Chapter 8 The Encounter

• I’m touching up my lips, feeling a bit nervous. What does Adrien feel for me? Is this just any date, or something more? It’s already 6:30 PM, and he said he would pick me up at 7:00 PM. I hope I don’t disappoint him.
• I take a glance at my dark blue dress; it’s an elegant and sophisticated choice. Its deep hue accentuates my silhouette, adding a touch of mystery and glamour. The delicate straps highlight my shoulders, while the sweetheart neckline gently frames my bust, adding a feminine, romantic, and seductive touch. The skirt falls straight to knee length, subtly showcasing my legs and providing comfort as I walk. The high-quality fabric hugs my body smoothly, elegantly detailing my curves.
• I smile with satisfaction as I see my tanned skin radiating warmth, and my blue eyes shine like sapphires, capturing the light and reflecting bursts of intensity. My brown hair falls in loose, perfect waves, adding a touch of naturalness and movement to my appearance.
• I hear soft knocks on my bedroom door.
• — Come in, Mom — I say anxiously.
• My mother enters and looks at me with approval. I make a cheerful grimace and smile with satisfaction.
• — You look perfect, sweetheart — she says, and I roll my eyes a bit. I don’t like being called sweetheart, but she insists on it — Your date is here — she adds at the end.
• I start to feel even more anxious than I already was. I turn to the mirror and contemplate my reflection one last time. I head down the stairs and make my way to the entrance. I open the door, and there he is, right in front of me, at my doorstep, looking incredibly handsome.
• He’s wearing a fitted crew neck sweater that comfortably hugs him, while the long sleeves extend to his wrists, accentuating his well-defined arms. The dark beige tone gives him a warm and understated look, highlighting Adrien’s fair complexion and giving him an air of serenity. On the other hand, his black pants are made of smooth fabric and fall straight from the waist to the ankles, creating an elegant line that contrasts with the texture of the sweater. The color combination of the dark beige sweater and the black pants is classic and timeless, giving him a sophisticated and polished appearance. His eyes scan me and shine for a moment.
• — You look beautiful, Isabella — Adrien says with his husky voice that makes me shiver.
• He extends his hand, and I gently take it, feeling the warmth of his skin and the pulse of his heartbeat.
• — Thank you, Adrien, you look great — I say, immediately blushing.
• I lower my gaze and bite my lower lip. He steps closer and lifts my chin with his index finger. His eyes look at me intensely, and I feel enveloped by those beautiful brown eyes.
• — Are you ready for an unforgettable night? — he asks with a seductive smile.
• He caresses my cheek with the back of his hand and leans toward me. I feel his warm breath brush against my ear.
• — Yes, I’m ready — I reply confidently, even though I’m nervous inside.
• Then he wraps his arms around my waist and gently leads me to his car.
• We arrive at the restaurant, and a dark wooden door opens with a soft creak as it’s pushed. Upon entering, the atmosphere is etched in my mind. The black and white tiled floor extends in a checkerboard pattern that guides customers to the tables, covered with freshly ironed white tablecloths. Dark wooden chairs with high backs, adorned with red velvet cushions, surround each table. The warm, dim light emanating from the golden wall lamps creates an intimate and cozy ambiance. On the walls, antique paintings and golden mirrors reflect the elegance of the place. A black piano occupies a corner of the room, where a musician skillfully plays French melodies. The aroma of freshly baked bread and spices floats in the air, challenging my stomach not to growl.
• A waiter guides us to our table, and once seated, Adrien and I start a trivial conversation about our likes and interests. We begin what seems like a superficial chat, sharing our tastes and hobbies. Although at first we seem to have little in common, we discover that attraction arises from the curiosity to explore our differences. He tells me he likes rock music and action movies. I share that I love romantic literature and modern art. In the end, we merge our interests, creating our own world where the beauty lies in finding harmony in our differences.
• Suddenly, his voice takes on a serious tone. He looks at me intently, making me shrink in my seat. His hands move quickly, searching for mine, and he grips them tightly.
• — Isabella, I can’t keep pretending that I don’t feel something more than just interest in you — he says with determination, and I look at him in astonishment. His voice sounds firm and resolute as he confesses his feelings. His gaze becomes deep and intense, as if he wants to read my soul. — Since you opened the door and I saw you, I’ve felt an overwhelming desire to kiss you and hold you.
• He makes a move to get closer to me, circles the table, and extends his hand to help me up. He pulls me toward him and wraps his arms around my waist. I feel his chest against mine and his breath on my neck. Thanks to my heels, I’m at his height, allowing our breaths to begin to mix. He gently caresses my cheek with his fingers.
• — Please, let me kiss you — he says with a pleading voice.
• His gaze is fixed on my lips, and I can only look at him as I moisten them and then slightly part them, waiting...
• I feel his breath getting closer. I close my eyes, expecting to feel his mouth on mine, and suddenly...
• I grip the edge of the bed, breathing heavily, with my forehead beaded with sweat. I wake up startled, tasting his lips on mine. It was just a dream, but it felt so real. I glance at the clock and see that it’s six in the morning. Today I have a date with Adrien Hamilton, the man from my dream. Is it a sign or a warning?
• "I can’t believe I dreamed about him," I think.
• My mind begins to clear, hoping my breathing returns to its normal rhythm. I get up and walk to the window. The morning is clear with a bright sun.
• I search for my phone among the sheets and turn it on to send a message to Tania.