CHAPTER 2: Kiss Me

With no better option, Vicky decided to agree. Besides, he was young and handsome. She saw no reason to turn him down.

“How about we have that drink first?” she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Sure. Let’s do that. Then we can dance, and after that, we can go to my place or yours.”

“Yours,” Vicky answered quickly. “Definitely yours.”

There was no way she was telling a stranger where she lived. The last thing she needed was for a one-night stand showing up at her doorstep the next morning, hoping for another chance.

Ray chuckled. “You made that decision pretty quickly.”

“I like to be prepared.”

Before Ray could respond, George glanced over from behind the bar.

“I see you’ve made yourself a friend.”

“Yeah,” Ray said. “Get her another drink. She needs to get drunk.”

George raised an eyebrow.

Vicky gave a small shrug. “He’s right. I need to get drunk.”

George shook his head with an amused smile before pouring them both another drink.

Ray lifted his glass and took a sip before turning toward her.

“So, tell me something about yourself.”

Vicky frowned. “Am I supposed to tell my one-night stand about myself?”

Ray laughed. “Why not? We’re strangers. You might never see me again.”

“That’s the whole point.”

“Then tell me something you’ve never told anyone.”

She studied him over the rim of her glass. For a moment, she seemed to consider refusing. Then she sighed, a reluctant smile pulling at her lips.

“Fine. But only one thing.”

“One thing,” Ray agreed.

The alcohol was already beginning to loosen her inhibitions. Before long, Vicky was talking more freely than she had intended. She laughed at her own stories, and Ray laughed along with her, occasionally teasing her until she swatted his arm.

Somehow, the conversation became effortless. The awkwardness of meeting a stranger disappeared, and for a while, Vicky forgot they had only known each other for minutes.

Then Ray held out his hand.

“Come dance with me.”

Vicky looked at his hand, then back at him. “I'm not good at dancing.”

“Let’s try first.”

She hesitated before placing her hand in his.

A few minutes later, they were on the dance floor.

Vicky swayed to the music, her movements becoming less cautious with every passing moment. When Ray’s hand settled lightly around her waist, she didn't pull away. Instead, she laughed and moved closer.

The alcohol had completely taken control of her now. Her head felt light, her body loose and relaxed, and the hesitation that had followed her into the club seemed to have vanished.

She lifted her face toward him, her thoughts swimming.

“Kiss me.”

Ray smiled, but instead of leaning closer, he shook his head.

“Not here.”

He took her hand and gently led her away from the dance floor.

Vicky's vision had begun to blur. She blinked several times, trying to make sense of her surroundings, but eventually gave up and simply followed him.

A moment later, she heard Ray say goodnight to George.Then a cool evening breeze brushed against her bare shoulders.They were outside.

A few seconds later, Ray carefully helped her into the car.

Vicky settled into the seat, then suddenly sat up again. She touched her lips with her middle finger before pointing toward him.

“Kiss me,” she ordered again.

She puckered her lips and closed her eyes, waiting.

Ray stared at her for a moment.

Who would have thought he would meet someone this interesting while waiting at the club for Annabel?His self-absorbed girlfriend who had just stood him up again.

Perhaps it was for the best. He had already planned to end their relationship that night. Her absence had simply made the decision easier.

Ray got into the driver's seat and glanced at Vicky.

Her eyelids were already drooping.He leaned across and pressed a brief kiss to her lips.

“Stay still. I need to get us out of here first,” he murmured.

Then he closed the door.A moment later, the engine came to life.It took Ray less than ten minutes to reach his condo.

He got out, walked around to her side, and opened the door.

“Come on.”

He held out a hand and helped her out of the car.

Vicky blinked at the unfamiliar surroundings, squinting into the darkness as she tried to focus.

“We're home,” she murmured.

Then she looked up at him, a sleepy smile spreading across her face.

“So... can you kiss me now?”

“Yes,” Ray replied softly. “Now I can.”

Before she could say anything else, he leaned down and kissed her.

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. Vicky instinctively moved closer, her hands resting against him as the noise and lights around them seemed to fade away.