"I don't know why I even bothered to come out tonight. You know I'm not going to dance and I don't want to party."

"You needed to get out, that's why. Forgot about the last six months and all the men involved. Just have some fun."

I'm sitting outside the main room of the campus center with my good friend Angela. It is a warm October evening. The music is really loud, but I do enjoy it. Everyone who is anyone is here tonight. Unfortunately, that includes Jesse Blue.

Luckily, he hasn't attempted to approach me. The last thing I need is him trying to talk to me. Actually, I don't want to talk to any men for a long time. Unless, of course, it's one of my professors or a family member.

My thoughts are interrupted by Angela nudging my arm.

"Damn!!! Who is that??? Isn't he gorgeous??? The other one, too!!!"

I look at my friend and then follow her eyes to the main entrance of the campus center. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out whom she is talking about. I glance around and notice that all eyes are on them...envious males and horny females.

My eyes drift back to the tall, lean, beautiful stranger. He has chocolate curls and chocolate eyes to match. His nose and chin...his face in general is beautiful. I can tell he has one hell of a body in that fitted black leather jacket. Underneath is a chocolate button-down shirt, tucked into black jeans that fit perfectly. I wish I could see his hands, but they are stuffed in his jean pockets.

He is with another man; handsome in his own rite; shorter and stockier. But the same dark, good looks. They walk towards a group of females who all but throw themselves at the two men.

I roll my eyes. Blatant sexual messages role off the women. They're barely clothed...short dresses or skirts; cleavage galore (probably enhanced); lots of exposed skin-even for October.

Look at me. I have on my favorite pair of blue jeans that are probably five years old and a plain, loose fitting beige cotton shirt that buttons up the middle. My Nike's are beat up, but I love them. My curly, blonde mane is in a loose ponytail. I didn't even bother to put on any make-up.

Once again, I'm transported back to real time by my girlfriend.

"Aren't they handsome? Michelle? Where are you?" she asks waving a hand in front of my face.

"Uh. Nowhere. I mean I'm here. Well, let's go inside. Maybe I do want to dance after all. Oh, and I think I need some water. You know what? I'll be back. I need to go to the ladies room," I say rubbing my hands on my thighs. Getting up quickly, I hurry to the rest rooms alone.

Suddenly, I feel hot and flustered and my palms are sweating. And I know it has to do with the divine creature across the room.

______________________

I'm wonder where she's going. She's like a breath of fresh air. No make-up. Plain clothing. Damn! I wish I could take her hair out of that ponytail and run my hands through those curls. She's what I need. She's what I want.

"Danny, did you hear me? Marla, Jamie, Donna and...what was your name, honey?"

"Lisa."

"Yeah and Lisa want to know if you want to have a private party. What do you say?"

I stare at the four women in front of me. They definitely have a lot to offer. But, tonight, I just want the company of one particular woman.

"Ladies, as good as you all look, I think I'll decline. But Ray, feel free to go for it."

Ray grabs me by my arm, pulling me to the side. "Excuse us for a second." He gives them a huge grin.

When we are out of earshot range, he says, "Uh, are you crazy. Those women are begging for a night of pleasure that only you and I can give. And last time I checked, you were never one to turn down these kinds of overtures. So what gives?"

"Let's just say I think I'm tired of that game."

"Well that's pretty cryptic."

Just then, I see her. She is approaching the other girl she was with earlier and they are going inside where the music is coming from.

"Ray, like I said, go for it. I think I'm gonna go see if I know the DJ." Then I head in the direction of the music.

Before I know it, Ray is by my side. "I told the ladies some other time. Are you okay?"

"Yep. Good it's Jimmy." I scan the room, trying to make out faces in the dim light. The music is pretty loud. I lean into Ray and tell him I'll be right back. He finds some guys he knows and starts to talk to them.

I approach the DJ stand and Jimmy recognizes me immediately and motions for me to join him. He removes his headphones and shakes my hand.

"Hey, man what's up? No ladies tonight?"

"Nah, not yet. Can I ask a favor?"

"Sure."

Ten minutes later, Jimmy stops the music. I take the cordless microphone and start singing acapella. Moving across the room, I approach each woman, taking their hand, singing to them. More people have come in to see what's going on.

Then I find her. She's staring at me. And I at her. I stand in front of her, forgetting everyone around me. Never leaving, I finish my serenade. Jimmy immediately starts the dance music again.

"Hi. My name is Danny Santos."

"Michelle Bauer."