Chapter 1

The apartment complex looked very grand, the most impressive building that I’ve delivered food to in months. The customer lived in the penthouse, and it was my first time even going to one. Even the elevator was opulent, and the elevator doors opened directly into the penthouse. I walked in with the food order in my hands.

Just past the entrance was a stunningly attractive man, probably in his early thirties, with piercing blue eyes and a chiseled jawline. He was dressed in a sleek black shirt, unbuttoned at the top to reveal a hint of toned chest, and dark blue jeans that hugged his muscular thighs. His smile was inviting, and his eyes roved over my body in a way that made me blush.

“You must be the delivery,” he said, taking the bag from my hands.

I nodded, trying to keep my cool. “Yeah, I’ve got your order.”

He stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter. “Come in, come in,” he urged. “Let me get you a cold drink for your trouble.”

Surprised by the offer, I hesitated, glancing at the time on my phone. It was a sweltering day, and the idea of a cool beverage was tempting. Plus, the air conditioning inside was a welcome reprieve from the heat outside. “Okay, just for a minute,” I said, stepping into the penthouse.

I stepped inside the cool, air-conditioned foyer. The place was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. The walls were adorned with abstract art, and the furniture looked like it belonged in a luxury magazine. He led me into a kitchen that gleamed with chrome and marble, the fridge humming quietly in the corner.

How about some iced tea?” he offered, reaching into the fridge. His biceps flexed as he pulled out a pitcher. “Or something stronger, perhaps?” His eyes twinkled mischievously, and I felt a flutter in my stomach.

“Iced tea would be great, thank you,” I replied, trying to ignore the way he filled the glass with such ease, the condensation glistening in the sunlight. He handed it to me with a nod, and our fingers brushed for a moment, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm.

As I took a sip, the sweetness hit my tongue, and I couldn’t help but let out a satisfied sigh. His smile grew wider, and he leaned against the kitchen island, watching me closely. The air between us thickened with tension, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest.

“You look like you’ve had a long day,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “How about you sit down and take a break?”

I glanced around the kitchen, the cold glass in my hand feeling like a lifeline. “Well, I shouldn’t stay too long,” I murmured, but my legs were already moving towards the stool he’d indicated. The coolness of the seat was a stark contrast to the heat outside, and I was grateful for the respite.

“Nonsense,” he said, his tone playful. “You’re here now. Besides, I’ve been waiting for this food all afternoon. Give me a chance to enjoy the company while I eat.”

He grabbed a plate from the cupboard and began to unpack the food. The scent of garlic and spices filled the room, making my stomach growl. I couldn’t deny that I was curious about him—his penthouse, his life. He must be wealthy, I thought, to afford this kind of lifestyle.

“So, what’s a beautiful girl like you doing delivering food?” he asked, his gaze lingering on me as he served the food.

“Just trying to make ends meet,” I replied, trying to keep the conversation light. His question sent a warm shiver down my spine, and I took a deep breath to steady myself.

He took a seat opposite me, his gaze never leaving mine. “Well, I’m certainly not complaining,” he said, a hint of something more than mere friendliness in his voice. The way he looked at me made me feel seen, desired. The tension in the room grew palpable.

As he took his first bite, he closed his eyes, savoring the flavor, and I couldn’t help but watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. When he opened his eyes again, they met mine, and he licked his lips, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “This is fantastic,” he murmured. “But you know what would make it even better?”

My heart skipped a beat. “What’s that?”

He leaned closer, his blue eyes darkening. “Your company,” he said, his voice a soft rumble that sent waves of heat through my body.

I swallowed hard, the cold tea suddenly feeling thick in my throat. “I, uh, I should get going,” I stammered, setting the glass down.

“Oh, come on,” he said, his eyes dancing. “Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying yourself.” He extended his hand across the counter. “I’m Jeremy, by the way.”

“Sophia,” I murmured, placing my hand in his firm grip. He held it for a moment longer than necessary, his thumb brushing against my skin, sending a shiver up my arm.

Jeremy took another bite of his food, his eyes never leaving mine. “So, Sophia, tell me about your day. What brings you to the top of the world?” His smile was infectious, and I found myself smiling back, the tension in the room momentarily easing.

“It’s just a job,” I said with a shrug, feeling a bit embarrassed under his scrutiny. “But the view from up here is pretty amazing.”

“Indeed,” Jeremy said, his eyes traveling back to the windows. “It’s one of the perks of living in the penthouse.” He took another bite of his food, his gaze returning to me. He leaned in even closer, his breath warm against my cheek. “You,” he murmured, his eyes holding mine in a way that made my knees feel weak. “I can’t help but feel like there’s something ... extraordinary about you.”

I felt my cheeks flush, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into his charm. “What makes you say that?”

Jeremy took another sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving mine. “Just a feeling,” he said, his voice smooth and confident. “I have a knack for spotting special things in people. It’s one of the reasons I’ve gotten so far in life.”

My pulse quickened, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body. The kitchen felt like it was shrinking around us, and all I could focus on was the way his eyes kept flickering down to my lips. I took a deep breath, trying to slow my racing heart. “Is that so?” I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Jeremy nodded, his gaze lingering on my mouth. “Very much so,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “You’ve got this ... spark.” He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. “It’s intriguing.”

I felt my breath hitch as his hand lingered, his thumb grazing my cheek. “I, uh, I really should go now,” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. But my body didn’t seem to want to move.

Jeremy leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “Is it about the money?” he asked, his eyes searching mine. “I can understand if you’re worried about the tip. I’d be happy to more than cover your costs and time for this trip.”

Surprise flitted across my face. “That’s ... that’s really not necessary,” I protested, but his confidence was alluring. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of crisp bills, laying it on the counter between us.

“Consider it a bonus for your excellent service,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Now, that should cover your costs.”

The money was much more than I’d make on this delivery. More than I’d make on in even a month. But there was something in his tone that was more than just generous. It was ... suggestive. My heart raced as I reached for the cash, our fingers brushing again. This time, it wasn’t just a simple touch—it was electric.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “But really, I should—”

“Sophia,” Jeremy interrupted, his voice like velvet. “You don’t have to go anywhere.” He took a step closer, the warmth of his body enveloping me. “Unless, of course, you’re in a hurry to leave?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I searched his eyes, looking for any sign that he was playing a game, but all I found was a genuine interest, a smouldering desire that mirrored my own. The kitchen spun around me, the cold glass of tea forgotten on the counter. “No,” I whispered, my breath shallow. “I’m not in a hurry.”

Jeremy’s smile grew, and he took my hand, leading me away from the kitchen. We moved to the living room, the soft couches and plush rugs beckoning us to sit. The air grew thick with anticipation, my heart pounding in my chest. He sat down and patted the cushion next to him.

I perched on the edge, my heart racing as he leaned back and stretched his arm along the back, his fingers grazing my shoulder. The leather was cold against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. He reached for the remote, dimming the lights even further, and the room grew intimate, the edges of everything softening in the muted glow.

He turned to face me, his leg pressing against mine. The heat from his body was almost too much, and I found myself leaning into him despite the racing thoughts in my head. He leaned in closer, his breath hot on my face as he whispered, “Relax, you’re going to enjoy this.” His hand slid down my arm and rested on my leg, his thumb tracing little circles on my skin, sending waves of sensation through me.