We'd run into each other a few times before and now he was behind the counter at the antique store where I was hoping to buy a silvery bracelet for myself. I had passed my freshman history test and wanted to celebrate. Other boys in my dorm had asked me to celebrate with them but I never liked how they looked at me.
I'm 5'4", 108, Asian, 34-25-35, with shoulder length smooth dark brown hair. Because of my petite size, a lot of boys tend to feel protective of me, but except for a first kiss in high school, I've never been with anyone to feel protected yet.
This guy seemed different. He was in his upper 40's, I'm guessing, salt & pepper hair, about 6'3" and looked like he worked out often underneath his t-shirt and jeans. "Can I help you?" "Umm, hi. I'd like to see this cuff bracelet, please." He passed it to me and I was scraping it across my skin trying to get it on. He shook his head. "No, no! Don't do it that way. Here" He took the back of my hand and turned my palm sideways to fit the bracelet on easily. I froze.
I didn't expect his sudden movements and I was stunned by how warm his hand felt against mine. He noticed my attempt to jerk my hand away and held on tighter. "See, all better now" he said, lowering his voice and leaning in to calm me down. My heart started racing and he noticed my quick breath. "Wow, you're kind of skittish, aren't you?" I tried to laugh it off even though it wasn't helping. I blurted, "I just went through final week and I haven't been getting enough sleep. That's probably why."
He smiled and paused, and said, "c'mon, let's get you comfortable." For some reason I was just getting more and more nervous but I didn't know why. I just held on to his hand and followed.