CHAPTER 1: A STITCH IN FATE
726 Words
The hum of my sewing machine filled the small but cozy boutique, the rhythmic motion of the needle piercing through the delicate silk fabric. The scent of freshly pressed linen and the faint perfume of fabric softener lingered in the air. Sunlight streamed through the large glass window, illuminating the mannequins adorned with my latest designs. From the corner of my eye, I saw my best friend, Elena, perched on the edge of my worktable, scrolling through her phone.
“You need to get out more, Paloma,” Elena said, exasperation in her voice. You’re twenty-eight, single, and buried in stitches and seams. When was the last time you went on a date?”
I smirked, threading another needle. “My work pays the bills, Elena. Romance doesn’t.”
She rolled her eyes. “But it wouldn’t kill you to have fun." Go on a date, dance under the stars, or—”
“—or end up distracted and behind on deadlines?” I shot back playfully. “Not happening.”
Before she could retort, the door chime jingled. I looked up, expecting a client, but instead, a tall man stepped in, holding a sleek navy-blue suit in his hands. He was handsome—lean but well-built, with deep brown eyes and dark, slightly tousled hair. He carried himself with effortless confidence, but there was a quiet restraint in his posture, as if he were used to fading into the background.
“Good afternoon,” he greeted, his voice smooth yet firm.
“Good afternoon,” I replied, setting down my fabric. “How can I help you?”
“I’m here to pick up a suit for my boss,” he said, placing it on the counter. And he wants this tailored. Urgently.”
Elena shot me a pointed look before returning to her phone, though I knew she was eavesdropping.
I unfolded the suit and examined it. Expensive. Custom-made. The fabric alone probably cost more than three months of my rent. Whoever his boss was, he had money to spare.
“It’ll take a few days to adjust properly,” I said, glancing up at him. “But if it’s urgent, I can try to have it ready in two.”
He seemed relieved. “That would be great. Thank you.”
I took out my measuring tape and motioned for him to step closer. “I’ll need to take some measurements.”
For the first time, his calm composure faltered. “Me?”
I nodded. “You’re about the same build as your boss, right?”
He hesitated, then removed his jacket. “I suppose so.”
As I wrapped the tape around his broad shoulders, I noticed the faint scent of leather and something distinctly masculine—not overpowering, just subtle and clean. My fingers brushed against his sleeve as I took notes, and for a split second, our eyes met. A flicker of something passed between us—something unspoken but undeniable.
I quickly looked away, focusing on the task. This was just business.
“Your boss must be important,” I said lightly. “This suit is high-end.”
A small, knowing smile played on his lips. “You could say that.”
I arched a brow. “And who exactly is your boss?”
“Salvador Montenegro.”
I nearly dropped my measuring tape. The Salvador Montenegro? The name alone carried weight in Las Vegas—wealthy, influential, and rumored to be ruthless in business.
I schooled my expression. “Impressive.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “If you say so.”
I finished the measurements and stepped back. “I’ll have it ready in two days.”
“Thank you,” he said, slipping his jacket back on. “I’m Andrew, by the way.”
“Paloma.”
He nodded, as if committing my name to memory, then turned to leave. But just before he reached the door, he hesitated, looking back for a brief moment.
Our eyes met again. This time, I felt it—a spark.
Then, just as quickly, he was gone.
Elena let out a dramatic sigh. “Paloma, if you don’t admit that man is fine, I will scream.”
I shook my head, hiding a small smile. Andrew…
I didn’t know it then, but that moment would change everything.
- Writer
