The beat of Attraction

Melanie crosses Kalinin's gates and draws a long, steady breath. Exhilaration combined with a hint of fear permeates the air.

Melanie has only visited here very once since Kalinin relocated with Marcus four years ago but she is resolved to find out where the night will carry her, but the thought of how to navigate her way in this unfamiliar city at night makes her anxious and resolute at the same time.

As she leaps into the Uber her sister booked, she gives the driver the club address that Kalinin helped her copy out and she relaxes into the car.

Enthralled by the city’s sight, Melanie watches out the window on the trip. Though overwhelming, the pulsating street activity and the brilliant neon lights are thrilling. The thrill of adventure beats her heart, a nice break from her nervousness about the upcoming meeting.

When she gets to "The Beats," the club is large and before her, its door is decorated with powerful lettering suggesting an evening to remember.

Melanie pays the driver, then crosses the street breathing once more to relax her nervousness.

She walks to the door and runs across a fierce security guard whose authoritative presence makes her feel momentarily small. But he lets her in when she says her name. Her name just felt like a key unlocking a new experience.

Inside, the atmosphere is incredible. Moving is challenging while the crowd grows and the music blasts all around her. She searches the room for Caleb and notes she arrived early so she then walks towards the bar.

The bar is a chic haven among the chaos created by a polished black granite lighted by soothing LED lights.

Melanie stops to appreciate all the rich ambiance that rows of brilliant bottles reflect.

Perched on a barstool, she pauses to review the menu.

“Hello ma'am,” A young barman greets her from across the table, his trained smile raising doubts about his actual enjoyment of working at the bar.

Not sure what else to get, Melanie gets a virgin strawberry daiquiri and she smells the evening ahead as the barman masterfully swirls her drink.

When the drink comes, she tries it and finds it wonderfully garnished with a fresh strawberry slice. The tastes of sweet and sour provide a comfort from the intensity of the club.

She closes her eyes and allows the music to wash her and from across the room, she spots a tall, handsome man with an olive skin tone and Amber-colored eyes staring at her. He smiles and her tummy begins to dance with pleasure.

"Is that Caleb?" Trying to fit the fuzzy picture on his dating site to what Caleb looks like in person, she says, trying to retain her cool.

She can't get rid of the draw towards the stranger even though she is sipping her drink and should be completely immersed in the surroundings.

Though it's an interesting kind of shiver, her spine gets cold from his smile and the brightness of his amber eyes.

The music shifts and the gorgeous man wanders among the audience towards her. As Caleb approaches Melanie's heart quickens to introduce herself.

Simple banter starts their conversation, and Melanie connects immediately as though they had known one other for much more than a few minutes.

Caleb seems rather friendly and truly eager to get to know her and when he asks why she is at the club, she just says she wants a night off.

Caleb tells her that he also longed for a break from his routine and for the first time in a long time Melanie feels seen and understood.

Lost in discussion on their careers, preferred books, and films, they lose the concept of time as the evening rolls on.

Melanie experiences a surge of freedom as their undeniable chemistry is clear-cut. She stops to consider how long it has been since she danced when Caleb suggests they do.

Caleb takes her to the dance floor and as the music pulsates around she loses herself in that moment, as enthralled as she is by the glitter in his eyes and the way his body syncs with hers. They laugh and pass playful glances and for a moment the rest of the world vanishes.

Melanie feels the heat in the club, so she welcomes it when Caleb suggests that they should grab something to drink.

She picks coffee over alcohol, and Caleb offers to take her to his office so she might prepare a cup.

She has been wanting to leave the crowded place and thus she enthusiastically welcomes his request.

As they exit the nightclub, the clear night air welcomes them differently. Together, they wander around the city and have laid-back light conversation. The streets are full of the sounds of the night, but as they walk side by side there is tranquility.

When Caleb reaches a sleek, modern building, she walks past the revolving doors and into a softly sophisticated lobby.

Melanie starts to become thrilled as soon as they enter the lift and the doors close. When they arrive at Caleb's workplace, she peers out at the breathtaking skyline, lit. The space is big and friendly; its straightforward design reflects the foyer.

Caleb asks her to sit; she settles into a cozy chair and feels calm in the quiet surroundings then he goes to a little kitchenette to make coffee.

Melanie waits and absorbs the specifics of Caleb's office pictures of travel and a collection of rare books that testify to his interests and experiences. When he comes bearing two cups of coffee and delivers stories, their conversation deepens and flows naturally.

Melanie begins to see a difference in Caleb's demeanor, though. His touches approach her hands and forearms. She finds the bond they have made fascinating, but another part finds the pace at which things are starting to bother her.

Just as the air charges with conflict, the security guard that she observed at the entrance earlier, breaks through the door just as she is beginning to get a flutter of anxiety towards Caleb.

"Hi, Caleb! Apologies for my interruption," Alistar says, entering the office.

“Melanie meet Alistar Roland, my buddy and business partner.”Melanie smiles weakly when Caleb introduces her.

“Hi, Al. What's up?" Caleb explores, trying to project indifference.

Sensing the tension, Alistar looks from Caleb to Melanie.

"We need to go over the Johnson account; I thought I would catch you before the meeting." he clarifies while Melanie's eyes dart back and forth between him and Caleb, not able to wrap around why they are discussing an individual customer account when they are club owners.

"I should start being on my way home” Melanie stands snatching at the opportunity.

I'll walk you out. Caleb rises, heated in his cheeks.

" Don't worry Caleb, I shall address the walk-out duties.” Alistar clears his throat.

“You guys can just concentrate on your business, I will see myself out” Melanie insists and in no time Alistair goes straight into briefing Caleb about why he is there.