Kiera was running late. With the excitement from getting her first role the day before, she had forgotten to charge her phone which played the role of her alarm clock. She was usually awake even before her alarm but she had indulged in Thea's amazing lasagna and the garlic bread from the amazing bakery at the corner of their block. She had gone on a food coma and woke up 30 minutes before her class.
She had rushed out as soon as she can. She hadn't even had the time to brush her hair. She'd just ended up pulling it up into a low messy bun. She'll deal with it after class.
She jammed the elevator button hoping that it will arrive quicker. But fate seems to be making fun of her as it seemed to go through each floor on the way up. She was in the 21st floor and going through the stairs would not be the quicker option.
She looked at her watch, 15 minutes. She should be able to make it if she ran but it might be safe to give their trainer a heads-up, she will be late.
Not the best show of her work ethic especially just after landing a role.
She went through her bag to get her phone but ended up scavenging around her tote. Eventually she took it off her shoulder and searched in every pocket for it but nothing, her phone wasn't there.
She slapped a hand to her forehead, 'Kiera, you forgetful klutz.'
She sped walked towards her flat, at the same time trying to bring semblance of order into her tote. One moment she was walking and trying to close her bag, when the next thing she knew she had her behind on the floor and her bags contents scattering all over.
"Are you alright?" A male voice asked with urgency.
She blinked at him, trying to re-orient herself. A man with a baseball cap was leaning over her, his hand held out to help her up.
"I sincerely apologize. We didn't mean to run over you."
Kiera still stared at him in confusion. She was sure it wasn't him who bumped into her. She would have felt running into this man, he was at least six foot two and hitting someone that size would be felt by her face. The fall felt more like she lost her footing suddenly.
She heard a low whine and glanced down, and there was the culprit, a beautiful huge Bernese Mountain dog. He was staring up at her with big puppy eyes. He whined again, and looked at the man then at her.
"Are you hurt anywhere? Should I take you to the hospital?" The man asked, worry starting to creep into his voice. It was then she realized that he was still hovering in front of her with his hand still out, it seemed he was fighting the urge to just reach out to her and set her on her feet like one would a child. As she continued to stare at him one thought kept repeating in her head, 'He had such beautiful green eyes." Familiar looking green eyes.
Kiera shook her head, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a bit disoriented for a second." She reached out to take his hand and with what looked like minimal effort on his part he pulled her up to her feet.
"Are you sure you're fine?" he studied her as he helped Kiera pick up her stuff all over the floor. "I'm really sorry for Ollie running you over. I should have noticed and pulled him back." He showed her the leash he was holding.
Kiera just chuckled, "I'm really fine and I was rushing off as I turned the corner. You couldn't have thought some maniac would come rushing at you as you turned." She glanced down at the still repentant looking Ollie, "He seems to be a good boy."
The man chuckled, "He usually is but his sitter can't make for the day so I'm bringing him to work with me. The thought of an adventure has him all fired up. Can we make it up to you by getting you coffee at least, if you insist, you're fine."
"It's really not necessary."
"Well, I can drive you to work at least. You seem to be running a bit late. Taking my car would be quicker."
Kiera must not have masked her suspicion because the man laughed and raised his hands up to show he meant no harm. "You must not remember me. We met at your audition several weeks ago."
Audition? Green eyes and audition?
"You're the actor who acted with me!"
He laughed, and Kiera couldn't help but notice that he had a very pleasant laugh.
"Glad you remembered me, especially since your audition really did impress me. I was sure I'd see you at the office some time." He grinned at her, showing off perfectly even white teeth. Kiera had to focus on his teeth to distract herself from the fact his face seems to light up with that grin. The man had charisma in spades.
"So, will you let me drive you to the office? I'm on my way there as well."
Kiera tried to reason with herself that she didn't know this man, except that he was very handsome and has a very beautiful smile. Stranger danger and all that.
Ollie let out another whine and butted his head against her thigh. "Well Ollie, seems to insist I go with you."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll arrive safely. Ollie can vouch for me." At the mention of his name Ollie let out a woof and gave Kiera a goofy grin.
When you have a dashing man and his dog side-kick hell-bent to drive you to work, who was she to deny them the pleasure of her company.
She still pretended to sigh and act all put upon, "If you insist. Then please lead the way kind sir."
He chuckled again and they both walked towards the elevator.
Her phone all forgotten.