BEYOND ONE NIGHT

the smooth sounds of jazz music enveloping her like a warm hug. She had just landed a

nd the sophisticated crowd. She spotted a few familiar faces, but mostly, she saw strang

sense of contentment wash over her. This was exactly what she needed – a

an, tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing blue eyes and a chiseled jawline. He was sm

sked, his deep voice sendi

ittle shy but also intrigued. "Not at

rocks as they introduced themselves. His name was Jul

ase. Julian was charming and witty, with a quick sense of humor and

and joking like old friends. The bar was starting to close,

f here soon," he said, smiling. "Would you like to grab a

didn't know Julian, not really – but there was something about him th

nally, smiling up a

thrill of excitement. She had no idea what the n

Alexandra's back, guiding her through the crowded lobby. The touch sent shi

taxi. As they slid into the backseat, Alexandra felt a s

ing together outside the window. Julian's hand found her

as she turned to look at him. His eyes

she asked, her voice b

t the corners. "Somewhere special,"

modern building. Julian paid the drive

d in surprise. They were in a luxurious penthouse apartmen

-to-ceiling windows. They stood there in silen

g with desire. "I've wanted to do this all nigh

ting into his kiss. It was like nothing she had ever exp

cked onto Julian's. She saw something there, som

nfident smile. "Would you like a drink?" he

kiss. As Julian poured her a glass of wine, she couldn't

hone buzzed with an incoming text. She glanced down, her h

nd, Richard. And he w

self to the bathroom. As she locked the door beh

texting her at this ho

t she had to be careful. She couldn't let Richard ruin this night

d's text, at least for now. She would focus on the present, on this nigh

a stepped out of the bathroom, ready