The Unexpected Spark

Julian’s POV:

I sat there for a while, replaying Samantha’s words in my head. I had to admit, I hadn’t exactly been kind. 

But something about her struck a nerve. Maybe it was because she reminded me of the other women I’d dated, the ones who only saw me as a means to an end. Or maybe it was because she didn’t hold back in telling me off. 

After finishing my drink, I pushed back my chair and headed out, dialing my PA as I walked toward the curb to hail a cab. 

My car was still parked at the office, but I was too drained to make the trip back to retrieve it. 

The phone rang longer than I liked, and I began tapping my foot in irritation. 

“Come on,” I muttered under my breath as the ringing continued. Finally, the call connected.

“Yes, Mr. Julian?” my PA answered, his voice clipped but professional.

“I need you to arrange for my car to be delivered to my building first thing in the morning. I’m taking a cab home tonight,” I said curtly, glancing at my watch. 

“Understood, sir,” he replied. “Anything else?”

“No, that’s all,” I said, ending the call before she could respond further. I flagged down a cab and gave the driver my address before sinking back into the seat. 

My thoughts kept drifting back to Samantha, her fiery words, the way her eyes flashed with anger, and how she stormed out without looking back. 

As frustrating as the evening had been, I couldn’t help but admit that she was different. I didn’t know whether that was a good or bad thing, but it was... something. 

By the time I reached my apartment, the exhaustion hit me like a wave. Tossing my jacket onto the nearest chair, I loosened my tie and poured myself a glass of whiskey. 

Samantha’s words echoed in my mind again, and for the first time in a while, I wondered if I had been too quick to judge her. Or worse if she had been right about me. 

I shook my head, dismissing the thought. 

No, I wasn’t the problem. She just didn’t understand me or the world I lived in. 

Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the last time I’d see her. Something told me our paths would cross again, whether we wanted them to or not.

******

The next day at work, I was lost in thought, staring blankly at the papers on my desk, when I heard a voice call out. 

“Sir?”

I blinked and looked up to find Fred, my ever-persistent PA, standing in front of me, a concerned expression on his face.

“Is everything okay, sir?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Everything’s fine,” I replied, brushing off his concern and returning my gaze to the desk, hoping he would drop it.

But Fred wasn’t one to let things go. “How was the date last night?” he asked, his tone a little too curious for my liking.

I frowned, my jaw tightening. “Don’t even go there,” I warned. “The three dates so far have been a complete waste of my precious time.”

Fred raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem fazed. “What happened this time?” 

I waved my hand dismissively. “Change the topic, Fred. I’m not interested in rehashing the disaster. And since these dates weren’t worth it, I believe you have a price to pay for setting me up with such ridiculous options.”

Fred smirked, clearly enjoying my irritation more than he should. “Actually, sir, there’s still one more date left before we close the book on this little experiment.”

I sighed heavily, leaning back in my chair. “You don’t know when to quit, do you?”

Fred shook his head, his grin widening. “Nope, sir. I believe that Christmas brings miracles, and you, sir, are in desperate need of one. I just know it.”

I shook my head in disbelief, unable to decide if his optimism was endearing or downright maddening. “You’re impossible, Fred.”

He shrugged, clearly unfazed. “It’s part of my charm, sir.”

For a moment, there was silence as I weighed my options. Then, almost hesitantly, I spoke. “Anyway... uh, do you still... have the... number of... the second lady I went on a date with?”

Fred’s eyes narrowed as a sly smile spread across his face. “Oh, you mean Samantha, huh, sir?”

I nodded slowly, feeling a little self-conscious under his knowing gaze. “Yeah.”