When his gaze refocuses on me, as if he’s returned to the present moment, I feel as though he can read my thoughts. Now, I’m the one who feels exposed. Without breaking eye contact or uttering a word, he takes the champagne glass from my hand, placing both glasses on a side table near the window. Then, his hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing softly along my jawline. I freeze, rooted to the spot. I can’t speak, and my heart pounds in my chest. What is he doing? Is this really happening?
Still holding my gaze, he steps closer, so near now that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. My entire being feels like it’s on fire, my legs turning to jelly. I fight the urge to sink to the floor as his other hand comes up to cradle my face. He moves slowly, giving me every opportunity to pull away, to protest. But I’m mesmerized, caught in his spell, and I don’t stop him.
“I’m going to kiss you, Nora.”
He looks at me with determination and desire but gives me two extra seconds to think. Instead of pushing him away, I instinctively bite my lower lip and moisten it with my tongue. I want to taste him. I’ve never felt a longing as intense as this. Andreas reads my silent message, tightening his hold on me as he leans in.
What follows is the most mind-blowing kiss I’ve ever experienced. He starts gently, but when he hears me respond with a moan, his tongue claims my mouth entirely. I press my hand against his chest, and every ounce of composure melts away when I feel the solid muscles beneath his shirt. His heart races; mine feels like it might stop altogether. My other hand slides into his hair, gripping it tightly, drawing a primal growl from deep in his throat. His hand shifts from my face to my lower back, pulling me close against him. I can feel the hard evidence of his desire, and the realization that I have this effect on him crashes over me like a tidal wave. Where is this passion coming from? What does he want? And what am I doing?
I came here to sell a house—not myself. I can’t let this spiral any further. A man like Andreas kissing me can only lead to disaster. I have to stay professional. My body screams for more, but my mind takes control. I push Andreas away and step back, gasping for air, scrambling to regain control of the situation. I don’t dare meet his eyes; my thoughts are a whirlwind of confusion, desire and shame.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do this. This is a bad idea,” I stammer.
I rush to his desk, grab all the necessary papers, stuff them into my bag, and sprint away. Andreas doesn’t stop me. The entire drive home, I fight to steady my emotions, but it’s a losing battle. My thoughts swing wildly between the thrill of the most electrifying kiss of my life and disgust at my own unprofessional behavior. Why didn’t I say no? What does Andreas want from me? How will things go the next time I see him? And why has my quiet life been turned upside down in just two days?
Did he truly just kiss me?
Once I’m home, I send a message to Anna. I’m not sure if I want to tell her everything, but I know I’ll need to vent to someone about this. Friday night cocktails might be just the remedy I need. By the time I’ve put on my pajamas and flopped onto the couch, I already have a reply: Cocktails on Friday, check! Until then, I try to distract myself, but I already know that’s going to be a nearly impossible task.
* * *
As predicted, the following days are restless. The kiss with Andreas invades my thoughts at the most inconvenient moments. I try not to dwell on it, but every now and then, I catch myself daydreaming. The nights aren’t much better. It’s not just the heat in the attic making me toss and turn, my dreams about Andreas are getting wilder by the night. Sleep is elusive, and by Friday, I’m relieved to leave the workweek behind.
Standing in front of the mirror, I apply some light makeup and lip gloss. I opt for a breezy white wrap dress that flatters my figure and cleavage without being too revealing. My hair is styled in a casual yet carefully thought-out bun. I look good and I’m in the mood for a cocktail. Grabbing a denim jacket in case the evening turns chilly, I hop on my bike and head toward the city center. We’re meeting at De Republiek, a summer haven with its cozy, enclosed terrace and delicious tapas. Relieved to spot Anna already seated at one of the sought-after tables, I stride toward her with a smile.
“Hey, Anna, I’m so glad you were free tonight! How’s the baby? Not too much morning sickness, I hope?”
“I really can’t complain. I’m not throwing up, I’m just really tired and constantly hungry. Rice cakes are my best friends right now. I even managed to sneak in a two-hour nap after work so I wouldn’t pass out at the table tonight.”
“Well, if you do, at least I’ll know it’s not my company putting you to sleep! Let’s order something to drink and some tapas to share.”
We scan the QR code on the table and place our order. Anna goes for a Virgin Mojito, and I opt for the Dark ‘n Stormy. We also order a portion of nachos to nibble on. As we wait, Anna fills me in on how she broke the news of her pregnancy to her parents and their emotional reaction to becoming grandparents for the first time. I can easily imagine them bursting into tears—they’re the sweetest people ever. Their grandchild is bound to be utterly spoiled. Our conversation is interrupted when our order arrives at the table.
“How was your week, Nora? Can we toast to the sale of that million-euro villa? You didn’t update me, did it fall through?" Anna asks, her tone concerned.
“We can definitely toast to that! I sold it! Drinks are on me tonight!” I exclaim a little too loudly in my excitement.
“Oh, that’s amazing news, I’m so happy for you! I’ve been thinking about it all week, you could’ve let me know, you know! I really thought it didn’t work out and that you were here tonight to drown your sorrows.”
“It worked out in the end, thankfully, but let’s just say it didn’t go entirely as planned.” I try to keep the tone light with that last sentence, but Anna’s smart and has known me for a long time. I’m not getting away with such a vague explanation.
“What aren’t you telling me, Nora? I can see you’re blushing and fidgeting in your seat, out with it!”
I take a deep breath and launch into the whole story about Andreas: how I walked out on him after he “humiliated” me during the tour, how he later apologized, and how we eventually managed to work together to close the deal quickly. But when I get to the part about what happened in his office, my words falter. I want to tell Anna—I need to—but even now, I’m struggling to process it all.
I’m desperate for her advice, though.
“That meeting in his office, Anna, it wasn’t just about signing papers. The meetings before that weren’t exactly normal either. At first, I thought I was imagining the tension between us, but he clearly felt it too. He didn’t just let me leave after the papers were signed. He offered me champagne, we chatted a bit, and then he kissed me. I’m still completely stunned by it.” I let out a desperate sigh.
Anna stares at me with her mouth agape. I can’t blame her, I’m still in shock myself, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had an exciting romantic story to tell about myself. I don’t exactly have a new romantic adventure every week, and after David, I deliberately stayed away from anything amorous. My life wasn't exactly exciting before David either, and now suddenly there’s Andreas. Anna's eyes are sparkling with curiosity, and she clearly wants to know more.
“And then, Nora, what happened next? Did you meet again? Did you go beyond kissing? My God, did you stay the night?” she asks a little too loudly, her big, curious eyes demanding an answer from me.
“No, are you crazy! Of course not!” I clutch my hand to my chest. “I ended up pushing him away and saying this couldn’t happen. I was there to sell a house, remember? I can’t believe I was so reckless during a business meeting. Besides, I don’t even know him, and judging by his behavior during our first meeting, I’m not even sure I can trust him.” It all sounds very logical.
Anna’s smile has disappeared, and instead, I’m met with a pair of critical, narrowed eyes.
“Okay, Nora, I want answers to a few questions, and then you’re going to listen very carefully to me!” she says sternly.
