As Aubrey hastily bid Ethan farewell, she couldn't shake off the feeling of embarrassment that washed over her. She thought to herself, "What is wrong with me? I'm at work, for goodness' sake! I shouldn't be behaving like a lovesick teenager."
She berated herself for her lack of professionalism, but deep down, she knew she wouldn't have done things differently even if she had the chance. There was something about Ethan that drew her in, something that made her feel alive.
For the rest of the evening, Aubrey found herself avoiding Emily and Mrs. Smith, unable to face them after her embarrassing encounter with Ethan.
Instead, she kept a lookout for him, her eyes scanning the room to catch another glimpse of him.
And then, just as the evening was drawing to a close, their eyes locked for a swift yet fiery moment.
Aubrey felt her heart skip a beat as she caught Ethan's dreamy eyes, eyes that seemed to invite her into his soul. And she knew that the only thing she wanted to do was get lost in those eyes again, to surrender to the connection that seemed to spark between them like a live wire.
As Mrs. Smith dragged Ethan away from Aubrey, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and longing. He had been so close to something special, something that had sparked a fire within him.
But Mrs. Smith's grip was like a vice, her fingers digging deep into his arm as she pulled him away through the backdoor to her room. "What were you thinking, Ethan?" she spat, her voice low and menacing. "You think you can just flirt with some...some...nobody, right in front of me?"
Ethan tried to shake off her grip, but she held tight, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're mine, Ethan," she hissed. "You're mine, and no one else can have you. Do you understand?"
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine as he met Mrs. Smith's gaze. He knew that look, that tone. It was the same one she used whenever she wanted to remind him that she could ruin him whenever she deemed fit.
After glancing at Aubrey as the party wound down, he knew she was searching for him. He caught her scanning the room all night to find him. They had a chemistry that was undeniable, and he could not wait to explore its depth.
The ride to his hotel was restless, and he told the driver to wait for him to check out of the hotel so that he could spend the night in his apartment in Chicago.
Somehow, he knew he was not going back to Mexico anytime soon, and he had to find a way to see Aubrey again, no matter the cost. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had left something precious behind.
It didn't matter what Mrs. Smith threatened - his finances, his reputation, his very livelihood. Ethan was willing to put everything on the line for a chance to experience Aubrey again.
The feeling haunted his sleep, taunting him with visions of what could have been. He dreamed of Aubrey's touch, her taste, her scent. He dreamed of how she made him feel alive and breathing for the first time.
As he lay in bed that night, Ethan couldn't shake the memory of Aubrey's sparkling eyes, bright smile, and infectious laugh. He couldn't stop thinking about the way she had made him feel like he was home and exactly where he was meant to be.
He tossed and turned, his mind racing with thoughts of Aubrey. He needed to see her again, to touch her, to taste her. He couldn't wait any longer.
Finally, after a restless night, Ethan made a decision. As he lay in bed, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling through Aubrey's i********:. He spent hours poring over her photos, imagining what life would be like with her by his side.
He pictured them waking up together, exploring the city, laughing, and loving. He imagined what it would be like to hold her in his arms, to feel her skin against his, to taste her lips.
With a sense of determination, he dialed the number he had found on her business's social media page.
As the phone rang, Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, unsure of how Aubrey would react to his call. But as soon as she picked up, all his doubts melted away.
"Hello, Aubrey’s Surprises and Event Management," Aubrey's voice purred through the line, smooth as silk. The sound sent shivers down Ethan's spine, and his breath caught in his throat.
"Hi," he said, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside him. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Aubrey's laughter was like music to his ears, a melodious sound that made his heart skip a beat.
"Not at all," she said, her voice dripping with warmth. "I'm glad you called." her voice made his shaft harden as he could feel the blood rushing from his brain to charge it.
Saturday morning in Chicago came with rest for Aubrey if she didn’t have any event planned, but it meant work for Danielle, who usually had days off on Wednesdays only.
It was also work days for Tiffany, who is usually booked for makeup sessions for weddings, birthdays, and other weekend events.
This meant that Aubrey didn’t have to wake up early except on rare occasions like this one, where her heart kept racing through the night, and her dreams kept being invaded by the mysterious new man Ethan.
Aubrey came out of the bedroom she shared with her girls and plopped down on the plush couch in their Chicago living room, launching into an excited monologue about the mysterious stranger she'd met at the party.
Her friend Danielle, seated at the desk with her laptop open, pretended to listen, her eyes fixed on the screen as she nodded along.
"I'm telling you, Danielle, I've never felt this way about anyone before," Aubrey gushed. "The chemistry between us was palpable. He smelled amazing, like fresh laundry and cologne. And his touch? Gentle, but confident. I felt like I was melting into his arms.
I think I may have found my soulmate. You know, I didn’t use to believe this stuff, but this, this felt real”
Danielle's eyes flicked up, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Soulmate, huh?" she teased, her voice laced with scepticism. "You're not getting a little ahead of yourself?"
Aubrey's face grew serious, her eyes shining with conviction. "I'm dead serious, Danielle. I've never connected with anyone like this before. This feels different, special."
Danielle raised an eyebrow, her expression dubious. "Unique and special, huh? That's what you said about Liam, and that Ghanian, what is his name again…Kofi. If I recall correctly, you said Kofi was going to take you back to the motherland and connect you with your roots."
Aubrey's cheeks flushed, but she stood her ground. "I know, I know. But this is different. This is where I get off the streets. I can feel it, Danielle. I can feel it."
Danielle snorted, her eyes rolling heavenward. "Get off the street, huh? And how exactly do you plan on doing this, Aubrey? You don't even have his number."
Aubrey's smile never wavered. "Patience, Danielle. The universe will bring what's mine to me."
As if on cue, Aubrey's phone rang, shrill in the silence. She picked it up, her voice bright and cheerful.
"Hello, Aubrey’s Surprises and Event Management; how may I help you?"
A low, smooth voice spoke on the other end, sending shivers down Aubrey's spine.
"Your voice sounds even sexier over the phone," the stranger purred.
Aubrey's eyes met Danielle's, a spark of excitement igniting between them. "Are you flirting with me on our first call?" Aubrey teased, her voice husky.
She covered the mouthpiece, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's him," she mouthed to Danielle.
Danielle's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. Girl! Get a hold of yourself; he is just a man.” she said, laughing as Aubrey jumped up and danced into the other room.
Aubrey's laughter echoed back, mingling with the sound of Danielle's chuckles and the low hum of the computer.