Chapter 1 Finally Seeing Him

Elona's POV

The golden rays of the afternoon sun filtered through the tall trees lining the street as I walked down the familiar path to Crislynn's house. Crislynn has been my best friend since we were six years old. We share a street and they were welcoming when my father and I moved here back then. It was a luxurious neighborhood, but the glistening facades of the mansions were nothing compared to the dreams that brewed within us. With my heart racing, I approached the familiar house with its elegant architecture and well-kept garden. I raised my hand to knock on the door, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

The door swung open to reveal Crislynn, her auburn hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Her bright green eyes held a hint of mischief as she grinned at me. "Elona, you are right on time. Come on in!"

We settled down in the kitchen. I sat on the barstool at the kitchen counter while Crislynn poured us some grape juice. We are in our final year of high school. We are yet to embark on a new chapter of our lives next year. "My dad left to attend some meetings so I was bored," I said as she placed the grape juice in front of me. My dad was into real estate, but I am always grateful for the time that he still takes to be with me. We have a great father/daughter relationship that I don't want to ever break.

"I was going through some research on colleges to attend," she said as she placed the juice back into the fridge and then she turned back to me. "It is very difficult to choose which college to apply to. Journalism is my dream and I don't want to leave my father here. I worry about him," she said with a hint of worry.

I felt sorry for her, she was close to her father too. When I moved here, I had the privilege of meeting her mom, Estelle. Crislynn resembled her mother, but she had his piercing blue eyes. Her mother passed away three years ago and it had been difficult for both of them. My mother passed away when I was five years old and at this point, I didn't want to even think about it because I was supposed to be cheering up my best friend.

"I'm sure that he would want you to live your life and have fun." I smiled weakly at her.

"You have seen how he buries himself in work and I would suggest that he starts to date again, but I highly doubt he would," she let out a heavy breath.

"It is his choice after all," I took a sip of my juice. I must admit that I have a tiny crush on Mr. Crane, but not enough for me to want to actually pursue him.

"I guess you are right," she said.

"I have been thinking about something that I might pursue as a possible career choice," I said as I kept my hand on the glass.

"Please, spill it!" she was always so eager to know.

I smiled nervously. "Well, I have been thinking a lot about my future lately. I want to pursue a career in modeling."

Crislynn's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement. "Wow, Elona!" she was taken aback. "You've got the looks and the confidence for it, no doubt. But you are still shy in a way."

I couldn't help but blush at her words. "Thanks, Crislynn. It's just that I have been researching agencies and talking to people, and I really believe I can make it. I will never know if I do not try and maybe that shyness can disappear. I am still thinking about it, but for now, please don't tell anyone until I have made up my mind and have spoken to my father about it."

Crislynn's grin widened. "I promise, I won't tell anyone. I have no doubt that you will be great, Elona. And you will have me cheering you on every step of the way."

"That means a lot and you know that I will do the same for you," I smiled.

"Of course. Now, it is just to get my dad into the dating field again," she said. We heard the front door open and close and I knew who it was. My heart beat wildly in my chest at this sudden feeling of nerves and excitement.

All of a sudden, I tensed when I heard Mr. Crane's voice behind me, "Good afternoon, girls," he said, and Crislynn smiled at him over my shoulder.

"Hi, dad. You are home quite early," she said. Mr. Crane appeared beside me as I caught a glimpse of him. Mr. Crane was undeniably attractive, with sharp features and a charisma that seemed to radiate effortlessly. It was as if he was accustomed to the spotlight, even within the walls of his own home.

"How are you, Elona?" He looked at me with those haunting forest green eyes that haunt me in my dreams at times. I cleared my throat.

"I'm good, Mr. Crane." I smiled and looked down at my juice. I was feeling the heat that creeped up into my cheeks. I never felt this way on this level before.

"That is great to know," he replied and his voice was very velvety. "Have you been researching which college it is that you want to apply to?" he asked Crislynn as he went to the cupboard and he reached to the top to get a glass. I took in his lean muscles through his black Armani three-piece suit. That didn't help me either.

"Yes, I have been looking at it, but we have some homework too. We have an essay to write. Is it okay that Elona can stay over for dinner? Her father is out to attend meetings and it's a Friday night. I can order pizza for us." she said.

When my eyes found Mr. Crane again, he was sipping water from his glass as he watched me intently until he stopped sipping. "That is fine with me, in the meantime, I have some work to catch up on in the study room," he said as he turned around and placed the empty glass in the sink and walked away.

My heart raced, and for the first time, I truly saw him, not just as Crislynn's dad, but as a man. And as his eyes met mine for a fleeting moment, I realized with a jolt that my tiny crush on him was way more than just that.

The sensation was overwhelming, and I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards Mr. Crane. The way he carried himself, the depth in his voice, and the mesmerizing green eyes made it hard for me to focus on anything else. I couldn't believe I was sitting in his home, about to have dinner with my best friend and her incredibly charming father. My emotions were in turmoil as I contemplated this newfound, and slightly forbidden, crush.

I couldn't help but replay every moment, every word, and every glance we had shared. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to him, far beyond what I could have ever imagined.

I wondered if he could ever see me as more than just Crislynn's friend. Would he ever notice the way my heart raced when he was near, or the way my cheeks flushed when he spoke to me? My infatuation felt like a secret I carried around, hidden deep within my heart, only occasionally surfacing in stolen glances and bated breaths.

But I knew, deep down, that this crush was an unattainable dream. The age gap, the family dynamics, and the respect I had for Crislynn's father all formed an insurmountable barrier. It was a painful realization, one that often left me in a state of inner turmoil.

I tried to redirect my focus towards other aspects of my life, like my modeling aspirations and our upcoming graduation, but Mr. Crane's presence remained a constant distraction. It was as if he occupied a significant space in my heart, one that was not easily vacated.