Jillian stared at the strange man. She can’t tell if he’s good or bad.

Was that a genuine offer or something else?

She tried to be subtle as she ran her gaze from his head to toe. Typical. He looks like a businessman with that suit.

“Nah. I can manage. Maybe you can find another inn? It doesn’t have to be near. It has to be cheap.” She clearly stated her requirements. What made her think she can order him around? Well, he offered the first time, doing the search before she can ask. Maybe he’ll humor her and do another search? She noticed the flash of irritation in his eyes, but he remained quiet as he worked on his phone. She grinned inside.

She has to buy a phone that works in this damn place.

Josh himself is experiencing something new. He’s not one to usually indulge another person. Most of the time, he’s the one who orders people around. As he stares at her, he felt a sudden desire. He averted his gaze immediately, but the lower part of his body got the wrong idea. He rearranged his business coat to ensure he’s covering his private area. Otherwise, she’ll notice the growing bulge in his pants. There’s that sweet fragrance again and he frowned. Is she using some kind of perfume, or worse, a drug to use on men? He told himself to be careful. Who knew what agenda the woman has in approaching him? He can’t dismiss the possibility that it was intentional and not at all the chance meeting it was purported to be. Some women have approached him that way. Although… lugging baggage? That’s new.

He named the pricing of a different inn and she was nodding.

“I can work on that.” It was only two-thirds of the one he named earlier, but she already considered it much cheaper. Which it is, okay, but still… the amount of difference doesn’t seem that much to him.

Given that she’s new here, he might as well take her to the inn, or he’s afraid she’ll get lost. What a weird thought. He doesn’t usually care. About a lot of things, much less people he doesn’t know.

“Is there a map? Can I take a picture?” She readied her phone to screenshot his.

He hid it immediately. “There’s none, but I know the address. Let’s go.” He stood up and she followed. She wore her backpack, which contains her laptop and personal documents. Tugged the other bag on her left hand and the huge luggage in her right. Good thing it has wheels. Her brain is working now, so she propped the other bag on top of it and she sighed in relief. That’s much better. She frowned as she realized her stupidity earlier.

Josh considered whether he should help with her luggage or not. Okay, just this once. He moved forward to take the luggage from her but she stopped him.

“No, it’s fine. I can manage. You already helped.” She did say that, but she’s more concerned that he might run with her possessions. Okay, that’s odd. Would he run in that get up? But she can never be too careful. She doesn’t know him after all. A complete stranger.

They exchanged a look before Josh moved back. Alright, let her be. He’s not looking forward to being someone’s assistant anyway.

As they walk, he saw his assistant getting out of the car and he shook his head at him. Ryan paused, looking at his boss walking beside a woman, who’s impeded with a huge baggage. He watched them as they go. What is his boss on about?

Jill silently followed him, but at the same time, she’s looking around at all the establishments. Josh noticed so he decided to give her a commentary. He pointed at the restaurants, various stores, convenience stores, a department store, a bookstore, cafes, some landmark offices, etc. He pointed at the first inn he mentioned to her.

“Where can I buy a phone?”

“The department store could have them.” He replied, and Jill noticed his doubt. He’s not sure?

They walked for seven minutes before they arrived in front of the inn. He helped her inside, up the stairs. He watched as she made a booking easily with the receptionist. Language isn’t a problem to her.

He helped her bring her luggage to the second floor, to her room.

“Thanks. You did a lot. Uhm…” She realized they haven’t introduced their names yet.

“I’m Jill. You are…?” She stretched her hand out for a shake. He took it. Her hand is soft, yet rough.

“Josh.” He's not about to offer her his full name, given she didn't give hers.

She nodded upon hearing his name. “Nice to meet you. And thank you for your help.”

“Don’t mention it.” He let her hand go.

They stared at each other. Jill’s not sure what to say at this point. There’s nothing she can offer him. Who knows what’s in the fridge? Maybe just water.

“I’ll go, then.”

She nodded. Then, he remembered something.

“Can I have your phone number?” Josh asked, but he’s not going to insist or explain himself.

Jill looked down at the phone in her hand. “I’m not sure if this will work. I don’t have a local number yet.” She explained, not entirely declining him. He remembered her question earlier about where she can buy a phone. He believed her.

“Right. Well, see you when I see you, then.”

“Yeah. You, too. Thanks again for your help.”

As he stepped back, there was that scent again. It was starting to feel addicting to him.

And so, Josh exited the room. He exhaled as he leaned against the wall, just beside the door. He’s feeling unsettled, mainly because he still has a raging hard-on. Due to a complete stranger. He groaned as he pushed himself from the wall. He tried to calm himself down as he walked back to his car.

When they returned to his hotel room, his mind wandered towards his encounter with Jill. How long has it been since he last slept with a woman? Maybe he’s just craving a woman’s touch. He picked up his phone and stared at it. Put it down again. Not in this state. No. He groaned again as the woman’s image remained in his head.