After downing what should have been my last whiskey, I turned around to see if the young woman was still sitting at the booth. She wasn’t. How did I miss her leaving? I chastised myself as I turned back to the bar and considered ordering one more whiskey for the road.

Then my gaze traveled to the front door, just to make sure that she hadn’t left. Lo and behold, she was standing just outside, and it looked as if she was saying bye to her friends. I watched as she hugged them farewell and came back inside, her long, wavy, hair bouncing as she re-entered the restaurant. I smiled with the realization that I may still have a chance.

A second later, I saw her headed in my direction, and I immediately turned back around toward the bar, quickly devising a game plan. But by the time I had nervously run through all of the options, and mentally rehearsed how they would play out, someone sat down next to me. And it was her. At first, I tried to play it cool like I didn’t realize she was there, but her presence was too hard to ignore. I felt a warm buzz of her energy and wondered if this was what love at first sight felt like. I had definitely never felt anything like it before.

“Hi,” she said to me, trying to seem nonchalant as she kept her eyes on the back of the bar. Then, she waved the bartender down and asked for a tonic water with lime.

“Hey,” I responded, attempting to seem equally cool. For the first time in my life, I was not the player all my friends believed me to be. I couldn’t, for the life of me, seem to remember any of my usual lines. They were locked up inside of me. The bartender reappeared and slid the girl her drink, a little annoyed that he was wasting time on something other than booze.

She cradled the glass, tapping the sides of it with her nails in an unsteady, clink melody. I could tell she was nervous.

“I’m Knight,” I managed to spit out, holding out my hand for her to shake. She reluctantly took it. Her grip was firm, and I guessed from it that she wouldn’t take any shit, so I resolved to be respectful.

“Hi Knight, I’m McKinley,” she replied, smiling, revealing mild indentions in her cheeks. Dimples were one of my biggest weaknesses, no matter how deep they were, and I started to feel any resolve I had to be cool begin to crumble.

“McKinley,” I repeated, intrigued.

She nodded. “That’s what I said,” she answered with a sly grin.

“That’s a beautiful name,” I remarked. “Very unique.”

Now that she was sitting closer to me, I began to think that she may be a little younger than I presumed. A couple of years younger, to be precise.

“It is,” she grinned, tilting her head as if she was scanning me to determine whether or not I was playing her. Her sparkling tresses hung in midair, making her look even beautiful than before. She looked like an angel.

“I’m serious,” I said, sending her a faint hint of a wink. “I wouldn’t lie to you. Anyway, I think your name suits you well.”

“Oh yeah? Why is that?” she asked curiously, taking a healthy gulp of water.

“Because it’s lovely, like you are,” I told her.

She held in her mouthful of drink, trying to suppress the urge to laugh. A smile desperately tugged at her lips, and then she swallowed quickly to avoid spitting water all over the bar.

“What?” I asked, trying to seem innocent.

“You know, I get the feeling that you’re flirting with me,” she said as she traced the rim of her glass.

“What, me? Nooo,” I denied.

“I mean, I don’t exactly mind. But your lines could use some work. Did you start dating in the 70s?” she said with a playful grin

“Okay, that’s a pretty good burn. Am I really embarrassing myself that much?” I ask with a pout.

“It’s kind of cute, I guess,” McKinley answered, still not making eye contact, but I could see a blush creeping into her dimpled cheeks.

“Hmmm. So… you think I’m cute?” I asked as I leaned in toward her a little more. She shrugged.

“You’re alright, I guess,” she said finally, still smiling.

“Just cute, or maybe a little bit… sexy?” I asked, pushing playfully.

“Now you are getting cocky” she retorted.

“I know, it’s always been my worst quality.” We both laughed, and I instantly felt a connection with this woman, as if I had known her for years. I didn’t want my time with her to end, so I decided to take a chance.

“McKinley, do you want to get out of here?” I asked her.

“Yeah, that’s not a bad idea, actually,” she agreed.

We headed outside into the humid, late summer air, and took a stroll towards the lighted parking lot that was adjacent to Frankie’s. It seemed to be mostly empty of people; everyone was either still inside the restaurant, or had already gone for the night. It was that magic hour where everyone was exactly where they planned to be for the rest of the night.

So, we were completely alone. Silence fell over of us, to the point where we could practically reach out and touch it; our silhouettes blended into the dimly lit darkness surrounding us. McKinley’s oceanic eyes were the only things I could really see, sparkling with lust as they penetrated the depths of my soul. I felt an instant pull toward her. We inched closer and closer, our faces a breath apart, and I felt the warmth of her exhalation, enveloping my lips. Instinctively, I grabbed hold of her body, a sterling example of pure womanhood. She was curvaceous and full, and I loved the feel of her pressed against me.

Our mouths finally touched, charging an amorous current that surged through my body in rapid vibrations. Our kiss intensified, biting and exploring passionately as the electric momentum grew wilder. It began at my face, and with each undulating motion, traveled downward. Then, she suddenly pulled away with a long, sweet sigh.

“Knight… maybe we should slow down a little? We just met and I… can I see you again? I think this is a little too much, too fast, you know?”

I took a step back to catch my breath and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Of course, you’re right. We just met. I don’t even know your last name. I’m sorry, McKinley. I just forgot myself. And we will see each other again. Tomorrow night? I can pick you up at your place at eight?”

McKinley shook her head. “Why don’t I just meet you downtown? At the Alehouse Grille?”

She seemed a little evasive but then again, we just met. I didn’t blame her for not wanting me to know where she lives. It also made me even more anxious to get to know her.

“Sounds good to me. Would you like me to walk you to your car, McKinley?”

She blushed, and my heart went wild. “No, thank you, Knight. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

I winked at her as she got in her car and for a second, I felt a pang of pain as I watched her drive away.

Dear god, man. What is wrong with you? I thought as I walked to my own car. I just met the girl and already I was acting like a fool. I had to get it together.

There is no such thing as love at first sight…

Right?