Glancing at my phone, I notice it’s three-thirty. I am almost home. Work has kept me busy, but my thoughts were filled with blue eyes and tattooed arms. Callum hasn’t been around today, so I spent my day with Ryan and Liam. They’re so much fun. It was as if I was part of the team. There wasn’t any animosity or frustration. Both impressed at how quickly I set up the drums and keyboards. Working with the crew will be easy since they've been with the band for years.

I was in a good mood when I left and walked home. It was warm out and I reveled in the vitamin D since I had been indoors most of the time. Also, to clear my mind and calm myself down. Tonight was my dinner with Callum. I sent a quick text to Emma. I needed my sister. We have missed each other online and today I had to talk to her. My news will shock her. She knows how I feel, or felt rather, about Callum.

I hit send. Fishing my keys from my purse, I unlock the door and step inside the quiet apartment. In the kitchen, I turn the kettle on and get my coffee cup ready. My mind is in a state of uncertainty at the prospect of spending the night with him. Alone. Back in the living room, I plug in my laptop to charge.

I wonder what I should wear? I cannot believe I agreed to do this. Not standing up to his challenge was not an option, though. He would try his utmost to frustrate me. My sister would kill me when she found out I am going to dinner with Callum. She has had the biggest crush on him for ages. With his dark messy spikes and sky-blue eyes, she was bewitched. Every time he posted a selfie on Twitter or Instagram she went absolutely nuts.

The kettle boiled, and I made myself a coffee. Getting comfortable at my desk, I open Skype and log in. I see Emma is online already and hit the call button. “Hello, love! I have to tell you what happened. You will not bloody believe it.” Her voice is loud and shrill, and her accent is slightly British. With a giggle, I sit back and sip the hot liquid. She always makes me laugh. The overly passionate personality bubbles through with every word she says. Her excitement over every aspect of her life is amazing. My heart races when I think about telling her the situation I got myself into. At twenty-eight, I am older by three years, and I think it shows more often than not.

“What happened, Emm?” She gushes about the guy she works with. Apparently he is taking her to Paris Fashion Week. He’s hot, rich, and well connected. I giggle at her enthusiasm. After twenty minutes of details, ranging from his favorite foods to the way his abs look when he’s working out, I have a perfect idea of the man that my sister is now head over heels for.

“So what’s your news? How is LA? And the new job?” She shoots questions at me and when she eventually gives me a second to reply, I take a deep breath.

“LA hasn’t changed since you left. My job… it’s... Well, it’s different. I mean, it’s what I want to do, but it’s scary.” I keep quiet hoping to buy time, but she presses me for more information.

“Yes, okay, who is the band? You said they’re famous.”

“Uhm… Well, I…” My phone beeps as I am about to come clean.

“Tay, come on tell me? I can hear there’s something you’re not telling me.”

I glance at the screen, there's a text from Callum.

My heart races again. I am sure stunning wasn’t what he wanted to say. Looking back up at the laptop monitor, thankful that we didn’t do a video chat. “I am going to dinner tonight with my boss, to uhm… to welcome me.” Cringing at the lie. “I mean, you know, to chat and stuff.”

“Fucking hell, Tay, who is your boss? Do I have to drag it out of you?”

I grin. “It’s Callum Hayes.” Shutting my eyes, I wait for it, but she's silent. “Emma?” I am met with stony silence. Finally, she clears her throat.

“Sorry, I think my speaker crackled, it sounded like you said you’re going on a date with Callum? THE Callum fucking Hayes! The one you don’t like? You said he is an over confident, self-absorbed asshole?” I realized this was coming.

“It’s not a date, it is dinner. Nothing more. Emma, he is my boss. I am part of the crew for their upcoming tour. It’s a professional dinner.” Not sure if I am trying to convince myself or her. With a hope that would calm her down, I stay silent.

“Fine, BUT if I see any tabloid pics of you kissing him, you’re dead. I want the news first before anyone else. And if you’re dating him, can you hook me up with his brother?” Finally, I hear her laugh and the nervous tension that tightened my shoulders abated.

“Why on earth would I kiss Callum? And no, I will not hook you up with Liam. He’s an asshole.” The thought of kissing Callum runs through my mind and the knot in my stomach tightens. He wouldn’t try anything stupid. At least, I hope he won't. Emma’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Don’t be a dunce, because he is Callum fucking Hayes! You will fall for him, love. I can guarantee that now. And we’re sisters, it’s important that you hook me up babe. I mean, Liam can bang my drums any day.” I chuckle at her. Shaking my head, I realize she can’t see me.

“You’re terrible Emm. And I will not fall for Callum!” Famous last words.

* * *

After my call with Emma, I got ready. She gave me an idea of what to wear, although her first option was way too sexy, I preferred a less revealing top to the one she suggested. A demure black silk cowl neck. The grey pants were straight cut. They hugged my thighs and ass like a glove. I can tease him, even if we're not dating. My black high heeled boots would put me at roughly the same height as Callum. My outfit was stylish but relaxed. With my long blonde hair pinned into a messy bun, I kept my makeup minimal, since this wasn’t a date, I wanted to look as casual as possible. There was still fifteen minutes before Callum was picking me up. It was a good decision to get ready earlier, so I didn’t rush around at the last minute.

The top covers my back; I made sure that my tattoo wasn’t visible. Tonight wasn’t the night I wanted to explain why my back is covered in ink. All Callum’s girlfriends were inked and I wonder if that was a conscious decision on his part. Did he prefer girls with tattoos?

The doorbell pulls me from my thoughts and my stomach is in knots. Calm down Tay, it’s a dinner. Relax. Deep breaths. As soon as I stand my knees are wobbly. Shit! Annoyance at myself for allowing him to affect me heats my cheeks. He’s just Callum. This is ridiculous. I need to get a grip. Walking over to the door, I twist the handle. When he comes into view, my breathing hitches. Shit! My eyes hungrily drink in the man in front of me. There is no doubt, he actually put in some effort. He’s wearing a black dress shirt, the first three buttons are loose, hinting to the soft smooth skin beneath. I can see glimpses of the tattoos that cover his exquisite body. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and the ink adorning his toned forearms look incredible in the dim light of the hallway. My gaze slowly drops to his legs. The snug dark blue jeans hug his thighs like they’re molded to the muscle beneath. This will be harder than I thought. I had to admit; he looked incredible. “Callum,” my voice came out breathy and I instantly regretted it.

“How are you, Petal?” His eyes roamed over the exposed skin of my shoulder. The heat of his intense gaze branded me, and an ache that was almost debilitating pulsed between my thighs. A blush heated my cheeks instantly. This man will be the death of me.

“Come in.” Stepping aside, I watch him walk into my apartment, he looks out of place in the cramped living room. The door shuts with a click and I turn to face him. The smirk on his lips unnerves me.

“I am fine, Callum, thank you. So it’s Petal now?” I am in for a challenge tonight. I can’t stop staring at him, stunned by his ethereal beauty. His dark brown spikey hair pointing in all directions, his ice-blue gaze shimmers like diamonds in the low light.

“Yes. Your tattoo. It’s beautiful. Soft and feminine. Like you. Mostly.” His gaze rakes over the blossoms on my shoulder. Thankfully, my top covers the one on my back. I don’t want or need him seeing that one.

“Mostly?” I question. Amusement is clear in his features.

“You come across as a hard ass sometimes.” His gaze travels from my face to my neck, over my breasts. It’s such a slow movement, it has my core clenching with suppressed desire. When he reaches my shoes, I recognize the dark glint in his eyes as he locks his stare back on me. “You scrub up well, Petal.”

“Thank you, Callum. You can call me Tay.”

Ignoring my statement, he smirks. “Are you ready, gorgeous?”

“Yes, let’s get this over with.” Grabbing my purse, I shut my laptop and turn to him.

“You’re not paying so I suggest you leave that behind.” He points at the purse in my hand.

“This isn’t a date. I can pay for my dinner.” With narrowed eyes, he shrugs and turns towards the door. As we step out, I turn and lock the apartment. Taking another deep breath, I spin on my heel and bump into his solid back. The scent of his cologne envelopes me and goose bumps rise over my body.

“If you want to touch me you could just ask,” he offers a cheeky wink and strides down the hall and walks down the staircase. I wanted to scream he infuriated me so much.

“Don’t flatter yourself. You forget I am your intern.” I retort, following him to the foyer.

As soon as we reach the entrance, he turns to face me and his expression changes. I see a flicker of indignation. “You should lighten up beautiful, just enjoy yourself tonight.”

I glance up into sky-blue eyes and smile. “Fine, I will lighten up when you realize this is NOT a date.” We’re face to face. Only inches apart and his warm breath is on my face. He is handsome, with a rugged jaw. He hasn’t shaved and the 5 o’clock shadow looks enticing. His skin is smooth, not a wrinkle in sight. His lips are full and look so goddamn kissable. My teeth tug on my lower lip to keep from leaning up to plant my lips firmly on his. There’s no doubt he is perfect. My tension eases before realizing who I am with. His cologne invades my senses again and I can’t tear my gaze away.

He grabs my hand. “Fine, it’s a friendly dinner, but I guarantee that by the end of the night, you will agree to a second date.” We make our way to the black Jeep parked in front of my building. He opens the door and I slide into the passenger seat. I watch him walk around to the drivers’ side, moving with such grace and confidence. It’s sexy and I realize I am blatantly staring. Once he slips into the seat, the engine purrs to life. The radio starts up and I recognize his voice as Hunters in Oblivion’s new song fills the car. “What’s your favorite song on the latest album?” He asks, his eyes never leaving the road.

“Damaged Angel, no question about it.”

He glances at me and smiles. “Really? Why?”

I open my mouth, then shut it again. There is no way I can tell him it saved my life. It’s too personal, I have only just met him. “Uh, I love the lyrics. They speak to people on a personal level. Like you’re talking directly to us. It’s a beautiful song.” I opt for a half truth and hope he doesn’t ask me any more questions. He gives a small nod and doesn’t say another word. I watch the city lights pass as we make our way into town.

Ten minutes later he pulls into a parking lot for a restaurant called Crossroads. Since it’s a vegetarian restaurant I am looking forward to seeing what they have on the menu. I haven’t really had an inkling to eat vegetarian meals when I was studying. At that point anything we could afford would do. Mainly pizza. It seems Callum will be with me the first time I experience this. The warm feeling in my belly calms me. When his hand reaches for mine, I flinch, not expecting the spark to rush through my arm.

“Well, here we are. I hope you’re feeling adventurous,” he glances at me and smiles. He looks so excited and I find the excitement bubbling inside me. It’s the only non-date I have had in a while and I want to enjoy it. He gets out and makes his way around the car. I take a deep breath, steadying my pulse to a regular pace. When he opens my door, I give him a genuine smile.

“Thank you, Callum.” His fingers on my lower back sends tingles down my spine as we make our way to the restaurant. His touch was so light, I thought I was imagining it. But I was too aware of the electric current radiating through my body at his fingertips heating my skin below the flimsy material of my top. The manager greeted him and showed us to our table.

“Enjoy your evening, Mr. Hayes.”

He walked off leaving us alone. Callum pulled out my chair and as I sat down I remarked. “This place is fancy Callum.” He gave me a sweet smile, and I realized the cheeky smirk was gone. That made me more nervous. I preferred the annoying arrogant Callum to the sweet one I had in front of me right now. Because I knew that the sweet one would weave his way under my skin and into my heart. I could now see why girls fell over themselves for him. Even though I can’t be falling for him, I agree with my sister and every other female in the world, he is incredible.

“Only the best for my new intern.” The waiter arrived, and I was grateful for the distraction. Callum ordered a bottle of wine and a starter for us to share while we settled on dinner. Picking up my menu, my eyes dropped to the prices, and I gasped. The prices of the dishes were exorbitant. I knew Callum could afford it. The extravagance is something he’s used to.

The waiter, back a couple minutes later with the wine, poured a taster and Callum took a sip. Then nodded to the waiter to fill our glasses. He left the bottle on the table and retreated. Once again, we were alone. “I would like to propose a toast,” he lifted his drink, and I followed his lead. “… to changing your preference,” he clinked my glass.

“In your dreams, Hayes.” I added with a giggle and took a sip of my wine. He stared into my eyes and winked, the gesture sending a tremble over my body. The menu was filled with dishes I had only ever heard of. Everything sounded good, but I had no idea what tasted good. Moments later the waiter brought our starter. The service is impeccable, and I wondered if it was because he was Callum Hayes, or because they were just that good. Glancing down at the platter, I realized there was enough food to feed a small army. Although, everything looks incredible, and the smells were enticing. My mouth watered, and I realized I had skipped lunch. Work kept me busy.

“Are you ready to order?” The waiter’s gaze fell to me, then to Callum.

Cerulean eyes settled on me. “Do you trust me?” Those words and his gaze snagged me in a sudden rush of tingles. I nodded. He glanced at the waiter and placed the order for our main course. Once the waiter had disappeared, Callum turned to me again.

“I hope you can relax tonight. Enjoy this. I realize you’re not like the other girls Tayla. And the tabloids paint an awful picture of me. However, they don’t know the real me.” I took in his expression.

“So your persona they depict of you, isn’t true? You don’t go out partying and picking up girls whenever you want to?” His stare pierces me and I instantly feel lousy for what I said.

“Yes, I have a colorful past. I have done those things you've read. Not now. I can prove it to you, but first, tell me why you’re so serious? You are very uptight. I need to know you, Tay. You intrigue me. I like to be intrigued.” The smirk that curls his full lips has me blushing, still my annoyance bristles.

“I guard myself from getting hurt. My past has made me weary. Someone hurt me. So I don't talk about it. Other than that, I am an open book.” His eyes seared into me as if he could see inside me. The arctic-blue sparkled in the dim light of the restaurant.

“Tell me what made you study sound engineering?” I took another sip of wine.

“The music industry has been a dream for me. I am not a singer or performer. Being in front of millions of people isn't my thing. Not that I get stage fright, but, it’s just not me.”

He nodded and smiled.

“That’s understandable. It’s not for everyone.” His gaze dropped to the table as he pondered on a thought. Looking back up, locking his eyes on mine, he asked. “Why do you push so much? I mean, I don’t expect you to jump me.” He chuckled at that. “But, you’re closed off. Very much so.” He sounded genuinely curious. How do I answer that? I averted my gaze from his and tried to gather my thoughts.

“My trust in men has been tarnished. I was hurt before in a way that doesn’t allow me to open up easily.” He stared at me as if trying to find another answer inside my mind.

“So, if I was persistent and proved you can trust me… I mean, if you could trust me, would you be so inclined?” Those heated blue pools darkened to a beautiful midnight blue. Deep, captivating, and frightening as fuck. He knew his intense scrutiny unnerved me. The effect he had on women wasn’t lost on him, it was clear. I picked up my glass. Stalling. Thinking.

“No.” His chuckle at my response rumbled in his chest. Giving me the perfect smile that made panties melt the world over. Here I was sitting across from him and I couldn’t fathom why he chose me.

“I like you Tayla. No situation is too challenging for me. And you’re no exception." I peered at him, in awe at his blatant honesty. My mouth fell open and words evaded me. I swallowed thickly. Emotion washing over me in waves.

“Honestly, I am difficult to win over. I am not the girl for you. Also, you seem sure of yourself Callum. We are working together. Or at least I work for you. You realize that this is dangerous territory?” He nodded calmly, assessing my answer. We stared at each other. It was silent for so long, I thought we would spend the rest of the night just sitting in silence.

“Petal, let me tell you something, I have a past. There are things that make it difficult for me to trust women. Why do you think I am single? And have been for a long time.” There were rumors about him and his ex-girlfriend, apparently she used him. The details weren’t clear, but the hatred for her by the fans was unmistakable. Something happened, I wanted to know what.

“This shouldn’t impact my job. I don’t want to be known for sleeping with my boss to get where I am.” My words were final. He nodded.

“It won’t. I promise. I know you think you can’t trust me, but I will prove to you, you can. Besides, I want to take you somewhere tonight.” He blurted and his eyes searched mine. “To show you my favorite place in the world.” His smile was beautiful. It lit up his clear blue eyes. “Trust me? Even if only for tonight?” I didn’t have to think about my answer. The impulse to trust nagged at me. I can trust him. It was the look in his eyes that snared me. Holding me hostage.

“Yes, Callum, I can.”

He smiled. “Good, that’s my girl!” I am drawn in by the man I was fighting my attraction to. This wasn’t good, not good at all.

* * *

The rest of dinner was relaxed. he didn’t ask me anything personal, we chatted about being on tour. It sounded like we would tour Europe first and then heading back to the States before heading off to the Southern Hemisphere. As we drove through the quiet streets, I realized we were headed up to the Griffith Observatory.

It's been a while since I was here. My time at college brought us up here most nights. When we would bring a bottle of Jack and get drunk. Looking at the stars and the twinkling city lights. With sneaky glances at Callum, my stomach fluttered when the street lights passed and lit his profile. The angular jaw dusted with stubble. The need to run my fingers over his face was strong.

Uncertainty crawled in my mind. Why he wanted me. He could have his pick of models, actresses, or any other woman. I mean, he’s Callum fucking Hayes. As terrified as I was at my feelings for this man, I promised him I would enjoy the night. That’s what I intend to do. When I open my eyes, I notice him glancing at me. “You okay, Petal?” His nickname for me made me smile. I nod.

“Yes, it’s been a long day.” When he reaches over and places his hand on my thigh, my core tightens with a dull ache. A need I didn't want. Or even entertained in years. It was too long. My skin tingled below the material of my pants at his touch and my stomach flip-flopped. It’s been almost a year since I was with anyone. A man's touch. It was foreign to me. I was still scared, the fear clawed at me when I thought about it. Being naked with someone.

“I promise not to keep you out too late, there’s something I want you to see.” When he drove up towards the Observatory I grinned. This was one of my favorite places in the city as well.

“I haven’t been here since my third year in college.” My words heavy with emotion. The memories of being happy flooded me.

“Come on. Let’s go have a look.” I opened the car door, slipped out and stood in awe. The stars were bright, the new moon a sliver in the dark sky. You could see the whole city below, lights as far as the eye can see, it really was a breathtaking view. I turned to him, “Callum, thank you. I forgot how beautiful it was up here.” He took my hand, and we walked towards the edge where we could get a better view.

“The city of damaged angels.” A strong emotion raced through me and tears threatened. I blinked hard to stop myself from crying. After the turmoil and heartache, I needed to escape my old life. Now here I am in the very place I gave up because the pain was too much to handle. Here I stand holding the hand of a man I least expected to have standing next to me. It was overwhelming.

He cut a glance to me. “Hey now. No crying. I don’t make girls cry.” The tears came like a waterfall now. Embarrassment flooded me. Here I am crying in front of one of the most famous men in the world. He turned me towards him and swiped my wet cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. His touch soft, smooth, and my eyes fluttered closed reveling in the sensation. His soft lips were on mine suddenly and I jumped back. “Callum! What are you doing?” He looked sheepish and gone was the arrogant man.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I got caught up in the moment. You looked so beautiful. I wanted to kiss away your tears.” He glanced down and turned away. Facing the city again. His walls came up and his expression was suddenly guarded. He let it down in that instant, and somehow, I let mine down too. In the dim light that surrounded us, I saw a broken man surface.

“Callum…” He shook his head.

“It’s okay Tay, I understand. Maybe you do like my brother. It’s always him, no matter how badly he treats girls they always flock to him.”

His words puzzled me. “No, I don’t like Liam. But what are you talking about? There are multitudes of girls who would kill to be with you.” He chuckled and his gaze met mine.

“Yes. I suppose there are, but none of them grab my attention...” He turned, his body faced me entirely. The smile on his face was gentle. “… only you.” My breath caught in my throat. What? What did he mean? I was an average girl, nothing special. Wait, no, this was his sweet talking! Wasn’t it? He confused and infuriated me, but this sensitive part was weaving its way into my heart.

“What? I caught your attention by spilling coffee over you?” He laughed and nodded.

“I guess so yes. You’re challenging and confident and so fucking stubborn. I admire that in a woman. Someone who can give me a run for my money.” His words sunk in. Thoughts whirling through my mind. Never have I been complimented by a man like him. I stared at the stars above us. They twinkled with a promise. If I could learn to trust him, this could work. Do I want it to?

“I speak my mind Callum, and I am stubborn, because you infuriate me more than you know.” When I walked towards him I held out my hand. “I love challenging you, it’s fun. This…” I pointed between us. “… it’s new to me. You have to understand that a relationship is difficult for me.” He laced his fingers through mine. “Let’s not talk now. How about you drive me home?” I smiled and tugged him towards the car.

We drove in comfortable silence to my apartment. He pulled up to the sidewalk, and I realized I didn’t want the night to end just yet. He spoke first. “I hope you enjoyed the dinner and the city lights.” I could hear the smile in his voice, but didn’t face him. I wouldn't get out of his car if I saw those blue pools that pierced my soul. Thoughts of kissing him were at the forefront of my mind now. “Petal?”

Against my better judgment and against every ounce of restraint I had, I turned to him and whispered. “Did you want to come up? For a drink?” A smile that threatened to crack his face appeared, and he nodded.

“I would.”

I turned on the lights as we entered the living room. Inside my tiny space again, his scent invaded the room. “Make yourself comfortable. I am just going to change.”

“Into something slinky and sexy I hope?” My glare quietened his chuckle immediately. “I was kidding, you need to lighten up, Petal.” His words said one thing, but the hungry gaze that travelled over my body said something different.

Once in the safety of my bedroom, I changed into a tank top and a pair of sweats. Fully aware of Callum sitting in my living room, my body was tingling in anticipation. This will be interesting. There is nothing that can prepare you for Callum Hayes on your sofa. Relaxed. Sexy. Perfect. He had taken his jacket off and the shirt he wore hugged every muscle in his torso and chest. “Tea, coffee, wine, beer or water?” I grinned. His eyes sparkled taking in my casual appearance. The heat of his stare warmed my skin and the knot in my belly tightened. I was in so much trouble.

“Wow, what a selection. Wine will be a perfect start.”

“Start? Are you planning on staying that long?” I giggled. Since when do I giggle? Seriously.

He winked and that cheeky arrogance was back. “As long as you want me.” I shook my head as I strode towards the kitchen. Grabbing two wine glasses out of the cupboard, I placed them on the counter and selected a red wine. Not that my collection was that big. Once the bottle was open, I half-filled both glasses.

I felt him before I turned. His body radiating heat towards me. He had won this round because I was helplessly aching to be near him. To have his body against mine. When I turned—slowly—careful not to spill wine over him. I peered up through my eyelashes and those intense deep-blue eyes were staring down at me. His tongue flicked out moistening his soft pink lips, and the gesture sent a tingle straight to my clit. My pussy pulsed with need.

“Thank you.” He took the glass from my hand. When his fingers brushed against mine, I almost dropped the glass. The way he held my gaze had my panties melting. My need for him surpassed every rational thought in my head. I needed to put distance between us. He was too close. Desire swirled thick in the surrounding air.

“Callum.” I breathed his name. My voice was low, raspy, and I chided myself letting him get to me this much. Even though his name was a warning on my lips, he ignored it and leaned down. Instinctively, my eyes fluttered closed. His lips feathered mine and this time I had nowhere to go. He reached behind me and set his glass down on the counter. He freed me of my glass and gripped my hips in a vice like hold, pulling me into him. His rock hard body flush against mine. Every ridge and plane of those sculpted abs pressed against me. I was lost. Just for that moment. I let myself go in that minute. I gave in. And let this annoying man kiss me. I am so fucked.

I ran my fingers through his soft hair and completely forgot about anything around me. He growled into my mouth as his tongue twirled with mine. It was such a sensual dance that my panties were soaked with arousal. I was fully aware of his erection pressing against my stomach. I had to catch my breath. He needed to stop. I needed to stop. My control slipped, but I had to get it back. This situation overwhelmed me. I placed my hands on his chest and I could feel his muscles tense. A low groan vibrated under my touch.

The taste of him was intoxicating. With a slow push, he reluctantly broke the kiss. He held my face in his hands and looked deep into my eyes. The pad of his thumb brushed over my lower lip. His voice was hoarse. Filled with desire as he whispered. “Now that is a first kiss.” Reaching behind me, he picked up his wine glass. Turning, he walked into the living room. Leaving me reeling from the most amazing kiss I have ever had. I picked up my wine, gulping a mouthful, then refilling my glass. As I walked back into the living room, he smiled like nothing happened.

“Well, that was…” My words trailed off and I couldn’t find an apt description. Callum patted the space beside him on the sofa and I sat down watching him.

“Yes, that was.” He replied in his low timbre. It seemed we were both stunned. I definitely wasn’t expecting a kiss with Callum Hayes to be so good. Well, that’s a lie, I knew it would be. A small smile spread across my face and he noticed. “Did I bring on that smile?” He inquired, I nodded slowly.

“You surprised me, nothing more.” He reached out, starting at my shoulder, tracing a slow feather light path down my arm. It sent electric currents shooting over my skin. Goose bumps rose in the wake of his touch and I shivered involuntarily.

“You do realize that you’re beautiful,” he whispered.

“Callum, I am just an average girl. Please don’t say things like that?” He sat forward, his fierce gaze burned into me.

Ignoring my request, he murmured. “You couldn’t be more wrong. Average doesn’t even begin to describe what you are, Tayla Quinn.”

He set his glass down on the coffee table and leaned in towards me. My body reacted to his proximity and my lips tingled. My mind pleaded for him to kiss me again. And when his lips met mine, my eyes fluttered closed and the stars behind my eyelids sparkled. The heat of his kiss traveled over my feverish skin and my pussy pulsed with need. My clit throbbed for his fingers to tease me. To slide into me. My panties nearly disintegrated when his hand gripped my thigh, then continued to tease its way higher. His kiss scorched me. His touch ignited my skin. A primal growl from low in his throat tightened the desire in my belly. Slowly he moved over me. Our bodies in sync as I laid back welcoming him as he nudged between my thighs. Our tongues glided sensually over each other in a seductive dance. With his body hovering over me, his one hand slipped down and gripped my hip. My molten core was a volcano waiting to erupt. The scorching lava flowed through my veins.

My top had ridden up and his fingers finally came into contact with my skin. A low mewl escaped my lips, and he swallowed it in the kiss. With a leisurely caress, his fingertips found a path to the under-wire of my bra. He knew how to touch. Soft. Light. Making me moan into his mouth. My body arched up, towards him. He licked into me tasting me—and the wine—as I tasted him. I was drunk. Although wine had nothing to do with the heady feeling. He was claiming me with just this one kiss.

“Callum.” His name came out softer than I meant. Breathy. Raspy. He knew I wanted him, and if I didn’t stop this now, we would do something we shouldn’t be doing. The moment was broken. The magic that spiraled around us dissipated and our eyes locked for the longest time.

“Petal, I am sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I haven’t been so attracted to someone in a long time.” He moved off me and I sat up slowly. Immediately missing the heat of his body. Every inch of my skin tingled, and I noticed his rock hard length strain against his slacks.

“Look, Callum, I’m sorry. It’s just…” He placed his hand on my knee, and another shock-wave traveled through me. When he peered up, my heart ached. He looked sad. If he only realized that I was never this attracted to anyone my whole life. Just with a kiss, a small touch my body came alive.

“It’s okay, I understand.” I put my hand over his.

“No, you don’t, I can’t do this. Romantic relationships with someone you work with can add extra pressure. More tension.”

“That doesn’t bother me, Petal. Unless you have someone?” I glanced at him, a frown creased my eyebrows. Someone? When the realization hit me, I wanted to giggle.

“God no! I haven’t had someone in years, I mean. I mean not… uhm… shit. I mean I am not seeing someone.” Abruptly I stood up. His stare was too much, too intense. My heart raced, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say. “People will talk and I can’t afford to lose my job. You’re a rock star. What will people think? Your friends and family?” He got up, the irritation was visible in his features and in his stance. He grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. When he pulled me towards him. I stopped breathing. Our bodies were once again remarkably close and I couldn’t think straight.

“Tayla, stop. Just for one-second stop and don’t worry about what everyone else will assume. Stop worrying about the rules. What the fuck do you want? Open yourself up and stop being so fucking stubborn.” Sky-blue eyes turned stormy, and it took him shouting at me to realize I wanted him to kiss me. Without another word his mouth crashed down on mine and I didn’t care. I didn’t stop him. Kissing him back, surprised by how much I wanted it. How much I wanted him.

The past I worked so hard to keep buried better stay buried. Because if I was going to do this with him, he couldn’t know what happened.

Glancing down, the lights shining on me hide the eyes that are glued to me. I swirl around the soft fabric holding me up in the air. Their hungry gazes are locked on my every move. They anticipate my movements, holding their breath. From this high up they can’t see the girl beneath the façade that I portray. The scars that have marred my skin. It’s okay. I did it to keep my sister safe. There isn’t a day that goes by I regret what I did. She was safe. This was my final performance. He made sure of it. His promise will be kept. There is no choice for me. I had to leave. The burn on my skin still aches from last night.

I am upside down. He’s here. I can feel his filthy leer on me. I need to finish my routine. My heart shudders in my chest. He came back. After all he did. I can’t hide. That’s what he told me. Fear grips me and I almost fall. I take a deep breath and swirl down, in a slow effortless movement. The song slows to a stop, and the applause deafens me. He’s watching. Waiting. I offer the crowd a small smile. Walking off the stage, I make my way to my dressing room. The girls up next pass me on the way and then I am alone. With my thoughts. Alone. He will follow me. I wait for it.