As Lucien's car finally pulled away, May locked her door and leaned against it, a dazed smile on her face. Did that really just happen? Lucien Romano, the Lucien Romano, had walked into her little apartment, sat at her table, and complimented her like no one else ever had. Tomorrow was her day off, but she could already imagine the curious looks and whispers she'd face at work the next night.
With a sigh, she moved to the bathroom, letting the hot water soothe her lingering excitement. She lathered her favorite sugar-scented body wash onto her exfoliating gloves, scrubbing in slow, deliberate circles just like her mom used to show her. "Everyone needs a good scrubbing," her mom would say, and she smiled at the memory, feeling a pang of nostalgia. Her mom was her anchor, and she missed her so much.
After her shower, May slipped into bed, replaying every detail of the evening in her mind until she drifted off, her lips still curled in a contented smile.
The next morning, she was startled awake by a firm knock on her door. She blinked in confusion, her heart racing as she checked the time. Who would be here this early? She peered through the peephole, seeing a man in a delivery uniform holding a massive bouquet of roses, along with several large boxes and a bag.
She opened the door cautiously. "I think you have the wrong address."
The delivery man smiled, glancing at his clipboard. "May Willows?"
She nodded, still dumbfounded, as he handed her an iPad to sign. And then it hit her—all the memories of last night flooded back, and with them, Lucien's charming smile and warm, intense gaze.
With a thrill of excitement, she signed, and he helped carry everything inside before wishing her a nice day. As soon as he left, May squealed, barely able to contain her excitement. She leaned into the huge bouquet of roses, inhaling their rich scent, before noticing a small note tucked within the petals.
In elegant, masculine handwriting, it read:
"I would love to see you tonight, darling May. I do hope you love my gifts. Do me the honor of being ready by 6. Yours, Lucien."
May's heart skipped a beat, and she squealed again, tearing into the boxes like a kid on Christmas morning. Inside, she found a breathtaking Valentino gown in a deep, luxurious shade that seemed to glow against her skin. Next, a pair of dazzling Louboutin heels with sleek, red soles that screamed elegance. And nestled alongside them were diamond earrings and a delicate choker, each piece sparkling under the morning light.
When she opened the food bag, she smiled at the familiar scent of the same pasta she'd had with Lucien last night. Her heart swelled with excitement and nerves. Tonight, she was stepping into a whole new world, and this time, she was ready.
