Chapter 1 #3
Just as I think I’ve got myself under control, the door of the BMW opens.
I can’t possibly look away as a first classic, brown leather shoe touches the ground.
In my mind, I lose all sense of time, and the next few seconds go by in slow motion.
Bertrand steps out of the car and clearly has all the time in the world.
When he finally stands up straight, it’s clear that he’s more than a foot taller than me, and at five foot eight, I’m not exactly short.
He’s standing with his back to me. My gaze instinctively travels up his broad shoulders, and I see a lightly tanned neck that contrasts with his crisp white shirt and a mane of dark, wavy hair.
I was prepared for everything except this.
Selling a house, I can do. Explaining technical details?
No problem. But keeping my eyes off this man?
That’s going to be difficult. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up halfway.
I see his arm muscles move as he tucks his keychain into his pants pocket.
My eyes follow his movements. He’s clearly wearing a tailored suit and a fitted designer shirt that hugs his body in all the right places.
He’s in shape and takes care of himself.
He casually tosses his jacket over his shoulder.
Before he fully turns to face me, he bends down again toward the car to grab his phone from the holder and slip it into his pants pocket.
I can’t take my eyes off his backside and nearly die from the sight.
This is undoubtedly the first time a man has literally taken my breath away like this.
The image is seared into my brain. I’m thinking naughty thoughts.
I can’t help it—the moment our eyes meet for the first time, I momentarily forget what I’m even doing here.
His dark eyes hold mine with an intensity that seems to reach straight into my soul, igniting a warmth that spreads through me.
A cascade of tingles dances in my stomach, leaving me breathless and yearning for more of his unspoken connection.
I didn’t know a physical presence could have such an impact on me, but this is undoubtedly the most attractive man I’ve ever seen.
Is it suddenly hot here? Should I put my blazer back? I can’t get my thoughts in order, so my mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. Nervously, I avert my gaze, tuck my hair behind my ear, and unnecessarily check my perfectly organized papers again. Act normal, Nora. Focus!
“Good afternoon, Bertrand. I’m Nora. I’m glad we could arrange this meeting on such short notice. Shall we head inside so I can show you the property?”
Well done, Nora, no big deal. Straight to the point. I forgot to shake hands. Handshakes are outdated, right? This definitely isn’t weird. I’m really not weird.
“Sure, after you,” he says calmly and composedly.
He’s clearly more at ease than I am. His voice intrigues me. It fits this man perfectly—deep, dark, a bit husky, authoritative, yet kind. Can you really deduce so much from a three-word sentence? I think so. Focus, Nora!
I take the keys from my pocket and open the front door. The entryway is more than spacious enough for the two of us. I take a few large steps to maintain some distance between us. I don’t know why, but I feel like I should keep some space between us before I launch into my presentation.
“This entryway clearly showcases the vision of the entire property. The design centers around three materials: oak, marble, and concrete. It’s a recurring theme throughout the house, but the ratio of these materials varies in each room.
You can see that this is a large, modern home, but thanks to the material choices and layout, it’s still exceptionally warm and inviting. ”
Now that I’m talking about the house, I’m in my element. As long as I’m not looking at my colleague, I can string together proper sentences. The nerves start to ease now that I’m in the flow. This is going well.
“In this entryway, you’ll see a white marble floor with brown and gray veins.
The ceiling is exposed concrete, which you’ll find in most of the house.
Beautiful custom-made oak cabinets are the focal point of this space.
They’re not only visually stunning but also super practical.
Coats, shoes, handbags, scarves, hats… everything can be neatly stored here.
A mirror and console table in the same light oak finish complete the space. ”
I open the cabinets to show the storage spaces and provide some additional information about the security system and the automatic gate.
I’m glad I tested all of this on Saturday, so I can smoothly explain all the technical details.
I also demonstrate the home automation system, which allows you to control the entire house remotely.
The control panels are seamlessly integrated into the walls.
Bertrand watches attentively. He doesn’t ask any questions but taps on the screen and nods approvingly.
One of the cabinet doors is actually a hidden passage that leads to the rest of the house.
I open it and gesture politely. “Please, go ahead. The kitchen is right ahead.” I hold the door open.
Bertrand steps toward the kitchen but suddenly stops in the doorway.
Right next to me. We’re not quite touching.
Five centimeters at most. He’s looking at the kitchen; I’m looking up at him.
My body feels simultaneously on fire and covered in chills.
Does he feel this too? Is he standing this close to me on purpose, or am I imagining it?
Suddenly, he looks me straight in the eyes. “Beautiful,” he says in a husky voice.
“What?” I ask, startled.
“Beautiful,” he repeats, “the kitchen, truly beautiful.”
The kitchen, of course, is beautiful indeed. I take a few steps forward until I’m standing at the counter. Talk, Nora, talk about the kitchen.
“Here, you’ll see that the materials are used in a different way.
The floor is polished concrete, extremely user-friendly.
The cabinets and long table are made from the same pale oak, and the countertop is the same gorgeous marble as the floor in the entryway.
Black modern faucets and appliances complete the look.
You truly have everything you could possibly need: dishwasher, oven, steam oven, built-in fridge, freezer, coffee machine. Do you like to cook?”
What am I even asking? I feel my cheeks instantly flush. Bertrand’s cooking skills are completely irrelevant.
“When I have the time, I like to experiment, but to be honest, I often end up ordering something. It’s the nature of the job—we’re always so busy, right?” Bertrand winks.
I blush even harder.