AURELIA
I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my anxiety spiking with each passing second. 8:47 AM. Thirteen minutes until my shift started, and I was still stuck at this wretched bus stop.
The usually reliable cab service was nowhere to be found, courtesy of the morning traffic chaos. I paced back and forth, my heels clicking impatiently on the pavement.
“Come on, come on,” I muttered to myself.
With a huff, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began walking, my heels clicking faster as I picked up pace. But my haste proved costly. One step and my heel snapped, sending me stumbling.
“No, no, no!” I exclaimed, frustration boiling over.
I limped to the side of the road, assessing the damage. Broken heel, ruined shoe, and a rapidly approaching deadline.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
Just as despair started to set in, a sleek black sedan glided to a stop beside me. The driver’s window rolled down, revealing a chiseled face with piercing brown eyes.
I blinked once, then twice, my heart jumping to my throat.
“Ezekiel Sterling?” I gasped, brows knitted in shock and confusion.
The renowned actor flashed his famous smile, his sunglasses dangling at the bridge of his nose as he leaned back in his seat.
“Need a ride, beautiful?” he asked and I looked left and right to make sure he was talking to me.
“Me?” I stupidly blurted out, and his hearty laughter floated in the air, head tipped back as the hot breeze ruffled his loose ponytail.
With a natural grace, he stepped out of the car and opened the car door for me. His laughter mellowed down, resting into a charming grin.
“Yes you,” he confirms, gesturing towards the passenger’s seat.
I gulped my spit, my mind racing as my anxious gaze shifted between him and my watch. I tried not to think too much of the gesture, focusing on the fact that he was just a kind celebrity. Something very rare these days.
This was purely a coincidence and I should make the most of it.
It was a whole lot better than trudging through the streets of New York in broken heels. So after much deliberation, I slid into the luxurious interior of the car, welcomed by the soothing scent of lavender and a hint of grape.
“Thanks,” I managed to say, still in awe. I’m in Ezekiel Sterling’s car for crying out loud! “I’m running ridiculously late.”
Ezekiel chuckled, settling into his seat and accelerating smoothly into the traffic.
“I’m always happy to rescue a damsel in distress,” he said, eyes crinkling at the corners.
I forced a smile in return, too hyperaware of my situation to relax or be relieved. It was a normal reaction, especially when sitting next to a top-tier celebrity who knew how your lips tasted.
I shook my head, almost as if to shake off my intrusive thoughts. No. I wasn’t going to think about that damned kiss. Not here, and not now.
Ezekiel’s gaze shifted from the road to me, his eyes sparkling with childlike curiosity and intrigue. My fingers played with the hem of my skirt as I noticed his stare. Why is he looking at me like that?
“It’s a beautiful day today, but you look like you had a rough morning.”
I flushed, my composure unraveling under his casual tone. This was Ezekiel Sterling, after all the man who made women swoon on-screen- me included.
Rough was a nice way to put it, especially when my ankles are protesting for freedom.
“I-I’m fine, thanks,” I stuttered, avoiding eye contact. I couldn’t possibly meet his gaze, the man was a walking distraction.
Ezekiel chuckled. “You’re not very convincing.”
A moment of silence passed, a moment of excruciating awkward silence.
“Would you like me to turn on the radio?” He asked, and I nodded stiffly in response.
The radio came alive, dispelling the silence between us with a trendy tune. Dynamite by BTS. “What’s your favorite song?”
“Huh?”
“Just asking.” He glanced at me, his eyes hiding under the screen of his glasses. “My favorite is Roar by Katy Perry.”
I coughed out a short laugh, the image of him singing along to a song like that was as clear as day in my mind. And hell was it hilarious.
“Roar my Katy Perry?” I giggled, soon realizing my mistake as I looked up at him.
My breath hitched as I met his gaze. His glasses were gone, and now resting on his crown, his annoyance evident in the crease in his brow.
Shit. Have I fucked up?
“I’m sorry-” apologizing came on instinct, but he cut me off.
“What’s wrong with Katy Perry.” The crease in his brow transitioned to a teasing curve, and I was taken aback by the playfulness in his tone. “I think the song is fire, especially during the shower.”
“Why are you talking to me like this?” I asked, genuinely curious. This was going beyond a kind gesture. I know a lot of people would kill to be in my position, and here he was sharing personal notes on himself like we were close.
Ezekiel returned his gaze to the road, a mischievous grin overtaking his features. “I figure our little kiss at the photoshoot broke the ice.”
My face ignited, and I choked on my spit. Literally. “That was strictly professional!” I yelled in panic, as it was the only reasonable response my brain could come up with.
Ezekiel burst into laughter. “I was just joking, Aurelia! You’re adorable when you’re flustered.”
Adorable? My cheeks only got hotter. And did he just address me by my first name?!
But then, when I was just getting to wrap my head around it all, his expression turned playful. “Although, you were a pretty great kisser.”
I felt like I had been given a heavy blow to the gut, doubling the over with my hands shielding my face.
The fuck? Why would he say that so casually?
My face burned hotter than the sun, and I quickly looked out the window to escape his teasing gaze. That’s when I noticed we were veering off the usual route to work.
Startled, I straightened up.
“This isn’t the way to the office.” I deliriously said a new wave of panic washing over me. I faced Ezekiel, taking note of the cunning smirk on his face.
His fingers worked on the steering wheel as he glanced at my feet. “I think you need some emergency shoe shopping.”
I looked down at my broken heel, realization settling in, but it still didn’t make sense. Why was Ezekiel willing to take me shopping? Is this another gesture of kindness? Or was it something more?
And also, I was feeling a strong sense of De ja vu.
“But I’m late for work-”
Before I could protest, he took a sharp right turn, leading us further away from my destination. “Mr Sterling?!” I called out to him, alarm creeping into my voice.
“Where are we going?”
What is this? Am I being kidnapped?
On the contrary to my reaction, Ezekiel appeared unbothered. He grinned excitedly, and I instinctively knew I was in for one hell of a ride. “Somewhere with amazing shoes,” Ezekiel replied, his eyes twinkling. “Trust me.”