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CHAPTER 1
Anya
Maybe it’s the alcohol messing with me, but my heart skips a few beats when I look at the man across the bar. He is undeniably attractive with his dark hair and piercing brown eyes, he has the type of face that could make a good girl lose her home training.
Except I’m not a good girl. Inside I am broken-hearted, sitting in a bar alone and looking for some sort of relief. I had alcohol in mind when I walked in here an hour ago, but now I no longer think it’s the best option.
I need the man across the bar, and I can tell from the way his eyes are drinking me in that he feels the same way. He's surrounded by his friends, all of them good-looking, stand tall and confident, their bodies toned. But to me, he stands out the most, his gaze piercing as it meets mine.
He’s swirling a glass of bourbon in his hand and circling the rim with a finger, basically seducing me from a few feet away.
God, the things he’s doing to me with that movement.
All he has to do is utter one word and I’ll crawl over to him.
My phone buzzes. I take it out from my purse and swipe up to read the text message displayed on my screen. I’m sorry if I hurt you, Anya. I didn’t mean for us to end this way.
I’m sorry if I hurt you?
I snort, clenching my phone and holding myself back from throwing it across the bar.
I caught my boyfriend of two years cheating on me this afternoon—with a girl he told me not to worry about—and all he has to say is that he is sorry? For what exactly? Being a dick and wasting my time?
Fuck him.
To be honest, I’m to blame for the mess I’m in. I should’ve known he didn’t think much of me when he refused to introduce me to his family, even to his older brother, who he raved so much about.
I'm too caught up in my anger to notice when the attractive man from the bar approaches and takes a seat next to me, looking at me with raised eyebrows. "Is everything alright?"
Damn, even his voice is deep and husky. It has to be illegal for anyone to be this hot.
I keep my gaze on him as I take a sip of my martini. “I wasn’t expecting you to walk over.”
He smiles and butterflies gain wings in my stomach. His smile is so gorgeous. He has the most perfect set of teeth I’ve ever seen, and his eyes crinkle, catching the neon lights in the bar.
His gaze travels down to my exposed legs, then lingers on my chest before meeting my eyes again. The intensity in his expression suggests he can hardly contain his desire to rip off my dress and please me. “You’re beautiful. I couldn’t resist coming to you.”
I forget how to breathe for a moment.
Normally, I wouldn't consider a one-night stand, but tonight is an exception. I can always blame it on my recent breakup or the alcohol in my system. Maybe both. I just want to loosen up a bit tonight. I might regret it in the morning, but who cares?
"A negroni is always my go-to drink for nights like this," he says, nodding towards my glass. "You seem to have a lot on your mind. A negroni might help."
I huff out a low laugh and take another sip of my martini. “Is your expertise in reading minds?” I ask, licking my lips. I want him, and I’m not ashamed to show it. If my sucker of an ex-boyfriend can cheat on me after two years, I can flirt with a stranger at a bar.
He runs a hand over his dark hair and smiles at me. God, it’s insane how gorgeous he is. “When it comes to pretty ladies? Yes. And there are a lot of other things I’m good at.” He waves a hand to the waiter. “Do you mind if I buy you a drink?”
I rest my hand on the bar and consider his offer. I’d be more impressed if he offered to take me home, but a drink is fine. If he wants to play the perfect gentleman before taking me home, then I don’t mind at all. “Sure, but I might want more than just a drink.”
A smirk curves his lips. “Anything for a beautiful woman.” He winks at me, and then he turns to the waiter and orders our drinks. I finish my martini as I wait for him. The waiter passes two glasses to him, and he pushes one of them to me.
“Thank you,” I say. I give him a really appreciative smile.
“Can I get your name?” he asks, swirling his glass and pinning me with all of his attention.
“Anya,” I answer, my smile widening.
He groans, as if he’s just had a taste of the most delicious thing on earth. My cheeks burn with a blush. “Anya,” he echoes. “That is unusual, but somehow fitting. I’m Brandon.” He extends a hand to me. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”
