CHAPTER 3

I finally had a day off, and I was determined to waste it perfectly. I was going to meet Ralph for the first time in several months since we had stopped talking after I had turned him down. He had recently replied to one of my countless messages, and we agreed to meet up. I felt guilty that our friendship had been one-sided. For me, it had been a friends-with-benefits thing, but Ralph was in love. I didn't feel the same way. When I told Lisa,

“Let's hang out,” she screamed so loud I had to cover my ears. I've been so busy lately that I never have any time for myself.

“Did something good happen today?” she asked, wearing a wide grin

“Not yet. It's just been a while since I did this. Plus, there's a new dress in my wardrobe I'm dying to wear.”

“Okay. I'm certain you don't have a place in mind.” She declared. “Leave that to meeee…!” she screamed again, “Just get dressed.” She dashed to her room to dress up as well.

In half an hour, we were at the bar. Ralph was already there. He waved us over the second we walked in.

A warm smile spread across my face when I saw him.

“Hey, Ralph.”

He stood up and pulled me into a tight hug.

“I’ve missed you.” He said, his low voice near my ear, still holding me close.

The familiar scent of him wafted through my nose,

“Same here. I missed you.”

“Are you sure you did?” Lisa mumbled under her breath. I shot her a sharp glare.

I was expecting a cold reception from him, not a warm, lingering hug. Not after telling him it was only about the sex and nothing more; that had been a cruel thing to say to someone whose feelings were undeniable. Still, it wasn't a lie. Aside from him being my best friend for fifteen years, he was my…sexmate. I simply couldn't return what he felt.

But here he was, stroking my arm as if nothing had ever gone wrong. He was always like that. That was the kind of person Ralph was: kind, faithful, loving and soft-hearted.

His deep brown, almond-shaped eyes never left my face, searching, I wasn't sure what exactly they were searching for.

“You look better than I remember; you are dashing,” I said, stroking his beard, which looked fuller now. He held my hand against his cheek and leaned into it.

“You look even more beautiful.”

“Oh no,” Lisa groaned, slapping her forehead, “Am I a third wheel? Why did you even ask me to tag along in the first place?”

Ralph and I laughed at her frustration, then we ordered our drinks.

We were on our third round of Cosmopolitans when the atmosphere changed. Heads turned.

Then they walked in.

Aldwin Ellison, New York's most talked-about billionaire bachelor.

Oh my! Could this really be him? He wasn't alone, but I was too absorbed to notice whoever was with him.

“Damn. He looks finer in person.” Lisa whispered, leaning closer. The alcohol was already getting to her. Her tolerance was embarrassingly low.

“I know, right?” I murmured, not looking away. “He's unreal.”

“I'll be back. Ladies' room.” Lisa nudged me.

I barely nodded. My gaze remained locked on the VIP balcony, fixed on the billionaire I've only heard about and seen on screens and in glossy magazines. My mind raced, plotting a hundred reckless ways to get his attention.

Ralph watched me in disbelief.

“Oh, girl. I gotta go.” Lisa’s voice snapped me out of my scheming.

“Now?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the balcony.

“My period just started,” she sighed in vexation.

“Of all the nights. This dress is brand new.” I pouted, not hiding my disappointment. Leaving now would feel like I gave up without even trying.

“You don't have to come with me.” She winked. “Just be smart, and have fun.” We both smiled knowingly, then she left.

Ralph was still talking about work, but I wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying.

“Are you that distracted?” He finally asked.

“Distracted?” I repeated absentmindedly. “Don't you know Aldwin Ellison?”

“I don't give a fuck who he is.” His phone rang at that instant,

“It's my mom. Let me take this, I'll be back.” He stood up and walked away.

A few moments later, I decided to try something bold. Silly. Who says a girl can't dream?

I walked straight to the small, lit platform near the bar. My hand wrapped around the cool brass pole as I circled it in intense, sensual moves. My hips swayed, following the rhythm. I let my hair fall loose, letting it move as freely as I did.

Heads turned, I ignored them. My eyes were fixed on the shadowed VIP balcony above. I swung my body around, unhurried. Every movement was deliberate. And then I met his gaze; He was watching.