Soft chimes sounded quietly as I opened the door, echoing around the large, empty room before me. Once I had stepped inside, I began to realize that the paintings and photographs I had caught glimpses of from outside were all of places I recognized… the bank of the Glenn River, the cliffs behind Trink’s Cafe, even the small, secluded beach I was sitting on this morning at Robinson’s Gulch.

 The paintings of the cliffs and gulch especially caught my eye, and I found myself walking slowly towards them to get a better look. The artist who painted these didn’t just paint a flat image… I felt like I might fall into their worlds, and faintly, I felt I could hear a familiar melody…

“I’m sorry sir, but we’re not quite open yet… would you come back in 15 minutes or so?” A clear, deep voice resounded from behind me. 

I jolted, surprised, but quickly reminded myself that I’m supposed to be here and turned around to face the person who spoke.

The first thing I saw were his serious, dark, deep brown eyes. For a moment what looked like it might be surprise glimmered through them, but maybe I was imagining that; because very quickly they returned to the same neutrally serious expression I’d found them in at first glance. Pale brown hair hung slightly into his face, but was shaven close along the sides of his head. His long jawline was suited perfectly by his thin, expensive looking glasses, the same steel gray as his well-fitted suit. 

I found myself uncomfortably realizing he was the most handsome man I’d ever met in person. Everything about him was a far cry from the population of Glenn Bay, and I suddenly felt very awkwardly out of place in my jean cut-off shorts, dusty old sweatshirt, and faded red converse… and wishing I had kept my new jacket on for this part instead of leaving it in the truck. 

“Oh… uh… Sorry, Jim sent me in to let you know we’re here to start on the expansion to the north side of the building?” I managed to stutter out. 

I could feel my face glowing crimson, why was I so embarrassed, dammit? It’s not like I have anything to prove to this guy, right?

“Oh, of course, thank you so much for letting me know. Do you mind if I walk out with you to oversee things just while you get started? I’m acting manager today so I’d like to make sure that everything was conveyed to your company properly.” His face warmed as he said this, and a small smile appeared. 

My heart suddenly started beating harder and faster, and I felt my face reddening further. What the hell is wrong with me??  I was thinking he was handsome before, but this smile… The way his face warmed… Why is my stomach clenching up?

Am I… attracted to him?