He was taller than she’d expected―that was her first thought as the man in the dark pinstripe suit took his spot behind the podium―and younger. He couldn’t have been more than thirty-five. His short hair was neatly cropped and his dark complexion radiated vitality. It seemed like he spent a great deal of time looking after himself, and his toned physique was visible even through his perfectly tailored suit. His appearance was a refreshing contrast from the other professionals who shared the stage throughout the day. They all looked uncomfortable in business attire, hastily put together in an awkward fashion that seemed appropriate, but not him. Emile Martín looked like he was born to wear a suit.
He spoke confidently despite his thick accent and he was easily understood. His English was flawless and his command of an audience was mesmerizing. Rebekah found herself so absorbed in his speech. She only noticed afterward that she didn’t take a single note. She had just stared at the man who waved his hands around passionately, sharing his tales of benchmark projects commissioned all over South America, merging the worlds of cutting edge technology and affordable, robust solutions for the developing rural landscape.
The combination of what he was saying and how he said it had her completely spellbound. By the end of the session, she had to restrain herself from catapulting herself up in a standing ovation. This man was achieving everything she had only managed to dream about on paper.
She could hardly contain her excitement and spent most of the lunch break raving about the importance of Emile’s work to Akari, who was noticeably less interested in the topic. Akari listened diligently, nodding her head with an “uh-huh” from time to time to encourage Rebekah, who hadn’t even touched her food yet.
Rebekah only fell silent when she got cut off mid-sentence by a familiar voice behind her. “Is this seat taken?”
She spun around quickly, speechless. Friendly, inviting lips smiled back at her and she nodded her head stupidly.
“She means no, go right ahead,” Akari smiled, winking at Rebekah.
“Thanks, I’m starving.” He placed his plate heaped with food down and offered his hand in greeting. “Emile,” he said, sitting down next to Rebekah.
Rebekah shook his firm grip but couldn’t manage to get any words out. She hadn’t expected to see him right next to her. So up close.
“Hi Emile. I’m Akari and this is Rebekah,” her friend smiled, getting back to her lunch. “Great talk by the way―Rebekah has been raving about it.”
“Akari,” she mumbled, kicking her friend under the table as Emile grinned.
“Thank you, I’ll take the compliment,” he said, looking at Rebekah, who was still acting like an awkward teenager instead of a twenty-eight-year-old professional engineer.
“So, tell me Rebekah, which aspect of my talk was it that got your attention?” he asked, making casual conversation as he started on his lunch.
Your sexy face, she wanted to say. Rebekah recovered quickly, switching back into work mode with her usual “fake-it-till-you-make-it” stance kicking in as an instant defense mechanism. At least it was a topic that her brain didn’t have to overthink, unlike the one of trying to figure out why his unique scent was somehow familiar to her.
"Well, I've always been interested in alternative building technology and finding ways to bring sustainability to the lower-income sector. It looks like you have found a way to commercialize sustainable building for the affordable housing sphere without compromising on quality. Needless to say, I'm very impressed―congratulations," she smiled back, never once breaking eye contact with the handsome stranger who seemed even more amiable in person.
Nailed it.
“Thank you,” he seemed suitably impressed that she actually seemed to grasp his vision instead of just offering an empty compliment. “It’s my life’s passion. It’s been a long road to get to this point. Before it was just a lot of banging on doors and trying to find someone willing to listen.”
“I can imagine. People only care when there is big money involved.”
“Sustainability can be such a tick box exercise done just to please investors. Real sustainability is a completely different story.”
“The world needs more men like you, Mr. Martín.”
“Emile, please,” he brushed his hand over hers in a friendly gesture. She didn’t understand the emotions she was feeling and she jerked away, accidentally dropping her fork.
“I’m sorry, I’m so clumsy,” she blushed, picking up the utensil and tearing her eyes away from the pair she felt had been staring straight into her soul during the whole conversation.
She tried to focus on her lunch after that, but all she could think about was the sweet smell of his aftershave and the proximity of him. He was intoxicating. She wasn’t used to being so instantly drawn to someone. The powerful combination of intelligence and attractiveness was irresistible.
She managed to keep her cool somehow. Barely.