little creative help from Mr. Sauvignon Blanc here. Oh well, I’d find out tomorrow.
I twirled the glass between my fingers, looking around with a smile. I was determined to focus on all the amazing things in my life: I had an adorable girl I loved to the moon and back, a great job, and a brand-new apartment.
Welcome to the new chapter in my life!
Chapter Three
Ryker
It was Thursday, and I couldn’t wait to get on stage. The pressure on Wall Street was relentless. Having a way to let off steam was crucial, and for me, it was this. Performing for a crowd gave me the release I needed. And as an added bonus, it also gave me a chance to get out of a suit. I’d never been a fan of the financial district’s uniform. I took my guitar, stepping on stage with the other guys I usually played with: a vocalist, Josh, and a drummer, Steve.
The second my fingers strummed over the cords, my muscles loosened, the strain leaving my body. All thoughts of Wall Street drifted to the back of my mind. The company was in hot water because one of the other investment directors had just been fired for screwing over a client to maximize his own bonus. Everyone was worried about the company’s image. I was too, but I was also pissed that the client was now in financial trouble because of a greedy moron. As I’d predicted, the bruised cheek earned me glares from colleagues and clients alike.
Tension was high, but now it was just me and the guitar, the music. The crowd was thinner than usual tonight. I scanned the room, soaking in the energy of the place, of the patrons dancing to our beat. My gaze rested on a petite woman leaning against the bar.
Were my eyes playing tricks because I’d wanted to find her so badly, or was my mystery woman in the crowd? No, there she was: brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, smiling and drumming her fingers on the counter. I scanned those around her quickly. Douchebag wasn’t anywhere in sight. Fuck, yes.
I loved being on stage, but I’d never wanted to leave it more than I wanted to now. I didn’t want to lose her again. I kept my eyes trained on her, ready to follow her if she left.
When the set was over, I practically jumped off the stage, making a beeline for her. She didn’t move. Instead, her smile widened.
“Mystery girl,” I exclaimed when I reached her. Damn, she was even more beautiful than I remembered. I hadn’t looked close enough before to notice her sexy curves. She was wearing a tight dress that teased enough of her cleavage to tempt me to look more, but I fought to maintain eye contact.
She laughed softly. “What?”
“I don’t know your name.”
“Heather.”
“I’m Ryker.”
“I know.”
“Oh?”
“I asked the manager about you.”
“Music to my ears.”
“I feel guilty about that. Is it the one the beer spilled over?” She pointed to my guitar.
“No, that’s in a repair shop.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry. My guy says he can fix it.”
“Well, I feel guilty anyway.”
“Not your fault. It’s that douchebag’s.”
She lowered her gaze, shrinking into herself right before my eyes. I wasn’t going to allow it.
“I’ll pay for the repairs,” she said.
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary.”
“I insist.” She held her chin high, pressing her lips together.
“Not negotiating.”
“Let me at least buy you a drink, then.”
“A lady never pays.” I tilted toward her. Her eyes widened in surprise. She smelled like flowers and cinnamon, and I barely refrained from inching even closer, invading her personal space.
“Even if she is indirectly responsible for your guitar being in the repair shop?”
“Even then.”
She played with a strand of her hair, giving me a guarded smile. I wanted a real one.
“So how am I supposed to assuage my conscience, then?”
I leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “We can work that out. I will buy you a drink.”
“What’s in it for you?” She tilted her head lightly to one side. Her hair drifted from her shoulder down to her back. One single strand got caught on the shell of her ear. My fingers itched to push it away, to touch her.
“We’ll see.”
She laughed, and I detected a light blush in her cheeks. I just couldn’t keep myself from flirting with her. I wasn’t the Flirt for nothing. She was beautiful and newly single. I only interrupted our eye contact to drop my gaze to her mouth. She licked her lips, exhaling sharply. I could feel her