A Beautiful Distraction

MILES

It wasn't going to be hard at all to find a decent food spot for a cold beer and some good sightseeing. After spending about twenty minutes convincing my father that I was only going out to do some “experimental research” for my college classes, he finally gave in and allowed me to leave the hotel villa. It was only fair anyway, especially since he had already allowed Riley to go shopping at the luxury mall with my snobby cousins and Ava. It only felt right that I should get to go out and enjoy everything Greece had to offer too.

I took the keys to the rental car my dad had gotten for our family stay. I didn't leave them completely stranded, obviously, because the hotel staff had another rental vehicle waiting for my parents at the front entrance.

I ended up driving for about an hour along the beautiful winding roads. According to my GPS, there was a popular rooftop bar hidden away in this area. The online reviews said it had a massive swimming pool, loud music, and absolutely everything a guy needed to have fun and forget about his sorrows. But in my specific case, I just needed to completely forget about my sister’s hot best friend.

“Hello! Welcome to Paradise Cove,” a young blonde lady greeted me cheerfully the exact moment I reached the front door.

Her tight denim skirt was so short it was barely covering her thighs. Her shirt was so small and tight that I was honestly sure she couldn't even breathe properly, and she wore a very bold shade of red lipstick. I just gave her a simple nod as I stepped past her into the venue.

The immediate smell of burning cigarettes, strong whiskey, and expensive cologne completely enveloped me. It was a chaotic mix, but it was actually very nerve-calming for my restless mind.

A host led me upstairs to the fancy rooftop. The space was absolutely breathtaking. The entire floor was made of polished dark wood, and strings of warm golden fairy lights hung across the open sky. In the center of the rooftop was a massive, glowing blue swimming pool where a few people were splashing around. Sleek white leather couches were scattered everywhere, filled with wealthy people laughing and drinking. The bar area was completely modern, with a smooth marble countertop and huge shelves of glowing liquor bottles that stretched all the way up to the ceiling. From the edge of the rooftop, you could see the entire city lights stretching out toward the dark ocean.

“What would you like to drink?” the busy bartender asked me, wiping down the marble counter with a white towel.

“Give me anything good,” I said, letting out a heavy sigh as I looked around the crowded space.

“Well, we have a lot of good stuff here,” he said with a knowing smile before walking off.

He came back after about two minutes holding a short glass filled with a dark amber liquid. “Our house special,” he said, sliding it over to me.

I nodded in appreciation, picked up the glass, and took a slow sip of the drink. The alcohol felt incredibly hot in my throat. It tasted strong and spicy, but it felt good at the exact same time. I closed my eyes for a second, just enjoying the burning sensation.

“Must be really good, huh?” a soft voice suddenly said right beside me.

I turned my body to face the stranger. A young lady was standing there, staring at me. She had long, wavy brunette hair, glossy lips, and dark eyes that were completely filled with obvious desire. I let out a slow smirk and took another sip of my drink.

“I was actually going to order something completely different, but it looks like I’ll just have whatever you are having,” she said, teasingly looking at my glass.

“You definitely should,” I said, dropping my empty glass onto the bar table. I took a moment to fully take her in. She was wearing a strapless black dress that hugged her curves tightly, creating a very sexy view of her cleavage.

“I’m Audrey,” she said, stretching her hand out for a friendly handshake.

“Miles,” I replied, taking her soft hand in mine. I purposefully didn't let go of her fingers immediately, holding her gaze.