The first time meet

Mia's POV

I was shivering by now, teeth slightly chattering, and my fingers felt numb from the cold. My clothes clung to my body, drenched by the relentless rain, and the sharp wind cut through me like tiny blades. I realized that if I went on like this any longer, I would probably catch a cold or even fall sick. The thought worried me. But what choice did I have?

I glanced at the car again, my heart pounding. Getting into a stranger’s vehicle wasn’t exactly on my list of smart decisions, but right now, I didn’t really have any other option. My body was giving up on me, and I needed shelter.

I think no one can ever think of kidnapping a girl like me. I have nothing to offer, it will just be a waste of the kidnapper's time, I reassured myself, trying to inject some humor into my fear.

“Aren’t you feeling cold?” the man in the car asked, his voice smooth and warm, cutting through the air like a soft blanket.

“Yeah, it is freezing out here,” I replied, my voice trembling as much as my body.

“Get in then,” he said, nodding toward the passenger seat. I didn’t hesitate. Without another word, I quickly opened the door and jumped inside.

Relief washed over me the moment I sat down. The car was warm, blissfully so, and carried a pleasant scent, like expensive cologne mixed with something woody and comforting. The leather seats hugged my body, and a soft tune played from the speakers, the kind of music that made you want to close your eyes and just drift away. It felt like I had stepped into a different world entirely. I could stay here forever, I thought, just admiring the luxury and the peace.

“I’m James Williams. What about you?” the man said, turning to glance at me with a calm smile.

He looked like he was in his mid-thirties, mature, composed, and undeniably handsome. There was something about his face, the way his jawline framed his smile, the ease in his posture, and the confidence in his voice. And his name, James Williams, it sounded too perfect, like a name you'd read in a novel. I knew I wouldn’t forget it.

“I’m Mia, sir,” I said shyly, my voice almost a whisper as I tried to hide my nerves.

Something about him made me feel safe. Maybe it was his gentle tone, or maybe it was just the warmth of the car compared to the cold outside, but I was starting to believe he was heaven sent, a stranger put in my path to rescue me today. I didn’t feel as afraid anymore.

“Mia who? Do you have only one name?” he asked playfully, turning his head slightly toward me.

“Mia Gilbert, sorry,” I responded with a small laugh and a smile.

“So, where should I drop you, Mia Gilbert?” he asked, hands casually resting on the wheel.

That’s when I realized, I hadn’t even told him where I was going. My mind had completely wandered off, swept away by the comfort of the car and the unexpected kindness of this stranger.

“Oh, where are my manners?” I said, chuckling nervously. “You can drop me at Elisa Fashion and Design. I hope you know it, it’s a new company.”

“I know it, don’t worry. I hate these roads when it rains. It’s so boring driving in weather like this,” he replied, eyes focused ahead as he maneuvered the car through the wet streets.

“I hate walking in weather like this too,” I said with a sigh. “It always ruins my clothes and shoes. You’re lucky to have a car. You're far better off than those of us who have to walk during rainy weather.”

“Really? You think we’re lucky?” He looked at me for a brief moment with a slight smirk. “I don’t consider myself lucky at all. It’s all hard work, I can say.”

He smiled then, a full, genuine smile that showed off his bright white teeth. And just like that, I noticed them, his dimples. Those adorable dimples that made his smile even more charming.

“Well, in my thoughts, I believe you are really lucky, sir,” I said sincerely, returning his smile.

Our eyes met for a second. A second that felt like an eternity. His gaze was deep, intense, and it reached straight into my chest. I could feel my heartbeat quicken, thump, thump, thump, faster than I’d ever felt before. No man had ever made me feel like this. There was something so magnetic about him, something I couldn’t explain.

“Here you go, madam. We’re already here,” he said, his voice snapping me out of my thoughts as he gently brought the car to a stop.

I blinked. We had arrived? That was fast. I had been so lost in our conversation and the warmth of his presence that I hadn’t even noticed the time pass. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted just a few more minutes with him, to talk, to listen to that calm voice, to feel seen.

“Thanks for the ride,” I said softly, reaching for the door handle.

“Pleasure is all mine. Here’s my business card. Call me whenever you feel like it,” he said, handing me a sleek card with his name and number printed neatly.

I took it gladly, holding it carefully like it was something precious.

I will surely call him.