Moving to Los Angeles during summer had to be the highlight of the out of the blues relocation for Isabel.
She didn't argue when her mom informed her that they were going to be moving to LA from Portland.
Who would not want to move to a bigger city by the way?
They moved a week after her graduation from college , talk about the perfect timing.
It was 7pm in the evening , few hours after they arrived in LA. Isabel and her cousin Lilly stood in front of the huge standing mirror in the room that they shared. They studied themselves for the last time and exchanged a knowing glance.
"It's about to be a fun first night in Los Angeles" Lilly half yelled.
"you can say that again" Isabel whispered and they both burst out laughing.
Lilly had gotten an invite for an exclusive and very private food tasting and restaurant launch party from a colleague that lives in LA.
They left the apartment in a taxi but not until after they promised to be back before 11pm.
"Lilly kind of knows everywhere in the world you know" Isabel teased her mom when she clearly warned them not to get lost.
"And there's google map aunty" Lilly added.
The taxi pulled up in front of a very fancy restaurant after driving for about thirty minutes.
Isabel's jaw dropped as they walked into the fully air conditioned reception, they passed by the security after showing their invites.
With the influence of Lilly being a chef and an event planner, Isabel was able to attend VIP parties like this but this one was outstanding and she was grateful that she had chosen to wear her red dress that hung graciously to her hips falling across her knee. Her black and silky hair was packed in a ponytail making her beautiful facial structure very visible. She had very little make up on.
"This place is beautiful" Isabel nudged Lilly gently careful enough not to show how excited she felt.
There were celebrities in the room, she walked with her head up making sure not to give anyone the impression that she was just a random girl. After all she was THAT girl, beauty and brains.
The food and the champagne was so good that Isabel swore she would be a regular customer if the menu was affordable. But she doubt if it was going to be , it was a five star restaurant.
Lilly excused herself to be alone with her 'friend' and Isabel seized the opportunity to walk around the big restaurant.
People were either dancing, clicking glasses or taking pictures. She smiled as she passed by everyone . The champagne was taking effect and she loved it so much.
She stopped when she got to the balcony, there were a couple of people drinking and laughing amidst whispers. It was quieter than inside. She looked by her right and found a staircase that led to a pent house , there was a body guard at the entrance.
She moved towards the pent house smiling sheepishly at the body guard , truth be told his looks did not intimidate her.
"I just want to go up there and see what it's….." she was beginning to explain but he just waved his hand summoning that she could go in.
She hesitated for a while because she wondered why he allowed her in so easily.
"Thank you" she said still smiling.
A wave of fresh hair hit her face as she made her way upstairs.
"I literally feel like I just started living" she muttered to herself.
A waiter walked up to her with shots of tequila in his tray, she smiled and picked up a glass with so much class. The waiter bowed and left not bothering to return her smile.
She watched the city from the penthouse and wondered why she hadn't lived here all her life.
She turned as she heard footsteps behind her and their gaze met, big brown eyes stared back at her. Although the lights were dim but she could still make out his gorgeous face. He had the most perfect hair cut she had set her eyes on. She looked from his jawline to his lips and fell in love with his facial features instantly.
He was easily the most good looking man.
"Hi" he said , his deep voice sending waves through her whole body.
"Hey" she managed to say.
He moved closer to her and her nose caught on his cologne.
" I saw you in the party , but you left before I could come over to say hi" he smiled showing set of extremely white teeth.
"I needed fresh air" Isabel swallowed hard moving closer to him. She leaned in and placed her hand on his chest.
Her heart pounded softly in disapproval but she didn't budge.
"You are beautiful" he whispered pulling her closer to him by the waist.
She got compliments from people everyday about her beautiful features but coming from this man it felt like her world was wrapped in rainbows all of a sudden.
"Thank you Mr cute stranger" that was the champagne talking and not her she reassured herself.
It was just the both of them in the pent house and she could not help but wonder if the universe was sending her a sign. A sign that she deserved romance too even after believing that she might not find the right person.
She leaned into him , taking herself by surprise. The kiss felt magical and so perfect. She moaned softly into his mouth as he fumbled her ass.
It felt so good and she could not help but imagine if kissing a stranger wasn't that bad afterall.
But it didn't feel like he was a stranger , it feels like she had known this man all her life.
She was screaming internally as her tummy rubbed against his hardness.
He pulled back instantly and the gesture made her feel slightly ashamed .
She was about to open her mouth to say something when her phone started beeping.
It was Lilly ringing her, she let out a deep sigh as she felt grateful that the call interrupted . She turned back to face the handsome stranger. His eyes were fixed on her and she shivered a bit under his intense gaze.
He must have noticed the little shiver , he smiled and took off his jacket .
"Here you go" he said as he placed the piece of clothing around her shoulders.
"Thank you but I need to go now " her voice was shaky.
She stopped in her track and turned to face him "how do I return the jacket ?"
"I want you to keep it" he smiled.
Her heart missed a beat , she wondered how someone she met few minutes ago had so much effect on her.
She walked away gently feeling a wave of annoyance wash through her.
Shouldn't he have at least asked for her number ? She thought.
He definitely knew he was going to see her again. Her cheeks burned as she hurried down the stairs back into the restaurant trying to wrap her head around what happened up there.
Her first night in Los Angeles is a romantic one that made her stomach turn in excitement.
She doesn't even know his name . She laughed at the thought as she made her way through the little crowd towards Lily.