Romance Starts Forbidden

Sara hurried down the busy city street, late for a job interview yet again. She bumped into a solid form, spilling hot coffee down the front of the stranger's suit.

"I'm so sorry!" Sara said.

The man frowned as he dabbed at his clothes. He had chiseled features and piercing blue eyes that caught Sara off guard. 

"It's fine," he muttered, clearly annoyed.

"Let me help you clean that up. My apartment is right around the corner," Sara offered.

The man raised an eyebrow curiously and glanced at his watch. "I don't have much time."

"It's the least I can do after ruining your suit. I'm Sara, by the way." She extended her hand.

The man shook it firmly. "Luke."

Sara led Luke to her apartment and attempted to scrub the coffee stain from his shirt in the kitchen sink.

"I appreciate this, but I really need to get going," Luke said impatiently. 

"Just a few more minutes," Sara insisted as she viciously rubbed the fabric. "What's the big rush anyway?"

Luke shifted nervously. "I have an important meeting." 

Sara eventually got the stain out and handed Luke back his damp shirt. "Good as new. Hopefully I didn't make you too late."

"It's fine," Luke said, the hint of a smile on his lips. "And it was nice to meet you, Sara. Not the most conventional introduction, but I'm glad it happened."

Sara smiled back, feeling her cheeks flush. Maybe this missed interview was fate after all.

Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this first chapter draft in any way. I'm happy to keep writing more as the story progresses.

Sara couldn't stop thinking about her encounter with Luke after he left. His striking eyes and air of mystery stuck with her. She didn't even have his number, so she assumed she'd never see him again.

A few days later, Sara was meeting friends at a bar downtown. She grabbed drinks while scanning the crowded room. One face stood out from the rest: it was Luke, seated alone at a table. 

Sara felt a rush of excitement. She made her way over, drinks still in hand. "Fancy running into you here," she said playfully.

Luke looked up, seeming equally surprised and pleased. "Sara, right? The woman who attacked me with coffee the other day."

Sara laughed. "I see you've recovered. Can I join you?" 

"Please." Luke gestured to the open seat. 

Sara set the drinks down for her friends and sat across from Luke. "I'm glad I got to see you again. I felt bad about your shirt."

"It's only a shirt. Besides, it led to us meeting." Luke held her gaze. Was he blushing slightly?

"What brings you here alone?" Sara asked.

Luke glanced around evasively. "Just looking to unwind. My job can be demanding."

"Oh? What is it you do?"

"Finance," Luke said quickly. "It's dull, just crunching numbers and routine meetings."

Sara got the sense there was more he wasn't telling her, but she didn't press. "Well, all work and no play isn't fun. I'm happy to help provide some excitement."

Luke laughed. They fell into easy conversation, only stopping when Sara's friends came over.

"I should get back to them," she said regretfully. "But can I see you again?"

"I'd like that." Luke handed her his business card. Sara noted the lack of company name or details. 

"I'll call you," she promised. Sara rejoined her friends, sneaking glances back at Luke and wondering about this mysterious man she couldn't stop thinking about.

Over the next few weeks, Sara and Luke fell into a comfortable routine, meeting up a couple times a week for dinner or drinks. Sara found herself opening up about her passion for photography and her dreams of starting her own business. 

Luke revealed little about his work, but spoke eagerly about history, art, and travel. He seemed well-versed in many subjects. Sara noticed old-fashioned quirks about him as well - his formal speech, confusion with newer technology, and lack of pop culture knowledge. 

Despite lively conversations, Luke held back when conversations grew personal. He deflected questions about his past or family. Sara wondered if he had been hurt before. She was intrigued by this secretive man.

After a fun evening out, Sara worked up the courage to ask Luke back to her place. He hesitated before agreeing. 

At her apartment, she showed Luke her photography portfolio. He studied the pictures closely.

"These are incredible - you have a wonderful eye," he praised. 

"I'm thinking of making this my career," Sara said, "but it's daunting leaving my steady office job."

Luke nodded. "I understand difficult career choices. But you should pursue your passion."

Sara smiled, touched by his encouragement. On impulse, she leaned in and kissed him. Luke returned the kiss before suddenly pulling away, looking conflicted. 

"I should go - early meeting tomorrow," he stammered. "Thank you for showing me your work."

Sara was perplexed by his abrupt departure. She replayed the evening in her mind. Had she crossed a line? Sighing in frustration, she put Luke out of her mind and went to bed.

A few days later, Luke invited Sara out to dinner. She hoped this meant things were okay between them.

But that night, Luke was withdrawn. When she asked what was wrong, he insisted everything was fine. 

By the end of the meal, Sara had enough of his moodiness. She confronted him about his hot and cold behavior. 

Luke looked caught off guard. "My life is...complicated. I enjoy our time together, but this can't become more serious," he said sadly. 

Sara felt foolish for reading so much into their dates. They said tense goodbyes, both unsure where this left their relationship.