BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 4: A Mysterious Encounter

Sunlight filters through my window, casting golden patterns on my sheets and waking me gently. The heartbeat of New York beckons, an irresistible siren song. I stretch, my body eager for what the day has in store.

A quick shower later, I find myself facing the mirror. Slipping into leggings and a snug-fitting sports bra, I see a confident woman ready to seize the day. With running shoes securely tied, New York's energy seems to lace up with mine.

The city streets are alive - honking taxis, murmured conversations, and the delicious aroma of coffee from corner stands. But amid this orchestrated chaos, I find my rhythm, moving gracefully.

Then, the park. A quiet, verdant sanctuary amid the city's steel embrace. I run, losing myself in nature's symphony. Later, seated, I watch tales of life unfold before me - fleeting moments that encapsulate the essence of New York.

On my way home, I found myself disoriented, unsure of which street would lead me to my apartment. Distractedly fumbling with my phone's GPS, I unexpectedly bumped into a solid figure. Before I could process the sudden collision, strong hands gripped my bare waist-a surprising yet not unwelcome sensation, considering I was clad only in a sports bra."

My heart goes rogue, beating furiously as I meet a pair of captivating blue eyes, ensconced in dark, wavy locks.

The moment he walked in, it was like he had stepped right out of the glossy pages of 'GQ'. Clad in a suit that whispered of power and finesse, he wore the navy color like it was made just for him. His presence was commanding, yet there was an ease about him that was undeniably alluring.

But that face? God, it was as if Michelangelo himself had chiseled those high cheekbones and that sharp jawline. And when he flashed that smirk? It sent shivers down my spine, the good kind.

Finding my voice, I managed a flustered, "Sorry, I'm new here, just trying to find my apartment." The way he smiled deeper, those piercing blue eyes lighting up, God, he was breathtaking

As he withdrew his hand, slipping it casually back into his pocket, there was a grace about him that left me intrigued.

My fumbling with the keychain seemed to catch his attention. With a simple nod, he pointed me in the right direction and then disappeared back into the city's hustle – but not from my mind.

Back in my apartment's embrace, the vivid memory of him-his touch, scent, and that entrancing smile-paints a permanent masterpiece in my mind.

In the sanctuary of my apartment, the echo of his smile still whispers in my ears. Eager to share this exhilarating tale with someone who understands its depth, my fingers swiftly dial Sophia number.

Her voice came through, teasing, "Sounds like Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome might just be your steamy welcome to New York. Watch out, Em. Round two might just find you in his arms... or his bed."

Trying to play it cool, I replied, "Soph! Why does everything have to be about that with you?"

She cackled on the other end, "Because it's fun! And you sound like you could use a little fun right now. Just imagine the possibilities!"

Rolling my eyes, though she couldn't see, I retorted, "You have quite the imagination."

"I prefer the term 'visionary'," she quipped back, her laughter infectious. "Mark my words, babe. There's an adventure ahead."

Promising to catch up soon - and with Sophia insisting I keep her in the loop - we said our goodbyes. As I set my phone down, the emotional weight from our sudden collision settled on me. The charged atmosphere of my apartment contrasted sharply with the thrill of our brief interaction. Eager to chase away this haze of emotions, I decided to freshen up.

The shower's embrace felt teasing, its warmth reminding me of his unexpected touch. I could still feel where his fingers brushed my waist. The sensation amplified with each droplet, and my mind swirled with flustered thoughts.

Emerging from the bathroom, my reflection showed flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. I quickly dressed in jeans and a white tee, feeling both comfortable and chic.

Attempting to distract myself, I settled on my couch, mindlessly flipping through channels. Despite the myriad of shows, it was those haunting blue eyes that persistently intruded on my thoughts. "Focus, Emily," I muttered, finally switching off the TV."

Craving something sweet, I remembered 'Café Lumière'. It had been our go-to spot back in Wisconsin, a place where Sophia, Sarah, and I had shared countless heart-to-hearts during college.

To find it just a short walk away from my new NYC apartment felt like a comforting slice of home. Renowned for its delicious pastries and rich coffee, it beckoned.

Upon entering, the rich aroma of coffee enveloped me. Laughter, chatter, and the hum of the coffee machine created a welcoming atmosphere. As I debated the wait in the bustling line, my gaze landed on a familiar face. My heart skipped a beat. It was him.

Without realizing it, my gaze had zeroed in on him, drinking in every delicious detail. He stood there, engaged in deep conversation, the telltale signs of a businessman apparent in his posture. Every crease of his suit, every line of his jaw, became clearer the longer I stared. My mind raced with unsolicited thoughts: *I wonder how he'd look without that suit on, and those lips... they seem so inviting.*

Drowning in my own storm of thoughts and daydreams, I nearly missed it-the flicker in his blue eyes as they locked onto mine. His gaze reminded me of those guys at clubs who knew they were good-looking. But unlike them, he didn't try at all.

No cheeky grin, no playful wink. Just an intensity that sucked the air right out of my lungs. Great. With my flaming cheeks, I probably looked like I'd just been caught stalking his social media.

Frantic for an escape from the overwhelming sensations, I looked away. Every inch of my skin hummed to life, as if charged with electricity. All I craved was a gust of cold air to quench the inferno he'd ignited.

I sneaked a quick glance, and to my relief, noticed him and his posse beginning to exit. Perfect. Maybe it was best to step out, too. His electrifying presence, the way I was inexplicably drawn to him, was unnerving, to say the least.

How could someone I'd barely met have such a profound effect on me? Especially since this was only our second encounter. It wasn't just the magnetic pull, but also the chaos of emotions that bubbled up.

Taking a deep breath, I settled my bill and made my way to the exit, hoping for a few uninterrupted moments to gather my thoughts. But fate, it seemed, had other plans in store for me. The moment I stepped out, there he was, looking every bit the male model, effortlessly poised against the café's brick wall.

Before I could make a getaway or even form a coherent thought, his voice, oozing with authority yet laced with intrigue, halted me. "Stop."

Stuck on the spot, my heart went rogue, pounding like it was trying out for a lead role in a rock band. His single word, 'Stop' sent my thoughts spinning into overdrive. Was this really happening? Was he actually interested, or had I walked out with toilet paper stuck to my shoe?

I counted the agonizing seconds, praying for him to say something more, to break the tension. But he was clearly not in a rush. I felt the weight of his gaze even though I wasn't brave enough to see it.

Finally, mustering up a bit of boldness, I chanced a look. And there they were, those blue orbs, sending another jolt down my spine. The connection was as undeniable as ever, but my fight-or-flight instincts chose the latter.

With that, I was off, my heels clicking faster than I could process my own embarrassment. With each step, internal rebukes echoed in my mind: 'why the hell did I...', 'what was that about...', and the classic, 'seriously, universe?'. All I knew was that the captivating stranger had just delivered a plot twist to my otherwise predictable night.