I sigh. I didn’t mean it like that. I hate seeing how little he thinks of himself. The tough guy from earlier is totally gone, replaced by this socially awkward guy who doesn’t know what to say anymore. I feel pity for this vulnerable version of him, so I take his hand again and gently force him to look me in the eyes, not wanting to lose our connection. I may be angry, but I’m also intrigued by his behavior, his pain is almost tangible, and I hate seeing him like this.
“You could have just asked me all those things today, Andreas, you didn’t need anyone else for that. And if you know so much about me, it’s only fair that you share things about yourself too. I want to get to know you as well, that’s how it works,” I say calmly, now that I’ve regained some composure.
He looks at me with glazed eyes, behind which a lot of emotions are hidden. He nods to indicate he’s received my message.
“Thank you, and again, I’m sorry. The last thing I want is to hurt you,” he says.
“Let’s see if we can save this blouse.” I excuse myself and head to the restroom.
I’m glad I have an excuse to take a moment to collect myself. Andreas is intense, in every way. I quickly realize it’s pretty much impossible to remove raspberry coulis from a blouse with toilet paper and a Dyson hand dryer. I’m only making it worse. I stare at the mirror and mourn my beautiful blouse for a moment, but then I let it go and return to Andreas.
“No luck?” He looks at my blouse and chuckles. “Should I ask for the bill, and you can come around the corner to my place to wash out the stains?”
He makes it sound innocent, but it’s anything but. If I say yes, am I also saying yes to that unspoken other question? Do I want to say yes? I thought I’d know what I wanted by the end of this dinner, but everything is so confusing.
On one hand, he wants to get to know me better. He even went so far as to dig up my whole life story. That might be a bit creepy, but he’s showing more interest in me than David ever did. He doesn’t want to hurt me. He’s inviting me to his apartment even though he said he never invites women home. And let’s not forget, he’s incredibly irresistible. On the other hand, he doesn’t want a serious relationship, so I’d be nothing more than a quick fling. Can I go along with that?
Andreas signals to our waiter that he’d like the bill. My mind is racing, I need to make a decision quickly. He takes out his credit card and places it on the table. He relaxes back into his chair and watches the waiter as he retrieves the card reader. He runs a hand through his jet-black hair. He’s at ease, exuding authority and strength once again. In that moment, I realize I can say yes to his offer. Even if it’s not the picket fence I someday want to have, how could I be immune to everything he has to offer right now? His muscular torso, trapped in that tight shirt, begging to be freed. His full lips, whose taste I know exactly, and want to taste again. His dark eyes that make me shiver with anticipation every time he looks right through me. I want to squeeze his backside and discover if my fantasies about the rest of his body are true. I need to touch him and to indulge. It’s been so damn long. If my mind still wants to protest, I quickly remind myself that Anna would be proud of me. I need to do this; she’s never given me bad advice.
Andreas pays the bill, and we leave the restaurant. The late evening sun casts a golden glow over Bruges. Guides with little flags and microphones, waffle stands, horses with carriages, crowded terraces, they all contribute to the lively atmosphere of the city. During the day, it can be a bit overwhelming and busy, but at this hour, there’s a unique vibe. As if we’ve all just discovered the most beautiful city in the world. A romantic city where you can get lost in the narrow streets, away from the grand historic squares and monuments, and where every house tells its own medieval story. The old cobblestones, however, aren’t very practical when you’re wearing heels. I wasn’t prepared for walking, so after a few dozen meters, I’m already struggling. Andreas is telling me something about the street we’re walking on and its history. Although that usually interests me, my full attention is now on maintaining my balance. Probably not a good look.
“Wouldn’t it be better to take off your shoes, Nora?” Andreas looks at me amused, and just at that moment, I take a wrong step and almost fall. As if he expected it, he immediately catches me by my waist. I grip his arm to steady myself.
“You’re probably right,” I admit.
I keep my grip on his muscular arm and take off my heels. His hand remains on my waist, and we continue walking toward his apartment. It feels wonderful to be so close to him, to not just yearn but to actually feel him. His hand feels so strong and protective. I’m exactly where I need to be. I almost instinctively rest my head against his shoulder but manage to hold back. I startle when Andreas’s phone rings. He takes it out of his back pocket and frowns at the screen.
“Sorry, I need to take this.” He doesn’t let go of me, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s all good.
“Hey, Anthony, do you have more news? ... What did she try? ... You’re kidding?!… Isabella has already destroyed enough, use every resource you’ve got, okay?… Alright, thanks. See you later.” He hangs up and lets out a deep sigh.
“Everything okay?” It didn’t sound okay.
“Yeah, nothing for you to worry about. Work. Boring.” He rolls his eyes to emphasize his point.
“It sounded more exciting.”
“It’s really not, just a tricky case.”
He manages to create some distance between us again, even though he’s still holding me. I realize I’m not going to get much more information. He’s not letting me into his world. His grip on me tightens and he pulls me closer. He senses I need reassurance. It works, because I immediately calm down under his touch.
When we arrive at B-Tech, I put my heels back on, and we take the private elevator to Andreas’s apartment on the top floor. The elevator doors open, and then I’m hit by one surprise after another. My cheerful mood is back in full force.
“It’s so beautiful here, Andreas. What a spacious, elegantly decorated living room. This is totally my style. The floors are stunning too. And the kitchen! Such bold colors and materials, but it works perfectly. Can I take a look at the terrace outside?” I’m like a bouncing ball. I don’t know where to look first.
“Go ahead, Nora, I’m glad you’re so excited.”
“Sorry if I’m being too curious. The real estate agent and interior designer in me are going wild. I’m in love with your apartment.” I step outside through the sliding door and enter an oasis of greenery and tranquility. “Wow, Andreas, what a lovely outdoor space, it's so unique for the city center. And a jacuzzi, amazing.” I try not to drool.
“Shall I show you the bathroom? Then you can wash out your blouse.”
“Oh yes, right, thank you.” Andreas leads me back through the kitchen and living room to the hallway and opens the bathroom door.
“Bathroom” might not be the right word. This is a full-on wellness retreat.
I see white marble everywhere, interspersed with bold dark gray tiles. To the left, a massive custom-made vanity with a mirror that spans the entire wall above it. How do you even get something like that up here? On the opposite side of the room from the mirror wall, there’s a rain shower, a sauna, and something I suspect is a hammam. The freestanding bathtub is right in front of me, under a large window with a view of Bruges’ city center. Beautiful houses make me so happy. I can’t stop smiling, and I see that my good mood is contagious because Andreas also seems in high spirits. Although, it quickly becomes clear to me that it’s for a different reason. He looks at us in the mirror and places his hands on my shoulders. My heart skips a beat, and I hold my breath. The atmosphere in the room changes instantly. The tension between us is almost tangible again.
You knew what it meant to come here with him.
