Can i fall for you?

Astrid Levinson

Astrid had been living with her roommates for a few days now and was slowly starting to settle into her new life in Jakarta. Although she still missed her family and friends in Malaga, she found some comfort in the routine of her new life as a detective.

Olivia popped her head into Astrid's room while Astrid was unpacking some boxes.

"Detective, how's your new job?"
She asked teasingly.

Jakarta has been on of the most beautiful cities I've been.
But, the work load here is enough for me to go submit myself in mental asylum willingly.

"It's going fine." I said without looking at her.
" Just getting used to the new surroundings and workload, I guess."

She nodded, sensing Astrid's guarded tone.

"Sounds like you are pretty busy then."
She said casually.
" What kind of cases are you working on? "

Astrid fiddled with the box she had been unpacking and sighed. "Just the usual stuff, robberies, thefts, that kind of thing," she said. "It's not too different from what I was doing in Malaga."

"I bet you miss home though, right?" Olivia asked, sensing Astrid's homesickness.

My mind flashed back to the conversation i had with my coworkers about my recent promotion. i couldn't't help feel a pang of homesickness at the thought of being far away from my family in Malaga.

I shrugged these thoughts aside,
I couldn't risk diverting my mind.
Not now, at least.

"I do." I mumbled.
"But i don't regret anything."

Olivia nodded sympathetically. "I bet it's tough being away from your family and friends," she said kindly. "But you're brave for taking this opportunity and moving to a new city all on your own."

I didn't know how to respond,
I nodded my head silently.
I had to accept the fact that people here were...kind.
I appreciated her kind words, i didn't know how to show..that's different.

Astrid's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone call. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was her boss, Inspector Rivera. She sighed and answered the call.

"Hello, ma'am."

"Astrid," Inspector Rivera's voice greeted her from the other end of the line. "I need you to come in to the station. We have a new case and I think you're the perfect detective for it."

This was the first case after my promotion.
I was quite excited for it.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes."
I said briskly.

I looked over Olivia who was lounging on my couch.
Eating chips.

"I'm heading out, emergency." I said.
"They need me at the station."

Olivia looked up at her, a chip halfway to her mouth. "Another case already?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Astrid gave a small nod as she grabbed her jacket and keys. "Yep," she said. "They said it's a big one and they think I'm the best person for it."

Olivia looked impressed. "Wow, you're really making a name for yourself already," she said, munching on a chip. "I'm kind of jealous, not gonna lie."

I chuckled. "It's not all glamorous," i said with a smile. "There's a lot of paperwork and long hours involved too."

Olivia feigned a sympathetic look. "Poor you, with your successful career and promising future," she deadpanned.

I'd agree with her,
Until I saw him.
Who must've taken an oath to get on my nerves.

"Carlos Martinez."

Astrid had just entered the station and was making her way to Inspector Rivera's office when she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She turned to find a man standing there, towering over her. He was a huge man, with broad shoulders and a muscular build.

Astrid looked up at him as he stood in front of her, feeling a mix of intimidation and intrigued. He was a sizable man, standing at 6'2" with broad shoulders and a muscular build. His thick eyebrows were always set in a slight frown, and his brown eyes held a constant intensity. Astrid had to tilt her head back to look up at him.

A man with sharp features and a rugged charm. His dark eyes held a hint of mystery, and his dark hair was always styled to perfection. Despite his serious demeanor and stern expression, I couldn't't help but notice the way his shirt clung to his muscular frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean physique. Even when he was frowning, there was something undeniably attractive about him.

"You plan on just staring at me all day, detective?"
He asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow.

Astrid snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of his voice.
Deep.
Addictive.

She had been unknowingly staring at Carlos for a few moments, and now he was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry," i said quickly.
Embarrassed.

"I was just..."

"Just staring at me like a lost puppy?" Carlos finished for her.

I'd kill him.

"No, just admiring the view."
I shot back with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
Trying best to hide my embarrassment.

"Not interested."
He passed by her like a lighting.

I haven't fought the urge to kill someone so badly.
Arrogant.

Astrid rolled her eyes as Carlos walked past her, leaving her to follow in his wake. "Not interested?" she muttered under her breath, annoyed by his nonchalant attitude.