Chapter 3

Rosalie sat on the couch in her best friend's room, reminiscing about what happened last night in the mall. It felt like a movie indeed, from meeting a handsome stranger to the lights going off in the mall, to him protecting her from the situation, and lastly chasing the goons away. “The event last night could pass for a movie blockbuster.” She muttered to herself. She looked through the light in the ceiling as she awaited the return of her best friend Jonathan, so she could narrate her ordeal to him. Not only that, but she found herself deep in thought as it was shortly interrupted by her phone, which was ringing loudly. With a surprised glance, she picked up the call. “Hello?” She answered the call. “Hello beautiful, it’s me,” A familiar voice replied from the other end. “Oh! It’s him.” She muttered to herself as she blushed in excitement. “Oh, Dylan,” she replied as her face lightened up immediately. “Hope you had a good night's rest. Last night was a handful, just checking up on you to ensure you aren’t still panicking,” Dylan said, his voice laced with masculinity. Rosalie took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “You are indeed a lifesaver, I didn’t know what would have happened to me at the mall if you were not there.” She said, her voice laced with gratitude. Dylan’s ego was elevated, he felt like a superhero. “I’m glad I could help a damsel distressed.” He said, his face brightened up with a smile. “I can't thank you enough, I appreciate it,” Rosalie responded. Her kind words and politeness took a toll on him as he suddenly felt happiness surging through him. “I would be free by 7 pm today, would you join me for a stroll, we could get some food by the roadside.” He said, trying so hard to act like a broke guy. “That would be great! But I have to be somewhere this evening, well, is tomorrow ok?” She asked, her heart already racing. “Oh perfect! Tomorrow it is.” He said in excitement, even though his heart almost stopped beating due to the fear of rejection. Rosalie found herself blushing as she admired his bravery from last night's incident. She was already attracted to his looks, and she didn’t mind seeing him again to show appreciation. His kind gestures and bravery stole her heart already. The next day came by fast, Rosalie and Dylan met at the stated time, it was sunset already, and they enjoyed the calm weather as they took a walk through the bustling city of San Francisco. Rosalie looked pretty in her beautiful flare gown, her beautiful blue eyes radiated sharply with the reflections of light on the street, and her long hair moved freely with the direction of the wind. They stole glances as they walked side by side, discussing life in general, and how hard it is for the poor to get into the limelight. Even though Dylan could not relate, he was smart enough to read through the internet about stuff the poor go through, just so he didn’t get lost in their conversation. Rosalie was beginning to feel a strong connection for Dylan, as he looked like a perfectly fine gentleman man. “You have potential Dylan, you sound really learned and well articulated, keep pushing I’m sure you will make it in no time. You already look like a billionaire, you just need the right exposure and connections, and then boom! You would make it in no time.” She said, her face brightened with a smile. Dylan's heart melted, no woman had ever given him such advice, out of impulse, he halted and held her hands, looking straight into her eyes. “Thanks for your kind words, I promise to be successful, just the way you have envisioned me to be.” Rosalie’s heart skipped as she felt a spark in her heart, sending chills all over her body, she immediately felt hot as she could no longer keep up with his gaze. “He has the most beautiful hazel eyes, jeez, this man is fine as hell.” She muttered to herself as she looked away. As they went deep into their discussion, he found himself falling deeply for her aura, unable to take his eyes off her, her smile brightened up his whole heart. As they approached the end of their stroll, Dylan halted as he watched Rosalie laugh hard at his lame jokes. He kept mute as he enjoyed her expression filled with happiness. Without saying anything, he gently touched her hands, she stopped laughing immediately as their gaze met. They kept mute for some seconds. Admiring each other's perfection, as time froze. Dylan hadn't felt this way in a very long time, his heart raced faster as he leaned forward and brushed his lips against her cheeks. “I want to see you again, Rosalie, I like you.” He said, his eyes dimmed as he stared deep into her soul. Finding it difficult to breathe, Rosalie suddenly froze, the thought of his warm lips on her cheeks took her to a different realm entirely. After some seconds, she managed to utter some words out of her lips. “I like you too.” She replied, looking deep into his eyes. “I may not be a rich guy, but I can always afford to give a listening ear and company whenever you need one,” Dylan said. “I’m not materialistic, Dylan. You are a sweet soul and trust me, your jokes cracked me up excellently. Please, don’t share your jokes with anyone, they may not find it funny.” Rosalie chuckled with a broad smile on her face. “Let’s meet tomorrow at 8 pm, I got two tickets for a movie, but my best friend won’t be chanced to go with me,” Rosalie said, as she hoped she wasn’t pushing too fast. Joy clouded Dylan as he jumped into the offer immediately. “See you tomorrow?” Dylan said as he hugged her and said goodnight. “Sure!” Rosalie said with a smile. He stood beside the pedestrian walkway as he watched her go inside her friend's apartment. Jonathan, who is Rosalie’s best friend, watched through the window, his heart laced with emotions and jealousy. He wondered who the good-looking man was that made his best friend laugh so hard. Despite his feminine nature, he had always had a crush on his best friend but didn’t know how to express it. His aim in life was to work very hard so he could finally have the balls to propose to Rosalie. He was bent on making money, ignoring the real companionship Rosalie needed. Jonathan faked a smile as Rosalie walked into the apartment, he greeted her as he pretended everything was good. “Lover girl! How was your evening?” He said, trying so hard to act normal. “It was interesting.” She said with a smile. “Sounds good, he looks hot, by the way.” He said, his eyes laced with jealousy. “Oh, my world! I was burning the whole time.” Rosalie said as she fell to the couch. “Did you guys kiss?” Jonathan asked in enthusiasm as his eyes kept burning in pretense. “I wish we did, I needed it to calm my nerves, but he is such a gentleman with a very seductive aura.” She said with a glooming smile. She had no idea of Jonathan’s feelings, she felt he was gay, so she was very comfortable around him, and didn’t sense the jealousy burning through his eyes. As they continued with their chitchat, Rosalie began narrating how they met and how magical it was, and then a sudden phone call interrupted their conversation. “Oh, it’s Dylan!” Rosalie said in excitement as she jumped up to pick up his call. She acted cool as she had a conversation with Dylan, hiding her excitement so she didn’t look desperate. “You forgot something with me,” Dylan said at the other end of the line. “Ohh really? What could that be?” She asked with enthusiasm. “You will find out tomorrow!” He said as he hung up his phone.