Later that night I am sat in my arm chair in my t-shirt and sweatpants, reading Ian Banks 'The Wasp Factory'. It was a book of my fathers and he has loaned it to me to read. So far it's alright, however as hard as I try to immerse myself in it, I can't stop letting my mind wander back to those soft topaz eyes looking at me, searching me and capturing me. Just then I get an idea. Putting down my book I stand up and walk over to my desk and I fire up my computer. American guy's name rings a bell and I'm pretty sure I recognize him, from which movie though, I don't know. I'm not really one for watching movies so my knowledge of movie titles and actors is shockingly low, I prefer listening to music.

I open the internet and bring up the Google homepage and then tap in Ryan's full name. Straight away Google throws a load of websites at me about the actor and musician Ryan Summers, and I decide to click on the first website. Scrolling my mouse down I quickly scan across what is written. It looks like a mini biography and a list of movies he has starred in. I'm shocked that I didn't recognize him straight away; he seems to be pretty famous from what I'm reading. Searching through the list of movies he's starred in I let out a low whistle through my teeth. He is way more famous than I thought I mutter as I click on the images tab. Suddenly Ryan is staring at me through the glass of my computer screen in a black and white picture wearing a suit with slicked-back hair. There is another one, but this time he's wearing a t-shirt and khaki pants sat on a beach somewhere tropical gazing into the camera with wind-swept hair and grizzle covering his jaw and cheeks; he looks beautiful. I can't believe that this is the same guy in the coffee shop who offered to ice my chin; the same guy I gave my number to, to help pay for his damaged, coffee-smelling laptop. He's never going to ring me. He's loaded for crying out loud so why would he need my money I realize. He's probably already back in America now. Disappointment swells in my gut but at the same time anger takes residence there too. Why would he go for someone like me anyway? I was unaware that over the last couple of hours I had been raising my hopes up that he was going to call and that I would get to see him again, but now, looking at the pictures, I realize that's never going to happen.

I close the internet and turn the computer off. It was late and I have to be up early for work the next day. Switching the sitting room light off I pick up my mobile from the table and unlock it. No messages and no missed calls. I sigh and walk into my bedroom, plug my charger into my phone and climb into bed. My soft Egyptian cotton duvet cover felt wonderful against my skin and was cool on my sensitive chin. Rose had once again dragged me around every prestigious hotel in central London to sit outside for hours on end hoping to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous, so my feet are thoroughly throbbing. I wish Rose would just be like everyone else and join a dating site or whatever. Ever since we came to London she has had this dream of having a life changing event happen resulting in Rose rolling in money and fame with 7 children. All I want is a nice apartment that isn't going to rape me of all my wages in rent. I let my mind drift and before I know it I'm spiralling into a sleep filled with long fingers, wet mouths and a deep slow American voice whispering in my ear... until the next time Alyssia...

Monday at work is going quickly and by the time I look at my watch it is 2.30pm. I have already fed and watered the animals and I've cleaned all the cages out in the isolation room where all the extremely poorly animals are kept away from others to avoid stress and any diseases they are suffering from spreading to other creatures. I love my job. It is the only place I can just be myself and not have people judge me because the only company I do have, are domestic animals and to be honest, cats and dogs practically love everyone. Doing what I do calms me and allows me to relax, so if I have had a hectic weekend or some bad news, being with the animals relieves all that tension and lets me forget about everything for a few hours.

I walk into reception and let Claire the receptionist know I'm going for my lunch break. Claire is a lot older than me and has a husband and 3 kids, she's Scottish and she always makes me laugh with her stories of wild nights out. Claire smiles and gives a nod of her auburn haired head to let me know she's heard me. It's another bright sunny day again so I decided to eat my lunch in the park across the street. Finding a shaded quiet spot I take out my lunch box and as I take a bite of my chicken salad sandwich, I feel my phone vibrate in my overall's pocket. I fish it out and unlock it. It's an unknown number. That's strange. Frowning, I read it.

*Hi want to meet 4 a drink? We can discuss prices for laptop repairs? Preferably not coffee :p*

Oh my god it's him! He's texted me! Ah! My stomach is doing somersaults and my heart is racing. Ryan has contacted me! I suddenly don't feel hungry anymore as I reply, my hands shaking as I press the keys.

*Sure why not. Want to meet at 5 today at Vinoteca?*

It takes a couple of minutes before my phone buzzes again with Ryan's reply,

*Awesome see u then x*

I feel like school girl right now. I look at my watch, its 2.45pm. I have another thirty minutes until I have to be back at work and I have two hours until I see Ryan. I put my mobile back into my pocket, pack up my lunch and power-walk to the closest high street shops. I will have to quickly buy a pair of jeans and a t-shirt if I want to look presentable and not smell like animals when I meet him. I find a pretty blue strappy top in New Look and a pair of black skinny jeans for a reasonable price. I don't bother buying shoes; the boots I'm already wearing will suffice. I pay for my things and jog the way back to work, only just making it back in time and waving to Claire as walk to my locker and put my stuff away.

Time has decided to go ridiculously slow now that I am looking forwards to something and I walk around looking for anything to do to around the vet practise to help pass the time. I clean the operating room, I tidy the staff room, I exercise Benny the greyhound, I give the newborn kittens their shots and soon enough, five 'o' clock comes around. Before heading out I nip into the ladies room and change into my new top and jeans. I quickly untie my hair and try to brush the kinks out that my hair tie have made and pinch my cheeks to put a bit of colour in them. Ok, here goes I tell myself and leave the bathroom. I give Claire a quick wave and shout

"See you tomorrow, Claire!" She waves back and replies "Bye, Allie!"

I jump in my car and exit the parking lot. Five minutes later I arrive at Vinoteca, a wine bar in Soho that is quiet and where no one will bother us. When i enter the bar I spot him straight away. He looks breathtaking. Ryan is wearing a white t-shirt, black jeans that grab in all the right places and a black leather jacket that makes him look like a bad boy from the wrong side of town. Wow. I try to regulate my breathing as I walk towards his table and hope to god I don't trip or fall on my way. He hasn't noticed me yet so I have a few more seconds to appreciate his features. He sits with his hands together and his fingers intertwined with his eyes down looking at his hands, deep in thought with a furrowed brow. His hair is messed up in that sexy just-fucked way, and as I get closer to him his lifts his eyes and fixes me with his stare. He stands and holds out his hand, a shy smile on his face while he assesses what I'm wearing. My cheeks blush as I give his hand a shake. His grip is loose and his hand is warm and soft as it covers mine completely. You know what they say about guys with big hands... Again I blush at that thought and bat away any naughty thoughts that my mind is unleashing on me. Jeez I feel like a cat in heat.

"Hey," he says softly in his deep voice. I melt inside.

"Hello," I reply, trying to keep my voice low and from getting too high-pitched. I suddenly realise how British I sound now against his American ease of an accent. I release his hand and I take a seat in the chair opposite him and he also takes a seat.

"Would you like a drink?" He asks politely.

"Yes please," Instead of it coming out like a normal voice it comes out sounding like a strangled cry so I cough and try again. "Yes please." He smiles and beckons the waiter over- a tall lanky boy of around 19 with bad acne. "A bottle of Moscato D'Asti and two glasses, please." He says and the boy nods, turns on his heel and walks away to get it. I have no idea what a Moscato D'thingymajig is. Ryan turns his eyes back to me and smiles coyly and I realise I've been grinning like a Cheshire cat since I walked in here. He takes a deep breath and starts to talk,

"Um so listen, I want to apologise for yesterday - for causing your coffee to spill on you and burn your chin. I didn't realise I had my chair so far out. Also I'd like to apologise for my behaviour, I realised afterwards how much of a jerk I must have came across as- I'm not usually like that. Like I said yesterday, I'm stressed at the moment so I'm quite short tempered right now..."

He begins fiddling with a piece of skin on his finger and glances at me to study my face to probably try and figure out what I'm thinking.

I reply in my softest voice, "It's alright, seriously. It was just the shock of it that made me freak out, my chin is fine, and please, call me Allie – Alyssia seems so formal, also I'm sorry about your laptop, I'm sure it was worth quite a bit. How much was it worth if you don't mind my asking?" I lower my eyes as I say that because I'm feeling pretty guilty about it. Ryan shifts in his chair uncomfortably, and at that moment the waiter brings the bottle of wine and two crystal clear wine glasses. The boy sets the glasses on the table and uncorks the bottle before pouring it up to halfway in the wine glasses. He then sets the bottle on the table, smiles and backs away to wait other tables. I lift the glass to my lips and take a sip. It tastes amazing and it's so light and crisp with a fruity aftertaste that lingers on my taste buds after I've set my glass down. I must remember not to drink anymore than this one glass since I still have to drive home. Ryan takes a sip too and hesitates before saying, "Well, actually, there's something I have to tell you- my laptop is not broken, in fact it works perfectly fine. All my coffee did was make my keys sticky,"

So if Ryan's laptop is not broken, why are we here, sat in this bar? My stomach flips deliciously and my insides are squirming with joy. He came to see me, my subconscious whispers to me and for once I'm nodding in agreement with it. Why else would he text you to meet him? I decide to play it cool and pretend that I don't understand.

"So if the laptop isn't broken, why did you ask me to meet you if it wasn't to discuss the repair of it?" I crease my brow to show him I'm confused and he flushes and starts to play with the piece of dry skin on his finger again.

"Well," He pauses like he's trying figure out what to say, "I wanted to see you and I was worried that if I asked you out you would say no." He says the last part quickly and doesn't take a breath till he's finished. My mind is going crazy right now. I feel like hugging myself. I take a gulp of my wine and hold it in my mouth a moment longer to capture the refreshing flavour. I can't stop a smile stretching and growing on my face and I shuffle forwards on my chair to move closer to him.

"I wouldn't have said no. I didn't think I would ever hear or see you again after I realised who you were." I confess to him. Ryan peaks at me through his thick lashes and he eyes are ablaze with something dark and exciting. It stirs me deep in my belly.

It feels longer than a few minutes that we sit in silence and watch each other, but the moment is soon over when his mobile starts ringing. Without looking away he reaches into his jeans pocket, takes out his mobile and presses a button to answer it before putting it to his ear.

"Yes?" His tone changes and his words are clipped and cool. I can hear the tiny murmur of someone else on the other end, though I can't make out what they are saying.

"Yes. I'm here for another 2 weeks. No, get Maggie to email me the papers and then I'll get them back to you once I've ran over the script and I'll let you know what I think. Ok, bye."

Ryan hangs up and slips his mobile back into his pocket and then leans forwards with his elbows on the table.

"I didn't mean to listen into your conversation, but you're here for another 2 weeks? Here? In London?" I ask

"Yeah I am," He pushes a piece of hair out from his eyes, "Why? Would you like to see me again Alyssia?" He smirks at me. The way my name rolls of his tongue sends a shiver down my spine. It's positively mind-numbing. I flush and nod my head while stuttering "well, I mean- like sure, I mean, I don't... I don't really... I'd like to see you again I guess... that's if er... I mean, if you would like to as well..." He interrupts my mumbling to place his hand next to mine so that the tips of our fingers are touching; his slightly overlapping mine. His touch is exquisite and I can tell he too feels the electrical bolts shooting through his fingers from our contact.

"Will you see me tomorrow?" His blue eyes bore into mine.

"Yes," I breathe. I don't have to even think about it.

Thankfully I only have half a day tomorrow at work because we have the work experience students in so I finish at one. I tell Ryan this and we agree to meet afterwards.

We sit for maybe an hour or so talking and sipping on the wine. I've learnt that Ryan was born in Canada and his parents are Thomas and Dawn and they divorced when he was younger causing him to choose which resulted in him living with his mom and his sister Keira. Dawn is a teacher and his dad works as a salesman for a paper mill. He had trouble getting through school and got diagnosed with ADHD which made life harder for him to make friends and causing him to get suspended a few times from school. I sit and listen to him intently, completely enthralled by just hearing how normal his life sounds and how realistic his problems are to that of any other person. It is hard to imagine that this is the guy I read about on the internet. This is the guy in the images.

He just seems so...human.

Ryan's attention turns to me now. "So, since I've told you a bit about my life, I think it's only fair I hear more about you, you're a mystery to me still." He traces his fingers around the edge of his wine glass. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I've always hated being in the spotlight and right now I feel like I'm in the Spanish inquisition just from the look from this one man.

"My life is pretty boring compared to yours," I start, "I was born in Stevenage, my mom's called Charlotte, and she's the best mom in the world. My dad's called Frank and he's the kind of father to sit in his armchair, smoke his pipe and make the odd sarcastic comment here and there," Ryan laughs. An earthly, non-godly laugh that makes me melt inside and makes Ryan seem more and more real to me. I smile, embarrassed, but continue. "He absolutely adores my mother. They are still together and my dad's retired while my mom works as a part time cleaner in a school. You've met my sister Rose; she's older than me and is studying to be a paediatrician. I work in a vets and I'm saving up to travel to Africa so that I can take maybe a year or two taking part in conservation work to stop the poaching of endangered species."

I pause and take a sip from my glass, enjoying the cool liquid flow down my throat. Ryan's looking at me with soft eyes that are crinkled at the side from his smile and his chin is sat in the palm of his hand.

"That sounds amazing Alyssia, you're an amazing woman, you know that?"

I can feel my face reddening and my eyes drop to my hands that are folded on the table. With just a handful of words this guy can break me down to a mush of a woman with no self control and a bad case of embarrassment.

"You don't take compliments very well, do you?" He states with an arched eyebrow.

"I'm not used to getting them very often"

He leans forwards and places his hand on mine. "Someone as stunning as you should get at least one every day. I would make it my job to ensure you are told every day how pretty you are, just so you don't forget."

My breath hitches in the back of my throat and in-between my legs ache at his proximity to me. I don't think I've ever wanted anyone this badly as I do with Ryan. If he propositioned me right now to nail him in this restaurant, on this table; I would. Jesus Christ I so would. Although, as much as I feel amazing right now from his words, my conscious is nudging me telling me not to get too excited as he's probably said that to a hundred other women. I push those negative thoughts away and look at my watch. Holy crap! It's already 7.30! We've been sat here for over two hours talking, blissfully unaware of the wine bar slowly getting emptier.

"I've had a really great time today Ryan," I say as I shrug my jacket on, "but I've gotta get home and get a shower and stuff for work. Where shall I meet you tomorrow?" Ryan stands up to move over to where I am and grabs my jacket to help me get my arm in it as I was sat struggling with finding the sleeve. His fingers brush my shoulder, leaving a trail of fire on my skin that burns right to my loins. Once my jacket is on, he grabs my hair and pulls it out from where my jacket had caught it, letting it flow over my shoulders and down my back. I grab my handbag from under the table and stand to face Ryan who is only a few inches taller than me.

"Can I walk you to your car?" he asks

"Sure"

I walk towards the exit of Vinoceta and I feel Ryan place his hand at the small of my back. Even just the smallest of touches from him, just simple things here and there, are making my pulse race. He moves quickly to jump in front of me to open the door for me and gestures for me to go through.

"Thank you." I smile at him and he smiles back.

Outside the air is cool and there's a small breeze that ruffles Ryan's hair as he follows me down a side street towards where my car is parked. We walk in silence for a few moments before he stops abruptly and turns to me, frowning.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I ask

"Did you by any chance pay at Vinoceta?"

"No, I thought you did?"

"Nope I didn't."

"So we are rebels and have basically just stolen a bottle of wine?" I start laughing, feeling all of the worry and tension leave my body as I let the laughter out.

"Basically? yeah. Look at what you're doing; you're turning me into a criminal, Alyssia." Ryan starts laughing too, a deep and throaty, masculine laugh.

I'm backed up against the brick wall bent over with my hands resting on my knees and breathing hard from laughing. Ryan is stood above me laughing too and when I finally get my breath back I stand back up and look at him and without warning he cups my face in his hands and kisses me. Hard.