**Ignition**

The lights of the luxurious ballroom twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse of night sky. The air pulsed with the thrum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the distant strains of a string quartet. Alexandra "Lexi" Thompson, a vision in her red designer gown, navigated the crowded room with ease, her confident stride and radiant smile commanding attention. As a successful businesswoman, she was no stranger to high-profile events, but tonight felt different. Tonight, she felt a spark of restlessness, a sense that something was about to shift. As she made her way to the bar, a low, husky voice caught her attention. "Lexi, darling, you look stunning." The words dripped with sincerity, and she turned to find Ethan Blackwood, a charming entrepreneur she had heard of but never met, gazing at her with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her polished facade. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. Lexi felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins, like a spark of ignition had been lit. She extended her hand, a reflexive gesture, and Ethan took it, his handshake firm but his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Thanks, Ethan," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside her. "You look quite dashing yourself." Ethan's smile was quick and charming, but there was something in his eyes, a glint of interest that made her heart skip a beat. "The pleasure's all mine, Lexi. I've heard a lot about your business acumen." The conversation was easy, but brief. They exchanged a few pleasantries about the event and their respective industries, but before Lexi could relax into the discussion, a group of people surrounded them, demanding Ethan's attention. With a nod, he excused himself, leaving Lexi to wonder if their encounter was just a fleeting moment or something more. As she watched him disappear into the crowd, she couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting was more than just a chance encounter. The air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, as if the universe had brought them together for a reason. Lexi's skin still hummed with the memory of Ethan's touch, and she felt a thrill of anticipation at the possibility of their paths crossing again. With a sigh, she turned back to her drink, her eyes scanning the room for a distraction. But her gaze kept drifting back to the spot where she had last seen Ethan, her mind replaying the spark of connection they had shared. Little did she know, that spark was only the beginning of a flame that would soon engulf them both.