Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,9

of that, my emotions were a train wreck with the uncertainty of what was to be expected of me.

Australia is a ridiculous long haul.

A delayed flight and fourteen fucking hours airtime were exhausting, and thankfully, I brought my Kindle, immersing myself in reading some steamy smut. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, then I remembered who I was meeting, and sexually riling myself up, perhaps isn’t the brightest idea I’ve ever had.

Six hours into the flight, the reality of how far I am from Andy has really sunk in, resulting in a quick dash to the restroom to sob in private.

I am drained.

Hitting the tarmac makes it official. I’ve landed, and now I have the task of getting myself to the hotel with little time to spare and glam myself up, getting ready to find Julian.

The hotel is located in the heart of the city, and I know Julian is staying at the same one. As soon as I check-in, I run up to the room, throwing my suitcase into the corner and hopping into the shower to wash off with a hope of waking myself up. I lost the concept of time, the change in time zones completely throwing me off, and my body desperate for sleep.

From the bits and pieces Julian has mentioned, the party is semi-formal. I settle on one of my new designs—a burgundy-colored floor-length dress with a split, made with chiffon fabric and a low-plunging V-neck. Despite my chest being small, the dress fits perfectly, and the design accentuates the curves of my breasts. I place a white-gold chain around my neck with a cross which hangs low, sitting right between my cleavage. To complement my dress, I slip into my silver Louboutin pumps.

Examining myself in the mirror, I don’t look too bad considering I’ve barely slept, and the air inside the plane left my skin dry and tired-looking. I’m not a huge makeup wearer, usually applying only eye shadow and mascara but decide to add a bit of foundation with a touch of lipstick.

My hair has grown slightly longer, sitting just above my shoulders since the last time Julian saw me. The color is a mixture between cherry red and auburn. With not much time to spare, I run some hair product through my hands and smooth it in, choosing to leave it out instead of my usual messy bun.

I’m ready to go.

Breathe, one… two… three…

I grab my hotel key and head out the door.

***

The concierge escorts me to the private area which looks out onto the harbor. I thank him, offering a tip, which he kindly refuses. Gosh, what a swell fella.

From where I stand, the view is breathtaking. The venue is called the Palais, located in an amusement venue called Luna Park. The small seaside park reminds me of Coney Island—a rollercoaster overlooking the water, various rides including a Ferris wheel. Across the harbor is the iconic Sydney Opera House, and sitting high and mighty is the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

All of which, an experience I never thought possible.

I have an awful habit of crossing my fingers whenever I’m nervous, childish as it may be, and right now, nervous is be a huge understatement. Behind these doors lies a feeling which frightens me. A feeling I’ve desperately tried to push aside because the moment I allow the thought to linger, the guilt will eat me alive.

I turn the corner, my heart hammering in my chest. My airways close in, and I think I’m going to run out of air until I see him, standing by himself staring out into the harbor.

He is perfectly still, dressed in his black suit, hair styled to perfection from the angle where I stand. Deep and lost in thought, he makes no move and fails to notice my presence.

Still thinking about my opening line, I watch him pull his cell out of his suit pocket, frantically typing away. The vibration in my clutch makes me smile. I thank the Lord I have my cell on silent.

Julian: Did you know the Ovation of the Seas is the largest boat ever to enter Sydney Harbour?

I want to burst out laughing at his text. As much as I tell him that his random facts serve no purpose, I love these texts purely because I never know what to say and guess what, the majority of the time I have no idea and actually learn something new. He is like a walking encyclopedia. I quickly think of a witty