Episode 3: Finally, a Chance Encounter
"Hey, beautiful," a voice called, and I turned slowly to see who it was.
Lo and behold, it was him. My heart skipped a beat, and a small, victorious smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Finally… I muttered under my breath, letting a hint of playfulness enter my thoughts. Today, I win.
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unimpressed. "Ehn… ehn… what's it?" I asked, rolling my eyes, trying to act casual even as my pulse raced.
"Where are you headed?" he asked, his tone light, easy, as though the sun itself had nothing on the warmth in his voice.
"No where," I said, quickly turning my face away, pretending I wasn't aware of him at all.
"You know what? Hop in, and let's talk. The sun is way too much for an angel like you," he said with a charming grin.
I hesitated for a heartbeat, then opened the car door and slid inside, settling into the seat like a gentle, composed girl, even though my mind was buzzing. My fingers fiddled lightly with the hem of my shirt as I stole a glance at him. He was handsome, calm, confident, and somehow completely unbothered by the subtle flutter of nerves I felt.
"I turned to look for you the other day, and you just disappeared. I was about to introduce you to my—" he started, but I interrupted immediately, a teasing smirk forming.
"To your wife," I completed, and he laughed, a sound so rich and easy it made my chest warm.
"What do you mean 'my wife'? I'm not married. She's just my sister," he said, chuckling, clearly amused.
"Your sister, hmm, I see," I said, leaning back in the seat slightly, playing along.
"Look who's jealous," he said, teasingly, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Me? I'm not. Why would I be jealous? Besides, I don't even know you," I replied quickly, trying to sound indifferent, though the slight blush rising to my cheeks betrayed me.
"Anyway, that's Cynthia, my one and only sister, FYI," he added casually. "Wait, you haven't told me your name yet."
I turned to him, arms crossed, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Why should I tell you my name? What were you even saying the other day when you told me to be careful?" I asked, curiosity laced with suspicion.
"Oh, about that. I was only trying to warn you… about men in this area. There are quite a few married men around, and let's just say, they don't exactly have any shame. They might come for you because you're new to the neighborhood," he explained, shrugging slightly.
"Come for me… for what?" I asked, tilting my head, trying to understand.
"You know… you're beautiful. I don't want anyone snatching you away from me," he said with a smile, and I felt a blush creeping up my neck. My hands tightened on my lap as I quickly looked away, pretending not to notice.
"Is that… a mark on your chin?" he asked suddenly, reaching out to touch my cheek gently.
I reacted instinctively, covering the spot with my palm. "You're funny," I said, brushing it off with a light laugh, though my heart was still racing.
"That's me. I'm the funniest and most charming man you'll ever meet," he said confidently, a playful glint in his eye.
"And by the way… what's your name?" he asked again, leaning back casually in the driver's seat, as if the question alone could unravel the tension I had been holding.
"Oh, my name? My name is Beth, but you can call me Bethy," I added, feeling a slight thrill at finally revealing it.
"What a beautiful name for an angel like you. I must commend your parents; they were wise to give you such a lovely name," he said sincerely, his eyes meeting mine.
"Thank you," I replied softly, a small smile forming. "So… where are you coming from?" I asked, curiosity taking over, trying to steer the conversation away from his flirtation just a little.
"I'm just coming back from the office, heading home now. And you?" he asked, glancing at me through the corner of his eye.
"I just came to get something around here. I'll be heading back home soon," I said, keeping my voice light.
"What was that? I can't see you carrying anything," he said, frowning slightly as if confused.
"Oh… never mind. They didn't have what I wanted. It's not important anyway," I replied, waving it off.
"No problem. Let me drop you off," he said, starting the engine, the low hum of the car filling the comfortable silence that had settled between us.
"Thanks," I said, settling back into the seat.
The drive was quiet at first, with only the soft hum of the tires on the pavement and the occasional bird song from the trees lining the street. I watched the passing houses, the neatly trimmed lawns, the mailbox flags raised and lowered, and tried to steady my racing thoughts. I could feel a strange mix of exhilaration and nervousness bubbling inside me. Finally… I was with him. After weeks of searching, the moment had arrived.
We arrived at my gate, and I was about to step out when he leaned slightly toward me. "Can I have your number?" he asked, producing his phone.
I took it, fingers brushing briefly against his, and punched my number in, careful to keep my composure even as a smile threatened to break across my face.
"Thanks for the ride, Charles," I said, genuinely smiling now.
"It's nothing. I'll call you when I get home," he replied, his voice casual but warm, eyes meeting mine as I stepped down.
I closed the car door and opened the gate, turning to glance back. He was still there, waiting, until I finally disappeared from sight.
"Beth, you've finally won today!" I whispered to myself, jumping up with excitement as I entered the house.
I opened the window briefly to see if he had gone, but he was just pulling away, the car slowly disappearing down the street.
Just as I was about to head inside my room, my phone started ringing. My heart leaped.
"Hello… who's on the line?" I asked, curiosity and excitement mingling in my voice.
"It's me, Charles. I just wanted to make sure you got inside safely," he said.
"Yes… and you?" I replied, walking through the gate. "I'm about to enter my house now. Yours is just a few blocks from mine, right?" I added, astonished.
"Are you kidding me?" I asked, laughing lightly.
"No, I'm not. I'll call you back when I get inside, okay?" he said, and then he hung up.
So, we lived close to each other all this time, and I had been wandering aimlessly for weeks, searching tirelessly just to see him. And now… I finally got to see my charming, kind, and absolutely captivating Charles. I giggled softly, letting the warmth and excitement of the day settle in.
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