The First Goal

Day in the life

Amel

The morning felt like a balancing act on a tightrope.

I'd texted Baris all the details the night before, expecting a question or even a polite "got it." But no, he sent back a single thumbs-up. A thumbs-up. 

After almost kissing me, after our fight about Burak, and after making it clear he thought he could toy with me—he just went about his day like none of it happened.

Why did he act like he cared when he didn't even know me? And I knew his type; it wasn't me he wanted but the thrill of the chase. 

I was up at 5:30 a.m., determined to start this day focused, professional, and as unbothered as I could manage. 

As I arrived at his penthouse in Bebek at exactly 7, I had a full day's worth of gear, multiple power banks, and my camera ready to capture every shot. This was strictly work, I told myself.

The elevator opened, and there he was, waiting with a coffee in hand. A strong surge of self-control was the only thing that kept me from reacting because there he stood, in nothing but loose pajama pants, hair tousled, bare chest on full display. I tried not to linger, even though he looked warm and inviting, freshly awake. 

The smirk on his face showed he was well aware of my attempt at nonchalance.

"Günaydın, Amelcim," he greeted, his voice a soft morning rasp that made everything feel too intimate.

I pushed through. "Günaydın, Baris. Your home is beautiful." I replied coolly, setting up my camera and organizing my questions as I fought to maintain my composure.

"Thank you, güzelim," he replied, a glint in his eye. "But come on, do we really have to start now? Haven't even had breakfast yet. Did you eat?"

I squared my shoulders, keeping things as professional as possible. "We need to film everything, even your morning routine—family-friendly footage, though." I forced my gaze up to meet his eyes, despite the fact he was barely dressed.

"Oh, you don't like the view?" he teased, his eyebrow raising.

I took a breath, trying to contain the rush of heat that shot through me. "Maybe just put on a shirt, Baris." He chuckled as he walked away, all amused and too comfortable. 

I rolled my eyes, more irritated with myself than with him for the reaction he so easily pulled from me.

After he finally put on a shirt and started making his protein shake, he moved around the kitchen with his usual confidence. I was busy fiddling with the camera settings when suddenly, I felt his presence right behind me. 

I could sense the warmth radiating off him before he even moved. I froze for a beat, realizing he was reaching around me to open the cabinet behind my head.

"You seem tense, Amel," he murmured, his tone playful but his eyes focused on me. 

He was close enough that I could feel his breath against my hair, close enough that I instinctively took a small step back—only to bump against the counter behind me, leaving me momentarily cornered.

I swallowed, my mind racing to recover from his proximity, and raised an eyebrow at him, putting on my best nonchalant front. "Oh, I'm fine. Don't flatter yourself."

He chuckled softly, his gaze not wavering as he grabbed his shaker and leaned back. "I didn't realize I was," he said, his voice smooth, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.

I held his gaze for a second longer than I meant to, feeling the pull between us. He leaned back a bit, still grinning as he tossed the protein powder into the shaker and shook it up.