C4 4

Returning to where they started, they retrieved their bags, had another day of exploration where they visited a beautiful and vast lake. It was cold but it was well taken care of. Filled with beautiful love stories of lovers and heartbreak, the lake was a well-known tourist attraction.

Like thieves in the night, the following morning, they left their room and got on their way to the airport. Unto a next destination before returning home.

Fifteen hours later, and totally exhausted, the girls shivered from the cold atmospheric mist that enveloped them. Stepping out from the airport after clearing baggage claim, and into an awaiting taxi, they huddled together generating warmth between them.

An hours ride from one airport to another, towards the hotel they'd booked left them feeling even more weary. Right after getting settled, they wandered down to the hotels bar, placed their order and chose a table where they could just enjoy their meal.

Steffie, the more observant of the three, took in the place. It was spacious and comfortable, and the ideal spot to relax for a day or two before heading on their way. The restaurant wasn't crowded, but it was bursting with energy from the few people that were standing idly about conversing with each other.

Soon their meal order was delivered, and they dug in. The meal quantity was great but the way in which it was prepared turned Steff off. What a buzz kill. Deciding to turn in while the other two girls stayed back and enjoyed the band playing, she bid them farewell and made her way to the elevator.

On the way up in the lift, she was scrolling on her phone, looking at pictures taken. Without really paying attention, the cab doors pinged opened and she stepped off and bumped into someone.

"Sorry." she mumbled, looking up from the phone. "I really am sorr.." the rest of the words were lost, as she stared up at the man whom she'd bumped into before. Different place and time. "What's he doing here?"

As if hearing her question, he tilted his head at her and lifted an eyebrow. "I'm traveling, so I am here. I should ask why you are here, and why did you bump into me again?"

Closing her eyes in embarrassment, she mumbled incoherently. Realizing that she was also still held by him, she inhaled, taking in the sweet cologne he wore and stepped back.

"I didn't mean to be rude or anything. But as luck would have it, us bumping into each other is probably," she spread her hands open and mumbled beneath her breath, "written in the stars."

She being sloppy wasn't something that was new, but it seemed for some reason unknown, she kept bumping into him. Was there something she was missing? But on another note, he was so handsome. Despite his stiff face, which gave off that cold vibe, making one scared to approach him. She found it to be alluring and interesting. It left her with wandering thoughts.

What the hell was she thinking? Stopping those silly thoughts, she berated herself.

Unconsciously smiling at her, he responded, "Is it so bad having bumped into me yet again?"

Sidetracked by his alluring dimpled smile, she cursed beneath her breath and shook her head to focus straying thoughts. Damnit! What about him that keeps pulling me in? Why did he have to be so cute with this smile? Clearing her throat, she looked up into his mesmerizing pools of summer sky and lost her train of thought.

Smiling mischievously, like he know what was happening with her, he commented. "You know...there's nothing wrong in bumping into me, maybe were destined to meet each other." he teased.

"Yeah, maybe..." Inhaling sharply, she slowly release the breath. 'Wait, what am I saying?'

Breaking eye contact with him, she missed his smirk. 'Where the hell was, she anyways?' Taking in her surroundings she realized she was on the wrong floor. 'How the hell did I get here?'

Closing her eyes, she yet again inhaled sharply, counted to ten and turned around. His lovely face with a teasing smile stared back at her. Causing her to lose her nerves again, she mumbled a soft apology and walked towards the lift without turning back.

Nicholas wasn't sure what happened, but he seemed to be pulled in by her. She had a cute attitude that could brand her as a firecracker. He watched her closely, she was an alluring beauty. As she stepped through the lift open doors, he had a sense of foresight that this was a meeting of many.

One that he seems to be looking forward to.

He smirked.