Disclaimer: Please keep in mind this is a work of fiction that closely resembles reality. With that being said, the other people in Jamie's life are referenced, and will continue to be referenced as I see fit to serve the story's purpose. I respect Jamie's privacy and wish him nothing but happiness in his real life/relationships.

***

Jamie and I departed ways not long after I'd agreed to dinner. I'd sat there briefly, wondering what the hell had just walked into my life, but for whatever reason, I had the sudden urge to write. Mainly because I wanted to finish that paper more than ever so I could be available the moment he asked me to go out. If he even planned on calling.

I'd finished my essay in less than three hours after he'd left, and I walked home with a smile on my face. I'm also fairly certain I said hi to every person that passed by. They probably thought I'd forgotten to take my meds, but truthfully I'd had one of the most successful days in a long time. I'd managed to finish that God-awful final, and met a gorgeous man who wanted to have dinner with me. Things like this never happened in the same week, let alone the same day. In fact, I couldn't recall the last time anyone had actually asked me to dinner. Most guys wanted to meet at a bar or nightclub, and that just wasn't my thing anymore. I was two weeks away from graduating college; those days were far behind me.

It was almost embarrassing how many times I checked my phone the rest of the evening. I couldn't concentrate on the television, Internet, music, nothing. I was too anxious for that impending call or text. When would I even shower again? As soon as I'd walk away, it'd ring; that was my luck. I was restless, so I called my closest friend in New York, Victoria. We'd met our freshman year and had been inseparable since.

"Hey girlie, what's up?" she answered after a few rings.

"Panic mode," I replied.

"Are you okay? Need me to come over?"

I sighed. "No, just nervous about a guy."

"What guy? That one in your classes who won't leave you alone?"

She was referring to Ryan, who'd asked me on a date our sophomore year and although I politely declined, still followed me around in hopes I'd change my mind eventually. Or give in to him as a sympathy favor.

"Hell to the no!" We both laughed. "I met someone today."

"I'm listening," she said.

"And we're going to dinner."

She whistled and it made me blush. "Exciting! When's the big date?"

"Um, we didn't set one up."

"You broke rule number one of dating 101; you always confirm a day before leaving."

"I know, but we exchanged numbers," I rebutted.

"Has he called?"

"Well no, it's only been a few hours."

"Hmm," she said, "give him 24 hours and after that, ignore his attempts."

"What? That's crazy. If he's busy he can't just drop everything to set up a date. Besides, I have finals next week and graduation the week after."

"Don't make excuses, Kels," she began, "if you want to see each other bad enough, one of you will call tomorrow and set up the date. Otherwise, it was a nice encounter."

I'd called her in hopes she'd calm my nerves and pump me up. All she was doing was causing my mind to run in circles. Maybe she was right though. If he didn't call tomorrow then he didn't truly want to see me again.

"I'm not making excuses, Vic," I countered, "he's supposedly some kind of big shot."

"What's that supposed to mean? He works on like Wall Street or something?"

"I don't know what he meant. He offered to sign an autograph for me if I let him share my table at Starbucks." It made me chuckle for whatever reason, probably because it sounded ridiculous.

"Don't go out with him. That already makes him a douche."

"He seemed genuine though, even if he is somebody important."

"What's his name?" she asked.

"Jamie."

"Jamie, who?"

"Sorry, I forgot to ask him for his last name, social security number, and birth date. Lord, Vic, I was trying to get a date with him, not steal his identity!"

"You broke rule number two; always get a last name. You've gotta research that shit before you walk into a restaurant and into the arms of a serial killer."

"Oh my God, I'm hanging up. You're ridiculous." I laughed, but it was more out of frustration than amusement.

She sighed. "I just don't want you to get hurt. New York men are dangerous because they're usually not who they say they are."

"Thanks, but I think this one is worth the risk. He was gorgeous. And had an accent."

"Ooh, now I'm intrigued. You know what that means?"

"What does what mean?" I asked.

"We have to go buy you a sexy little number to wear on your date."

"A new outfit, sure. Sexy? We'll see."

"Deal. Listen, I gotta go, but call me tomorrow and let me know either way. Phone call or not, we'll go shopping. We can say it's an end of college celebration if anyone asks."

"Done," I said, "talk soon." I hung up after she said goodbye.

I checked my phone. No one had beeped in and I had no new messages during our conversation. I decided to head to my bedroom and call it a night. Getting lost in a good book was always a welcomed distraction.

***

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was shining through a small crack in the curtains. I rubbed my eyes to adjust to the brightness. I didn't remember falling asleep, but then I looked down and noticed my book was open and knocked to the side. That's why I couldn't own a Kindle; I'd drop it in the floor and break it the first time I fell asleep reading.

I yawned and stretched my arms above my head. When I rolled over on my side, I noticed the clock beside my bed read 9:30. Instinctively, I reached for my phone to catch up on what I'd missed during the night while the rest of the city carried on without me.

Much to my surprise, Jamie had texted. My heart started pounding as I unlocked my phone and read the message.

Good morning. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed not to run into you at Starbucks today. But it's early and you're probably asleep, which is why I didn't call. Hope to hear from you. –Jamie

He'd sent it almost two hours ago. I felt like vomiting and passing out at the same time. A good morning text. It'd been almost three years since I'd received one from someone I had feelings for. Of course my feelings for Jamie were only lust. After all, I didn't know anything about him except his name and phone number. Which according to Victoria was as good as nothing.

I thought about calling her and asking what to reply, but that was dumb. I was a grown woman, I could figure out something to say. My finger hovered over the keyboard as the cursor blinked.

Good morning to you. Looks like another beautiful day in New York from my spot in bed! I don't have class today so I'll be around. Can chat whenever.

I sent it before I really read it, and then immediately had a hundred regrets. I sounded desperate and I'd told him I was in bed. I was coming on too strong. I set the phone back on my nightstand and covered my face with my hands. It'd clearly been a long time since I'd done this whole dating thing. And I'd never tried to date anyone as attractive as Jamie. I was already in over my head.

My phone started vibrating against the hard surface. I quickly sat up and looked at the caller ID; it was him. I was not in the right mind frame to talk after my lame text. He'd know I was ignoring him though if I didn't answer.

"Hello?" I answered before the voicemail picked up.

"Hello!" he said.

Even that single word sounded so sexy in his Irish accent. He also seemed to be in a good mood. If you could judge someone's mood based off of one word. I didn't know what to say next. The sound of his voice made me lose all coherent thought.

"How are you?" we both said at the same time.

I blushed even though he couldn't see me, and giggled nervously.

"Ladies first," he replied.

"I'm fine, just making a mental list of everything I need to do before graduation. You?"

I obviously couldn't tell him I was anxiously waiting for this phone call since he'd walked away yesterday.

"Graduation? I didn't realize you were that close to being done. Congrats. I'm just walking around town drinking my Starbucks. Was going to offer to bring you one, but realized we didn't know each other like that and I was creepy enough yesterday. Wouldn't want to run you off."

I laughed, partially because of my nerves and also because he was adorable. "It's the thought that counts."

"I suppose. Hey, so are you still interested in celebrating our accomplishments over dinner? That is, if you truly finished your assignment."

"I did, thank you very much! Did you send that email?" I asked playfully.

"I would've been fired if I didn't send back my approval yesterday. I think I missed the deadline by five minutes."

"Familiar territory for me, too."

It was his turn to laugh. "Well?" he said.

"Yes, I'm most definitely still interested."

"Great, how about Friday evening?"

"This Friday?" I asked.

"Unless you're busy with school, I understand."

"Luckily for you, that paper was the last thing I had to do except study, and that's what Sundays are for."

Was I flirting? Once again my brain failed to consult with my big mouth. I hadn't done this in a while, nor was I comfortable with it.

"The luck of the Irish is always with me, m'dear."

He must be a professional at driving women crazy. I needed to cool the jets, both mine and his. "Friday it is, when and where?"

"Meet me at Central Park south at 6:30."

"Like the actual park or is that a new restaurant?"

He really laughed at that. "No, the park. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, and I'll be the guy sitting on a red and white checkered tablecloth."

A picnic. What had I signed myself up for with this man? He was gorgeous and he had to know it. He didn't need any grand gestures to capture my attention; it was fully his.

I didn't know how to respond without sounding like an idiot. "Should I bring anything else?"

"Just the wine, I'll fill in the blanks."

He was talking to me like he was planning our six-month anniversary, and it all of a sudden made me uncomfortable. I bet he did this a lot, because I'm sure women were all over him every time he stepped out. But at least this Friday, that woman was going to be me.

"Consider it done," I replied.

"Consider me looking forward to it."

My face was warm. None of this was processing in my brain, and it was even more difficult to think straight with that accent in my ear. I gave myself chills at the thought of watching his mouth move.

"Friday at 6:30," I said, "I'll be there."

"Have a great week until then."

"You too." I quickly hung up and leaned against my headboard.

Jesus, he was intense, and it made me nervous in more ways than one. For starters, I wasn't sure what his intentions were, if he even had any. Although it certainly seemed like he did. Also, my last boyfriend wasn't the romantic type. He wouldn't have been caught dead on a picnic with me. I wasn't used to being treated this way, so I wasn't sure if it was normal. I needed advice and since Victoria was the only person I ever told anything to, I sent her a text.

He called. We're going out Friday night. OMG!

She replied less than a minute later. Where? I wanna come so I can spy on you.

I laughed. No thanks. We're going on a picnic.

Again, she answered quickly. A picnic? Who does he think he is, Romeo?

Please no Shakespeare references! But definitely an interesting first date.

He already sounds like a keeper. Or at least someone you can waste your late nights with in the bedroom.

I shook my head and blushed. And this conversation is over.

You love me. Shopping date tomorrow? she said.

Yeah, swing by at 11 and we'll grab brunch first.

Perfect, xo.

***

Friday arrived a lot quicker than I was prepared for. Victoria had come over to curl my hair and we took a shot of vodka to calm my nerves. I'd just brushed my teeth again and stared at my reflection in the mirror. During our shopping spree yesterday I'd bought a new pair of black skinny jeans and a light blue, silk blouse with an open lace back. I kept my make-up subtle for our date with a nude eye shadow and light pink lip-gloss. I didn't need to do much since we weren't going anywhere fancy. Besides, any small touch up would look better than the way he'd met me.

I ran my fingers over my new silver earrings that had a turquoise stone at the end. The color was a dark contrast with my shirt and not too flashy. I picked up my silver bangle bracelets from the vanity and slid them on. I felt like I looked decent enough for a first date. I sprayed my favorite fruity perfume on my neck and wrists before switching off the light and heading out.

I grabbed my silver clutch and keys from the end table, and walked into the kitchen to pick up the paper bag with the bottle of wine inside. We weren't technically allowed to drink in a public park, but I'd never seen it enforced, and on the weekends everyone seemed to do it anyway.

I quickly left my apartment and waited on the elevator in the hall. Usually this time of night it was a long wait since everyone was going out, but I wasn't in a hurry. I'd given myself plenty of time and wasn't willing to run down the stairs and work up a sweat. Surprisingly it came rather quickly. I pressed the button for the first floor and prayed I didn't have to stop to let someone in. I was far too nervous for small talk with one of my neighbors. But alas, it stopped a few floors down and a couple holding hands got on with me. Even worse. I was a bundle of nerves and their PDA was making me uneasy.

As soon as we stopped on the ground level, I made a beeline for the exit. I needed a cab more than they did. Much to my advantage, young women never had to wait for a cab, and a moment after I raised my arm one pulled up to the curb.

"Central Park south, please," I told the driver.

He sped off and I avoided striking up a conversation with him. I needed to save my energy for my date. After weaving in and out of traffic for a few blocks, he dropped me off at my stop and I handed him some cash. I quickly checked my phone and noticed I was fifteen minutes early and Jamie hadn't texted whether or not he was nearby.

I walked into the park and looked around. It was busy, but then again it was a warm Friday night in early spring. Everyone was tired of being locked up in their homes for the winter. The trees and flowers were blooming, the birds were chirping; everything just seemed brighter and happier. I walked a little further when I saw him out of the corner of my eye. He was wearing aviator sunglasses, a dark blue cardigan with a white t-shirt underneath, and dark jeans. He was fanning the tablecloth out, and I watched him from my spot. Once it settled on the ground, he tugged on the corners to straighten it out, and then set two cloth tote bags on opposite ends to hold it in place. He began rummaging through one of them and pulling things out, so I decided to make myself useful.

"Need a hand?" I asked, and he was startled by my voice.

He stood upright and although I couldn't see his eyes, I knew he was looking me up and down; I could feel his gaze. It seemed like an eternity before he said anything.

"You look beautiful."

The butterflies inside my stomach were fluttering to the beat of my heart. If I passed out would he give me mouth-to-mouth?

"You look dapper yourself," I replied.

He brushed his shoulder off and smiled. "Why thank you. Please, have a seat."

"Here," I said, and handed him the paper bag of wine before sitting down.

"Yeah, let's pour that into a different container before we get caught."

"Afraid of a little danger?"

What had gotten into me? I never said things like that.

"Not if you aren't." He shrugged and sat down.

"Better safe than sorry, I suppose."

He half laughed and pulled out a couple of blue plastic cups from the bag beside him. "Not the most attractive way to drink wine, but it'll do."

He poured some into both and handed me one. "Thank you."

"Cheers!" We toasted and took a sip.

"I brought some sourdough bread, fresh English cheddar cheese, deli turkey, and the reddest strawberries I could find at the market. I also have veggies and hummus if you're into that."

"All of the above!" I smiled, and his face softened as he returned the expression. I hadn't realized until now that he seemed a little tense. Although I wasn't convinced it was because of me.

He laid out the food he'd packed and we made our plates. The hummus was delicious, as was the cheese. I'd never had it before, but definitely wanted to get some for my place. The bread ended up being a perfect contrast to my red wine. I politely declined the strawberries when he offered only because I couldn't shake the sexual thoughts that came to mind while I watched him bite off the tip of one.

We were fairly quiet while we ate. He'd asked me how my week had been and told me about getting lost in Jersey yesterday looking for an Irish pub. All the while he kept his sunglasses on, even though we were in the shade under a tree.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" I began.

He finished chewing and sat up straighter. "Oh boy, go ahead."

"Why are you wearing sunglasses?"

He sighed. "I don't mean to be rude," he said, "please don't think I'm an arse, but I'm afraid of getting recognized. And I'd feel awful if someone ruined our night."

That last sentence made me blush. "Who is going to recognize you?"

"I'll explain later. Tell me about graduation."

All of a sudden I felt uncomfortable. He was keeping something from me and I didn't know whether or not I should be nervous.

"What do you do for a living?" I asked.

"All right, I can explain now," he chuckled. "Just try to have an open mind."

I had the urge to run away before it was too late. "Okay."

"I'm an actor," he said. When I didn't reply, he went on, "and I used to be a model."

"Like a Broadway actor? Who'd you model for?" I was eager to know now.

"No, like a Hollywood actor, and as far as the modeling goes, it's a long list, but I'll try to name them if you really want."

I shook my head; it wasn't necessary. I wasn't even sure why I wanted to know, but it definitely wasn't a surprise he'd modeled, considering how flawless he was.

"I must say, that's far more impressive than wanting to be an author." I laughed at myself.

He let out a breath I hadn't noticed he'd been holding and smiled. "I'd disagree."

I looked around and realized there wasn't anyone sitting that close to us. I'm sure that's why he'd picked the spot in the first place. So I decided to be bold. I reached towards his face and he backed away as a reflex. Then he relaxed and I pulled the sunglasses down from his eyes.

"You have beautiful eyes, don't hide them," I said. "Besides, I won't mind if someone comes over for a minute of your time."

His gaze met mine as we sat like that for what felt like hours. They were bluer than I'd remembered and I didn't want to look away like I had when we first met. If this was my one shot at being close to him, I was going to savor the moment. He reached up, taking the sunglasses from my hand, and his fingers brushed mine as he did. My arms lit up with goose bumps. I was embarrassed when he looked down, noticing. His eyes gleamed and he laughed.

"No sunglasses it is," he replied.

We spent the next hour or so learning some of the basics about each other. I told him what finals I had next week and about the graduation ceremony, which I invited him to out of panic. Now that I could see his eyes, I felt an urge to say whatever came to mind, and he seemed to be doing the same.

"Want to talk a walk?" he asked suddenly.

"Yeah, sure."

"I'm parked over there on the street, let me put this stuff in the trunk and we'll go."

I helped him gather everything up and we walked to his car, which was a 2015 black BMW with tinted windows. Impressive. He loaded everything in as I held my clutch to my chest out of nervousness. He shut the lid and checked his watch.

"We have about a half hour until sunset, care to walk to Hudson River?"

"I think I can manage a four block stroll." I laughed, eliciting a smile from him.

We walked closely together toward the river, but didn't talk. Various people moved in all directions around us and no one seemed to notice him without his sunglasses. Although when I looked over, I realized he had his head down. I felt bad for him. He obviously didn't feel like he could be himself, even in a crowded city like New York where barely anyone made eye contact on the street. I wanted to grab his hand and hold it while we made our way to the Hudson. More than anything I wanted to stop him right there and kiss him while I had the chance. I tried to remind myself that I had morals and this was only the first date. If I played my cards right, he'd hopefully ask to see me again.

Less than fifteen minutes later we'd arrived. Surprisingly there weren't many people there, which was unusual for a weekend sunset, but I wasn't complaining. We sat at an empty park bench overlooking the river.

"It's a beautiful night," I said to break the silence. I looked over at him, but he was staring straight ahead.

"I want to be honest with you," he began.

Here came the catch. I knew he was too good to be true, and he was about to explain why.

"I've enjoyed your company and would be delighted to see you again."

That wasn't so bad. Actually, it was a relief. "I'd like that, too."

He turned to look at me and there was something about his gaze that I couldn't read. He almost seemed distraught for the first time since I'd met him.

"But I don't want to involve you in a world you don't want or need. I wouldn't want to complicate your life."

I wrinkled my forehead. "I don't understand."

"There are three things you need to know upfront if you'd like to continue what we've started."

I nodded, letting him go on.

"First of all, I recently went through a divorce."

"How recent?" I interrupted unintentionally.

"A year ago, and I haven't been with anyone since."

Great, he was basically calling me his rebound.

"Secondly, we have a three year old daughter together."

I took a deep breath and hoped he didn't notice, but he obviously did because he sighed before looking away.

"I'm sure she's beautiful," I said.

I didn't know how else to respond. I'd never been with anyone who had a kid from a previous marriage.

His eyes met mine again. "Lastly, I'm quite famous. And I love that you didn't know that or barely reacted when I told you, because it means you're actually interested in me. But I deal with a lot of strangers on a daily basis, including paparazzi. I'm shocked they didn't catch us out. I also travel a lot for work, sometimes for extended periods."

All I could do was nod.

"You deserve to know what I'm dealing with. I don't want you to get involved in a lifestyle you have no interest in."

"I'm interested in you," I said.

He closed his eyes briefly then looked back at me. "And I, you. Being with me might not be easy, but I promise to keep you from anything you're not ready for."

I almost cried. No one had ever said anything that beautiful to me, let alone a man I met only a few days ago. I had to break his gaze; it was all coming down on me at once. I was graduating in a little over a week and had no idea where I wanted my life to go. Now I had a gorgeous man sitting beside me asking me to be with him and accept all of his baggage. Was I ready for this?

I stood up, only because being that close to him was waging a war in my head. I wanted to grab him and kiss him and tell him I'd love him forever even though we barely knew each other. But I also needed some space to realize we were both at opposite points in our lives.

He respected my distance and stayed seated. "I'm sorry," he said, "I needed to warn you before either of us took it too far."

I turned around to face him. "Don't be sorry. Thank you for sparing me the surprises."

His face was somber and it broke my heart. I think he was expecting me to say my goodbye, but I really just wanted to hold him.

I sighed, reaching for his hand. He hesitated, but eventually took it and I pulled him up to stand with me. He was a few inches taller than me, which I hadn't noticed until we were standing so close.

"Then there are three things you need to know about me," I began. "First of all, I really want to kiss you right now, but I have first date morals I refuse to break."

That made him smile.

"Secondly, I don't even know what the future holds for me, so you'll have to be patient."

He nodded.

"And finally, I'm willing to take all the risks you named, because something tells me you're worth it. Prove me right."

He wrapped his arms around my waist and I prayed he didn't try to kiss me because I was too weak. I was ready to simultaneously break out in tears and melt in his embrace.

"I'll make every minute worth your time."

He hugged me tightly and kissed the side of my head. My heart practically jumped out of my chest.

"That didn't count as a kiss did it?" he asked with a smile.

"I'll let it slide."

He turned me around in his arms and we watched the remainder of the sun set with his chin on my shoulder and hands clasped around my waist. For the first time in my life I felt a connection so deep that I was willing to risk my future to save it.