ing in unison to the heavy beat. I let the music consume me, drowning out the chaos in my mind. It felt like i

man clutching divorce papers with her name already signed by the man she thought she knew.

soon, sweat begins to bead on my forehead, my skin damp from the effort. I could feel the alcohol making my movements loose and u

rd the ladies' room to freshen up. I splash cold water on my face and take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I look in the mirror. The makeup I had applied so carefull

o my reflection, wiping at the

s on something, probably on the wet, slippery floor, and before I know it, I am headed for the floor.

before I can even catch my breath, it

?" a deep, smooth, calming v

en were staring back at me, framed by dark, tousled hair and a ruggedly hand

could have gone bad real fast." I manage to stammer, stil

eplies with a playful smile and a deep

ing I need is more alcohol. But then again, I wasn't ready to go back to the reality

drink sou

him more clearly, I realize how good-looking he is. He is tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly confident. A small pa

toward me. His grip is firm but warm, and I could

y, my voice a lit

you have?" he asks, tu

" I respond wit

ing at the corner of his lips. "Oo

g the drink from the bartender and

for details, whi

then downs his tequila s

nk and dance instead? No talk

tious, and something about his carefree attitude makes it seem like e

nod. "Le

strength in his grip. As we move into the throng of people, I quickly realize that Jake is a much better dancer than I had anticipate

ohol coursing through my veins making every

the music too loud, and the room begins to spin. I reach out to

nearby. My head pounds, and my mouth is dry as sandpaper. I groan,

droom. A plush bed, dark curtains, and a clean, minimalistic design. This isn't my penthouse. The sunlight

before come back to me the

d. Whe

plates of bacon, eggs, and toast. He is shirtless, his jeans slung low

ty," he says with a smi

ggling to process what is hap

says, setting the tray do

I brought you here. You passed out, and I didn't th

ned. But still, I feel embarrassed. "I'm sorry about... all of th

down next to me. "We all have those nights. And bes

bble on it, not quite knowing what to say next. The reality of the last

a man I had just met, trying to piec