Phoenix Boyfriend: Haytham (special preview)

Haytham’s eyes are far too perfect, far too beautiful. I have never understood the fairy tale notion of love at first sight until this man stood in my presence. If only the childhood adage of ‘a kiss will make it better’ would work in this scenario, I would ask him for kisses until morning. 

A smile perks the corner of Haytham’s lips. “Another Fair,” he chuckles. “My, my, now that’s my luck!” He then presses his palm against my forehead. “You are warm.”

“It’s nothing,” I try to argue. “I get embarrassed so-” I stop myself from sounding even further like a fool.

“A beautiful woman like you?” Haytham asks. “What could there possibly be to get embarrassed about that a smile wouldn’t cause people to forget?”

I have been working so hard and looking after my family for so long, I had ignored any idea of romance. That was, until I saw Haytham’s eyes. How dare his words come so easily and enchant me so fast? How dare he do this to me without even knowing?

“Here, can you sit up a moment?” Haytham’s hand slips to my lower back, rubbing up as he helps me to rise.

I shyly pull my blouse back around me and look up at him. “I’ve never seen a doctor like you before.” My throat is suddenly going dry. 

Haytham smiles, showing he has a gold tooth. “Is that a compliment?”

I nod quickly. “Yes uhm-” I fumble with trying to button back up. “You’re very handsome,” I reply softly. “I’ve never seen a handsome doctor.” My cheeks burn even more. How am I supposed to talk around him without sounding like a babbling buffoon?

“My, my, and a lovely compliment at that,” Haytham chuckles. 

I watch him as he goes across the tent and pours a pitcher of water. He then returns to my side and offers me the cool glass. “Have a drink.”

“Thank you.” My fingers touch his as I take the glass and there is a spark. Not a metaphorical one, a real one. “Ouch!” I gasp.

Haytham quickly pulls his hand away. “Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, Ms. Gracie.”

I look at my finger that was shocked then glance back up at him with a shy smile. I giggle gently and look away from him. “Perhaps it’s a sign.” I take a drink, if only to silence myself.

Haytham’s smile is more beautiful than before. He lets out a single laugh as he stands up. “Yes,” he murmurs. “A sign.”

After a while, Haytham looks over me again. He helps me to stand up and takes me outside where he walks back into the carnival. 

“I think you’re going to be ok, Ms. Gracie,” he tells me. “But to be safe, and to soothe my own worry, I would very much like you to return tomorrow.”

My heart is hammering fast. “Yes, of course.” I pray I do not sound too eager.