Rainstorm

Alisha and Zeriel had just finished their meeting with Mr. Williams, an old perfume expert and an old  friend of Zeriel in his hometown. They had sought his expert advice on how to improve their production and create a new signature scent for their company.

Satisfied with the fruitful conversation, they bid Mr. William goodbye "looking forward to seeing you two again" Mr Williams said to  Zeriel as he bid them farewell and they headed back to their car. As they stepped outside, they were greeted by an unexpected change in weather. Dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening to release a torrential downpour.

The first few raindrops began to fall as Alisha and Zeriel made their way hastily towards the car. But within seconds, the gentle drizzle turned into a heavy downpour, drenching everything in its path. They were still a fair distance away from the car, and it seemed impossible to reach it without getting soaked. "Damn!" Zeriel cursed out loud  at the unexpected change in weather

Without hesitation, Zeriel swiftly slipped off his jacket and held it above Alisha, shielding her from the relentless raindrops. Alisha's surprise was evident on her face, as she had never seen this side of Zeriel before. His typically stoic demeanor had melted away in that moment, replaced by an unexpected act of chivalry.

"Zeriel, you don't have to do this," Alisha protested, her voice slightly muffled by the sound of rain falling around them.

A small smile graced Zeriel's lips as he replied, "It's only fair that I protect you from the rain since you've been protecting our company with your hard work and dedication."

Alisha's heart skipped a bit at his words. It was the first time Zeriel had acknowledged her efforts so openly. The gesture filled her with warmth and an unfamiliar sense of closeness. As they continued to walk towards the car, she couldn't help but steal glances at the man beside her, she wondered why he seemed to have changed these past few days she's spent with him her admiration for him growing. " Is this still the cold distance man I met a few months back?" She questioned herself.

By the time they reached the car, both Alisha and Zeriel were a little wet, but Alisha's body was shielded from the worst of the rain, thanks to Zeriel's selflessness. He opened the car door for her, insisting that she get in first, before joining her on the driver's side.

Inside the car, they were enveloped in a comfortable silence, the sound of raindrops drumming against the roof. As the droplets continued to cascade down the windows, Alisha stole another glance at Zeriel, a sense of gratitude and appreciation filling her heart.

The rain may have drenched them that day, but that single act of kindness from Zeriel had left an impression that would forever stay etched in Alisha's mind. It was a reminder that beneath his authoritative exterior lay a caring and gentle soul.

Alisha and Zeriel continued to drive through the heavy rain, but the road conditions worsened with each passing mile. It became evident that it would be impossible to complete their journey and safely return to their hotel that night, given the late hour and the incessant downpour. It was a stroke of luck when Zeriel spotted a signpost indicating an old inn up ahead.

Suggesting they seek refuge for the night, Zeriel turned the car towards the inn. "I don't think we can get to the hotel tonight,I suggest we find a place to rest tonight don't you think so?" Zeriel turned to ask Alisha after a long silence. "I think that's the only option" Alisha agreed with the idea, recognizing the need to take shelter from the storm. As they entered the inn, they were greeted by an elderly lady who acted as the innkeeper. She warmly welcomed them, assuming their proximity and soaked appearances meant they were a couple.

Alisha tried to correct the innkeeper's assumption, but the old lady merely chuckled and waved off her protests. "No need to be shy, my dear. Love has a way of sneaking up on people when they least expect it," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

Blushing, Alisha glanced at Zeriel who shrugged nonchalantly, playing along with the innkeeper's assumption. Understanding that there was no point in further trying to convince the lady, Alisha sighed and went along with it.

"Alright, we'll take the room," Alisha finally relented, hoping that they could simply get some sleep and leave early in the morning.

To Alisha's dismay, the innkeeper informed them that she only had one room left, leaving them no choice but to share. Alisha's discomfort grew, but Zeriel appeared unperturbed by the situation, assuring her that he would sleep on the couch while she could have the bed.

Reluctantly, Alisha nodded, grateful that at least she would have a bed to sleep in. The innkeeper, clearly satisfied with her matchmaking attempts, led them to the quaint room. It was cozy and filled with an old-fashioned charm, complete with a crackling fireplace.

As the innkeeper left them to settle in, Alisha couldn't help but feel a mix of awkwardness and gratitude towards Zeriel. His willingness to take the couch and make her more comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable situation touched her.

As Alisha entered the room, she couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. The tension between her and Zeriel was palpable, and the prospect of changing in front of him made her self-conscious. She decided it would be best to take a hot bath first to calm her nerves.

Zeriel, sensing her discomfort, thought it would be considerate to give her some privacy. Excusing himself, he made his way to the balcony, leaving Alisha to prepare for her shower in peace. The warm water cascaded over her body, washing away the weariness of the day. She emerged from the bathroom refreshed and dressed in her comfortable nightie.

As Alisha stepped into the room, Zeriel's eyes couldn't help but flicker with a mix of surprise and admiration. She appeared different, her vulnerability and natural beauty shining through in the soft light. He couldn't deny the effect it had on him, and he found himself once again captivated by her presence.

Alisha noticed Zeriel's lingering gaze, and it puzzled her. He had always seemed annoyed by her in the past, so why was he suddenly showing such interest? Her cheeks flushed with warmth as her thoughts began to wander, trying to decipher the newfound fascination she saw in his eyes.

Attempting to shake off her bewilderment, they sat down for a meal. The innkeeper had kindly prepared a simple yet comforting dinner for them. As they ate, conversation flowed easily between them, but Alisha couldn't ignore the bubbling tension beneath the surface.

After the meal, Zeriel stood up, declaring his intention to take a bath. He casually removed his shirt, revealing his well-toned physique. Alisha's breath caught in her throat, her cheeks growing even redder as her gaze lingered longer than it should have. Memories of the accidental glimpse she had of his nakedness before flashed through her mind, sending a surge of heat through her body.

Sensing her discomfort, Zeriel couldn't help but notice her stolen glances. His heart skipped a beat as a surge of desire coursed through him. Confused by his own reaction, he decided to retreat to the bathroom, feeling the need to compose himself.

Alisha, embarrassed by her own reactions, jumped into bed and pretended to be asleep. However, her thoughts continued to race, consumed by the lingering images of Zeriel's bare chest and the flicker of desire she saw in his eyes. What was happening between them? Could it be possible that their dynamic was shifting, evolving into something deeper and more intimate?

In the quiet of the room, emotions ran wild as Alisha and Zeriel navigated the uncharted territory of their changing relationship. Both were unsure of what the future held, but this unexpected night at the old inn seemed to be awakening a dormant connection between them.

Eventually, sleep embraced Alisha, and the sound of rain became nothing more than background noise. In the morning, they would leave the inn and continue their journey, but Alisha couldn't help but wonder if this unexpected twist of fate would bring about more changes in her relationship with Zeriel.

The next morning,Zeriel woke up early, showered and dressed up while Alisha was still in bed. He seemed to be standing beside the window answering a call when Alisha got up to wash off, she wondered why he didn't wake her up.

After dressing up she walked up to him to  inform him she was ready to leave.

"Good morning Zeriel" she greeted calmly. "I'll call you back", Zeriel told the person he was on phone with as he ended the call and turned to her "good morning alisha, did you sleep well?" he asked calmly.

Alisha felt guilty she made her boss sleep on the couch, she tucks her hair behind her ears. "I had a good rest"she replied almost immediately avoiding his gaze " why didn't you wake me up since you were all dressed?" She asked."Well you were sleeping so peacefully I couldn't bear to wake you up so I had to wait" he replied with a smile

"That's quite considerate of you" she said with a chuckle.They finally headed out,greeted the old lady who inquired if their night was okay. "Yes it was thank you" Alisha replied as they headed for their car