Blind Passion: Intimate Encounters Volume I by Charisma Knight Page A

he been reduced to a stalker out of sheer loneliness? Or was it curiosity? Whatever it was, he had to get her out of his system or meet her.
    Taking a few quick breaths, he thought back to the lonely woman next door. She never had anyone over. Perhaps she was single after all? His erection remained and soon frustration followed. He had to keep busy, as not to long for something he probably couldn’t have.
    With a groan, Ethan rose to his feet and strode through the quaint living room and into the kitchen. Trying to keep his mind off her, he opened the fridge and grabbed the black square container with last night’s shrimp fried rice.
    He smiled briefly as he popped the plastic container into the microwave and hit the button. They were two lonely souls living right next to each other, never seizing the opportunity to get to know one another. At this point, he needed to assume she was alone.

Chapter Two
     
    Diane made her way through the heavy downpour of November rain during her nightly break on Thursday night. Ever since she moved into La Fleur Towers, she sought solace in the little café across the street on Lombard Street. As an entrepreneur and owner of Belamont Naturals, she enjoyed the freedom, but working from home sometimes drove her crazy and she just needed to get away for a few hours.
    Earlier today she filled ten orders and shipped everything off to their destinations. Her business was growing, and she’d accomplished this all in a year. She didn’t think her little DIY mixtures she concocted in the kitchen would ever manifest to this level of greatness, but she was happy it did.
    Thanks to her business, six months ago she quit her corporate job as a documentation specialist. The job was okay and paid the bills, but it wasn’t enough, especially after her divorce. After taking a long hard look at her bills and where she wanted to be in the next several years, she decided to sell her leave in conditioners, moisturizers, and gels to stylists in the local vicinity. 
    Once inside, she shook the rain from her umbrella stepped in line to obtain her favorite choice of coffee, Caramel Macchiato and a croissant. After paying, she ventured over to her favorite spot.
    Freeing herself from her damp coat, she glanced outside to observe the hustle and bustle of the crowded street. The sound of pouring rain mingled with the engines of vehicles traveling in different directions on Lombard Street. People rushed, in an effort to reach their destination in spite of the pouring rain.
    Diane settled into her seat, noticing the handsome blond man sitting in the third table facing in her direction. She gasped when she realized he lived right next door to him. She smiled because they crossed paths every evening. She greeted him and he’d smile and nod as he made his way to his apartment. Just like he did now.
    For some odd reason, she loved how he acknowledged her arrival. It was as though he had been waiting for her. His smile was warm and inviting, and he appeared to study her. She also observed the distant look he possessed within those beautiful blue eyes of his. Shock gripped her as she observed him making an effort to speak to her. Today was the first time he’d taken the initiative to contact her.
    “I’m Ethan Caine,” the blond man said, looking in her direction with those sparkling blue eyes.      “And you are—
    “Diane Belamont.” Finally, there was some sort of communication. Why hadn’t she seized the opportunity before?
    “So, do you come here every evening?” She could not escape that alluring, penetrating gaze of his. There was something unique about him, but she could not put her finger on it.
    “Yes. I work from home and I need to get out. I usually come here to collect my thoughts. Sometimes I need a change of scenery.”
    “Ah.” The man stroked his chin. “Do you mind if I join you?” His brows raised and he waited for her answer.
    “Sure.” Diane gulped and took a swig of her coffee.