Lucian and I met in a very sweet way. I can still remember that day, it was raining so hard. The weather was so bad, lashing lightning everywhere.
It was the middle of the semester, and it was the first time I had experienced going home so late.
I decided to stay longer in the classroom, scribble some notes, and just savor the moment of being a real student.
I had never spent this late in school before. Mostly, Dad was ready to pick me up after my last subject. However, there would just be times like this when you want a space of your own.
Then a thunder echoed around the vast hallways, startling my inner peace. I began packing my things but I remember that Dad had some urgent appointments, I don't want to trouble him so an idea popped into my mind.
Why don't I try taking a cab as normal people do? With that thought in mind, I texted him that I will be late because of a school project. Little did he know that I walked from my building to the gate of our University to hail a taxi.
I was holding on tightly to my umbrella however a sudden blow of wind flipped it and the last thing I knew I was soaked and cold in the middle of the road.
Just great, now what do I do?
I tried saving my umbrella but there was no hope. I sighed in annoyance until a red Mustang suddenly stopped at my side.
I was hugging myself when the driver suddenly emerged from the driver's seat and I was so shocked that it was him. It was Lucian.
"Hey come on, I'll drive you home," he called and gently grab my arm. He opened the passenger seat and I was greeted by his manly scent occupying most of his car.
It was warm and cozy inside his car but I was hesitant to sit since I'm all wet and I don't want to ruin his obvious luxury car seat.
He seems to figure out my little dilemma which is why he flashed a warm smile and assured me everything was fine.
It was so sweet of him.
"So, Justine Elle right?" He asked when we were finally settled in his car.
I blushed right away. Why did he know my name?
It is unbelievable for the likes of him to know me. He was the captain of the basketball team and a consistent deans lister, he had enough girls in his circle to pay me much attention.
While biting my lips, I nodded in response. My arms instantly curled to cover my body which was pretty much soaked and cold at the same time.
"Uh sorry, my bad. Let me turn on the heater." He said shyly when he noticed me cold and freezing. He adjusted the temperature of the car, which helped a lot to ease that feeling.
His eyes began to trail down to my body creating an obvious panic visible in his wolf eyes. He cleared his throat, scratching his thick brows while looking away. Both his ears were red as he was rummaging for something on the back seat.
My eyes locked into his every move, watching him handle this awkward situation. Finally, he got what seems to be a gym bag, pulled out a pair of jerseys, and handed them to me.
"I didn't use this so I think you can wear this temporarily... Just so you won't get sick"
I bit my lips, looking more embarrassed at my wet self as his statement was finally processed by my brain.
My black brassiere was discernible from his eyes, I wrapped my arm covering the cleavage peeking into my wet baby blue blouse.
His ears turned red as mine did and I immediately grab the shirt from him.
"You can just change. I won't look, I promise. Besides, it's dark in here" he said in a low voice.
All I wanted was to cover my face and scream.
Goodness, is this really happening? I did not even undress in front of my girl cousins before. They never even see me with just an undergarment on.
But this guy had seen my body unexpectedly. And it wasn't his fault. I can see that he was trying to control himself and knowing that eases my worry.
He is not the same as other men after all.
However, my wet clothes are starting to get uncomfortable and he is right that I could catch some colds out of them.
"Thanks, I think I do need to change"
He nodded his head.
"Yeah, of course, I'll be looking this way then," he said, quickly shifting his position in a way that his broad back was now facing me. Yet, he suddenly turned around as if he remembered something. His ears were a bit reddish still.
"I could just go outside," he said, motioning his hand outside the dark vicinity of the campus.
"What?"
My eyes widened, stunned at his sudden statement. I looked outside the window.
It was fogging. Though there was minimum visibility, I can't make him leave his car. It is a bad idea.
I shook my head immediately.
"No, it's okay. You can just stay here" I puffed a sigh.
He was being considerate. He must have figured out my restlessness which I believe was unnecessary. He was just concerned about me and I shouldn't make this a big deal.
After all, if he'd done something bad, he would have done it right away.
He chuckled and I looked at him. He smiled thereafter, releasing some tension between us.
"The longer you are on your wet clothes the more chance you'll get sick" he pointed out then unlocked the car door on his side and was about to leave.
"Wait!" I blurted out quickly which made him stop and turn around.
"It is raining so badly, trust me when I say it is fine"
He stared at me for a while, hinting at a dose of incredulity in his gray eyes. Then he leaned back from his seat, covering his eyes using his bulky arms.
"Okay, I trust you," he said under his breath. He looks troubled.
However, it was good enough for me that he understands my point. I asked him to wait as I searched for my handkerchief in my purse.
"What are you doing?"
He had removed his arms and was looking down at me with curiosity. Finally, I found my blue handkerchief and handed it to him.
"Here. It's not that I don't trust you, okay, but I'd be less self-conscious if you wear this on your eyes."
I don't know if he was offended but he just nodded taking the handkerchief from my hand.
"I couldn't take it if you got cold out of my expense" I reasoned out as he began to fold it.
He suppressed a grin and didn't say a thing instead he placed the handkerchief on his eyes.
After making sure that he isn't seeing anything, I asked him to turn around.
I quickly change into his shirt, placing my wet clothes on the car floor. As expected, his clothes were all too big for me.
"You done?"
I struggled to remove my tight pants since it was so soaked.
"Just a minute"
I finally removed it, however, the shorts were too big. Lest, I just pulled the shirt, covering some skin showing on the side of my body. The shirt was good enough to make a dress.
I just put his shorts away and adjusted the length of his shirt to cover my knees.
"Okay, I'm all good"
He uncovered his eyes and looked at me. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. It was as if he liked what he is seeing.
"You still look beautiful" he supplied my thoughts.
I blushed in embarrassment. Why is this man so quick to give unexpected compliments?
"Don't be creeped out, I just never thought you'd look good in my shirt" he added which made me laugh.
He was appalled by his comment and was scratching his brows.
"You are a smooth talker Mister"
He shook his head in disapproval.
"No it's true Elle, you always look like this. Ethereal." He said and scratched his brows again, earning a good laugh from me.
This guy is unbelievably frank. He speaks whatever is on his mind.
"Well thank you for the compliment. But please, I think I couldn't handle more" I replied.
"It's okay, seeing you laugh just made my day"
I ran my fingers through my hair, shaking my head as if this man has no hope at all.
"You know, we need to get going. This rain is affecting our rationality" I kidded.
"You are right. But first, I'd like to introduce myself." He extended his hand and flashed a smile.
"Lucian Monteblanco."
I took his hand and returned a warm smile.
"Justine Elle Pollo" I answered.
"Yeah, I know. Such a lovely name. It fits you" he whispered.
We stared at each other, getting acquainted with each other's presence.
"Elle, do you mind if I take you for a coffee sometime?" He asked out of nowhere. My hand was still in his grip. Yet my mind is already screaming.
I bit my lips to suppress my delight and excitement.
"Yes, but not with these clothes please" I replied.
Since then, Lucian and I became friends. It was the start of our rollercoaster relationship.
Well, more of us became exclusive since Dad didn't want me to have a boyfriend yet until I graduated college.
However, I was able to bargain with Dad who allowed me to be with Lucian once I turn 18.
I hid that news from Cian to surprise him. I know he will be more than happy once he knew about this.
He is a good man and it is not that hard to fall for him.
Not when he made me feel as if I was the most important woman in his life. And until now, nothing changed.