6.30am,
July 27th, 2013
Amsterdam Centraal,
Stationsplein, 1012 AB.

Elise jerks awake when she felt someone touching her arm. She looks up at the blurry outline of the person, trying hard to come out of her sleep.

"Ma'am, we've reached our destination," the stranger, a male, says as he adjusts something on his shoulder.

Oh no! Is he adjusting his gun strap or something?

She jumps to her feet, trying to get away from the man but alas, her brain is still half-asleep.

"Get away from me," she slurs as she rights herself up. "Don't kill me," she mumbles.

The man stares at her for a moment before he bursts out laughing. "Ma'am, I have no intention to kill anyone at all. Let alone a pretty young lady like you," he assures her. "Do you want some water to wash your face?" he asks, pulling her into a much stable position.

"How would I know you hadn't put acid in it?"she asks, her eyes still blurry but she could now make out some of his features.

Strong jaw. Check.
Lovely southern accent. Check.
Strong yet gentle grip. Check.

The man helps her off of the bus, carrying his own backpack along with her luggage. Sorry, luggages. Two huge and pink luggages.

Once off the bus, the driver who had been pealing with laughter, speeds off leaving the two at the station.

He pours water into his cupped hands and gently washes her face. She slowly comes out of her reverie, her eyes clearer and her brain less addled.

As soon as the man comes into full focus, she immediately feels like banging her head on the sidewalk.

He is a major hottie. Enough said.

And she was too sleepy to notice and behave.

He laughs again, the sound deep and warm, when he sees her expression.

"Happens all the time," the man says. "Jared," he says, smiling toothily.

"Elise. And thank you so much. I don't know what would happen if you didn't help me back there," she gushes, accidentally stumbling over her own luggage. Luckily Jared grabs her hand before she falls flat on her face.

"Careful," he says, pulling her upright.

"Thank you. Again,"she says, her face growing hotter by the second.

He made sure Elise is stable enough on her feet before hefting his backpack onto his back. "Well, Elise. It was nice meeting you. You are capable on your feet now?"

"Yes, I am capable." He nods, kisses her hand (what a gentleman!, she thoughts) and then starts to walk away.

But then he turns back to her.

"Here's my card," he says, handing her a small, white rectangle. "Call me if you're ever in trouble."

Elise couldn't say anything as her hand accepts the card. Her huge brown eyes got wider, if that is possible at all.

His crystal blue eyes crinkle at the edges at the look on her face.

And then he is gone.

And she just stands there, mouth still hanging and hand still gripping the card tightly.

"Put the card away and close your mouth," a rough voice says as a man walks past her. "For goodness' sake, woman, stop drooling!"