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“ D on’t be a bitch!”

What the fuck did he just say? Those were not the words you want to hear from someone who was late and to a blind date at that. What a stupid jerk.

Luna glanced at her phone. Her date was ten minutes late, and the evening wasn’t shaping up as she had hoped. After a tough day at work, she had been looking forward to a break from reality. Instead, the night was quickly turning into another disappointment.

Luna had just lost her job, although 'fired' wasn't quite the proper term. She hadn't been fired because she was awful at it.; she had done her job very well. But every nanny’s greatest fear had finally come true: the children had grown up and no longer needed a nanny.

Luna had made a solid promise to herself when she first became a nanny. She vowed never to become too attached to the children in her care. After all, they were not her own. But despite her best intentions, she couldn't help herself; she loved those children as if they were her own.

So when the time came for her to let them go and watch them step into their teenage years, it felt like a dagger to her heart. She doubted she would see them again, and soon, she would need to find a new job with a new family. It wouldn’t be long before she had to form attachments to another family, only to leave them behind in due time.

Thankfully, she had glowing recommendations, and the family was kind enough to give her a generous bonus. For now, money wasn’t an issue, allowing her to focus on her personal life for a little while.

Luna looked down at her phone once more. Her date was now twenty minutes late. Annoyed, she drank the last of her red wine and signaled the bartender for a refill. If her date was going to be late — or worse, or even possibly a no-show — she might as well enjoy a nice buzz. Just as the bartender returned with her second glass, Luna felt a hand gently touch her shoulder.

“Luna?” the man asked. “It’s me, Tony. I am so sorry I am late. Traffic was horrible, and I had the hardest time flagging down a cab.”

Luna looked up at Tony. He seemed nice, but he was still twenty minutes late. She hated having her time wasted. She considered getting up and leaving but ultimately decided to stay.

“Traffic in the city can be horrible,” Luna said with a slight smile.

She was forcing kindness, but a part of her felt obligated to stay and continue the date.

“Can I get you a drink?” Tony asked nervously.

Luna lifted her newly filled glass of red wine. Tony nodded foolishly.

“I decided to go ahead and get started without you since you were so late,” Luna said with a hint of anger in her voice.

“I better catch up with you then,” Tony said.

He looked around sheepishly for the bartender and flagged him down with his index finger.

“Hey man, could I have a whiskey-coke?” he asked. “Make that a double, please. I have to get on the same playing field as this lady.”

Luna laughed to herself. There was no way he would ever be on the same playing field. This date would be one and done. It was easy to tell there was no chemistry, but what the hell? She had nothing better to do. Plus, she needed to let off some steam after the horrible, emotional day she had.

They began talking about mundane things. Where they grew up, what brought them to the city, and what they each did for a living, were all topics of conversation they discussed. They were the necessary icebreakers for a first date, but Luna also thought these icebreakers were incredibly boring.

She wanted to meet someone with adventure and charisma. Where was that type of guy in the city? For such a populated area, Luna felt she had a hard time meeting men of a decent caliber and did not think her standards were high.

“Well, my business brought me into the city,” Tony stated proudly. “The restaurant business is booming here, as I am sure you know. There are so many great places to eat, but I have to say, my restaurant is the best. Do you like Italian food?”

Luna started to answer what she thought was a question, but she was interrupted by Tony.

“You must love Italian food. Everyone loves Italian food! It is the best. I mean, pasta and pizza, who doesn’t love that? All of our dough is made fresh and by hand, none of that fake shit. I mean, we make real Italian dishes. Have you ever been to Gino’s on 5 th Street?”

Again, Luna began to answer Tony’s question, only to be interrupted by him again. She began to think he just loved the sound of his own voice. First, he was late to their date, and now, he would not let her get a word in.

Luna chugged her wine, and before she could place another order, the bartender set a fresh glass of red wine in front of her. She looked at him with a smile. He had to realize she was stuck on a terrible date. She appreciated his pity, even if it was unwarranted. It was clear to everyone but Tony – that this date was heading nowhere good.

“Well, if you haven’t been to Gino’s, do not bother going,” Tony coolly stated. “The dough is never good. The food never has any seasoning to it. It is not worth the trip, the money, or the time. I mean, who likes having their time wasted?”

This time, Luna got a word in. She was many glasses deep into the night.

“Well, I certainly do not like having my time wasted,” she confidently stated. “That is why, honestly, I was upset you were so late to our date.”

Tony’s demeanor changed. His chest became more pronounced as he placed his shoulders back.

“Well, I told you that traffic was bad,” Tony stated defensively. “I couldn’t get a cab. I had a long, long day. What do you want me to do?”

He shrugged his shoulders and downed his whiskey and Coca-Cola. He flagged the bartender for another one.

“I mean, it is not like you are so fantastic anyways,” Tony said. “You have barely said a word all night.”

It was obvious that Tony was getting drunk. He could not handle his alcohol, and the situation was causing him to get mouthy.

“You haven’t let me get a word in!” Luna exclaimed.

“Hey,” Tony said with his hands up in the air. “Don’t be a bitch!”

Luna was dumbfounded. She did not know what to do or say. Suddenly, she felt someone behind her.

“Is there any problem here?” a man asked.

Luna glanced over her shoulder and spotted a tall, handsome man stepping in to intervene.

“I asked if there was any problem,” the mysterious man said again.

The unknown man looked directly at Tony. Tony shrunk back into his seat. It was apparent he was afraid. The other guy was twice his size. He could see that he worked out and was in better shape than him. Tony felt embarrassed.

“No, no,” Tony stuttered. “There, there is no problem here.”

“It seems like there is a problem, though,” the mysterious man calmly said. “I think it's time for you to go.”

Tony looked down at his newly filled drink.

“I haven’t finished my drink,” Tony shyly said. “Plus, I haven’t paid my bill.”

The muscular man approached Tony, leaned down to grab his drink, and downed it in one gulp.

“There,” he coolly stated. “Now, your drink is finished.”

The mysterious man reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He forcefully threw a one-hundred-dollar bill on the bar.

“And now, your bill is paid,” the unknown man said. “Now, you’re good to go. Have a great night. Come again. Bye.”

Tony knew it was time to go. He had gotten on the wrong man’s bad side. He was in no position physically to fight. He thought it was best to just leave. Tony didn’t even bother saying goodbye to Luna.

That date was over, anyway. There was no future there. He grabbed his belongings and stumbled out the door of the bar.

The mysterious man took a seat in Tony’s now-empty spot, drawing Luna's gaze. She couldn’t help but stare; the man who had just rescued her from the worst date of her life was strikingly handsome. His chiseled features and confident demeanor made her heart race, and she felt a blush creeping across her cheeks at the sight of him.

“Umm, thank you. Thank you very much,” Luna said nervously. “What is your name so I can properly thank you?”

The unknown man smiled. He was modestly dressed and wore a crew neck, a blue sweater, a nice pair of jeans without holes, and a baseball cap. His style was simple but controlled. Luna smiled again.

“My name is Hunter,” he said.

“Well, thank you, Hunter,” she said shyly. “Thank you very much for intervening. My name is Luna.”

The two reached out and clasped hands, their grips firm and confident. Hunter's large hand enveloped Luna's, leaving her both impressed and slightly overwhelmed. The strength of his handshake sent a jolt through her, causing her to squirm in her seat as a mix of nervousness and intrigue washed over her.

“Let me buy you a drink,” Luna said. “It is the least I can do for you.”

Hunter nodded. He couldn’t help but stare at her. She wore a red dress with a low v-cut. She looked mesmerizing, and her body looked as if it was begging to be touched.

“What do you drink?” she asked after she flagged down the bartender.

“I will have an old-fashioned,” Hunter stated.

The bartender brought him his drink and the two toasted together. They both stayed silent for a bit while they drank. There was tension in the air, the good kind. The kind of tension that can only be settled in the bedroom. Hunter finally decided to break the silence. He needed to know more about Luna.

"I couldn’t just stand there while he called you a vulgar name,” Hunter said. “A woman should never be talked to like that.”

“I appreciate it,” Luna said. “Like I said earlier, you did me a great favor. That date wasn’t going anywhere, anyways.”

“What?” Hunter curiously asked. “You don’t like being constantly interrupted?”

Luna laughed out loud. Hunter stared at her. She had a beautiful smile and full lips. For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to kiss her.

“Were you watching us?” she enthusiastically asked.

“Well, it was kind of hard not to notice,” Hunter said. “The guy was loud, and I couldn’t help but hear the conversation, well, his conversation. He didn’t seem too interested in what you had to say, but I, on the other hand, could not be more intrigued by you.”

Luna blushed again. She hesitated for a moment. She debated whether or not to say what she wanted to. It was obvious there was chemistry between them, but she did not want to say something that would scare this handsome man away.

“So,” Luna stated. “Were you watching that disastrous of a date, or were you simply watching me?”

Hunter smiled. His pearly white teeth shined. The sight of him made Luna squirm in her seat again.

“You were definitely my focus,” Hunter stated boldly. “I couldn’t help but stare at you. You’re beautiful. I noticed you before he even approached. I debated introducing myself to you sooner, but I thought there was no way someone like you wasn’t already with someone.”

Luna pursed her lips together. Hunter was so attractive. He was so polite and in control. She wondered what it took to make him go wild with her.

“Well,” she started to say. “Well, I am very much available, especially after you got rid of that loser for me.”

Hunter took Luna's hand, and a warm sensation rippled through her entire body. Heat rushed to her cheeks as they locked eyes, exchanging smiles that seemed to hold an unspoken connection.

“Hey,” Hunter said. “Do you want to get out of here?”

Luna licked her lips and eyed Hunter up and down.

“More than you know,” she said with a smile.

Hunter grabbed Luna’s jacket and gently placed it around her shoulders. He left another one-hundred-dollar bill on the bar for their tab. It was more than enough to cover the cost of their drinks and a generous tip for the bartender. It was obvious that Hunter was wealthy and giving.

These qualities created a delightful blend of romance as the two strolled out of the bar hand in hand, with the city lights beckoning them. Luna felt an exhilarating blend of adventure and safety as they walked down the street. There was something undeniably enticing about Hunter.

Sure, he was handsome, but it was his willingness to rescue her from the worst date of her life that made her view him as a protector. Nothing was more attractive than someone who wanted to take care of her, especially after spending her entire career caring for others. For once, she yearned to be the one who was cared for.

The pair walked by a nightclub. Usually, she wouldn’t be interested in dancing, but tonight was different.

“Would you want to dance with me?” Luna asked seductively.

Hunter didn’t verbally respond to her. He just grabbed her hand and took her inside the nightclub. He walked right past the line to get in. Everyone in line stared at him as he walked by. For a moment, she thought it was strange, but then again, Hunter did have a strong presence surrounding him.

The bodyguards didn’t even stop him. It was almost as if they knew who he was. Luna also thought this was strange, but she was too focused on getting to dance with Hunter. She wanted nothing more than a reason to get closer to him.

The couple walked into the club and traveled straight to the dance floor. The loud music serenaded them as their bodies began to dance. Hunter couldn’t help but stare at Luna. The way she moved made him think about other ways they could dance together.

Her breasts subtly bounced in her red-hot dress as she moved her hips side to side. Her long hair flew through the air as she let her body lose control. Hunter wanted to lose control, too.

Hunter started moving closer to her. He grabbed her hips and pulled her closer. Their bodies moved rhythmically to the music. They were both transfixed on each other. To them, there was no one else in the room. They saw only each other. Hunter reached up and moved a piece of Luna’s hair out of her face. Their bodies were sweaty from dancing, and the sweet scent of sweat only drew them closer to each other.

Hunter placed his hand on Luna’s chin. He gently lifted her mouth to his. Hunter had been thinking about what it would be like to kiss her since the moment he saw her. The moment finally happened. It all felt so effortless.

Luna wrapped her arms around Hunter’s neck. The two passionately kissed on the dance floor. It was clear that their night was far from over. The night was only beginning, and they would be spending the entire night together.

It was hard for them to keep their hands off each other. They soon realized they needed to leave the, unless they wanted to attract an even larger audience.

“Will you come home with me?” , Hunter passionately asked.

Luna nodded. She kissed him again and then grabbed his hand.

“Lead the way,” she said with a smile.