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Rose nods. “Let’s start with our friends first.” Pen and paper in hand, she lists everyone she knows, using her phone contacts as a reference list. She probes me for names, and I add a few, already set on rejecting them, but… you never know.
Sensing my disappointment with the possible suitors, she texts Dennis for any single friends. “He’ll find someone for sure. Don’t you worry. In the meantime, think positive, you know, the law of attraction and all that. Think of what you want, and it will come to you.”
I fill my glass once more, yearning to surrender my mind to it. I don’t believe in magic or the supernatural, but at that moment, I give in and let myself dream.
A strong, muscular arm is wrapped around my shoulders, leading me to the reception hall. The familiar smell of musk and spice fills my nostrils, sending a chill down my spine. I don’t look at him, I’m still too angry, but the memory of his touch is weirdly comforting.
Rose taps my leg, having leaned forward. “That’s not what I meant,” she whispers.
She knows what—who I’m thinking of. And she’s right. I’m worth much more than the coward who dumped me by text message and then disappeared. Brian should remain in the past where he belongs. And I need to find a handsome date in less than two weeks.
Piece of cake, right?
I raise my glass for another toast.
Chapter Two
Brian
Myhalf-eatensteakiscold as I slowly cut another piece. I’d rather be at home, staring at the ceiling all night, than being forced to listen to this mewling voice any longer.
I jab my fork in a chili pepper and start munching it slowly, the burning pain far more interesting than the gorgeous redhead across from me.
Sienna sees my frowning expression as a sign to keep talking. Her hand reaches out for mine, tracing her fingers to my knuckles and then to the golden signet ring that rests on my finger—an old family heirloom.
Her touch is supposed to be sexy, but my body has zero reaction to it. Weird. Under any other circumstances, this date would end up in a hotel. She looks perfect for that. Her little black dress complements all the right parts of her body—the way her breasts pop out is spectacular. I can’t really find a flaw. It’s like she has been sculpted by a professional. In fact, she probably is. But the eyes—the eyes are empty.
Observing my lingering gaze, she leans closer.
“Tell me more about yourself, Brian. Your rise in the real estate world is fascinating. I mean, all the things you can do now.” She licks her lips and leaves them half open. That would also have done the trick a few months ago. “How do you spend your time? I’m sure you’re busy but you look like someone who knows how to enjoy life. I mean, withthatcar.”
I need to get rid of that car. It’s a dead giveaway of my financial status—among other things.
My gaze wanders around the restaurant. It’s the perfect balance of traditional and modern. The tables are a mixture of wood and metal but of irregular shapes. I doubt there are two identical ones in here.
“I work most of the time. And when I don’t, I like to spend time with my son,” I say, still scanning the crowd. There are mostly couples in here, though I spot three groups of men, probably having off-the-clock business meetings. Deals get sealed almost effortlessly over wine and food.
“He’s the most important thing in my life.” I finally bring my attention back to her. Come on Sienna, I’m giving you a last pass.
“That’s great,” she says almost dismissively. “You are such a great father. But you have a life too, Brian. You need to enjoy it.”
Of course, she has no interest in learning anything about my son. Or me. We’ve been here for almost an hour and all her questions have to do with my company, and my car, and my watch—I need to skip that too next time—and all the possible ways I could spend my vast fortune.
Dating has always been easy for me. I’d meet a beautiful woman, much like Sienna, spend one night or maybe more with her, and then move on to the next one—no strings attached, no feelings hurt. And I’ve always been careful with these kinds of interactions to avoid past mishaps.
But ever since I decided to settle down, I have realized that most women are more interested in my money than me. They seem to think that I’m a great package deal, kid aside. For me though, my son is the only reason I’m looking for a steady partner. He’s six and has started to feel and show—much like I did when I was his age—that something is missing from his life. He needs a mother and Jane, my ex-wife, has made it clear that she has other priorities.
I glance at Sienna one last time and then look for the waiter. “Not so easy to do when—” I don’t get to finish my sentence.
Another couple has entered the room and it’s our waiter, Peter, who’s leading them to their table. Dark wavy locks flow down to her waist and while I’m not close enough to see her eyes, I know they are the same deep blue shade as her dress. It’s loose around her body but the way it moves with every step makes her look intoxicating.
Carol. A cold shiver runs down my spine at the mere thought of her name.
The man that accompanies her walks right behind her with a stupid smile on his face. Peter has them seated three tables away from where I am, giving me a perfect view of her. If she turns her head slightly to the left, she’ll see me too.
“When what?” Sienna shakes her head and forces another fake smile which fades when she realizes that I’m staring right behind her. She glances over to see what’s grabbed my attention and then tries again. I no longer care, though.
My whole body tells me to go over to Carol’s table and take her in my arms. I’ve never felt my muscles so tense, like they are being ripped apart, yet I’m ready to launch myself at her date.
