Nice to meet you

As Lila sat in her cozy armchair, a thick book rested in her hands, but her mind was far from the words on the pages. Anxiety prickled at her skin, making her fingers fidget and her heart race.

Today was the day her new bodyguard was set to arrive, ready to assume his duties and ensure her safety.

The room felt unusually quiet as Lila's eyes scanned the lines of text, but her mind struggled to process the words. Each passing moment seemed to stretch into an eternity, intensifying her unease. Her thoughts were consumed by a whirlwind of questions and doubts. What if her new bodyguard didn’t like her? What if they didn't get along?

With a shaky breath, Lila looked up from her book and cast a glance toward the clock hanging on the wall. Every second seemed to tick by agonizingly slowly, amplifying her anticipation. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on her shoulders, and her imagination conjured up countless scenarios, both real and imagined, that could threaten her safety.

Her fingers absentmindedly tapped against the book's spine, betraying her inner turmoil. She knew that her anxiety was partly a product of her own overactive mind, but the unknown factor of her new bodyguard's arrival only exacerbated her worries. Would he accept her for how socially awkward she was? Would he be bored spending time with her alone?

As she waited, Lila found herself involuntarily glancing towards the entrance of the room, her gaze fixated on the door. Each creak or distant sound made her heart skip a beat, heightening her senses. The minutes stretched on, and the silence became deafening, amplifying the nagging fear that something might go wrong.

Her mind wandered, replaying worst-case scenarios in a loop. She imagined making a fool out of herself in front of him. The vividness of her imagination only fueled her anxiety, and her grip on the book tightened as she sought a distraction.

Lila took a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing thoughts. She reminded herself that her new bodyguard was selected for a reason — for his skills, experience, and dedication to protecting others. While the unknowns of their first meeting still loomed, she had to trust in the process and have faith that everything would work out for the best.

Finally, as the clock hand made its painstaking journey to the appointed hour, a gentle knock echoed through the room.

“Miss, master said the bodyguard is here. He’s waiting for you in the living room.”

Lila's heart skipped a beat at the sound of the knock. She took a moment to compose herself, placing the book carefully on the side table before rising from her armchair.

Her legs felt unsteady as she made her way toward the living room, her mind racing with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Her eyes immediately landed on a tall figure standing near the window, his attention focused on the outside world. His broad shoulders and well-defined physique were visible through the neatly tailored suit he wore.

The bodyguard turned his head at the sound of the door opening, and his piercing gaze met Lila's. There was a momentary pause as their eyes locked, and Lila couldn't help but feel a surge of vulnerability under his scrutiny.

All the moisture in her mouth evaporated, leaving her tongue as dry as a bone, preventing her from uttering the trapped words.

Her gaze remained fixed on his stunning presence, captivated by his tall and solid figure. Clad in a well-fitted black suit, he exuded power and strength without appearing bulky. His long legs were spread slightly apart, adding to his commanding aura. She couldn't deny her intense attraction to him.

Struggling to speak, she swallowed repeatedly, desperately trying to moisten her parched tongue. However, her eyes remained locked on his handsome face.

His jaw showcased an even sprinkle of dark stubble, his short hair was neatly styled. And those eyes, blue and intense, held her gaze with equal intensity. Fidgeting with her hands, her mind urged her to say something, anything.

But all she managed was to appreciate the ridiculously attractive man standing in the room.

With a few purposeful strides, he closed the distance between them. As he approached, her head lifted, held in place by the magnetic pull of his eyes. He towered over her, his expression serious and stoic.

Her attention was drawn to the large palm extended towards her, and her eyes followed its path downward.

"Caleb Marshal," he introduced himself, his two words igniting a fiery sensation that crawled up her spine, piece by piece, causing her to sit up straight. Suddenly, the room became unbearably hot.

Lila's heart sank as she realized her predicament. Haphephobia, the fear of touch, was a part of her life she had learned to manage but had never fully overcome.

The thought of physical contact, even a simple handshake, sent shivers down her spine.

Mr. Marshal's outstretched hand remained suspended in the air, waiting for her response. Lila's mind raced, searching for a way to handle the situation gracefully without revealing her fear.

Summoning all her courage, Lila mustered a polite smile and extended her own hand, keeping a noticeable distance between them. She was wearing hand gloves anyway, she would be fine.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Marshal," she managed to say, her voice a bit shaky.

Mr. Marshal, perceptive to her discomfort, withdrew his hand without missing a beat. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Lila," he replied, his tone calm and professional. He seemed to understand the boundaries she needed to maintain, and his respect for her personal space put her slightly at ease.

Lila exhaled a silent sigh of relief, grateful that Mr. Marshal had picked up on her uneasiness. It was a small but reassuring gesture that hinted at his attentiveness and understanding. She took a step back, creating a bit more distance between them, and gestured towards the seating area.

"Please, have a seat," she invited, gesturing toward the couch. "I’m sure my father will be here soon.”

As Lila took a step, her legs felt weak and unsteady, unable to bear her weight. She stumbled forward, directly into Mr. Marshal, crashing into his towering figure.