Breathless moments
"Aphrodite! Wake up already! It's getting late! Don’t start whining later."
The sharp voice hit the sleeping girl’s eardrums like a sudden jolt, one she wished she could ignore. She opened her eyes reluctantly, only to close them again as the soft, cool breeze from the open window brushed against her face.
"Just… five more minutes… I promise," murmured the sleeping beauty, pulling the blanket over her head and drifting back into her world of dreams.
Minutes later, the blanket was yanked away, forcing her to leave her small slice of heaven.
She stretched lazily, rubbing her drowsy eyes, and glancing at the clock. Her stomach twisted with irritation—it was far too early.
"Seriously, Rose?! It’s just nine in the morning! How dare you wake me up this early!" Aphrodite snapped, her tone sharp with frustration.
Rose leaned against the door, which bore a small ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, and let out an exasperated sigh, facepalming in pure annoyance.
"And did you forget that you’re going to be late for your interview?" Rose added, leaving Aphrodite momentarily stunned.
"Oh no… the interview is in an hour! I’m so doomed—" Aphrodite bolted toward the bathroom, cursing herself for forgetting something so important, while Rose shook her head and walked away.
_____________________________________________
Later, at 5 p.m.
Aphrodite sat slouched in a cozy café, her frustration clear as she faced her best friend, Ivy.
"Aphy… you don’t look okay. Rough day?" Ivy asked, concern etching her features.
Aphrodite groaned, launching into her rant.
"Where do I even start? Ever since I was fired from that so-called company over minor mistakes, finding a new job has been a nightmare. Today’s interview got postponed for some unknown reason, and I’m not even sure I’ll make it through the rescheduled one."
Ivy’s curiosity piqued. "Wait… fired over minor mistakes? What happened?"
Aphrodite slammed her hand on the wooden table, the floral-patterned cloth rattling under the impact.
"They called me lazy because I was late a few dozen times! And if that wasn’t enough, they spread ridiculous rumors that I’m a single mother with a bunch of kids and no money! Ugh!"
Ivy smiled gently, trying to calm her. "Forget the past, Aphy. Focus on what’s ahead."
After their brief “therapy session,” they rose from the table and headed toward the café exit.
Aphrodite walked without noticing where her steps took her, her mind still tangled in frustration.
In a heartbeat, a tall, handsome man intercepted her, one hand gripping her waist. Their eyes locked for a few intense seconds.
"Learn how to walk, woman," he said, his voice sharp and commanding.
With that, he pushed her aside abruptly and strode past, leaving her stunned with an uncomfortable stinging headache in his wake.
Aphrodite’s POV
Those dark blue eyes—so deep they reminded me of the Pacific Ocean—locked onto mine. Messy hair framed his face as if styled perfectly just for him, and his soft red lips seemed to beg for mine.
I was lost in him, oblivious to everything else. But like every story, it had an ending—he pushed me away after a few seconds.
"Learn how to walk, woman," he said, his low, deep voice sending goosebumps down my spine.
I couldn’t help staring, admiring his broad back and towering height. Tall men had always had a certain charm. My gaze wandered accidentally… and well, his backside was… impossible to ignore. Not my fault—it was just very noticeable.
A strange connection ran through me when his large hand brushed mine, making me feel small, even at my 5'9". I could tell he was well over six feet.
A gentle pat on my shoulder broke my thoughts. I turned to Ivy, who looked perturbed again, and reassured her I was fine.
_____________________________________________
A few days later
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
It had been a few days since the elevator incident, and I still couldn’t get him out of my head. I forced myself out of my cozy bed for the interview—annoyingly rescheduled for today.
I slipped into black jeans and a slightly cropped white turtleneck, accentuating my waist. Black necklace, matching earrings, a few rings, and opened hair to complete my look.
I waved goodbye to my sister, Rose, and swung onto my bike. I wasn’t a sports fan, but I loved riding bikes. Maybe the weekend would allow a little fun—after my hopeless interview, of course.
Helmet on, I revved my black bike—a gift from one of my uncles—and started riding.
The wind was soothing, the scenery calming. I preferred night skies, but weekends had their charm too.
The traffic light turned red, forcing me to brake. Irritating. I glanced around to pass the time.
A sleek black Mercedes-Benz C-Class stopped beside me. Frosted windows. I peeked, hoping to catch a rich guy’s attention with my looks. No luck.
Green light. For a laugh, I flicked the middle finger at the car, revved my bike, and sped ahead. I laughed at the silly rebellion.
The building loomed ahead—massive, thirty floors at least. Elowen, the company I was interviewing at, was one of the most renowned on the continent, probably the world.
I’d never cared about business, but my family had insisted I study it.
Inside, the lobby was extravagant—paintings everywhere. Multinational, high-class, and completely intimidating.
I filled in my details and was directed to the 10th floor. The room should be obvious once I got there.
In the elevator, I fixed my hair. Just as the doors were closing, a hand appeared, holding them open. A tall, fair, handsome man stepped in—not my type, I told myself.
I leaned back, glancing at my watch as he pressed the 10th-floor button. His gaze lingered on me and my outfit. I knew I was attractive—but staring was a little… much.
His light green eyes held mine. Hair neatly styled, black suit perfect, Rolex gleaming on his wrist. I envied that watch.
"Can’t take your eyes off me?" he asked, voice soft and teasing.
I laughed lightly. "Not that you’re my type. I just like the watch."
He laughed. Gentle, calming, yet sending little butterflies through me.
"You want it? You’ll have to earn it," he said smoothly.
"Earn it? How?" I asked, the elevator climbing steadily.
He pinned me lightly against the wall, lifting my chin—a shiver ran down my spine. "Maybe with a taste of your lips?"
I smirked, pushing him back, now pinning him against the wall. "Sorry, love. I save that for my prince charming."
He smiled, brushing my lips softly. "And what if I am your prince charming?"
I leaned closer, whispering seductively, "Oh? And why should I believe that?"
The elevator reached the 8th floor. He drew even closer, his hand at my neck. "Want me to prove it?" His husky voice made my cheeks burn.
"Let me think about it," I said, distracting him while slowly slipping the Rolex off his wrist.
Our lips hovered inches apart, our breathing in sync, my heart racing.
At the 10th floor, I pushed him away, blew a kiss, and walked off with the watch in hand.
He followed, calling after me, "I didn’t get my answer yet!"
I turned slightly, flashing a seductive smile and a wink.
