Chapter 5: The Hot Guy
1222 Words
Elisse smiled shyly when she saw it was the hot guy who held the elevator open for her. There were just two of them inside, and she blushed a little when he smiled back.
She managed to say “Thank you,” and he replied by nodding his head.
Elisse got goosebumps when he asked which floor she’s getting off at. His voice was really deep but sounds calm and gentle.
Elisse: “Second please.”
She replied almost at a whisper. Thank God he heard her because she was having a hard time getting her voice to come out.
He was standing next to the buttons at the front of the elevator while Elisse was at the back. They were on opposite sides. He kept looking and smiling at her. Every time he does, they seem to look at each other at the same time, and they both chuckle when they realize it.
Eric: “I’m Eric.”
He turned towards her while offering his hand.
Elisse: “I’m Elisse,”
She replied while shaking his hand. He smells really great. He smelled fresh, but manly. He’s got big, but very soft hands..
Eric: “Our names start with the same letter. What a coincidence.”
She smiled and was about to say something when the elevator dinged, indicating that they have reached their destination level.
Eric offered to push her cart for her, since he’s only carrying two bags. As it turns out he’s getting off at the same floor. She agreed and led him to her car. When they got there, he helped her load the groceries to the trunk.
When they were done loading all the bags, Eric remained standing where he was. He then turned towards her, seemingly hesitating for a bit before talking.
Eric: “So, Elisse, I’m about to get coffee after this. If you’re not busy, would you like to get coffee with me?”
Elisse did not expect him to be so forward since they only met a few minutes ago, but was also delighted. She smiled before responding to the invitation.
Elisse: “I would love to.”
Eric: “Great. Let me just load these in the car and I’ll meet you at the elevators, okay?”
She nodded her agreement and went to wait by the elevator doors for Eric. She looked at herself in her compact mirror, and fixed some stray hair. She applied some lip balm to make her lips look fresh. When Eric arrived, they pushed the elevator button at the same time and their hands touched a little. Elisse felt goosebumps on her skin and blushed. They were both quiet while waiting for the doors to open.
Once they got in the elevator, they kept smiling to themselves, while thinking of what to say. They started talking at the same time, which made them laugh. The awkwardness melted as they looked at each other’s eyes and felt the connection and attraction towards each other.
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They went into a Starbucks and headed straight to the counter to order drinks. Elisse got a mocha frappuccino and a cream cheese bagel, while Eric got an iced americano. Eric paid for their orders and led her to their seats while waiting for their names to be called.
Once they sat down, Elisse decided to speak up first.
Elisse: “So Eric, are you from around here? It’s the first time I’ve seen you in this mall.”
Eric: “Well, I just got back from abroad two months ago. My parents have retired and I’ve decided to move back here to help out with the business.”
Elisse can’t help but stare at Eric while he was talking. He seems very mild-mannered, and his baby-face gave the impression that he’s a very nice guy.
Once their drinks arrived, they felt more comfortable talking to each other. Elisse learned that Eric is 29 years old, and that his family owns a printing business. He’ll be taking over managing the company, once his father retired. He has an elder sister living in the US, and he has been living in the same area and State as her since he graduated from College. He also has two nephews and a niece.
Elisse told him about her two sisters living in California, and her two nephews and two nieces as well.
Eric goes to the gym at least three times a week, which explains his impressive body. He’s also very health-conscious, and watches what he eats. Elisse was a little guilty with all the carbs she’s currently consuming in front of him.
Eric: “So Elisse, do you have a boyfriend?”
Elisse: “No, I don’t. Do you have a boyfriend?”
Elisse was caught off-guard and was embarrassed when she realized what she just said. He quietly laughed at her reply. She corrected herself right away.
Elisse: “I mean do you have a girlfriend?”
Eric replied while still chuckling.
Eric: “Never had a boyfriend. I’m into girls, FYI. I had a girlfriend in the US but we decided to break up before I left because we didn’t feel like we’re meant for each other. We probably would have survived a long distance relationship.”
She was surprised that he was willing to offer that much information about his past relationship. She felt like she wanted to open up a little as well.
Elisse: “The last boyfriend I had was about two years ago. We broke up because I just didn’t have the time for a relationship. I had some personal issues to deal with at the time.”
Eric: “Well, whatever it is, I hope you’re okay now.”
Elisse: “I am. Thanks.”
Elisse replied with a smile. She was relieved that he didn’t inquire any further. She didn’t feel like sharing any further and felt that it’s too early for her to share too much information since they just met.
To lighten the mood, he asked more about Eric’s life in the US and what he misses the most since coming back. She talked about Lombard Street in San Francisco and how anxious she was the first time she drove through it. They were both having a good time just hanging out and talking to each other.
Two hours had passed since they met, and they were interrupted when Eric got a text on his phone.
Eric: “Sorry, my mom needs me back at home, she actually asked me to get the groceries for her.”
Elisse: “It’s okay, go ahead, I need to be heading home as well.”
Eric: “I had a great time and I want to see you again. Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?”
Elisse blushed a bit and couldn't help but smile. She doesn’t have any reason to say no, and she would like to see him again as well.
Elisse: “Yes, you can take me out to dinner.”
They smiled at each other and exchanged phone numbers. They headed to the elevator to the carpark. When they got in, Eric stood close to Elisse, and their arms were touching, but neither of them moved. When the doors opened, Eric touched the small of her back while leading her out.
Eric accompanied her to where her car was parked. She stopped and stood beside the driver side door. She turned around to face him, and almost gasped when he noticed that he was standing really close to her.
Eric: “It was really nice meeting you.”
Eric moved closer to her and leaned a little. Her heart fluttered when he planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
She wanted to leave a good impression by acting cool. She managed to say, “Likewise,” while blushing. She then got in her car and drove away.
- Writer
