Read Element, Part 1 for Free Online

only inches away from
her face. Her heart pounded and she broke out in a sweat. Why did he make her
feel this way?
    “Oh, nothing,” she muttered.
    “What? I still can’t hear you.” He moved closer to her,
brushing up against her. His scent engulfed her, hitting her like a tidal wave
that she couldn’t stand up against. The smell of sandalwood and ginger filled
her airways. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in every ounce of
Ryan’s virile smell. A tingle danced up her spine and her head whirled, causing
her to lose focus. Something took over her. It was the same sensation she had
earlier that day. Her body swayed back and forth causing her head to feel heavy
and her body to feel light. She grabbed Ryan’s leg for support.
    “Whoa.”  She closed her eyes, trying to gain her sense of
balance.
    “Are you okay?” Ryan asked.
    After half a minute or so her equilibrium stabilized and the
dizziness went away.  When she opened her eyes she saw that Ryan had his arm
around her.
    “Natalie, are you alright?” She heard the concern deep
within his voice.
    She nodded. Why did being in his arms make her feel so safe
and secure? She noticed she still had her hand on his leg. She needed to let go
but couldn’t. Not because she thought she’d fall over but due to the
uncontrollable attraction she felt for him. 
    Lise turned to her. “Nat, are you okay?”
    She let go of his thigh, even though she didn’t want to.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s been a stressful week. You know with finals and…”
    “Are you sure you’re okay? This is the second time you’ve
done that today, at least in front of me.” Ryan narrowed his eyes at her.
    She had no idea why this kept happening to her. He couldn’t
be having this type of effect on her. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t that
weak. No guy could do this to her. It had to be something else.
    “I started taking this new supplement a few weeks ago and I
think it’s giving me some weird side effects or something.” Natalie searched
her mind, trying to figure out the source of her dizziness.
    Ryan didn’t seem convinced. “Maybe you should call your
doctor, and maybe you shouldn’t drink.”
    “Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Natalie glanced at her nearly
empty glass.
    “Just take it easy.” He patted her bare arm and then allowed
his fingers to linger on her skin. It sent chills across her body. She didn’t
know how to respond to his touch and before she could say or do anything he
moved his arm and rested it behind her on top of the seat.
    “Are you drunk already?” Lise narrowed her eyes at her. She
sounded irritated rather concerned about her well-being.
    Natalie gasped. “No Lise. I’m sober. I got dizzy again, like
I did earlier today. That’s all.”
    Lise lurched back, placing her hand against her chest.
“Sorry, my mistake. Do you want to leave or go outside?”
    By the sound of Lise’s voice, Natalie knew she didn’t want
to do either.  “No, I’ll be okay.” Natalie snapped back.
    A waitress appeared. “Can I get you guys anything to drink?”
    Sal nodded at the waitress. “Yes, a couple of waters, two
Cokes and —”
    “I’ll have another mojito. And yes, I want the real stuff.” Lise
handed the waitress her empty glass.
    “Okay. I’ll be back.” The waitress scribbled down their
order and walked off.
    Lise turned to Sal. “Seriously? That’s what you guys are
drinking? Soda?” Her eyes widened.
    Sal let out a slight smirk. “Yeah, anything wrong with
that?”
    Lise sat back. “No.” It took her a few seconds before she
turned to Sal and asked, “Is it okay that I ordered a mixed drink?”
    Sal shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself.”
    Natalie glanced over at Ryan’s drink. The entire time she
thought he was drinking alcohol with his cola. What college guy doesn’t drink?
Boy, did she misjudge him. No alcohol. Impressive.
    She saw him glance down at her legs and then back up at her.
“So, do you