Chapter 1: Admirer

Hana

Alice and Liam are by my side. My two best friends are trying to convince me not to leave my own graduation party. And it's not in vain because, thanks to Nathan, one of the most important nights of my life has been ruined.

He dumped me. Left me here, alone, on the night I thought we’d make love for the first time. He promised to wait, but I guess I didn’t motivate him enough. He confessed, without any hint of guilt on his face, that he’s been sleeping with someone else.

I get that staying a virgin at 21 can be a challenge, but he knew what he was getting into. He couldn’t keep his word or any of the other promises he made.

Fortunately, Dean Kelly handled all the work that was supposed to be mine by sweet-talking the investors and big company owners. My excellent performance did most of the job, but Kelly has always been kind to me. At least one job offer has to come out of this to make up for the disastrous night.

“Forget that jerk, Hana. You won’t even remember him in a few months. You’ve got an amazing future ahead of you,” Alice says. Liam agrees, though the situation doesn’t seem to bother him. He’s never hidden his not-so-subtle advances.

“That businessman seemed eager to hire you,” I hear him say, and roll my eyes.

“I think his intentions were different,” I retort, making them laugh, which makes me laugh too. “But a job offer would definitely come in handy.”

“You’ll get one, I’m sure!” Alice tries to cheer me up.

“I hope so. I want to be independent and not have to move back in with my parents in Japan,” I try to sound hopeful.

“Stop looking so gloomy, let’s have fun,” Liam pulls Alice onto the dance floor. She tries to drag me along, but I dodge her attempts.

I spot the bar just ahead, and that becomes my goal. It doesn’t take long, and before I even order anything, the bartender places a drink in front of me. I push the glass back to him, but he insists, saying it’s on the house from an admirer.

An admirer? I scoff, finding it hard to take seriously. But he subtly tilts his head to the left, indicating someone. So, I follow his gaze in the suggested direction and see him.

Even without clear vision, I can recognize him as one of the businessmen with the dean, certainly younger than most. He appears to be in his early forties, though very well-kept for his age.

His body is visibly strong despite the fabric that conceals it. His hair, almost entirely gray, is neatly slicked back. The short, trimmed beard highlights his sharply defined jawline.

He’s one of those men who seem like they’ve stepped out of a movie.

Absurdly attractive. More than I could express, despite being much older than I. What could a man like him want with me? I wonder if, like me, he forgot his contact lenses at home and isn’t seeing clearly.

But he proves me wrong when he sits close to me. Very close. I can almost feel his breath on my cheek, and even leaning against the counter, my body trembles.

I’ve never felt this way before.

“I didn’t mean to startle you, Hana. I just wanted to congratulate you on your graduation.” His deep voice sends shivers through my spine.

“Who are you, and how do you know who I am?” His hand immediately hovers over mine, as if trying to calm me. It doesn’t work; his touch only worsens my state.

“You just introduced yourself at that table, remember?” He points to the spot where we were moments ago, alongside the dean.

Damn! His smile could make anyone melt right then and there.

It should be a crime for a man like him to exist.

“Sorry, I’m nervous.”

“Do I scare you, Hana?” The way he emphasizes my name makes my insides churn. My breath feels scarce, and the space between us seems to shrink by the second.

Heavens, I’m falling apart.

“I’m just a cautious girl, Mr…” I trail off, realizing I still don’t know his name.

“Kauer. John Kauer.” His finger traces the damp glass, wiping the droplets running down the untouched drink. A sly smile on his lips, and he stares at me.

Kauer. It sounds familiar, but I can’t recall where I’ve heard it before.

It’s hard to concentrate; the way he looks at me is intense, like a predator ready to devour its prey. I feel fear, but at the same time, I yearn to move forward. I force myself to continue and understand the whirlwind of sensations that hit me when John looks at me so deeply.

“Mr. John Kauer.” The effect of the champagne I drank kicks in, and my voice comes out more drawn and slow. I see his face tense, and he seems to like the way I call him.

“You’re a stunning woman, Hana.” The huskiness in his voice sends chills down my spine, his smile still lingering.

I wonder if people are watching us, questioning why he’s so close. At this point, I don’t care anymore.

...

Hello! This is my first English story. Sorry for the grammar or other issues, I'm trying to correct them. Hope that you enjoy it. Don't forget to take a look at other books on my profile <3