THE HEART'S GAMBIT

CHAPTER 2 : THREADS OF INTRIGUE

The boutique was quiet after Andrew left, but my thoughts weren’t. His presence lingered in my mind, from the quiet intensity in his gaze to the way he hesitated before walking out the door.

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus. This was just work. Just another client.

“Elena, if you’re done swooning, can you hand me that sketchpad?” I asked, trying to distract myself.

Elena smirked as she tossed it over. “I’m just saying, Paloma, a man like that doesn’t walk into your life every day.”

I rolled my eyes, flipping through my designs. “He didn’t walk into my life. He walked into my shop. Big difference.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

I ignored her and focused on the suit. The cut was impeccable, but the fit around the shoulders needed adjusting. I lost myself in the work, carefully pinning and marking the fabric, making sure it would sit perfectly when finished.

Two days passed in a blur of sewing, adjusting, and late nights. When the final stitch was in place, I leaned back and exhaled. Perfect.

I barely had time to admire my work before the chime of the door interrupted my thoughts.

Andrew.

He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the boutique before landing on me. He had the same composed expression, but I didn’t miss the way his gaze flickered—like he was taking in every detail of the room, and maybe even me.

“It’s ready,” I said, standing up and retrieving the suit.

He stepped closer, taking it carefully from my hands. His fingers brushed against mine—just for a second—but I felt it. That same spark.

He examined the suit, running his fingers over the fabric. “Looks perfect.”

I smiled. “Try it on.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Alright.”

I led him to the fitting room, waiting outside as he changed. A moment later, the door opened, and he stepped out.

The suit fit him perfectly.

I studied the way it hugged his frame, the smooth way the fabric fell over his broad shoulders. My heart did a strange little flutter.

Elena, who had been pretending to work, peeked up and let out a low whistle. “Damn.”

Andrew shot her an amused glance. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I walked over, making small adjustments, smoothing out the fabric. “It fits just as it should. How does it feel?”

He rolled his shoulders, testing the movement. “Like it was made for me.”

I smiled. “Good.”

He turned to the mirror, staring at his reflection for a long moment. Then, he caught my eyes in the mirror.

“This is impressive work,” he said quietly.

“Thank you,” I said, suddenly feeling warm under his gaze.

He turned back to me. “How much do I owe you?”

I gave him the price, and he reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek black wallet. But instead of cash, he handed me a card.

“Salvador will handle the payment,” he said.

I hesitated before taking it. I wasn’t used to dealing with wealthy men like Salvador Montenegro.

Andrew seemed to notice my pause. “Don’t worry. He always pays his debts.”

I wasn’t sure if that was reassuring or a warning.

He changed back into his own clothes and carefully folded the suit. As he prepared to leave, he glanced at me.

“Would you ever design something outside custom orders?” he asked.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Your own line. Something with your name on it.”

The question caught me off guard. “I… I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it seriously.”

“You should,” he said simply.

Then, with a small nod, he turned and left.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the door.

Elena let out a low laugh. “That man just planted a seed in your head, and I know it.”

I bit my lip, looking down at the business card in my hand. Salvador Montenegro.

Something told me this wasn’t the last I’d see of them.