"Yes," she said, "I got myself before I got you." She went to try and brush the stain off some more, when it dawned on her that she was rubbing her breast in front of a total stranger. Then she also realized how revealing her blouse was at this angle. She stopped suddenly, feeling terribly self-conscious.
"I'd offer to help you with that, but I think maybe it's something you should do," he said, grinning at her.
She gave a nervous giggle and turned even redder.
"I am a gentleman," he said as he grabbed the coffee cup and lid before she could, as she was trying to balance her big purse and work bag. "Allow me," he said. He put them in one hand, which she noticed were big and masculine looking, but well manicured, then held out his other hand to help her up.
"Um, thank you," she said. She took it, and he helped her stand up. His hand was warm and strong.
"It's my pleasure to aid a damsel in distress," he said, then tossed the items into a nearby wastebasket.
She then noticed his dark grey suit. It looked expensive and finely tailored. Boy, did she know how to make an impression.
"Does Coffee Haven make a good brew?" he asked.
"Uh, yes, the best I've found around here," Anabelle replied as she straightened her skirt and blouse out. She was bummed she wouldn't get her cup of coffee this morning. She didn't have time to go back, she was already going to be late for work. She had also lost the five dollars that coffee had cost her.
Nothing in Manhattan was cheap.
"We have some good coffee up in my office," he said, "why don't I replace what you lost?"
She looked up at the building. "Where do you work?"
He pointed at the name over top of the grand entranceway.
Holy crap, she thought as she read the sign. "Tsar Enterprises?"
"Giorgio Tsarkopolis at your service," he said, giving her a playful half bow.
A wave of intimidation washed over her as she connected the dots. That was his family's company. She realized he was likely one of the wealthiest men in Manhattan. She found herself backing up. She was even more self-conscious now of her modest clothing, shoes and bags, none of it was designer. Then she took note of all the people heading into that building. All dressed to the nines and then some. She felt very out of place. "Oh no, I couldn't," she said, realizing the world he came from.
"I don't bite, I promise," he said, grinning at her. He held out his hand.
She looked at it, so inviting. She bit her lip. "I-uh, I'd love to, but I really need to get going. I'm going to be late for work." She was completely flustered as she brushed her flyaway hair out of her face.
His face showed disappointment. "Perhaps another time," he said, nodding. "Call me here if you'd like to come by for that replacement coffee. I'm easy to find."
"Sure," she said, gazing into his blue eyes, which felt like they were immobilizing her. Wow, she thought, I could get lost in those. "Another time." She broke her gaze and straightened her bags on her shoulders. "Bye." She turned around to leave.
He took note of a shapely bottom and smiled. He was instantly charmed by her slightly awkward, but adorable mannerisms. "What's your name?" he called after her.
She turned back, taking in all six plus feet of him, standing there with confidence. She blushed again. "Anabelle." She turned and left. Walking away slowly. She didn't want to, but she felt compelled to.
"Pretty name," he whispered. "Pretty girl."
She turned back around. He still stood there watching her, admiring her curvy figure. He waved. "See you again, Anabelle."
She smiled and waved, feeling shy and out of place. "Bye." She kept walking, a huge grin spreading across her face. Her temperature had spiked and she felt an electric buzz going through her. What an Adonis, she thought. Then she mentally kicked herself. Only in my dreams…
Unbeknownst to her, he kept watching her until she crossed over a couple of blocks, and then disappeared out of his sight.