The First Kiss
961 Words
The next few days passed in a blur for Valentina. She threw herself into her work, determined to forget about Damien Renaud and his infuriatingly charming smile.
But forgetting him was easier said than done. Every time she closed her eyes, she heard his voice, teasing and smooth. Every time she picked up a brush, she thought of Inferno hanging in his penthouse.
“Ugh,” she groaned, dropping her brush and running a hand through her curls.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She grabbed it, half expecting to see Damien’s name, but it was her best friend, Mia.
Mia: Studio tonight? Need wine and gossip.
Valentina smiled. Mia always knew when she needed a distraction.
Valentina: Yes to wine. Less sure about the gossip.
Mia: Oh, honey, it’s always about gossip.
By the time Mia arrived, the studio was filled with the smell of oil paint and chaos. Valentina had abandoned her latest piece, a mess of blues and whites, in favor of pacing.
“Okay,” Mia said, setting down a bottle of wine and two glasses. “Spill. What’s got you looking like a tortured poet?”
Valentina flopped onto the couch. “There’s this guy.”
Mia’s eyes lit up. “I knew it! Tell me everything.”
Valentina groaned. “It’s not like that. He’s... complicated.”
“Complicated how? Like, secret family? Lives in a cave? Allergic to commitment?”
“No,” Valentina said, laughing despite herself. “He’s rich. Like, crazy rich. And he bought my painting at the gala.”
Mia gasped. “Wait. Is this the guy who spent two hundred grand? The one who looks like he walked out of a cologne ad?”
Valentina threw a pillow at her. “Yes. That’s him.”
Mia ducked, grinning. “And you’re not already dating him because...?”
“Because he’s cocky and annoying and thinks he can just... buy people.”
“And yet,” Mia said, pouring them both glasses of wine, “you’re clearly thinking about him. A lot.”
Valentina scowled. “I don’t like him.”
“Sure,” Mia said, smirking. “Tell that to someone who believes you.”
That night, as Valentina cleaned up her studio, her phone buzzed again.
Damien: Dinner. Tomorrow. My place.
She stared at the screen, her heart racing.
Valentina: No thanks.
The reply came almost instantly.
Damien: Afraid I’ll charm you?
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at her lips.
Valentina: I don’t need dinner. I need peace and quiet.
Damien: I can be quiet.
She laughed, shaking her head.
Valentina: Doubt it.
Damien: Prove me wrong. 7 p.m.
She hesitated, her finger hovering over the keyboard. Against her better judgment, she typed:
Valentina: Fine. One dinner. But if you get cocky, I’m leaving.
Damien: Looking forward to it.
The next evening, Valentina found herself standing outside Damien’s penthouse, clutching her purse like it was a lifeline.
“This is a bad idea,” she muttered to herself. But before she could turn around, the door opened.
Damien stood there, looking unfairly handsome in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He smiled, leaning casually against the doorframe.
“You’re early,” he said.
“You’re smug,” she replied, brushing past him into the apartment.
The place was stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. Everything was sleek and modern, from the black leather couches to the gleaming steel kitchen.
“Nice place,” Valentina said, trying not to sound impressed.
“Thanks,” Damien said. “Make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be ready soon.”
“Wait,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “You cook?”
He grinned. “I like to surprise people.”
Valentina couldn’t help laughing. “This I’ve got to see.”
Over dinner, Valentina found herself relaxing. Damien was surprisingly good at cooking—grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and a dessert that looked like it belonged on the cover of a magazine.
“You’re full of surprises,” she admitted as they finished their meal.
“I told you,” Damien said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not as predictable as you think.”
“Still cocky, though,” she teased.
“And you’re still irresistible,” he shot back, his eyes locking on hers.
Her breath caught. There it was again—that spark, that pull she couldn’t seem to fight.
“Why do you keep saying things like that?” she asked softly.
“Because it’s true,” Damien said, his voice lower now.
He stood and walked around the table, stopping just inches from her.
“You drive me crazy, Valentina,” he said, his gaze dropping to her lips. “And I think you know it.”
Her heart was pounding so loudly, she was sure he could hear it.
“I should go,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Probably,” Damien said, leaning closer.
But neither of them moved.
When he kissed her, it was like the world disappeared. His lips were warm and soft, his touch firm but careful, like he was afraid she might disappear.
For a moment, Valentina let herself melt into him. But then reality came crashing back.
“This is a bad idea,” she said, pulling away.
Damien smiled, his gray eyes glinting with mischief. “Sometimes the best things are.”
Valentina shook her head, grabbing her purse. “Goodnight, Damien.”
He didn’t stop her this time, just stood there watching as she walked out the door.
But as she rode the elevator down to the lobby, her lips still tingling from his kiss, she couldn’t help smiling.
- Writer
