The night outside was quiet, city lights painting golden streaks across the hotel bar windows. Zara sipped her drink, trying to act calm, but every time Derek leaned closer, her pulse betrayed her.
"Do you always flirt with strangers on business trips?" she teased, a small smile tugging at her lips.
He grinned, his eyes dark and playful. "Only the ones worth remembering."
The conversation flowed effortlessly. He told her about his first week in the new city—getting lost at work, tripping over his suitcase, accidentally ordering a hundred muffins. She laughed until her stomach ached.
"You're trouble," she whispered.
"Only the fun kind," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Electricity surged through her veins. Hours passed like minutes, their hands eventually intertwining—a silent promise hanging between them.
After a while, the bartender announced last call, and the soft music began to wind down. Zara glanced at her watch, surprised at how late it had become.
"I should probably head back to my room," she said reluctantly.
Derek's gaze softened, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face. "I can walk you?"
She nodded, thankful for the excuse to linger a little longer in his presence. The walk to her hotel room was filled with easy laughter, stolen glances, and a tension that hummed between them like electricity.
At the door, they paused. Neither wanted the night to end.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked softly, almost shyly.
Zara felt her heart leap. "I'd like that," she admitted.
He smiled, leaning in just slightly, close enough that she could feel his warmth, smell the faint scent of his cologne. It was a teasing, electrifying moment, and then he stepped back with a wink.
"Goodnight, Zara."
"Goodnight, Derek," she murmured, barely able to believe the night had been real.
As she entered her room and closed the door, her heart still raced. She replayed every word, every glance, every laugh. Something had sparked between them, undeniable and thrilling, and she knew it wasn't just a fleeting encounter.
Tomorrow promised another day, another chance… and she couldn't wait to see where this would go.