“We have arrived at Miss Valeria’s home, your grace,” the driver interrupted us.
Khalid squeezed my hand. “Come on, I will walk you to your door.”
I led the way, having the path to my house mapped out in my mind. He had asked me about my work, and he seemed impressed when I talked aboutDelicate Dew. It had a profitable launch two years ago, with doubling profits each month ever since it was launched.
I had a terrible date night because the fragrance I was wearing made me feel uncomfortable. It was supposed to be the best perfume of that year, with a reputable brand, but it didn’t suit my skin. With my business degree, I decided that I would make my brand of perfume for every gender with simple notes to wear every day. Half of the royalties went to fund the fundraiser and charities for disabled people.
“The rosy, delicate perfume that you are wearing right now, is it from your brand?” He asked, the scent of his cologne in the night air making me want to press my face against his chest.
Why does he have to smell so good?
“It is. It lasts for hours.”
“My mom used to wear it that’s why I wanted to talk to you about it at the art show,” he said and I could feel the sadness in his voice. Everyone knew about the death of his mothers, the two Sultanas dying in a plane crash. “The notes have changed, but it made me nostalgic.”
I rubbed my thumb on his pulse. “I layer it with other perfume to match with my body. I found the name of the brand when I was a kid and asked a lady and she was kind enough to give me her own travel size bottle.”
“You are wearing the woodsy notes,” I said. “It suits you.”
“I had to take the suggestion of a beautiful lady,” he said, the vibrations of his voice sending chills over my body. “I would like to invest in your company. Try out some of the perfumes myself.”
I faced him. “You would? But… we just met and you want to offer a partnership to my company?”
When he didn’t reply, I giggled. “You nodded, didn’t you?”
“I… I am so sorry. Yes, I nodded.” Khalid let out a small chuckle, his warm breath caressing the bare skin of my neck.
He continued, “Knowing most of the profit goes to the charities, I know my investments will be in excellent hands. Even the beautiful CEO of the company seems very charming and caring.”
I didn’t reply, our feet coming to a halt in front of the main door of my house. I knew he was looking over the gardens that were mainly handled by Mabel and Mr Benjamin.
“Were you going to ask me about something? Before we arrived?”
“Yes, but it can wait. Goodnight, Valeria. I will see you soon.”
I was not expecting his hot body pressing against me, a pair of warm lips kissing my cheek. I gaped and pressed my fingers to where Khalid had kissed me. My entire body felt like it was about to melt when I heard him walk away.
Not fair. I wanted to kiss him goodnight, too.
Kisshis cheek. Not anything else.
Nothing else.