Chapter 1

ELOISE

If they gave out awards for being unlucky in relationships, I'd have a trophy case full of them. It was like I had a Ph.D. in heartbreak and a black belt in rejection.

I couldn't entirely blame the guys, but if I had to place blame on something, it would have to be my issues.

Jenna had set me up for a blind date at this exquisite restaurant in Midtown tonight. She told me this guy was a friend of a friend, and she'd been insistent in the past few days to the point where she was already bugging me. 

She had shown him my picture, and he became interested in knowing more about me. He'd already sent me flowers this morning, and I didn't want to be rude, so I decided to go so I could decline him politely face-to-face. What was his name again? I didn't even bother remembering.

I finally arrived in front of the restaurant. I tucked away those unruly strands of my wavy red hair behind my ears, adding a touch of blush and lip gloss to complete the look.

I paused momentarily, realizing I'd forgotten to put on my contact lenses, revealing my jade-green eyes. I didn't fancy them being green, so I usually covered them with brown lenses.

I parked the car and stepped out. The place was definitely top-notch. 

The ambiance oozed romance with the soft piano instrumental playing in the restaurant. Maybe giving this date a shot wouldn't be that bad. I confidently approached the grand entrance.

A waiter donned in a white shirt under a crisp black vest and a red bow tie greeted me with a beam. "Good evening, madam. How may I assist you this fine evening?" 

"I have a reservation under the name Eloise Walker."

"Eloise Walker is expected," he confirmed, even without looking at a guest book. "Your reservation is a table for two. Will you be waiting for your company?"

"No, I'm running late. My date should be here. I'm just going to look for him."

I scanned the restaurant, and my eyes landed on a man sitting alone in the right corner near the window, calmly sipping his champagne. He was the only soul having dinner alone in the place. It had to be him. Just the sight of his broad shoulders and the impeccably tailored suit set my heart racing.

"Of course, madam. Welcome to La Fantaisie," he said politely, allowing me to walk inside. Then, I almost hesitantly approached the man by the window, wondering how to introduce myself.

Slowly, my field of vision began to reveal itself as I stepped closer. I gasped upon seeing him.

He was breathtaking. 

Calling him beautiful would almost be an understatement. He radiated grace, sophistication, and a certain badassness if that's even a word, in how he carried his well-built and broad physique. Every feature on his face was impeccably proportioned. I had never come across a man quite like him.

His golden complexion, coupled with his dark hair, was an exquisite combination. Even his nose appeared flawlessly sculpted. And his cupid bow mouth… so temptingly firm and rosy. His navy blue three-piece suit clung deliciously to his frame as if tailored exclusively for him.

Every hair on my body stood at attention. God, he even resembled a magnificent scene from a romance novel brought to life.

When he finally looked up and our eyes locked, his jaw tensed, and a scowl crossed his face. I nearly dropped to my knees. I hadn't noticed him rising from his seat, and I quickly sidestepped to avoid colliding with him.

"I've got you," he spoke, his voice deep and inviting. He had caught me just in time. Did he realize I was on the verge of falling? Was it because of him?

Mr. Suit steadied me and then resumed his seat before his food. He must be pissed. I averted my gaze to his plate, nervously biting my lower lip. Even just gazing at him sent electric tingles coursing through my inner thighs.

I furrowed my brow. He was already eating. Why didn't he wait for me? Was it because I was late that he began without me?

I took a seat in the vacant chair across from him. Usually, I waited for the guys to start the conversations, but this man… he was captivating.

I cleared my throat. "Hi," I greeted.

He paused, chewing on his steak. "Hi?" 

"I'm Eloise." I chuckled.

"May I take your order, miss?" a younger waiter interjected this time.

My eyes remained fixed on Mr. Suit's face. "Um, I'll have the same—" I swallowed "—as he does."

"Right away, ma'am," he smiled politely before walking away.

"I'm sorry for being a bit late," I confessed. Why was I the only one starting the conversation?

"I can see that," he said glacially. Did I upset him? He avoided looking at me, yet he paused his steak-eating endeavors with a trace of annoyance. He grabbed a white cloth and gently wiped his mouth.

"What's your name?" I continued.

He sighed and adjusted his posture in the chair, straightening his back.

"Adam," he uttered, his brows knitting together but never bothered offering a handshake. Well, I'd rather call him Mr. Suit. 

"Thanks for the flowers you sent me. That's very thoughtful of you."

He raised an eyebrow at me but didn't answer. 

Oh, that wasn't a good reaction. He already looked disinterested and bored. Maybe he thought I was prettier in pictures than in person, so he changed his mind.

I'd only had one serious relationship and some flings in my life, so I had already reached a point where I already knew when guys weren't into their date.

"Alright, I think I should leave," I informed him. That's what I intended to do anyway.

"Why? I haven't done anything." Finally, Mr. Suit smiled, and it was a truly heavenly sight.

I returned his smile. "Well... you see, Adam, I'm not used to this. It's just that Jenna was so insistent."

"This should be interesting," he interrupted, pouring himself a glass of champagne and another for me. "Don't worry, this one's on me," he assured.

I nodded, grinning like a fool. "She told me that too."

"Told you what?" He swirled his champagne glass and sniffed it. I bit my lower lip, observing the scene in front of me. How could someone drink so seductively?

My phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting the moment. I excused myself and glanced at the screen. It was Jenna calling. Perhaps she wanted to know how my date was going.

"Can I take this?" I inquired, seeking permission from Mr. Suit.

He shrugged, letting me. I answered the call.

"Hello, Jenna?"

"Thank goodness you answered. I've been calling you for an hour," she exclaimed, relieved.

I chuckled. "Relax. I'm fine. I'm already here. You didn't tell me anything about this guy," I said, looking at Mr. Suit, who was observing me with intense, captivating eyes. I quickly shifted my gaze.

"What are you talking about?" She sounded surprised. "Where are you? We're already here!"

"You're at the restaurant?" I furrowed my brow, confused.

"Yes, damn it. Nick is already here waiting for you. Where are you?"

"I told you, I'm already here. Jenna, don't bother me. This is the first time someone has stayed for over five minutes," I whispered into the phone. I bit my lip and glanced at Mr. Suit. He was staring at me inexplicably, but it was alluring and intense.

"What are you talking about? Nick is here with me, and he was waiting for you half an hour ago," she said, clearly furious. What on earth was she talking about? Who cared if her date's name was Nick?

"Look, Jenna. I don't know—" I began, but then it hit me.

Oh my God! What if —

I looked at the man in front of me. "You're not my date, are you?"

He shook his head.

"And you knew it?"

He smirked.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Hello, Eloise? Hello!" Jenna was shouting on the other end.

Oh my God, that was so embarrassing. My head felt as if it were going to burst. Maybe he was staring at me because he thought I was ridiculous.

"There you are!" Jenna finally arrived with Nick. He looked… average.

"May I excuse her for a minute?" Like me, she smiled at him with such sweetness, clearly star-struck.

"Anytime," he responded.

Jenna grabbed my hand and dragged me toward their reserved table.