The thing about working on a case is that you don't determine how your day will go, you can get intel at any time. I was heading home after a long day before I suddenly jerked forward and fell off the bike as a car almost crashed into me from behind. I turned and saw a Lexus L8 stuck to the rear of my bike, almost lifting it. I picked myself up from the tarred floor and walked to the Lexus L8 fiercely as a tall handsome man came out from the sleek Lexus. His arms and chest filled the entirety of his well-tailored grey suit, I had prepared to yell at him but on meeting his gaze, his blue eyes glittered and I swallowed my saliva. He had this scent of There was a bit of a crowd around us by the time he came down from the car.
"Hello miss, I'm so…"
"Hello Mister, do you have a problem with your brakes?"
"It was an accident"
"Look at my arm" I showed him my scratched arm but he was still very calm.
"I'm so sorry about your arm, I'm willing to pay for the damages on your bike and your medicals" He dipped his hands into his pocket and brought his phone out.
"All you rich people just like to outdo yourselves every time, why do flaunt your money like it solves everything"
"Please allow me to show my remorse, this was an accident. I'd love to call my driver to pick up your bike while I drive you home". He requested politely, his calmness started getting to me because how did he manage to remain calm despite my outburst, perhaps I should go with him in his car, after all, it'd be my first time in a Lexus L8 and I'd love to see what the interior looks like. I agreed after hesitating for some minutes.
I sat comfortably in the front seat as he entered the car and drove off.
"I'm so sorry about today's event"
"You are forgiven"
"So I don't have to go confess my sins in the church on Friday?" He teased with a smile playing on his lips
"Tell Father, I have forgiven you already" I teased in reply.
"I'm Rodrigo Castelo and you" He stretched his right hand to me for a handshake which I took as he took a glance at me before focusing on the road.
"You mean CEO of The Castelos?"
"Yea, you got me, I'm that Rodrigo Castelo but please don't gawk at me as they all do"
"Oh please come off it, you bet I won't" I beat the air to dismiss the idea.
"Oh, you're one of those that pride in their beauty?"
"That sounds like a description that suits you better because you just finished boasting about yourself"
"If not that you're this pretty, I'd never agree that you aren't gawking at me.
"I'm Maria Sanchez" I changed the topic.
"Oh, Maria that almost chopped off my head, Maria the only woman capable of forgiving me". I blush at the way he stared at me. On his stare, I repented for yelling at him at first, I should have just hopped into his car and made me drive home claiming I was seriously hurt instead of the scene I created first. I was trying to be a Cop and show off my confidence.
We finally got to Aunt Carmen's gallery and I pointed to the place for him to park. He handed me his complimentary card which I collected courteously. I made to get out of the car but he gestured for me to sit while he went to open the door for me. It was an uncommon gesture for me, I was always playing the role of a lady, a strong lady. I didn't think I would love that a man opened a car for me to alight as much as I did today, my cheek was flushed as I tried to hide it by avoiding his gaze.
"My driver will take your bike for repair and bring it back for you. Don't forget to call me, that's the number on my card" He smiled as he pointed to his card in my hands before entering his car. I stood there waving at him till he drove off. Valentina who had been peeping all these while finally ran outside to hug me.
"Hey, sister!!" Valentina called as he hugged me tightly before dragging my hand inside the shop.
"Who's the new catch?"
"Oh please, he's no new catch"
"He's a rich, handsome, and tall guy, he's certainly your type"
"I never said I was into rich, tall, and handsome guys" I tried to defend myself.
"But I saw you gawking at him"
"I…I… wasn't" I stammered
"Look at your cheeks all flushed, who's the new catch? No excuses, just tell me about him"
"He's Rodrigo Castelo"
"Do you mean the Rodrigo of The Castelos'? "
"Yes, that same CEO". I reaffirmed as Valentina covered her mouth in awe.
"How did you meet Rodrigo? " She almost yelled in surprise.
"He crashed into my bike on my way home, you didn't even ask about my bike"
"Yea, yea, I barely noticed that. The new catch was more important to me than your bank"
"Oh really?" I asked sarcastically before passing the gallery to the house. Our house was just right behind the gallery. I exchanged pleasantries with the lady in the gallery and headed straight to the house to greet Mum.
Mum was sleeping so I walked past her quietly to my room. I had barely settled in my room before my phone rang, it was Martinez.
"Martinez, would you ever let me be?"
"Maria, we have a lead!" He replied confidently.