I Can’t Love You In The Dark

SIENNA’S POV

The club’s bass thumped trough me, vibrating my bones as I gripped my vodka soda at the bar. Neon lights flashed over twisting bodies, the air thick with sweat and perfume. My black dress hugged my curves, a reckless choice for a 42-year-old still stinging from Evan’s divorce. He’d dumped me for a 30-year-old with fake tits, his betrayal a raw ache that made me feel old, worthless.

My new Miami condo, boxes still unpacked, haunted me—a fresh start I wasn’t sure I deserved. With my kids both in college, I was alone, untethered, and Lila had dragged me here, swearing I needed to fuck someone and forget the pain. I wasn’t convinced, my heart heavy with hurt.

“Stop looking liked your dog died,” Lila commanded, leaning close, her blonde curls bouncing, her perfume cutting through the haze. “You’re hot, you’re single, and you’re gonna bang someone tonight.”

I choked on my drink, my cheeks burning. “God, Lila, chill.” The idea of a stranger’s hands on me made my chest tighten, Evan’s rejection still screaming I wasn’t enough.

“What? Evan’s screwing his mid-life crisis, so why not you?” Her grin was wicked, her eyes scanning the crowd like a predator.

I twisted my straw, ice clinking, wanting to feel alive but scared to let go. “I’m not you. I don’t just…hook up.” My voice carried years of being the good wife, the mom who put everyone first, now lost in the wreckage of my marriage.

Lila snorted, snatching a shot from a tray. “Bullshit, you’re dying to let loose. That dress? It’s begging for some dick to notice it.”

“Jesus, you’re crude,” I muttered, but a smile slipped through. Lila had always been my wild side, dragging me into trouble in high school. I’d chosen stability, dreams buried under diapers and dinner parties, and now his betrayal left me questioning everything.

“Crude’s my charm, babe.” She downed the shot, slamming the glass down. “Pick a guy because you need to get laid, stat.”

I scanned the crowd, my pulse quickening. Men in tight shirts, women in barely-there skirts, all moving like they owned the night. I felt out of place, my divorce a weight dragging me down, but my body hummed with a hunger I’d ignored too long.

“I wouldn’t know how to start,” I admitted, my voice small, the hurt seeping through.

“Him.” Lila nodded at the dance floor, where a guy moved with easy swagger, dark hair catching the strobes. “Young, hot, and staring right at you.”

I followed her gaze, and his eyes, sharp and blue, locked on mine, stealing my breath. “Fuck, he’s gorgeous,” she whispered, nudging me. “He wants to eat you alive.”

My face heated, my heart pounding. “He’s a kid, probably thinks I’m his mom.” Evan’s voice echoed in my head, telling me I was too old, too used up.

“Kid?” That’s a man who’d fuck you senseless.” She shoved my shoulder. “Go talk to him. Show him you’ve still got it.”

I gripped the bar, my nails digging into the wood. I wanted to run, to hide in my apartment with wine and tears. But his eyes, slicing through the chaos, sparked a heat between my thighs, my core clenched despite my fear.

“What if he laughs?” I asked, my voice trembling, the divorce making me doubt every step.

“Then he’s a moron, and you move on.” Her tone softened, just a beat. “You’re not Evan’s reject, Si. You’re a still a fucking catch after 2 kids. Go.”

I downed my drink, the vodka burning my throat. I wasn’t ready, but Lila was right about one thing—I was tired of feeling broken.

“Fine. But if I crash, you owe me brunch,” I teased, my humor a shield for my nerves.

“Deal.” She winked, pushing me forward. “Go get some.”

I wove through the crowd, my heart pounding louder than the music. The guy watched me approach, his lips curving into a smirk that screamed trouble. Up close, he was devastating, his jaw sharp, his scent clean sweat and spice. My stomach flipped, my body alive with want and fear.

“Didn’t expect you to come over,” he murmured, his voice low, rough, like he was already imagining me naked.

I laughed, shaky, smoothing my dress to hide my nerves. “Didn’t expect to either. My friend’s really pushy.” My words carried my hurt, trying to convince myself that I wasn’t faking this confidence.

“Lucky for me.” His eyes raked over me, slow, deliberate, lingering on my tits, my hips. “You’re the hottest thing in here.”

My pulse raced, heat pooling low. He was too young, too bold, but his gaze made me feel wanted, something Evan never gave me. “You say that to every girl?” I tilted my head, trying to play it cool, but my voice shook, my need slipping through.

“Only the ones that make my heart race.” His grin was wicked, and I believed him, even if it was reckless.

My cunt throbbed, my body screaming for more, but my mind was a mess—Evan’s betrayal, the world’s judgement, my own doubts. “You’re trouble,” I teased, braver than I felt, hiding the ache in my chest.

“Best kind.” He stepped closer; his breath warm on my cheek. “Dance with me. Let’s see how much trouble we can make.”

My stomach flipped. I wasn’t his woman, flirting with a guy half my age, but Evan’s hurt pushed me forward, tired of being invisible.

“Okay,” I blurted, my heart hammering. “One dance.”

His grin widened, and he took my hand, his fingers firm, sparking heat where they touched. He led me to the dance floor, the crowd parting, and I felt every eyes on me, judging or envying. My body was alive, my pussy tingling with anticipation, but my mind screamed—what was I doing?

Lila raised her glass from the bar, smirking, her nod, a silent cheer. The music shifted, slow and dirty, and his hand settled on my waist. I was stepping into something dangerous, wondering if I could let go and claim this moment, then probably wallow in regret later.