My Fake Boyfriend Is A Billionaire

Episode 4: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It was 9:00 AM, and I was getting ready for my date, a nervous flutter already starting in my stomach. The anticipation was a physical thing, a tight knot of excitement and anxiety. I showered, the warm water washing away some of the tension, and then carefully chose a white dress, nothing fancy, just simple and clean, it felt right for the day. I took extra time fixing my hair, trying for that effortlessly chic look, a style I'd practiced many times before, and then carefully applied just the right amount of makeup, a natural look that enhanced my features. I sprayed on my favorite perfume, a light scent that I hoped would be subtle but alluring, a delicate fragrance of lilac and something else, and grabbed a small, elegant bag, making sure everything was just so, lipstick, phone, keys, wallet. I checked myself out one last time in the mirror, smoothing down any wrinkles in my dress, and tried to take a deep breath to calm my nerves. My heart was doing the cha-cha, excited, yes, but also kind of nervous. Really nervous. The kind of nervous that makes your hands shake a little, a nervous tremor that I tried to ignore. I tried to chill, to tell myself it was no big deal. "It's just a rented boyfriend, Ryla," I muttered to myself, trying to rationalize my feelings. "A fling. Don't get all gooey." But even as I said it, I knew it was a complete and utter lie. The truth was, I was already way too invested in this, far more than I'd intended.

I was almost to the car when I saw him. He was waiting, a tall, slender figure leaning against a sleek black car. My stomach did a little flip, a sudden rush of adrenaline. He was even cuter up close, way hotter than his pics, the photos hadn't captured his charm. And wow, he was ripped! Seriously toned arms, and I could see his abs through his shirt, a glimpse of a well-defined physique. When he smiled, showing off those adorable dimples, a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes… I almost melted, a wave of warmth washed over me. He looked like a total movie star, a handsome stranger in a foreign city. I had to stop myself from freaking out, from completely losing my composure, I had to act cool. "It's just the first day, Ryla," I told myself. "Don't lose it. He's just here because you paid for him," a reminder that this was a transaction, a rented of boyfriend arrangement thing.

"Hey there," he said, his voice all smooth and low. "Ry, right?"

OMG. That voice! So smooth and sexy, I almost jumped. I had to play it cool.

"Hey Sam," I said, trying to sound normal as we shook hands. His hand was warm and strong.

"So," he said, "since I'm your boyfriend for the day, I'm your tour guide in Paris. I'll choose where we go, but if you have any ideas, let me know. You're the boss."

"So… where should we go first?" I asked, feeling a bit awkward.

"Coffee?" he suggested.

"Is that a question, Sam?" I teased. "I thought you were in charge."

"Oh… right. Sorry. Just making sure you liked the idea."

"Nah, don't worry," I said, smiling. "I'm up for anything, even if it's boring." I gave him a smile, and he nodded.

"Okay then, Ryla, let's go."

We found a cute little café by the Seine. The air smelled amazing, all coffee and pastries, a delightful aroma that filled the air, a truly Parisian experience. The café was small and cozy, with a charming atmosphere. Sam was a total gentleman, pulling out my chair, a small but meaningful gesture. He had this easy way about him, making me feel relaxed, at ease in his presence, a natural charm.

"Alright, here we are," Sam said, once we sat down. "Relax, Ryla. I'll get us something," he offered, taking charge in a way that felt natural and considerate, a considerate gesture.

I couldn't believe it. I wasn't regretting this at all. I'm usually the one in charge, ordering everything, always the one in control, a familiar role. But this time, being waited on...it felt...different, a novel experience that was both exciting and slightly unnerving, a new and unexpected dynamic. My stomach was doing that fluttery thing again, the butterflies returning with renewed vigor, a familiar feeling.

He came back with coffee and a mountain of pastries, a veritable feast for the eyes, a generous offering. "Here you go, Ryla," he said. "This is my favorite. You have to try it," he urged, his enthusiasm contagious, a genuine recommendation.

"Wow, this looks amazing!" I said, eyes wide. "I bet I'll love it." I grinned at him, and he grinned back. That smile… seriously, it was melting me. But I kept telling myself, "It's just a game, Ryla. Don't fall for it."

"Ry," he said, leaning in, "open up."

I was totally surprised. "Huh?" I asked, my voice a little shaky.

"Just open your mouth," he said softly. "Come on."

"Okay," I said, opening my mouth. He carefully fed me a bite of pastry. It was a small thing, but it felt super intimate.

I was speechless for a sec. It felt… weird, and awesome at the same time. I actually liked it. It was unexpectedly sweet.

"Yummy?" he asked, looking at me.

I savored the taste. It was heavenly. "Yummy?" he asked again.

"Yeah, it's delicious," I said, "but why did you do that?"

"What do you mean, Ryla?"

"I mean, feeding me like that," I explained.

"Were you weirded out? Didn't like it?" he asked, looking concerned.

"No… no, I mean…" I started, but before I could finish, he gently wiped some cream from my mouth with his thumb. My face turned bright red.

"What's up, Ryla? You okay?" he asked, frowning.

"Um, yeah," I mumbled, feeling awkward.

"Hey, it's 5 pm," he said, checking his watch. "Time to go. Okay?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied. "That was the plan anyway."

We'd been chatting so much, we'd lost track of time. It felt like minutes, not hours. We walked out, and he walked me back to my hotel.

"Okay, thanks for the date," I said.

"No problem," he replied. "It's my job, after all." He laughed.

"Yeah, a rented boyfriend," I said, looking into his eyes. A weird feeling came over me. I wished this wasn't just a business deal. "Ugh, Ryla, what are you thinking?" I scolded myself silently.

"So… gotta go," he said, sounding hopeful. "Tomorrow again?"

"Sure, Sam," I replied, smiling.

"Okay, goodnight, babe," he said, and then he was gone.

Wow. So that's what having a boyfriend feels like. I really enjoyed today. I can't wait to see him again. But then that familiar thought hit me: this was all temporary. A little fantasy. And that made my heart sink.