The evening air was heavy with the scent of roses and laughter. The garden glimmered under a canopy of fairy lights, each bulb strung with the care of someone desperate to make this wedding unforgettable. Lila adjusted her lavender dress, smoothing out imaginary creases, as she watched couples sway to the rhythm of a jazz quartet playing softly in the background. She had always loved weddings, but tonight, she felt oddly detached. Maybe it was the string of failed relationships that had left her wary of love—or perhaps it was the way she’d caught the bride’s mother throwing her a pitiful glance earlier, as if to say, Poor thing, still single.

She moved to the edge of the garden, seeking solace in the shadows cast by the towering oak trees. The champagne flute in her hand was warm, untouched since the toast. Lila was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice him at first. A man stood a few feet away, leaning casually against the tree trunk, his dark suit tailored to perfection. He wasn’t looking at her, not at first. His gaze was fixed on the crowd, as if observing a distant world he didn’t belong to.

And then he turned.

His eyes locked onto hers, and Lila felt an unfamiliar flutter in her chest. It wasn’t just that he was handsome, though he undeniably was, with dark, tousled hair and cheekbones sharp enough to cut through the night. There was something in his expression—a quiet intensity, a spark of mischief—that made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t in years.

“Hiding, or just people-watching?” His voice was deep, smooth, and slightly teasing.

Lila blinked, caught off guard. “A little of both, I guess.” She gestured vaguely toward the crowd. “Weddings can be... overwhelming.”

He stepped closer, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Let me guess. You’re hiding from an overenthusiastic aunt who’s dying to set you up with her neighbor’s son?”

Lila laughed, a genuine laugh that surprised even her. “Close enough. And you? What brings you out here?”

“I could say the same,” he replied, his eyes glinting. “Overwhelming, isn’t it?”

It was a simple exchange, nothing earth-shattering, yet Lila felt a connection forming—fragile but undeniable. She glanced down at her champagne flute, suddenly self-conscious. “I’m Lila, by the way.”

“Adrian.” He extended his hand, and when their fingers touched, a current seemed to pass between them. Lila felt her breath hitch but quickly dismissed it as her imagination.

For the next hour, they talked. It was easy in a way that felt almost magical. Adrian was quick-witted and charming, but not in the way most men were at weddings, trying too hard to impress. He asked her questions about herself, genuinely interested in her thoughts and stories. He listened, really listened, and when he spoke, his words carried a weight that made her want to know more.

“So, what’s the story with you?” he asked at one point, leaning in slightly as if to hear her better over the music.

Lila shrugged, feeling oddly nervous under his gaze. “Not much to tell. I work in PR. I love what I do, but it’s... demanding. It doesn’t leave much room for a social life.”

Adrian tilted his head. “Is that the polite way of saying you’re married to your job?”

She laughed again, shaking her head. “Not married to it, no. But it’s been easier to focus on work than... other things.”

He didn’t press, but the knowing look in his eyes told her he understood. Lila found herself wondering about him, about his life beyond this wedding. Yet every time she asked a question, he skillfully turned the conversation back to her. It was infuriating and intriguing all at once.

“What about you?” she finally asked, determined to even the playing field. “What do you do?”

Adrian hesitated for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. “I’m in consulting,” he said vaguely, then added with a smirk, “It’s not nearly as glamorous as it sounds.”

“You’re dodging,” she teased, arching an eyebrow.

“And you’re perceptive,” he countered, his grin widening. “Maybe I’ll tell you more if you’re still curious by the end of the night.”

Lila rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. There was a playfulness in his tone that kept her guessing, and for the first time in a long while, she felt alive—truly alive.

As the evening wore on, the crowd began to thin. The jazz quartet packed up, replaced by a DJ playing slow, dreamy melodies. Lila felt the weight of the day settling in, but she didn’t want this moment to end. Adrian seemed to sense it too, his gaze lingering on her as if memorizing every detail.

“Dance with me,” he said suddenly, holding out his hand.

Lila hesitated, glancing at the few couples still swaying under the lights. “I’m not much of a dancer,” she admitted.

“Neither am I,” he replied, stepping closer. “But I think we’ll manage.”

Before she could protest, he took her hand and led her to the makeshift dance floor. The music was soft and haunting, a ballad about love and loss. Adrian placed one hand on her waist, the other still holding hers, and they began to move. His touch was gentle but firm, guiding her in a way that made her forget her self-consciousness.

For a moment, the world around them faded. It was just the two of them, moving in sync under the canopy of lights. Lila felt her heart racing, a mix of exhilaration and fear. She barely knew this man, yet he made her feel something she hadn’t felt in years—hope.

When the song ended, Adrian didn’t let go immediately. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Lila’s pulse quickened as she searched his eyes for something—a sign, a clue—but all she found was that same quiet intensity that had drawn her to him in the first place.

“You’re trouble,” she whispered, half-joking, half-serious.

Adrian’s lips curved into a slow smile. “And you’re irresistible.”

Lila felt her cheeks flush, but before she could respond, someone called Adrian’s name from across the garden. He stepped back reluctantly, glancing over his shoulder.

“Looks like my cover’s blown,” he said, a hint of regret in his voice. “But this isn’t goodbye.”

“Oh?” Lila raised an eyebrow, trying to mask her disappointment.

“No,” he said firmly, his gaze locking onto hers once more. “This is just the beginning.”

And with that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Lila standing under the lights, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: Adrian had already changed something in her, something she wasn’t sure she could ever undo.

Lila was halfway through her latte at the cozy little café near her office when she saw him. Adrian. Her heart skipped, and she nearly dropped the cup in shock. It had been weeks since the wedding, but the memory of their brief, electric encounter still lingered, like an unspoken promise hanging in the air. The last time she’d seen him, he’d slipped away into the crowd, leaving her standing alone in the garden, wondering if the connection they’d shared was real or just a fleeting moment.

But now, there he was, sitting at the corner table of the café, casually flipping through a newspaper, his dark suit jacket draped across the back of his chair. His eyes flicked up for a brief second, and when they locked onto hers, something in his gaze shifted. It wasn’t just a passing glance; it was intense, as if he’d been waiting for her to show up all along.

Lila felt a rush of heat spread across her body. The butterflies were back, that familiar fluttering in her stomach. She’d almost forgotten the effect he had on her, how the smallest look from him made her feel as though she were the only person in the room.

She tried to look away, pretending not to notice him, but her eyes betrayed her. They lingered, scanning the way his shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal toned forearms, the subtle definition of muscles that hinted at just how much time he spent at the gym. Her gaze wandered lower, taking in the sharp lines of his jaw and the confident way he sat. She’d never been the type to admire a man so thoroughly, but Adrian was different.

There was something magnetic about him, something that pulled at her in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

And then, of course, there were his eyes—those dark, almost smoldering eyes that seemed to pierce right through her. They were locked on her now, and for a moment, she could’ve sworn he was reading her thoughts. She quickly turned her gaze back to her cup, her cheeks warming.

"You know," a voice suddenly interrupted her reverie, "I was wondering when you’d notice me." Lila looked up, startled, and there he was, standing in front of her, a playful grin spreading across his face. Adrian.

"What—how long have you been standing there?" she stammered, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. Her heart was still racing from the shock of seeing him again, but she couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips.

"Long enough to watch you pretend not to stare," he said with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Not that I mind."

Lila laughed, a little embarrassed but also thoroughly charmed by his ease. "I wasn’t staring," she said, though she knew it was a lie. "I just—wasn’t expecting to see you."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I could say the same." His gaze flickered down to her lips, and Lila felt a shiver run down her spine, though she couldn’t quite figure out why. "I thought maybe we could share a coffee this time," he said, his words smooth but with a hint of something else beneath them.

"Isn’t it a little... early for that?" Lila teased, though she was already standing up, gathering her things. There was no way she could say no to him. Not when he was standing there looking so effortlessly handsome, and certainly not when the pull between them felt this strong.

Adrian’s grin widened, and for a moment, Lila swore she saw something flicker in his eyes—something intense, like he was battling an urge to step closer. "Maybe not for me," he said. "Or for you, if you’re being honest."

Her stomach flipped. She couldn’t deny that he had this way of making her feel things she hadn’t felt in years—things that made her feel alive, but also vulnerable in a way she wasn’t used to.

They walked to the counter together, and as they ordered, Lila couldn’t help but steal a glance at him again. His dark hair was a little tousled, and she noticed the faintest stubble along his jaw. She briefly imagined what it would feel like to run her fingers through his hair, to pull him closer and breathe in the scent of his cologne. Her heart raced at the thought, and she quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t caught her staring.

"Are you always this... distracted?" he asked, his voice low but playful, like he knew exactly what was going through her mind.

"I wasn’t distracted," she said quickly, her face flushing. "I was just—"

"Thinking about what it would be like to kiss me?" He finished her sentence, his smile mischievous, and Lila nearly choked on her sip of coffee.

"What?" she sputtered, trying to sound indignant, but she could feel the heat creeping up her neck.

"You don’t have to be coy, Lila," Adrian said, his tone shifting to something softer, more intimate. He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "I can tell when someone’s thinking about me. And I have to admit, you’ve crossed my mind a few times, too."

Lila’s breath hitched, and she felt her body react before her mind could catch up. His proximity was intoxicating, and she had to remind herself to focus, to think clearly. But it was hard when every part of her seemed to be screaming for more.

They found a small table near the window, and as they sat down, Adrian slid his phone across the table. "I think we need to exchange numbers," he said, his voice still carrying that dangerous edge. "Just in case you want to keep this conversation going."

Lila hesitated, staring at the phone, her pulse racing. She could feel the weight of the moment, the choice hanging between them. She knew she should say no, that she wasn’t ready for whatever this was. But when she met his gaze, she saw something in his eyes—a promise, a challenge—and she couldn’t resist.

"Fine," she said, reaching for his phone and typing in her number. "But don’t get any ideas, Adrian. I’m not that easy."

He chuckled, his eyes glinting. "Don’t worry, Lila. I’m just getting started."

As she handed the phone back, she felt the electricity between them, a tension thick in the air. Lila wasn’t sure what this was—where it was going—but one thing was for sure: Adrian was a force she didn’t know how to fight.

And she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

With a slow smile, Adrian stood up, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer. "I’ll text you," he said softly, his voice low and almost... seductive. "Soon."

Lila watched him walk out of the café, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what was coming next, but she knew one thing for certain: she was already falling—fast.

The café door jingled faintly as Adrian walked out, leaving Lila sitting at the small corner table, her heart still thundering in her chest. She stared down at her half-empty cup, the swirl of foam at the top mirroring the whirl of emotions she couldn’t quite tame. How was it possible for someone to have this kind of effect on her? She barely knew him, yet it felt as though he’d reached in and flipped a switch inside her—one she hadn’t even known existed.

She’d been cautious for so long, carefully building walls after years of disappointment. But Adrian… he was different. The way he looked at her, spoke to her, it was as though he could see right through the cracks she’d worked so hard to hide. And that terrified her almost as much as it thrilled her.

Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. She reached for it with shaky fingers, half-expecting to see his name lighting up the screen.

Instead, it was a text from her friend Jenna: “Where are you? Lunch tomorrow? Need deets on the mystery man from the wedding.”

Lila sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. She’d barely mentioned Adrian to Jenna, only sharing the barest details of their fleeting encounter. And now, here he was, barging into her life again like some kind of storm—unexpected and impossible to ignore.

Her mind wandered back to the way he’d stood so close, the heat of his presence sending shivers along her skin. She could still hear the low timbre of his voice, the playful confidence in his words. She could still feel…

Lila shook her head, willing herself to focus. She needed clarity, not this whirlwind of emotions.

That evening, as Lila stepped into her apartment, the tension she’d been holding all day seemed to follow her in. She dropped her bag on the kitchen counter and leaned against the wall, replaying their interaction over and over. The way his lips curved into that mischievous grin, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her…

A soft knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. Lila furrowed her brows as she approached. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Peering through the peephole, her breath caught.

Adrian.

She opened the door, her heart leaping into her throat. “What are you doing here?” she asked, the surprise evident in her voice.

He leaned casually against the doorframe, his hands tucked into his pockets. “I wanted to see you,” he said simply, his voice smooth and warm. “Thought maybe we could pick up where we left off.”

Lila’s pulse quickened. She should have been wary, suspicious even, but the way he looked at her made all logic melt away. “It’s… kind of late,” she managed, though she didn’t move to close the door.

“And yet, here I am,” Adrian countered, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Can I come in?”

For a moment, Lila hesitated. But something in his gaze—something earnest, almost vulnerable—made her step aside, allowing him in. As he walked past her, she caught a faint whiff of his cologne, a heady mix of cedar and spice that made her knees weak.

They settled on the couch, the silence between them charged. Lila fiddled with the hem of her sweater, unsure of what to say. Adrian, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, his gaze never wavering from hers.

“You’re nervous,” he observed softly.

“I’m not nervous,” she lied, though her flushed cheeks gave her away.

He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “You don’t have to be. I’m not here to scare you off.”

“Then why are you here?” she asked, meeting his eyes. “Really?”

Adrian’s expression softened, his playful demeanor giving way to something more serious. “Because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” he admitted. “Not since that night at the wedding.”

Lila’s breath hitched. The honesty in his voice, the intensity in his gaze, it was almost too much. She looked away, her heart racing. “You barely know me,” she said quietly.

“Maybe,” he agreed, leaning in slightly. “But I know enough to want to know more.”

Her eyes flicked back to his, and in that moment, the air between them seemed to crackle. Adrian reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch was gentle, his fingers lingering just long enough to send a shiver down her spine.

“Lila,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. “If I’m overstepping, tell me now.”

She couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. All she could do was nod, a silent permission that sent Adrian leaning closer. When his lips met hers, it was like the world fell away. The kiss was slow at first, tentative, as if testing the waters. But it didn’t take long for the intensity to build, for the heat between them to ignite.

Adrian’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer as his lips moved against hers with an urgency that matched the pounding of her heart. She could feel the warmth of his body, the strength in his touch, and it made her dizzy.

Lila’s hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palms. She wasn’t sure when she’d moved, but suddenly she was straddling him, her legs on either side of his as their kiss deepened. His hands roamed her back, his touch firm yet gentle, sending sparks shooting through her every nerve.

When he pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, his breath was ragged. “You… have no idea what you do to me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Lila’s lips tingled, her body buzzing with electricity. “Then don’t stop,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Adrian’s eyes darkened, his hands sliding up to cup her face. For a moment, it seemed like he might give in, might let the passion consuming them take over. But then he pulled back, his jaw clenched, a conflicted look in his eyes.

“Lila,” he said softly, his voice laced with regret. “I can’t. Not tonight.”

Her brows furrowed, confusion and frustration swirling within her. “Why?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, his expression pained. “Because if we go any further, I won’t be able to stop,” he admitted. “And you deserve more than just a moment. You deserve… everything.”

Lila’s heart ached at his words, the sincerity in his tone both comforting and maddening. She wanted to argue, to tell him she didn’t care, that she wanted him. But the look in his eyes silenced her. He was holding back for her, and that made her chest tighten.

As he stood, she felt the loss of his warmth, the absence of his touch like a void. Adrian leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, Lila,” he murmured before walking to the door.

She watched him go, a storm of emotions raging within her. When the door clicked shut, she sank back onto the couch, her fingers grazing her lips where his kiss still lingered. She didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain: Adrian had left her longing for more. And then, it hit her: "Wait… how did he even know where I live?"

Before she could fully grasp the unsettling thought, her phone buzzed to life, illuminating Adrian’s name on the screen. Her breath caught in her throat as a chilling wave of dread swept over her, freezing her in place.