Theo frowned. “You’re not going to be alone forever.”
Her eyes narrowed. “If Ethan has his way, I will be.”
“Ethan didn’t ask me to stop you from seeing anyone. He only wanted to make sure you were safe.” She stared at him. She didn’t know what to believe. Unwilling to keep discussing this in the middle of the street, he said, “Come on. My car’s not far, and I’ll take you to my club.”
They sat in silence during the drive. Once inside the building, he led her into the club. It was eerie seeing the room empty of people. The space looked ten times bigger. Chairs were stacked on tables, and the faint smell of stale alcohol clung to the air.
Theo led her to the dance floor and said, “Wait here.” He disappeared into a room behind the bar. A few seconds later, lights burst through the room, bouncing different colors off the mirrored walls, ceiling, and floor. Next, he walked to the DJ stand. With a flick of a button, a slow song blasted through speakers.
With long ambling strides, Theo made it onto the dance floor; his white shirtsleeves were rolled up to the elbows, showing strong forearms. He’d unbuttoned a couple of buttons, giving her a peek of bronze skin. If she weren’t so mad at him, she’d rip open the shirt to get a better look at his rock-hard chest and abs. But shewasmad, and dammit, she still wanted to tear his clothes off. Not that he’d let her.Damn Ethan!
She cleared her throat and the image of his to-die-for body from her mind. “I thought you said you don’t dance?”
“I’m here to make sure you don’t fall on your ass,” he said with a grin. The closer he got to her, the faster her heart rate kicked up.
No doubt he’d catch her with no problem if she fell. He was so much bigger and harder than she remembered. The young man she’d once known had been gangly, still growing into his skin. His arms that had once been long and limber were now thick with muscle, but she knew they could be gentle—she’d been wrapped in them not long ago. A shiver raced over her skin as he approached.
Chloe wasn’t a teenager anymore, and Theo wasn’t the same boy she’d once known. The hardness she saw from him told her something had changed in his life, or maybe, it was just a boy growing into a man, which made him ten times more exciting. There was no way she could dance with him now. How could she let him take her into his arms—press up against him—and not take things further? He’d only reject her again. And God, she’d had enough rejection the past few days to last her a lifetime. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to dance.”
Without asking her why, he pulled a remote from his pocket, pressed a button, and the music cut off. Even the lights dimmed from the multicolored brightness to a pale golden glow.
The ambience of the club changed the instant the music and lights turned off. Shadows lingering in corners chased away the cheerful party vibes. The dark atmosphere matched her mood.
The clicking sound of her heels echoed through the quiet room as she walked to a black leather booth and slid onto the seat. She tipped her head back and stared at the ceiling. Was the move to New York worth it? Coming all this way because she thought she’d find happiness here? So far, it wasn’t turning out like she’d hoped.
Theo sat opposite her and placed two glasses on the table. “It’s soda water. Can I get you something else?”
The thought of more alcohol made her stomach churn. She took a sip. “This is good. Thanks.”
“Tell me why you’re looking for a husband,” he said, his voice oddly intent. “Has this got anything to do with you thinking you’re going to be alone forever? You know that’s bullshit, right?”
“Is it? I’m thirty and don’t have a husband or children. Everyone around me has started families. I want one too.” She thought about Isla again and how her life had ended so quickly. “Before it’s too late.”
“It’s not too late. You’re still young enough to have everything you want.”
She traced a finger over the condensation on the glass. “Not if I keep going on pathetic dates.” She looked up at him, her heart in her eyes. “That’s why I need your help.”
“I’m not finding a husband for you.” She frowned with disappointment. “What makes you think I can?”
“In your line of work, you’d have a lot of contacts. I bet you’d know a bunch of single men—like Logan.” She already knew his friend wasn’t husband material, but she wanted to test him. Would he lead her to the right kind of man if he gave in and helped her? She needed to know.
“Logan is not who you’re looking for.” A fierce scowl appeared on his face like he hated the thought of her with someone like Logan. “He’s the love-them-and-leave-them kind of guy.”
She placed her palms on the smooth tabletop and leaned forward. “See? You know the good from the bad. Help me.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know anyone who I could set you up with.”
“I don’t believe you.”
He shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
“You own nightclubs and must have a ton of men working for you. Not to mention the single friends I’m sure you have,” she scoffed. “But you don’t know anyone you can set me up with.”
“I’m afraid that’s true.” Theo pulled an apologetic face.
Oh, she’d bet he wasn’t sorry at all. She slid across the seat and got to her feet in a huff. “I thought we were friends.” She marched across the dance floor toward the exit.
“Wearefriends,” he called out to her.
