That One Kiss

𝟓. 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤.

The next morning, Sahar's usual composure was rattled as she entered the cafe. Her eyes fixed on a scene that made her heart race - Erix Rhysand, the renowned businessman, sat casually in his signature white fitted t-shirt and jeans, engaged in a friendly conversation with the stranger Isleen detested.

Meanwhile, Isleen was still reeling from the previous day's encounter with Caleb's ex, Madelyn, who had dropped by for a coffee and departed with a simple "hi". The contrast between Erix's warm demeanor and Isleen's lingering unease was palpable, setting the tone for a day filled with tension and uncertainty.

Sahar's excitement got the better of her as she approached the table, her eyes fixed on the two handsome men. In her haste, she accidentally spilled hot coffee all over Erix, causing him to leap up from his seat. Sahar's eyes widened in horror as she apologized profusely, but Erix quickly alleviated her distress. With a kind smile, he rushed to the sink behind him, placing his hand under the cold water before turning back to Sahar, his expression reassuring. ❝ It's okay, really ❞ he said calmly, his warmth and understanding putting Sahar at ease.

Sahar's eyes welled up with tears, her embarrassment and distress threatening to overwhelm her. But just as she thought she might break down, Erix's expression softened, and he gently wiped away her tears with his thumb. ❝ Hey, beautiful, it's alright ❞ he said, his voice low and reassuring. And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Sahar blushing and feeling both grateful and flustered by the unexpected kindness from the handsome man.

Sahar hurriedly made her way to Isleen, still in a daze, and excitedly recounted the unexpected turn of events. ❝ Isleen, oh my gosh, you won't believe what just happened! ❞ Sahar burst out, her words tumbling forth in a rush.

❝ I spilled coffee all over Erix Rhysand, and I was so mortified, but he was so kind and understanding... and he even called me beautiful! ❞ Sahar's eyes sparkled with excitement, trying to shake Isleen out of her trance-like state.

❝ Sahar, you spilled coffee on Erix Rhysand?! ❞ Isleen's eyes widened further, her voice rising in disbelief. 
❝ The most eligible bachelor in the city, and you drenched him in coffee?❞ She shook her head, a mix of amusement and astonishment on her face.
❝ Only you, Sahar, only you could manage something like that. ❞

Sahar couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, while Isleen shook her head in exasperation. Isleen approached the stranger's table, carrying a fresh cup of black coffee, her eyes fixed on him with a hint of annoyance. She had planned to quickly deliver the coffee and make a swift exit, but fate had other plans. As she placed the coffee on the table.

Isleen's eyes widened in shock as she felt herself losing balance, her leg catching on the chair leg. She tried to regain her footing, but it was too late. With a tiny gasp, she tumbled forward, landing squarely on the stranger's lap. The laptop clattered to the floor, and the stranger's arms instinctively wrapped around her, holding her in place. Isleen's face flushed with embarrassment as she struggled to extricate herself, her eyes meeting the stranger's amused gaze. ❝ Well, this is a first,❞  He said, his voice low and husky, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Isleen's heart raced as she disentangled herself, her face burning with embarrassment. ❝ I'm so sorry. ❞ she exclaimed, scrambling to her feet. But the stranger just laughed, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

❝ No need to apologize, ❞ he said, his voice dripping with warmth. ❝ I think this is the most interesting thing that's happened to me all week ❞

Isleen's mortification was short-lived, as she quickly scrambled to her feet, her face still flushed with embarrassment. But her relief was promptly replaced by alarm, as she saw her boyfriend, Caleb Jasper, standing in the doorway, his eyes blazing with anger and jealousy. His gaze was fixed on the stranger, who was still sitting calmly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.