to compare my ex with a hot stranger who definitely has a few years on us, but my brain doesn’t seem to care.
The guy staring at me looks like a well-aged version of a wet dream, and I’m not sure Ben will ever reach that level. Not that it’s my business anymore.
For a moment, I want this stranger to find me attractive, because it’s been so long since I’ve felt desired. The thought alone sends a thrill down my spine.
When was the last time Ben looked at me with desire? Yes, we had sex a few times before he dropped the bomb that he was leaving, but when I look back at those times now, it’s easy to see that things were different. It was lust mixed with need. He’d needed a release. He’d needed to be pleased. Fucked. And I was there.
Stop.
Forget Ben . . .
Try, Harper. You’re here with your best friend.
Then, Tara steps in front of me, successfully severing my connection with hot guy.
Weirdly enough, I’m disappointed.
She pulls at the top of her dress and gives me a pointed look once she’s done. “You still sure you’re okay if I take off?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“I mean it. If I leave with him, I’ll let you know where we’re going, but I still want you to text me when you get home. Okay?”
I grab her hand and squeeze. “Yes, I will. Stop worrying about me. I’ll finish my drink and head home. Promise. Go make your bad decision already.”
She laughs before hugging me. “How do I look?”
“Still gorgeous, silly.”
“Happy New Year, Harp.”
“Happy New Year, Tara.”
After kissing my cheek, she spins on her black heels and heads toward the bar. A cat on the prowl, ready to play.
My eyes are still on Tara’s retreating back, watching her make her way out of the bar with her suitor, when the table wobbles under my elbow.
“Looks like they abandoned both of us. Do you mind if I join you for another drink?” The deep voice makes my heart skip a beat.
Wow. Mr. Super Handsome looks even better up close. With his light-brown hair brushed back neatly, and a frown he wears like it’s a new trend, he looks like he just stepped off the latest fashion runway. The rest of his face still looks friendly though. The corners of his eyes crinkle, and his full lips curve in a soft smile. An immensely alluring mixture.
My spine straightens, trying to push out my boobs while sucking in my belly. Why am I doing this again? Oh yes, because it makes my boobs look fabulous, and somehow, I want this man to notice my awesome-looking chest.
It might also be the alcohol talking since Tara talked me into not only doing shots, but also having a few cocktails tonight. My body is warm, my brain a tiny bit fuzzy but mostly functioning. I’m definitely still in the safe zone but should probably switch to soda or water soon.
I realize I haven’t answered and nod. “Yes, yes. Of course. Sorry. I was thinking about my mom’s bacon.”
What the heck?
His frown grows as he pulls out the vacant bar chair and sits down. “Your mom’s . . . bacon?”
How does this confused look make him hotter?
I wave my hands in front of me. “Gosh, I’m sorry. I meant her cat. My mom named her cat Bacon. Don’t ask me why. Anyway, I’m cat-sitting, so . . . I just made this very awkward, didn’t I? I’m sorry.”
And then he laughs, and it’s beautiful. Deep and rich. Very manly, and my body hums greedily at the sound.
You deserve to let off some steam.
Looks like Tara’s stayed in the form of a tiny devil on my shoulder.
“I’m Ryan, by the way.” Ryan holds out his hand, and I shake it.
“Harper.”
“Harper.” He says my name like he’s testing it on his tongue before letting go of my hand. “I’m not a big drinker, but will you join me for one to celebrate the beginning of the new year?”
I nod, certain that’s Tara’s devil’s fault. “I’d love to, thanks.”
The rest of this night—or rather early morning hours—I fully and completely blame on that tiny devil.
No shame whatsoever.
Ryan and I stumble out of the bar into the cold New York air, laughing like we’ve known each other forever and have a million inside jokes, and then we jump each other in the elevator on the way to his hotel room because we’re starved for each other. And that is unlike anything I have