Angela pushed open the bar’s heavy door, stepping into the dimly lit space with a determination she wasn’t sure she actually felt.
Why was she here?
Because something about Eric gnawed at her. The way he knew her. The way he made her feel like their meeting wasn’t some random coincidence but something... inevitable.
She wanted answers. And maybe, just maybe, she wanted to see him again.
The familiar scent of whiskey and faint perfume clung to the air. Soft jazz hummed from the speakers, blending into the low murmur of conversations around her.
Her eyes darted around the room, searching. Would he be here? Would she even recognize him without the haze of alcohol and reckless attraction clouding her judgment?
And then—there he was.
Eric.
Sitting at the bar like he belonged there, like he knew she would come back. His dark eyes locked onto hers the second she spotted him, a slow, knowing smile creeping across his lips.
“You came.” His voice was smooth, and confident. Like he had expected this. Like he had planned for it.
Angela swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed. “I had questions.”
“I bet you do.” Eric tilted his head, studying her with an intensity that made her stomach tighten. He gestured to the seat beside him. “Sit.”
She hesitated. Every rational bone in her body told her to walk away. But something about him—his presence, his confidence, the way he seemed to pull her in without even trying—made her legs move before her brain could argue.
She slid onto the stool, and the bartender immediately appeared.
“Your usual?” he asked.
She blinked. “My usual?”
The bartender nodded toward Eric . “He ordered for you.”
Her stomach flipped. “How do you know what I drink?” she asked, turning to Eric with suspicion.
His lips curled at the edges. “I pay attention.”
A shiver ran down her spine, but whether it was from unease or excitement, she wasn’t sure. “That’s not an answer.”
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make her feel like they were the only two people in the room. “Why did you run off without a goodbye?”
Her face turned red with embarrassment. That wasn't what she was there for but she couldn't help the familiar wave of desire flooding through her.
The night with him was awesome. She couldn't remember the last time she had great sex. Sex with Eric was amazingly great.
Eric laughed, his laughter sounding like music to her ears. Deep. Throaty and sweet.
“I thought you'd never want to see me again.”
Angela shook her head, unable to voice out her fear and concern. She had questions but she couldn't bring herself to ask. Not when she was enjoying his company and the mischievous smile on his face.
“Let’s make a deal. One night, no lies. You ask me anything, and I’ll tell you the truth. No games.”
Her pulse pounded in her ears. She should say no. She should throw her drink in his face and leave.
Instead, she found herself whispering, “Okay.”
His smile deepened, slow and dangerous. “Good.”
Her drink arrived, and she took a long sip before setting the glass down, her fingers drumming against the table. “Let’s start with the obvious. How do you know so much about me?”
Eric didn’t hesitate. “I’ve been watching you.”
Angela’s breath hitched. “Excuse me?”
“I don’t mean in a creepy way.” He chuckled, amused by her reaction. “I’ve seen you around. I know your routines, your habits. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to introduce myself.”
Her heart pounded. “That sounds pretty creepy, actually.”
“I prefer to call it... persistent.” His dark eyes glinted with something unreadable. “You intrigue me, Angela.”
She swallowed. “Why?”
Eric traced the rim of his glass with one finger, considering his answer. “Because you’re different. You don’t see yourself the way others do. You walk through this city like you don’t belong to it, but you do. You own every step you take, even when you think no one’s watching.”
Angela’s breath caught in her throat. No one had ever spoken about her like that before.
She tore her gaze away, trying to gather her thoughts. “That’s not an answer. That’s just... poetic nonsense.”
“Maybe.” Eric smirked. “But that doesn’t make it any less true.”
She exhaled sharply, deciding to push further. “How did you know where I work?”
“Like I said, I’ve been paying attention.”
“And my birthday?”
He chuckled. “Public records are a wonderful thing.”
Angela narrowed her eyes. “You seriously looked me up?”
Eric shrugged. “I like to know things.”
She stared at him, trying to make sense of it all. He was charming, confident, and undeniably attractive. But there was something else, something lurking beneath the surface.
Something dangerous.
She leaned back, crossing her arms. “Your turn.”
His brow lifted. “My turn?”
“You said no lies. That means I get to ask questions too.”
His smile widened. “I like the way you think.”
Angela tapped her fingers against the table, debating where to start. “What do you do for a living?”
“I have my hands in a lot of things,” he said vaguely.
“That’s not an answer.”
He smirked. “I own a security firm.”
She frowned. “Security? Like bodyguards?”
“Something like that.”
Her stomach tightened. He didn’t elaborate, and something told her pressing for more would only make him dodge the question entirely.
She exhaled slowly. “Okay. Next question—why me?”
Eric leaned closer, his gaze locking onto hers. “Because you’re the most interesting thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Her breath hitched.
This was a mistake. She should leave. She should walk away before she got in too deep.
But when he reached out and brushed his fingers against hers, she didn’t pull away.
“Angela,” he murmured, his voice like a slow-burning fire. “I like you.”
Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.