Time seemed to be crawling along as I sat through the slow-moving class. Although it wasn't a boring lecture, I found it difficult to focus on Professor Saltzmann's lesson. Completing the coursework would be easy enough, but my mind kept wandering back to the encounter with that pompous ass.
These thoughts were starting to consume me, infiltrating even my dreams. He exudes arrogance, but also exudes confidence, command, and accomplishment with impeccable manners. It's rare to find someone so comfortable in their own skin at such a young age. However, there is also a sense of quietness , a hint of loneliness and sadness in his demeanor, which draws me to him and makes me even more curious. Despite his flaws, his mere presence continues to captivate and unsettle me.
When the students began heading towards the exit, it snapped me back into reality, prompting me to pack my bag and head to my car. I was surprised to see Matt ,my best freind, near my car.
"Care, I've been looking for you," he said cheerfully as he approached me while I unlocked my car.
"Hey, what's up" I greeted him warmly, taken aback by his excitement.
"I have some exciting news. Portland Place is going to showcase my photographs next month," he announced proudly.
"Oh wow, congratulations Matty! That's fantastic news," I exclaimed, hugging him.
"Can we celebrate later? I'm running really late for work," I added as I unlocked my car.
"Hold on hold on," Matt said, opening the door for me.
"Thank you, you're my hero," I said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before getting into my car. He waved goodbye with a happy smile as I drove off.
I was doing my work at Claytons Hardware store, my workplace, when Jesse appeared behind me and asked for my help in the camp.
"I will be right there," I said, placing the remaining packs on the shelf, took the machine for the prizes, and set out for the camp.
I had been so focussed on my work that i hadn't even realized he was behind me.
"Caroline!" a voice echoed through my ears.
My heart skipped a beat. That voice. That sexy and alluring British accent. I know that voice. Taking a deep breath, I turned around to see him standing there. He looked absolutely perfect in his black jeans and open red henley, his necklaces drawing attention to his neck. It was undeniably sexy. I stared at him in shock and uttered "What the ...?"
"What a pleasant surprise, Miss Forbes" he said , giving me his signature smirk.
"Caroline.Just Caroline, You are in here" I said still surprised.
"I was in the area on business. Needed to pick up a few things. Are you free love ?" he asked me still smiling and surprised me again with his question.
"Yeah. What can I help you with?" I asked breathlessly.
"Do you stock cable ties?"
"Cable ties, yes we do. I can show you if you want?" I asked, smiling slightly.
"Please lead the way, Miss Forbes," he said, smiling mysteriously.
Oh Klaus, stop trying hard to be charming! You already are without that arrogant smirk on your face. I rolled my eyes at him playfully.
"Just Caroline" I said slightly annoyed and showed him the way.
As he reached the shelf, he gently ran his hand over the packaging and decided on the long white cable ties. After a moment of hesitation, I questioned, "Is this all?"
He furrowed his brow and replied, "Masking tape."
Agreeing with a nod, we made our way to the shelf where I grabbed two rolls.
"We have two-inch and one-inch options. A truly prepared handyman would have both in his toolbox," I remarked, pointing to the rolls.
As he took both, our fingers touched, causing a flutter in my stomach. After composing myself, I inhaled deeply and inquired, "Anything else you need?"
He responded, "Yes, rope," and followed me to the location.
As I cut and rolled up the rope, he watched in awe with a smile on his face.
"Impressive. Are you a girl's scout?" he inquired with curiosity.
I chuckled and replied "No, organized group activities are not really my thing."
"So what is your thing ?"
"I don't know. Books."I said, amused by his inscrutable expression.
"OK. Rope, tape, cable ties. You're the complete serial killer."
He gave me a menacing look said in a low voice'" Not today sweetheart."
"Anything else?" I asked, eyeing him curiously as a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"What would you recommend?"
"For a do-it-yourselfer? Maybe coveralls so you protect your clothes" I suggested and looked at him.
"I could take all my clothes off" he said sarcastically, smiling. God! Why did he have to say things like that!?Now I can't get the image of him without clothes out of my head,Damn you Klaus Mikaelson!
Clearing my throat I said, "Ok, no clothes I mean no coveralls. I can't think of anything else."
"Well, I guess that's it, then."
"Cool," I said, breathing a sigh of relief.
I guided him to the checkout, where I packed his items into a bag and he made the payment.
"Thanks for answering all the questions by the way. Bonnie was thrilled" I thanked him as I finished packing his belonging.
"Hope she is feeling better."
"Yeah,she's very much. She is just having a hard time clearing a photo of you, I think."
"If she wants an original, I can swing by tomorrow," he suggested, a slight frown appearing on his face.
"You would be willing to do that?" Just as he was about to respond, Jesse stepped in and placed his hands on my arms, asking if I needed any help, I nervously denied him when I saw the icy look of Klaus Mikaelson.
As Jesse left, Klaus pulled out his wallet, retrieved a business card, and handed it to me.
"I'm staying at the Heathman. Call me before ten in the morning," he said, casually, and I looked at him confused.
"About the photos," he added with a playful grin.
Blushing hastily , I replied,"Oh. Yeah. I will." Nodding, I took the business card from the table and put it in my pocket.
He smiled at me, took the bag, and disappeared without another word. "Enjoy your ..." I started, but broke off when I saw that he was already outside.
His sudden departure caught me off guard, sending chills down my spine.What a freaking weirdo! I walked over to the shop window and saw Klaus handing the bag to a man in a suit, who then put it in his car before getting in the passenger side of a silver Audi. As they drove off, I returned to my work. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about this man.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The next day Bonnie,Matt ,Klaus Mikaelson and I were in a suite at the Heathman and Matt took a few photos of Klaus.
"Thanks again for doing this, Mr. Mikaelson" Bonnie thanked again.
"I'm happy to help," he said kindly, giving Bonnie a smile.
"How about we try a few with a smile?"Matt interrupted, suggesting. Mr. Mikaelson then made a dark expression and glared unpleasantly at the camera. Matt hesitantly remarked, "Or maybe not."
Contentedly Klaus turned his gaze back towards me and stared at me with a warm smile.
"You do realize that he hasn't stopped looking at you" Bonnie whispered .
"Um,He asked me to go for a coffee after work."
"What?" She asked surprised and giggled louder.
"Oh my god !Bonnie shh," I replied, my face turning red with embarrassment.
Bonnie covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
After the shoot, Klaus and I walked to the elevator together.
"So, is he your boyfriend?" He asked casually, loosening his tie and tucking it into his pants pocket.
"Um,who?" I asked, confused and furrowing my brow.
"The photographer."
"Matt? Oh god, no."
"I noticed the way he smiled at you," Klaus remarked, unbuttoning his shirt slightly.
"No, Matt is more like family. He's not my boyfriend," I clarified, causing Klaus to smirk.
"And the guy at the store?" He inquired, clearly intrigued.
"Jesse? No," I replied, feeling appalled and wide-eyed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
As we entered the elevator and headed towards the cafe, Klaus took my hand in his, causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach.HOLY CRAP! I couldn't believe it - the Klaus Mikaelson, billionaire heartthrob, was holding my hand. Damn!