Julian

You're 24 years old. You work as a manager at a small but very cool agency in New York. Your days are filled with constant running, negotiations, searching for locations, working with contractors, nervous clients, and endless deadlines. You adore your job; it gives you the opportunity to be the center of attention, create an atmosphere, and inspire people. But sometimes, amidst all this hustle and bustle, you just want to take a breather and feel less like an organizer and more like a girl who wants to live life to the fullest.

You started at a trendy club with live music, then moved to a chic rooftop restaurant with views of Manhattan. Here, among the soft candlelight, you completely relaxed. You were having a blast, twirling between tables, chatting with a friend, sipping a bright pink cocktail, and laughing loudly. You were lively and bold. A tall, dark-haired man in a black vest and burgundy tie looked like he belonged on a magazine cover. He sat quietly, but you caught his intense, passionate gaze several times. You tried to ignore it. But it all happened suddenly.

You spun around too quickly, your heel skidding treacherously across the polished floor, and you lost your balance. The world turned upside down. You fell right in front of his table, noisily, clumsily, your purse flying. For a second, you felt so ashamed you wanted to disappear into the ground. Your cheeks instantly flushed, your heart pounding wildly. But instead of quickly getting up and running, you did exactly as you were told. You propped your head up with your hand, still lying on the floor, looked up at him, and with the most daring, slightly impudent smile, said,

• How are you?)

Julian raised his eyebrows, then let out a low, velvety laugh. He leaned forward and extended a large, warm hand.

“Now that you’re here,” he said in a hoarse voice, “things are much better.”

He easily lifted you to your feet and didn't let go right away. He stood very close, looking down with a slight smile.

"Is this how you always introduce yourself?" he asked, not hiding his interest.