— I really loved your novel, Elizabeth!exclaimed Ingrid when she saw me.

My smile widened as my heart raced. I'd slept so little the previous two nights because of my anxiety and excitement about this appointment. She motioned for me to sit down opposite her.

— I really liked your manuscript, she said, looking me straight in the eye. I felt like I was watching a film, as if the story was being projected in front of me through my five senses. You have the art of bewitching the reader right from the start, but my goodness, why didn't you come to me sooner? I imagine you've developed this talent by writing articles and short stories, but it's amazing for a first manuscript. There are a few changes to be made but they will be minimal. I can't congratulate you enough on your work, it's really amazing.

I laughed softly as my hand automatically went to rub the back of my neck. As she smiled warmly at me, I felt embarrassed; I suspected a certain excess of kindness on her part, even though an incredible joy submerged me.

— I'm sure you're exaggerating.
— Of course not, Elizabeth, you really are talented. And to tell you the truth, I'm more than delighted that Sibylline put us in touch.

I never thought I'd be so touched by her opinion. At the same time, all this reminded me a lot of my father, as we used to discuss my dreams of becoming a writer when I was a child. He was the first to listen to all my story ideas.

— I got you a contract, Elizabeth.

My brain didn't fully register the information she had sent me. She smiled and pulled some papers out of a folder. Handing it to me, she asked me to take the time to read them at home.

— You can email me if you have any questions, but if not, you can bring me the contract, dated and signed.
— Wow.
— Elizabeth?
— Yes, sorry. Er, I don't know what to say. Well, yes, of course! Thank you so much, Ingrid. You don't realise how much I've dreamt about this day. Thank you, Ingrid.
— You can thank the talent you have.

After I'd thanked her many times, we got down to discussing ways of improving my manuscript and the publication process. We ended up saying goodbye, and I took a deep breath before standing up again.

Just as I turned to leave, I saw a body dressed in black with a drink in its hand collide with me. I was too preoccupied with the survival of my contract, and my first instinct was to raise it as high as I could. And it was with one hand in the air that I hit him. To my delight, the drink that spilled onto my clothes was cold. I was thrown two metres and landed heavily on the ground, but my contract remained intact.

— Oh my God! I heard Ingrid exclaim behind me as everyone around us watched in absolute silence.

When I looked down, I saw that my clothes had indeed not escaped the bath. I saw a muscular arm stretched out in front of me, no doubt that of the man I'd collided with. Not daring to look up, I nodded my head in agreement and was on my feet the next second. Very embarrassed, I avoided his gaze.

I smile.

— Thank you.
— Sorry, said my opposite number at the same time.

I saw Ingrid beside me, her face worried.

— You didn't hurt yourself, did you?
— Oh, no, no, don't worry, everything's fine.
— You could be more careful in future, Ingrid told the man standing in front of me.

I was still avoiding his gaze and was about to walk around him and leave the place when his feet came towards me. He placed what appeared to be a black jacket on my shoulders. I took it off immediately and handed it back to him.

— It will get dirty from all the coffee.

He didn't seem to be listening to me and put it back on my shoulders.

— Your white top is now completely transparent and your jacket isn't big enough to cover the front. You should keep it on if you don't want everyone staring at you, he says in a deep, elegant voice.

Intrigued, I raised my head and noticed the man I had seen when I first entered the publishing house. His lips stretched into a delicious smile as his dark eyes scrutinised me. He had cut his black hair since I saw him last. Realising that my white top was now revealing my bright red lace bra, I tightened the leather jacket, which was much too big for me.

I smile back at him.

— Thank you so much. And how exactly am I going to get it back to you?

His smile widened and he showed off his aligned, incredibly white teeth.

— I think that's a good excuse to ask for your number, don't you?

It took me several seconds to understand his insinuation. I thought quickly. He was saving me, without him I'd have ended up having to walk around with my bra on display for everyone to see. And it was an excellent excuse to get his phone number and see him again. After all, he was probably the most beautiful specimen I'd ever met. So I decided to give him my contact details. If we got to know each other, it couldn't hurt.

— A good excuse? Well, I suppose I'm forced to give you the information.

I wanted to slap myself for talking so strangely under stress. On the other hand, his energy was so positive and intense.

— A good thing done, laughed Ingrid beside me.  I'd advise you to go and exchange numbers outside if you don't want to continue to be the centre of attention.

I laughed and saw that everyone around was still staring at us. I indicated the exit with my chin, and he nodded before moving ahead of me.

Once we were outside, I lingered over the dimples that accompanied his charming smile.

— I didn't walk in front of you out of any lack of politeness or anything, it's just that far too many men use that as an excuse to look at the person in front of them, and that's something I don't tolerate, so I walked in front so you wouldn't think I had any ideas in my head, he said in one breath.

What a gentleman. I felt like he was straight out of a novel.

— Oh, you have absolutely no need to justify yourself, that's also what I find polite. Thank you for that and for the jacket. Well, the jacket for now. Well, thank you so much for lending me your jacket for the time being. You know what I mean...

I decided to keep quiet as his smile widened, accentuating his dimples. Without wasting any time, I asked him to dictate his number to me after taking my mobile out of my pocket.

— Is it OK? he asked me after he'd told me again.
— All good, I said, sending him a message.

It's me (:

He checked his phone and smiled. He was impressively handsome, with the sun reflecting off his soft curls, his magnificent eyes shining and his smile that would make any woman, and even some men, fall head over heels.

— And what's your name?
— Elizabeth.
— Nice to meet you, Liz. Is it OK if I call you Liz?

Although I was just smiling as a response, I was jumping of joy on the inside.

— Of course it is.
— What was that file you were so quick to save earlier anyway?

This time I smiled until my cheeks hurt.

— My contract with the publishing house.

He smiled even wider.

— Congratulations!

He then told me that he had to meet Ingrid and that he would pick up his jacket later in the week.

— I'll keep you posted, I informed him before he started to leave. Hang on a sec! What's your name?
— My name is Daniel.

He gave me one last smile before entering the publishing house.