Flirting with fire

The next morning, Kay slowly opened her eyes, still wrapped in the warmth of her velvet blanket. The clock read 7:00 a.m. sharp. Her lashes fluttered as she yawned and stretched like a cat in silk sheets.

"Good morning to the most beautiful woman in the world," she whispered to herself, grinning smugly.

She threw off her blanket like a queen tossing her cape and strutted over to the mirror, winking at her reflection.

"You're a walking piece of art," she purred, then headed to the washroom. After a steamy shower, she emerged with renewed energy and dangerous charm.

Today was not for subtlety. She slipped into a fitted black gown that hugged her curves like it was made just for her. Her freshly curled hair fell in soft waves, her lips were painted a bold frozen red, her nails matched the same crimson shade, and golden drop earrings dangled from her ears like fire-lit jewels.

As she passed the mirror again, she turned on her heel and gave herself a once-over.

"Ohh...aww. Why so unfairly pretty, ma'am?" she whispered to herself in a sultry tone. "Hahh… You're on fire today."

Just then, her maid Lily peeked in.

"Ma'am, what about breakfast?"

"Ugh, not today. I'm running late," Kay replied, tossing her clutch into her handbag. "Take care of the house—and yourself too."

She paused dramatically at the door, turned back with a smirk.

"Lily… don't you think I look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous today?"

Lily chuckled, "Of course, ma'am. You're glowing. Have a good day."

Kay winked and strutted out like the main character of a fashion film.

She headed straight to her café—today was important. She had a business meeting with a property dealer. Not just any dealer—Mr. Bryson Jase, also known as BJ, a rising star in the real estate world and a man rumored to have closed million-dollar deals with nothing more than a stare and a handshake.

The meeting was scheduled for 12:00 PM.

It was now 12:15.

Kay tapped her long, painted nails on the table impatiently.

Maybe he's not interested... she thought. Typical rich men.

She began spinning in her chair, lost in her thoughts, when suddenly—a knock on the glass door.

"May I come in?" said a deep, unfamiliar voice.

Still thinking about the meeting, she didn't even look up. "Come in," she called, casually.

Then she turned her chair.

Her eyes widened, trailing up from polished white sneakers… gray dress pants hugged by a black Gucci belt… a crisp black shirt with rolled-up sleeves… a luxury watch glinting on his wrist… and resting just below tousled black hair—hazel eyes shielded by black designer shades.

Instant pause.

God, have mercy. She blinked.

The man was dangerous-level attractive.

Before she could stop herself, the words slipped from her lips:

"What a sexy man…"

He raised an eyebrow.

She gasped and laughed awkwardly. "Oops! Sorry. It's a little habit of mine—admiring fine… things."

He chuckled. "That's fine. Happens to me too… when I see something I like."

Eye contact. Thick enough to cut with a knife.

Kay smirked. "I think there's something wrong with my eyes."

He tilted his head.

"I… I can't take them off you."

Boom.

BJ laughed, slightly blushing. "Well, that's a new one."

He extended his hand.

"Bryson Jase. Owner of BJ Empire. At your service."

She took his hand slowly, her red nails brushing against his skin. "Kay. The one who called you for this deliciously unexpected meeting. Remember?"

"Hard to forget," he said with a wink.

"Ma'am…" he hesitated. "Can I ask something personal?"

"Anything," she purred. "Don't be shy."

"Are you as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside?"

She let out a playful gasp. "Oh, come on." She blushed, flipping her curls as she gestured to the sofa. "Please, have a seat before this meeting turns into a rom-com."

They both sat.

"Coffee? Tea?" she offered.

"Nothing for now. Let's talk business."

Focused. Confident. Kay leaned forward, all charm and steel.

"So, Mr. BJ… this is my property. But I want to expand—open a second branch. Somewhere fresh. Vibrant. Alive. You know what I mean?"

"I do," he said, pulling out his phone. He swiped through a few images, then turned the screen to her.

It was a sleek, one-story building with a stylish glass front and lots of open space.

"Twenty minutes from here. Prime area. I think it's perfect for you."

Kay studied it.

"Not bad, Mr. BJ. Not bad at all."

He smiled. "Want the full details?"

"Please."

He laid out everything—size, cost, foot traffic, and potential. Kay listened intently, nodding.

"Alright," she finally said. "I like it. I'll visit the site and get back to you soon."

Suddenly—his phone rang.

He stood, apologetic. "Sorry, I have another urgent meeting. But I hope our little encounter was worthwhile."

"Oh, absolutely," she said, standing with him. "By the way… lovely meeting you, sirrr." She stretched the word like a flirtatious tease.

BJ laughed softly. "Goodbye, ma'am."

He turned and left.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Kay watched him walk away, biting her lip like she'd just tasted something sweet and wanted more.

"Just being honest," she murmured to herself.

"I like the property dealer more than the property."