The Allure of Love

Chapter 1

Anastasia smoothed her pale blue sundress as she walked into the cozy coffee shop, scanning the room for her friend Jenna. Her heart fluttered a bit when she spotted Chris at a table by the window. With his tousled brown hair, warm brown eyes, athletic build from years of playing sports, and welcoming smile, he was definitely easy on the eyes. She gave a small, slightly nervous wave as their eyes met.

"Hey Anastasia, over here!" Jenna called out from a nearby table.

Anastasia tore her gaze away from Chris. Only her closest friends and family used her nickname Annie. She wove through the scattered tables and plopped down across from Jenna.

"Sorry I'm late," she said with an apologetic grimace. "You'll never believe the morning I've had. First, I overslept because my neighbor's dog barking like crazy. Then I spilled coffee all down my blouse right before that huge meeting with the Caldwell account people."

As she vented about her crazy day at the marketing firm, Anastasia couldn't help sneaking glances over at Chris every few minutes. She had harbored a secret crush on him since their freshman year at Central State University together, but had never quite worked up the nerve to ask him out. With his warm personality and genuine kindness, he seemed too good to be true. Plus, he was incredibly talented - the dedication he put into his craft of woodworking and furniture making was really admirable. Maybe she would finally go for it and make a move soon, Anastasia thought with an anxious flutter of her heart.

Little did Anastasia know, Chris was also sneaking peeks at her when she wasn't looking. He had always found her gorgeous with her raven hair, bright green eyes, and luminous smile. Her quick wit and ambition were incredibly attractive as well. But the beautiful, dynamo marketing executive seemed to just think of him as a friend she had known since those Gen Ed courses they had taken together so many years ago. Plus, his woodworking jobs and projects kept him so busy, he rarely had time to actively pursue a romantic relationship. But maybe it was finally time to take that risk and ask Anastasia out...

Anastasia was so engrossed in conversation with Jenna that she didn't notice the tall, blonde newcomer until he approached their table with a cocky swagger.

"Well, well, if it isn't Anastasia herself," a deep, vaguely familiar voice purred. "Long time no see."

Anastasia looked up in surprise at the man towering over them. There was something painfully attractive about his chiseled facial features, mesmerizing blue eyes, and confident aura.

"Jack Callahan?" she replied slowly, searching her memory. "I haven't seen you since..."

"Since I transferred schools our junior year," he finished for her with a wink. "Still looking as beautiful as ever, I see."

Anastasia felt her cheeks flush slightly despite herself as Jack slid into the booth next to her, giving her a whiff of his musky cologne. She recalled now - she had very briefly dated Jack during their college days before he had moved away to another university. And she couldn't deny the old lingering spark was still there when she looked into those hypnotic eyes...

Chris watched the interaction with Jack with a pang of surprising jealousy. He had hoped to finally make his move with Anastasia, and here some random handsome guy appeared out of the blue. With a sinking feeling, Chris realized he might have missed his chance as the two appeared quite chummy and familiar.

Over the next hour, Jack laid on the charm with Anastasia and Jenna thick, regaling them with stories from his years living in Europe and trips around the world. His oversized personality and flirtatious charisma with Anastasia made Chris increasingly uncomfortable, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. Maybe because he was hoping for his own moment with Anastasia today? Before he could analyze it further, Chris's phone buzzed with a call from his workshop - he had to run. Trying not to glance at the three with envy, he paid his check and headed out, telling himself there would be other opportunities.