Chapter 1: "FIRST PART."

Chapter 1

SHANE

I look at Mrs. Rosa's face for the fifth time, who still hasn't made up her mind about the design she wants for her kitchen. A mix of uncertainty and excitement washes over me. Why is it so difficult for her to choose?

"I just love all your designs," she responds, her voice filled with warmth.

"I’m so glad to hear that, Mrs. Rosa. You just need to pick one so we can start working on the remodel or... I know! If you want, you can keep the sketches. Discuss it with your husband tonight, and although I don’t work tomorrow, you can email me to let me know which one you’ve chosen."

"Oh, dear, that's a fantastic idea. But I don’t know how to use these devices," I sigh, acknowledging that I don’t want to do what I’m about to do, but I feel like I have no other choice.

"Here’s my personal number." I pull out a business card and a pen, flip the card over, and scrawl my number. "You can message me on WhatsApp or Telegram when you make a decision."

The woman, in her fifties, looks at me tenderly, as if she were seeing a daughter.

"Thank you so much, dear. You are a special girl who is about to experience wonderful things." Her comment leaves me momentarily speechless. I shake my head and return her a kind smile, although her observation makes me feel uncomfortable.

"I hope so, Mrs. Rosa. My big project as a designer launches this Monday."

"I’m not talking about that day, but about today." She lifts her nose and sniffs the air, as if she can detect some special scent. I can’t help but think she’s a bit peculiar.

"What a peculiar woman I’ve encountered today."

"I just hope for good things in my life, Mrs. Rosa. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go; I have other clients to visit." I’m lying shamelessly since she’s my last client of the day. But over an hour has passed among sketches and doubts, and time is pressing.

"Alright, dear." She stands up with me and walks me to the front door. For someone almost 60, she looked ten years younger. "I’ll also call my son and ask for his opinion." I suddenly stop midway down the stairs, turning to look at her, unsure why. The woman smiles at me in a sweet and sincere way.

"They could help you make the right decision, but remember that a kitchen is like the sacred temple of a woman, so don’t give them too much freedom."

Rosa laughs, and her chuckle fills the air.

"Oh, dear, you really understand me. Don’t worry; I won’t let them interfere too much."

"Good. Goodbye, we’ll be in touch," I tell her as I say goodbye to the cheerful woman and get into my car, feeling a little lighter. But the conversation keeps replaying in my mind.

As I drive, with my heart still warmed by Mrs. Rosa, I connect my hands-free device.

"Alexa, call Marc."

"Calling Marc," Alexa’s sterile and mechanical voice responds. "Wait time has expired. Marc is not answering. Would you like me to do anything else?"

"Please call him again. If he doesn’t answer, leave him a message to meet me at Nancob café."

"Right away."

As I drive, I think about Mrs. Rosa’s comments. She is a lovely woman, but definitely... strange.

I park my car in the underground parking garage of the mall where the best coffee in the city is located. I ascend the escalators, eager to grab a bite to eat. I’m starving. Distracted, my gaze fixed across the hallway, I don’t see the human wall standing with its back to me. I collide so hard that the impact sends me to the floor. I close my eyes, bracing for the hit, but it doesn’t come. Instead, strong arms wrap around my waist, lifting me effortlessly and leaving me breathless.

The wide blue eyes meeting mine are deep and troubling. His tanned skin contrasts with his jet-black hair, and his elegant beard frames an incredibly attractive face. His fitted suit accentuates his athletic build, making me feel small and delicate, despite my 1.70 meters in height.

When he finally sets me down gently, the connection breaks, and I feel an odd sense of loss, as if I had been floating in another world that has now vanished. But the masculine and virile scent he leaves behind envelops me in an irresistible fragrance. I must shake off these thoughts and regain my composure.

I look at him and smile in gratitude, but before I can say anything, he murmurs softly:

"Be more careful next time, beautiful. I don’t want you to get hurt."

His whispered words in my ear send a shiver down my spine. That spark of magnetism is irresistible. Who is this man? What adventures does he hide behind his enigmatic appearance? I’m eager to know more, longing to uncover all the secrets he might have beneath that impeccable suit.

Although it has been a brief encounter, I know that his commanding presence and piercing gaze have left an indelible mark on me. Now, all I can do is wait and wonder if we will ever meet again in that magical and sensual world he seems to inhabit. Today couldn’t be a stranger day than it already was.

With a nervous smile, I step back a little, but not too much. I feel drawn to the energy radiating from him, as if an invisible force is binding us together. However, the feeling of vulnerability in front of his penetrating gaze bewilders me.