let my hand go. I didn't want people to assume that I was his girlfriend so when I tried to pull my hand back, he only held it firmer prompting me to look at him with panic.

" Alexis I am not leaving you alone. As much as you say my eyes give me away; your eyes do the same."

I closed my eyes; took a deep breath, and opened my eyes again.

" You're not dreaming I am still here. "

"Hmm I can see that Aaron."

"See Lexi there is only so much I can do. I dug into whatever is left of my self control reserves and I'm running on empty."

" First of all we aren't anything to each other . Why are you calling me Lexi ? Secondly I ..."

Without any warning Aaron kissed me and I acted on impulse; kissed him back ,and threaded my fingers through his long gorgeous silky soft strands of hair...Okay I am not dreaming and oh my word why the hell am I feeling giddy like a little girl who just had their first kiss underneath an oak tree feeling all lovey dovey. 

There is no denying that there is electricity between us and a very strong connection. This guy is trouble.

The official came to where we were and cleared her throat. I pulled away but; Aaron leaned down, and kissed again only this time breathless ... in between catching my breath and gaining some sort of sanity, he sorted out the logistics and we both ended up in the same hotel room.

When I walked in the room I collapsed on the bed, and drifted into much needed sleep. I already had my bag and phone which was okay but; whatever I had to sort out in the morning. 

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