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CHAPTER 2

APRIL

“It’s not what you think. Cal came over when I entered the bar. We were talking. Why the hell did you invite him to join us?”

Samuel looks over, his face serious for the first time since he entered the bar.

“Because, baby girl, when I walked in here, I saw your face. It was animated, and you were smiling, I mean really smiling. I don’t see that look often and want to see it more.”

His eyes wander over to where Cal is on the phone, and he inhales deeply.

“Have you looked at tall, dark, and stunning over there? If he wasn’t as straight as a rod, I’d be stealing him out from under you. Or over you.”

Before I can say anything else, Cal returns.

“We have access,” he says, putting his phone away.

I recognise the look in Samuel’s eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose.

I say nothing. Instead, I follow them out of the hotel, listening as they chat like old friends.

Who am I to complain? This whole trip is courtesy of my bestie.

A flight to New York is a little out of my current budget, with all my money pumped into my dance school.

The doorman calls us a taxi. Cal helps me into the cab before giving the address of the club.

When we pull up, the queue is around the block. Like a gentleman, Cal climbs out and extends his hand, which I accept. My fitted dress and killer heels may look the part, but they make it hard to manoeuvre with any finesse. He grips my hand, interlinking our fingers, before guiding us towards the doorman. Samuel motions to his group of friends, who all step forward, their excitement palpable.

Cal murmurs something to the doorman, who smiles before nodding and stepping aside, allowing us to pass.

The music is thumping inside the club, and the dance floor is alive with movement. We find ourselves ushered towards the VIP section and a reserved table.

“O. M. G. Who have you pulled?” Samuel says close to my ear.

I hiss at him as Cal pulls me further into the area.

“Champagne?” Cal asks, his breath tickling my ear, sending butterflies loose in my stomach.

“Yes, please,” I reply, my breath hitching.

As I turn my head, our lips are millimetres apart. I refrain from running my tongue over my lips as his eyes sparkle.

Oh hell. Who is this man, and what has happened to my restraint?

I weigh up what I know. Cal exudes power and confidence, and he clearly has influence. He gets us entrance to this club with one phone call when the queue is around the block. I watch him ordering our drinks. He looks away for a second and motions to one of the waitresses working in the area, pointing to the group and giving her our order. Shesmiles, and her cheeks flush. I’m clearly not the only one affected by this man’s presence, although I’m a little unnerved when his attention immediately returns to me. He exudes charisma and charm, a lethal combination. I doubt he’s ever been turned down in his life.

I find myself smiling at him. Something is intriguing about him, aside from his drop-dead good looks.

The man is hot, and he likes musicals, ballet and F1.

Maybe it’s the romance of New York. My last night before reality takes over. My work-imposed dry spell. For some reason, my usual rationale sounds weak. I must be losing my mind. I return my gaze to Cal, only to find myself drowning in his dark eyes.

Oh hell, I’m done for.

I’m here with the most gorgeous, attentive man I have met in a long time. We may be surrounded by beautiful people, but his eyes haven’t strayed once.

I look over at Samuel, who is sporting an enormous grin. He shoots me a wink and blows me a kiss. This is our last night together for another three months. I'll miss him, but I also want my bestie to have the best night.