Wild Rose

CHAPTER ONE: First impressions The alarm clock rang at exactly 5:30 a.m., dragging Tina from a very interesting dream. She sighed deeply, pushed herself upright, stretched, and turned it off. After yesterday’s exhausting day at the office, all she’d wanted was a good, uninterrupted sleep—and she’d gotten it… until now. “One of these days, I’m going to take out your batteries and lock you in a cupboard,” she muttered to the clock, which stared back at her with its bright Mickey Mouse face. “You know you can’t do without me,” the clock seemed to say. “Well, you’re right,” Tina admitted, because mornings like this reminded her just how much she needed it. Dragging herself to the kitchen, she switched on the kettle before heading to the bathroom. As she dressed, fragments of her dream returned, making her smile. Stop it, old girl, she scolded her reflection in the mirror while combing her hair into a neat bun, leaving a few soft tendrils to frame her face. Falling in love isn’t in your dictionary. But the memory kept drifting back. Over a quick breakfast of hot chocolate and cookies—baked by her kind neighbor, Mrs. Adrian—Tina felt a warmth of gratitude. From the moment she’d moved to the suburbs, Mrs. Adrian had welcomed her like family, unlike the other neighborhood women, who had either avoided her or bombarded her with nosy questions. Some hinted she must be a widow, others a secret heiress—or worse, a billionaire’s mistress. If she so much as smiled at a married neighbor, she’d receive daggers in return. Tina never bothered to correct them. Let them think what they wanted. Mrs. Adrian, however, had never judged her. She kept Tina supplied with an endless stream of fresh pastries—saintly gestures that had rescued many of Tina’s tired evenings. Taking her usual backstreet routes to avoid traffic, Tina arrived early at the office. Her motto—always be early—had made her the boss’s favorite, though it had also earned her more than a few enemies. She didn’t care. She’d come to America to work and build a new life, not to play politics. Parking in her usual spot, she stepped into the lobby. “Good morning, Miss Peters,” the doorman, Gray, greeted warmly. “Good morning, Gray,” she replied with a smile. “I must say, you look smashing today—as usual.” “Thank you,” she said, heading toward the elevator, juggling her files and handbag. She instantly regretted leaving her backpack at home. That’s when it happened. A man bumped into her, sending her files scattering. Without looking at him, she bent down, gathered her papers, muttered a polite acknowledgment of his apology, and moved toward the elevator. Julian Andrew stood frozen, eyes following her. God, how could a woman be so beautiful? She walked like a queen—confident, graceful. He wished he could see her face more clearly, but when she turned to glance at him, his breath caught. Holy s**t. Julian had met beauty queens, models, heiresses… women whose looks could make traffic stop. But this woman? Her face was all sharp, elegant angles, as though carved from mahogany. Full, natural lips glistened with nothing but clear gloss. No makeup. No pretense. His body heated as his gaze lingered on the files pressed to her chest. The elevator doors began to close. “Take a picture—it’ll last longer,” she said softly, her exotic accent curling around the words. Busted. Julian tore his eyes away, feeling like a schoolboy caught staring. She smirked as the doors slid shut. Damn it. She was gone. He cursed under his breath, ignoring the doorman’s curious look, and strode to his car before he embarrassed himself further. --- “Earth to the bull. Earth to Julian,” Sam’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Good heavens, man, you’ve been sitting there with that stupid grin for ten minutes. I know that look—it’s about a girl. Spill it.” “Who?” Julian asked innocently. “Don’t play dumb,” Sam smirked. “We’ve been friends since high school. Whenever you look like that, you’re plotting something big—or dangerous. And in this case, I’d bet my last dollar it’s a woman.” Julian shrugged. “Okay, fine,” Sam leaned in. “So you coming to the club? The guys have been asking.” “Uh—” Sam’s eyes narrowed. “There it is again. Who’s the lady you’re obsessed with?” “I’m not obsessed,” Julian protested. “I’m… intrigued. I don’t even know her name.” Sam burst out laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. “Alright, hyena, what’s so funny?” Julian snapped. Sam wiped his eyes. “Sorry—sorry—it’s just… you? Intrigued? Over a complete stranger? That’s a first.” Julian’s expression hardened. “I never said I was in love. I mean every word. I don’t know why you keep bringing that into it. Besides, you know I don’t believe—” “In love?” Sam interrupted, mimicking his tone. “I do believe in it,” Julian corrected sharply. “I just don’t think I’ll ever find it. All I meet are women who want me for my money or my name—not for me.” Sam’s voice softened. “This is about college, isn’t it? You’ve got to let that go, Julian. She hurt you, but that was years ago.” “I’ve let it go.” “Sure,” Sam said dryly. “That’s why you only date models and bimbos who can’t hold a decent conversation. And those relationships last… what? Three months?” Julian glared. “Fine,” Sam said. “Tell me about this mystery woman.” Julian leaned back. “I bumped into her yesterday on my way out of Dad’s company. She caught me staring and sassed me. There’s just something about her I can’t explain.” “Then use your legs,” Sam grinned. “I’m serious,” Julian insisted. “She’s beautiful. Elegant. Charming. I don’t even have the words.” Sam raised a brow. “You know you have a girlfriend, right? Page?” “Page who?” “What?!” Julian laughed. “Got you. Of course I remember her. But things haven’t been… smooth lately.” “Oh no—the three-month bug strikes again.” “It’s not that. She’s just been getting on my nerves. I’ve cancelled our dates three times this week.” Sam shook his head. “Same old Julian. You find someone new, the old one’s gone. You ever think it’s time to stop playing the field and settle down?” “That was before,” Julian said quietly. “Now… I think I’ve met my wife. She’s got everything—height, sass, curves. I’m losing it, man.” “I can’t wait to meet this angel.” “You will. She’s not of this world, Sam. I swear.” Sam chuckled. “Alright, I better get out of here before you start picking out wedding china. Lunch later?” “Yeah,” Julian grinned. “Before I commit murder, get out.”