Freeing Asia: The Breaking Free Series

By E.M. Abel

Asia is fed up with being in the “friend zone.” She sheds her tomboy persona just in time to meet a sexy playboy and club owner who sweeps her off her feet. He’s also on the verge of stealing her heart until her first love comes back to claim it.

Finding love won’t be easy, but finding herself will be even harder.

With the chance of new love, Asia is torn between possibilities and the past, but to follow her heart she must first set it free.

**Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and drug use.**

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Abel
• Release date: Aug 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781492144373

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by Elaine Abel

All rights reserved.

Editor and Interior Designer: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Preface

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Epilogue

Coming Soon

Special Thanks

To my wonderful husband, who listened to me obsess over this book for a year and never complained once.

To my kids, who lost quality time with me while I spent hours typing away on my computer.

To my incredible parents and family, who always supported and encouraged my writing even when I thought it wasn’t good enough.

To my friends, who read rough draft after rough draft just to have the story change again.

To my niece, Kenyia, my cover model, who fell hopelessly in love with Marcus from the moment I described his shoes.

To my sister, Cindy, who has supported me unconditionally without judgment throughout my life. No matter what, I always know I have you in my corner, cheering me on. Your confidence in me has never wavered, and that alone has given me the strength to keep going.

And last but certainly not least…

To my biggest fan and sister, Kristine.

If it weren’t for you, this book never would have come to life.

You pushed me when I needed to be pushed.

You supported me when I felt discouraged.

You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

You spent hours reading, and you answered all my texts when I’d asked if you were done yet.

Most importantly, you helped me find my purpose.

For that, I will forever be grateful.

Sugarcoated Dreams

My need for someone to hold

Harbors the poison killing my soul

Dissolving my sugar-coated dreams

Forming sweet puddles on the ground

Until they’re lifted again by the sun’s beams.

The sun is bright.

I keep hanging on to this pain

It has become my companion

Never leaving my side

Afraid it might miss a moment,

A moment in time.

When the sky is blue

And the sun is bright

When I’m smiling

And welcome the light.

I keep clearing my mind

Trying to erase all these daydreams,

Fantasies that will never come true.

I keep brushing my teeth

Scrubbing and rinsing

Trying to forget the taste

Of you.

That moment.

A moment in time.

When the sky is blue

And the sun is bright

When I’m smiling

And welcome the light.

I keep crying alone

Wiping the tears

Too proud to admit they fell

Cleansing my eyes of all the times

I pictured you in hell.

How could this happen?

I knew better than that.

When will I be rid of this pain?

I knew it was coming,

That’s why I kept running

But still you caught up

And left me in the rain.

So, maybe I’m the one to blame…

So, will I ever see it again?

This moment.

A moment in time.

When the sky is blue

And the sun is bright

When I’m smiling

And welcome the light…

Or will I be looking for you?

Do you ever miss Japan? Marcus asked me as we sat on the bleachers, watching our friends skate on the hot concrete.

He was sitting next to me with his elbows resting on his knees. A drop of sweat was rolling down the side of his neck, and I watched its descent until it fell beneath the collar of his gray shirt.

Sure, sometimes, I muttered as I turned my gaze back to the guys in front of us, my sunglasses shielding my eyes from the harsh sun. It wasn’t Japan that I missed so much. It was the life I’d had there.

Staring ahead, Marcus said, Sometimes, I think going anywhere, like somewhere new—a place with no memories, no past, just beginnings—would be better than this.

Where is all this coming from? Marcus had never talked to me about his feelings. He hardly spoke to me at all.

I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded. I understood what he meant though. Leaving Japan had been hard, but it also gave me distance from my past. He wasn’t so lucky. His past was at home, waiting for him every day.

Sitting at my desk and staring at my computer screen, I could see every pixel, just a bunch of dots glaring back at me. Could this day go any slower? I’d finished all my work, and it was only 1:07 p.m. I seriously need to find another job. The saddest thing of all was that working at Westwood Printing was the highlight of my day.

My best friend, Hailey, had just moved out last weekend, leaving me with a half-empty apartment and virtually no social life. It was depressing. She had a new man—a successful hot man, who had asked her to move in with him after only four months of dating.

I was happy for her. I really was. At least, I was trying hard to be, but my jealousy kept rearing its ugly head. If only I had been blessed with her sense of confidence and undeniable beauty, maybe I would be moving on to bigger and better things.

Snap out of it, Ais, Hailey’s voice rang clearly in my mind.

She would always say that to me when I felt down about my life. She was always positive and upbeat. Hailey could be totally annoying, but she was exactly the kind of friend I needed. She was the yang to my yin, the light to my dark.

Being the complete opposite of Hailey, I was the tomboy with no clue how to be the confident, sexy woman who men swooned over. I could party with the guys, and I had no problem being their friend, but when it came to getting them to see me as anything more, I was at a loss.

Ugh, I need to stop! Come on, Asia, think positive. Think positive. As my pep talk was starting to work, I realized I was slouching in my chair, pouting like a two-year-old. Quickly straightening my back, I forced a big fake smile onto my face. When I caught a glimpse of my reflection on the now blank computer screen, I couldn’t help but laugh.

What’s so funny over here?

I turned around to see Nick’s bright blue eyes peeking over the adjoining cubicle wall. With his eyebrow raised, he appeared to be worried about me. He probably thinks I’m losing it.

Nothing. I’m just laughing at myself.

Well, you are pretty hilarious.

I rolled my eyes and looked back to my computer.

Oh, come on, Asia! I’m just kidding. What’s wrong?

Nick leaned away from the wall and then gracefully pushed his desk chair over to my side.

He was gorgeous and lean, the type of guy who belonged on a runway. With his high cheekbones, straight nose, eyelashes any woman would die for, and a perfect set of lips, he had a face that could be in magazines. Of course, he was gay, which also meant his wardrobe was flawless.

Why do I surround myself with these people? They only made my situation seem that much worse.

When was the last time you got laid, Asia? Nick asked, giving me his skeptical look.

My cheeks automatically got hot. Why does the mere mention of sex turn me into a thirteen-year-old adolescent? And why does it always remind me of Marcus?

Well? Nick asked impatiently.

I bit my bottom lip, feeling too humiliated to respond to his question. My answer would probably give him a heart attack right here in our office.

If it takes you that long to respond, Asia, you’ve got real problems. I mean, I know you have men lined up. So, when was it?

I scoffed at his comment. Yeah, look at the line going out the door. I hardly have time to keep up! I responded, my voice reeking of sarcasm.

Whatever, girl. If you were my type and you cleaned yourself up a little, you know I’d be all over you like white on rice!

Yeah, too bad I’m not a guy. Thanks, Nick. You sure know how to make a girl feel special.

Nick chuckled, ignoring my attitude. "Seriously, Asia, you’re beautiful, you’re exotic, and you have a body to die for. If you let down your hair and stop wearing boy clothes, men would be lined up. Let me give you a makeover, girl! Please? I would have so much fun! And I promise that you won’t end up looking like a drag queen!"

Nick had been asking to make me over since the day we met. At first, it had seemed like an insult, but now, I knew it was just his way of playing dress-up. Once Nick got an idea in his head, it was impossible to shut him up.

As I glanced down at my white button-up shirt, black pants, and flats, I thought I actually looked alright today. At least I had ironed my shirt this morning. Growing up with a widowed father and two older brothers, Rob and Shaun, probably hadn’t helped me in the style department, not to mention the how-to-act-like-a-sexy-and-confident-woman department.

The truth was I didn’t really care about clothes and shoes and purses. That was most likely why I had never had many female friends. Hailey was my only real girlfriend, and the only reason we became close was because she had dated Shaun.

I usually spent most of my time skateboarding, surfing, smoking weed, and getting drunk with Shaun and all his friends. Hanging out with guys who saw me as the little sister always made me the friend and never the girlfriend.

In college, guys had tried to ask me out, but it was obvious they had only been interested in getting into my pants. I knew how guys’ minds worked. I’d grown up living with them, and I’d refused to get used like that again.

It wasn’t just my fear of getting hurt that held me back. I was scared of letting people get close to me. I wasn’t self-conscious about my body. In no way was I model material, but I felt comfortable in my own skin. It was everything else I always doubted.

Living with only men hadn’t been the environment for sharing feelings and crying over a bucket of ice cream. I’d been raised to suck it up and keep moving, so that was what I did.

Um, hello? Earth to Asia!

Oh…sorry. I shook my head and snapped myself out of my self-examination. I was just considering your offer.

Really? Okay, girl, that’s all I needed to hear! Bring your little Asian ass to my apartment first thing tomorrow morning. Understand? Nick ordered as he pointed at me, trying to look authoritative.

It didn’t work, but at least he’d tried. Bless his heart.

I just said I was considering it, Nick. Keep your panties on.

I’m not taking no for an answer. It’s not like you have plans. I know Hailey moved out, and it’ll be another month before she comes up for air. Nick smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.

I shook my head and laughed. As much as I wanted to argue, I couldn’t. He was right. Damn, I hate it when he’s right. Fine.

Nick’s eyes lit up.

I knew he had been expecting more of a fight, but to be honest, I was a little excited to see what he might do. It couldn’t hurt.

At five thirty, I unlocked the door to my apartment, not looking forward to another Friday night of watching crappy TV alone. The apartment felt so empty with Hailey gone.

The walls were bare, except for the one mirror hanging by my front door. The only things in the living room were my comfy red couch, a dark rosewood coffee table, and a matching bookshelf. My dining room had a small wooden table that sat four, and that was it.

My version of decorating was putting framed photos of me with my friends and brothers on my bookshelf. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to decorate. It just never really felt like a priority, and Hailey had handled all the decorating when we moved in. I guess it’s time for me to step up.

Just as I was putting my purse down on the couch, I heard my cell phone ring. I looked at the screen to see that it was Hailey calling.

Hello?

Hey, Asia! Happy Friday!

Hey, Hailey. I’m surprised to hear from you. I thought for sure that I wouldn’t get a call for at least another week.

Whatever! Just because I moved out doesn’t mean I’m not your best friend, she said, sounding offended.

I know, I know. I just thought…you’d be busy.

Never too busy for you, Puffy.

I sighed. Oh god, not that nickname again.

Hailey and our other friends from high school had pegged me with that annoying nickname. Apparently, I would always puff out my cheeks when I held in smoke, and since we smoked a lot of pot back then, they had seen it often enough to give me that ridiculous name. Every time I would take a hit of a joint, I would hear it. At least for me, it had gotten old quick, but they seemed to think it was hilarious.

So, what are you doing? Hailey asked in her usual cheerful tone.

Nothing. I just got home. What about you? Enjoying the perks of living with your man? I smiled as I heard Hailey giggle over the phone.

Yes. Definitely. This place is huge! And John’s been great. He’s taking me out for dinner tonight.

I could feel a little jealousy creeping up, but I quickly pushed it back down. That’s great, girl. You deserve it.

She did deserve it. Hailey had been through some rough times with her previous boyfriends—otherwise known as the douche-bag squad, which unfortunately, included Shaun.

Thanks, Ais. So, what do you have planned for the weekend? You wanna do something?

Well, actually… I braced myself for what would come next. Nick is giving me a makeover tomorrow.

What? Oh my god, Asia! Are you serious?

Just like Nick, for years, Hailey had been nagging me to work on my wardrobe, too.

Yeah, I’m serious.

Well then, we’re definitely doing something. I’m dying to see what Nick does! This is going to be great! I’ll text you.

I sighed and decided to give in—again. Okay.

Bye, Ais.

Bye.

After hanging up the phone, my stomach started to growl. Should I have Chinese, pizza, or the salad I’ve had in my fridge for the past three days? Decisions, decisions. Forget it. I’m going out!

After grabbing my purse and my keys, I headed out the door before I could change my mind. As I walked on the sidewalk, I glanced down at my work clothes, wondering why I hadn’t changed into jeans before I left. This outfit made me feel like I was wearing a costume. It wasn’t me. The problem was that I wasn’t sure what was me.

At the age of twenty-four, I knew I couldn’t dress like a tomboy forever. The truth was I felt like I had moved on from that part of my life—well, at least somewhat. But I also didn’t feel like a sophisticated woman either. It’s time for a change.

When I looked up, I observed the groups of people walking by—women in sundresses and heels, men in business suits, teenagers listening to their iPods, and couples holding hands. It seemed like I was the only person walking alone.

After a few blocks, I saw a sushi bar across the street. Being half-Japanese, I usually didn’t like sushi places because they very rarely got it right, but this place looked authentic enough. Besides, I decided the new me was going to try new things without my usual skepticism.

As I made my way across the street, approaching the flashing red neon sign written in Japanese kanji, I noticed a group of guys in suits standing near the entrance of the restaurant. When I got to the door, my hand touched the handle just as one of the guys was reaching for it.

When I met his deep dark blue eyes, it took me a second to look away. My entire body tensed, and I instantly felt butterflies in my stomach. I quickly glanced at my shoes and then peeked back up through my lashes.

This man was gorgeous, and he was staring at me. As his smile widened, I could see his teeth were perfect and white, and he had very sexy dimples. It was hard to tear my gaze away because his eyes were so captivating.

I gave him a smile, trying to hide my reaction to his handsome face. Thanks, I muttered.

He opened the door for me to walk through. My pleasure, he said with a wink.

Oh great, he’s one of those—the yuppie hot guy who knows he’s hot and uses it to get what he wants. I quickly stepped through the doorway, making a beeline for the hostess’s podium.

Irashaimase! the entire staff called out in unison.

Wow, I haven’t heard that since I was a kid. Maybe this place won’t be so bad after all.

I asked to sit at the sushi bar, still feeling the guy’s presence. His group of friends entered the restaurant behind him, and I heard them ask for a table as I made my way to my seat.

I sat on a stool, drinking Kirin beer, as I watched the chef make my sushi. The guys from outside were laughing as they took their shots of sake in the corner of the restaurant.

I cautiously glanced at their table, and our eyes met again. Those dark blue eyes felt like they were burning into me. When I could feel my face start to flush, I promptly turned back to my beer. As a distraction, I grabbed my cell phone and pretended to text someone, hoping to make myself look less like a loser while I sat alone at the bar on a Friday night.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Calm down, Asia. It’s just a guy looking at you. You’re being ridiculous!

Although I had grown up surrounded by them, I wasn’t used to having this reaction to guys. All I could see in my head was that gorgeous face with his square jaw, perfect lips, and those eyes. Ugh! I hadn’t felt like this in a very long time. Too long.

When was the last time you got laid? Nick’s question rang in my ears.

Suddenly, I was grateful that he would be giving me a makeover tomorrow. Maybe if I would have done it after one of the first ten times he had asked, I wouldn’t be sitting here, feeling like the ugly duckling.

When I opened my eyes, I was startled to see the sushi chef standing in front of me with a big smile on his face as he held out my to-go box.

Arigato, I said, taking my food from him.

Oh, velly goo! Velly goo! You speak goo Japanese! he said, sounding incredibly excited.

Feeling embarrassed, I smiled at him and nodded. I took my last sip of beer and stood up. Well, that was fun. Now, back to the apartment.

Taking another deep breath, I smoothed my free hand over my black pants as I made my way toward the door. As I passed by the table with the group of guys, I couldn’t resist one last glance. I tried to be inconspicuous, but I was startled again when I saw the hot guy was watching me.

Our eyes stayed connected long enough to make my heart beat faster in my chest. For a second, I thought he might actually come talk to me, but he was distracted when the man sitting next to him began to laugh.

I swiftly turned toward the door, feeling disappointed. After taking a step outside, I looked around the busy street and sighed. Everyone was rushing to be somewhere as I stood alone with my to-go box.

While making my slow trek home, wallowing in my self-pity, my phone beeped. I grabbed it out of my purse and saw a text from Nick.

Don’t you dare back out on me. My apartment. Tomorrow morning at ten sharp!

I smiled and rolled my eyes. Damn, that’s one bitchy queen.

A man’s loud voice was coming from my television. It was some kind of toy commercial trying to sell crap to kids while they watched their Saturday morning cartoons. I rubbed my eyes as I realized I had fallen asleep on the couch. Shit! I grabbed my phone and saw that it was nine thirty.

Damn it, I grumbled.

I rolled off the couch and staggered toward the bathroom. As I brushed my teeth, I did my daily examination of my reflection in the mirror, noticing every blemish on my face and stray hair on my head. I spit out a mouthful of toothpaste, and when I looked back up and stared at my brown almond-shaped eyes, I immediately missed my mom.

Taking a deep breath, my eyes softened. I look so much like her. I had known her for only ten years of my life, and I only remembered about six. I wondered how things would have been different if she were still around.

Today is the day, Asia. Time to stop hiding, I told myself as I pulled my thick black hair into a ponytail.

After I slipped out of my loose boxer shorts and my favorite Zoo York T-shirt, I pulled on a pair of tattered tight jeans and a black tank top that showed off my beloved Japanese-style tiger tattoo on my right bicep. It started on the top of my shoulder and stopped just above my elbow. To me, it represented strength and beauty. It was also done in the traditional Japanese style, which reminded me of my mom.

I’d spent months deciding on what I wanted, and during my senior year in college, Hailey and I had flown out to Boston, so I could get it done by the best. My college roommate had decided to drop out of school, leaving her art major behind, so she could move to Boston to apprentice for David Bryson, one of the country’s best tattoo artists. She had hooked me up with an appointment, and now, I had a gorgeous tattoo.

I went into the living room, and I quickly threw away my to-go box along with two empty beer bottles. After I grabbed my purse and keys, I hailed a cab and left for Nick’s apartment. Let the games begin!

As I approached Nick’s street in the smelly yellow cab, I was actually getting excited and nervous about what Nick had in store for me. Although he was a man, he was probably the best person for the job. He had an amazing sense of style, and he didn’t put up with any of my bullshit.

After spending five hours at the spa, I was almost at my limit. I had been waxed in places I didn’t know needed waxing. It had taken two stylists to flat-iron my incredibly thick, long hair, and all the while, I had to stop myself from sweating or else I’d completely reverse all their hard work. My face had been coated with a layer of makeup, making me wonder if I looked like a clown. By the time I stood up, I could barely feel my butt cheeks.

When I walked into the locker room to change out of the provided terry cloth robe, I finally had a chance to look at myself.

Holy shit! As I suddenly realized I’d said that out loud, I quickly looked around, and I was relieved to discover that I was alone.

I barely recognized myself. My hair was shiny, silky, and perfectly straight, stopping just above my waist, and my face looked like I was ready for a photo shoot. I had never worn this much makeup. I would usually just stick to eyeliner and mascara.

With a deep breath, I slowly untied my robe and opened it. I gasped after revealing my new wax job. It had left nothing behind. There’s no hair at all! Oh my god. I hastily wrapped the robe around me and grabbed my panties and bra.

Asia! You still alive in there? Nick asked impatiently from the other side of the door.

Chill out, Nick! I’m coming!

I hurried into my panties, bra, and jeans, and I carefully pulled my tank top over my head, trying not to smear my new face or mess up my hair. When I walked out, Nick’s jaw dropped as his eyes bugged out of his head.

Holy shit!

My thoughts exactly, I replied dryly. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep this up.

Don’t worry, girl, you’ll get used to it. Besides, I bought you some goodies, Nick said, handing me a bag.

What is this? I asked.

I looked inside to find the bag full of hair products, a flat iron, lotions, and makeup from the spa. It must have put him back a few hundred dollars.

My gift to you for letting me play dress-up, Nick replied with his sweet smile.

You didn’t have to do that, Nick. Thank you!

I reached out to give him a big hug, but he backed away before I could get my arms around him.

Uh-uh, girl, don’t hug me yet. We still have to go shopping for clothes, and I don’t want you messin’ up that pretty face.

I flopped my arms down at my sides with a sigh as it dawned on me that my torture was only halfway over.

Nick and I left the spa, got into a cab, and headed downtown. Apparently, he knew where to get all the best deals on designer clothes. Although I was pretty sure that my savings would end up suffering, I convinced myself that it would all be worth it. At least, I hoped it would be.

Two hours into our shopping spree, my phone buzzed with a text from Hailey.

Come have some drinks with John and me tonight! I’m not asking!

I showed the text to Nick after vetoing a scarf he was trying to get me to buy.

Good! Now, we have somewhere to show you off! Nick exclaimed with a big grin.

Feeling apprehensive, I texted Hailey back.

Okay. Nick is coming, too. Where and when?

As I put my phone back into my purse, my nerves started to kick in. This would be the debut of the new Asia. I prayed that I wouldn’t make a complete fool of myself.

After buying five new outfits, two pairs of expensive high heels, and a few new accessories that Nick and I could agree on, we went back to my apartment.

Wow, girl. It looks like you aren’t the only thing around here in need of a makeover, Nick scoffed as his eyes assessed the state of my living room.

Don’t give me shit, Nick! Hailey just moved out last week! I yelled as I carried all my shopping bags to my room.

After putting away my new clothes in my walk-in closet, I noticed how foreign they seemed compared to my black and white shirts and faded jeans. I’d never realized how plain my wardrobe was until now.

When I walked back into the living room, I saw Nick staring at the blank wall above my red couch.

Seriously, Asia, you were an art major. How do you not have a single piece of work hanging up?

I knew he was right, but I never wanted to expose myself by putting my art on display. My work always felt so personal, and I worried that someone could walk in and see my emotions splattered all over the walls. It would make me feel too vulnerable, and I hated being vulnerable. If I put myself out there, what if people didn’t like it? Even if I could find the courage to bare my soul, the thought of people judging my work or thinking it wasn’t good enough would crush me. It wouldn’t be worth the risk.

I’m still deciding what to put up, I mumbled, trying to hide my insecurity.

Nick narrowed his eyes as he watched me, obviously seeing right through me, before he changed the subject. So, where are we going? Did Hailey ever text you back?

Oh yeah, I said. I went to grab my phone. I had forgotten to check my messages after we’d left the store. Sure enough, I found I had two text messages and a missed call from Hailey.

Looks like we’re going to some place called Red on Market Street. Do you know it? I asked while getting a glass of water from the kitchen.

Did you forget who you’re talking to, sweetie? I know everything. Nick gave me a smug grin as he stood at the bar separating my kitchen from the living room.

Well, Mr. Know-It-All… I paused as I rolled my eyes. We need to be there in forty-five minutes.

You better get movin’ then, Ms. Vixen. We don’t wanna be late. Make sure you wear the red dress with the matching heels.

My eyes widened as I remembered the outfit Nick had practically begged me to buy. The dress was way too tight and way too short, not to mention that it exposed a whole lot of cleavage. The heels felt more like a death trap than something I would willingly wear out in public.

I opened my mouth to protest, but then I snapped it shut. This would probably be the only time that outfit would ever be appropriate. Besides, if I was going to make my debut, I might as well go all out.

I straightened my shoulders and made my way to my room. It was time for another pep talk in the mirror.

When the cab pulled up to Red, I was surprised that I hadn’t heard of it before. It was obvious that I was the only person in Virginia Beach who hadn’t been here. A long line was gathered at the door, and it was only nine in the evening.

Nick must have sensed my nervousness because he grabbed my hand and gave it a quick squeeze, trying to reassure me. I gave him a small smile before stepping out of the cab in my red stilettos. I was glad that I had remembered to put a pair of flip-flops in my shiny new purse before we left the apartment. Nick gave me shit for bringing such a big purse, but there was no way in hell I would be able to walk in these killer heels after my fourth or fifth drink.

When we got to the end of the line, I texted Hailey to let her know we were waiting outside the club. A few minutes later, she was standing in the doorway, waving us in. The doorman stepped aside as he moved the velvet rope to let Nick and me through. Before I could take another step into the club, Hailey gave me a huge hug as she started squealing.

Oh my god, Asia! You look hot!

I hugged her back, but all I really wanted to do was crawl into a corner somewhere. Thank God the music was loud, so no one else had heard her, except for Nick, of course.

Yeah, I know. I’m the shit.

Hailey gave him a big smile as she nodded in agreement. Hell yeah, you are! Good job, Nick!

Hailey grabbed my hand and led us to her table. She had styled her shoulder-length blonde hair in soft curls. She was wearing a form-fitting purple dress that stopped right above her knees. She had paired it with neon yellow towering heels and matching hoop earrings. Hailey always had a perfect outfit for every occasion. As evident by her accessories, her favorite color was yellow—bright and cheery just like her.

As we walked up a flight of black stairs, passing a bouncer who moved aside to let us through, I realized we were in the VIP section. Black booths were spread out across the huge room. The walls were bright red, but everything else was black. The room was mostly dark. The only light came from crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Aside from the vintage chandeliers, the decor was modern and sleek. I could see why this place was so popular.

As we walked around the U-shape VIP area, I noticed the large opening in the middle gave a perfect view of the spacious dance floor downstairs. I could see the elevated DJ booth near the bar that covered the entire wall adjacent to the front entrance.

Waitresses, dressed in all black, were walking back and forth from the smaller VIP bar to the surrounding booths. Of course, all of the servers could be models, and it seemed like big boobs were a requirement. Good thing I wore this dress.

When we reached our booth, John was sitting on the left side, talking to a man in a black suit who was standing with his back facing us.

Once Hailey got within earshot of John, she yelled, They’re here!

John smiled at her, and when he looked at me, his eyes widened. His mouth went slack as his eyes glanced up and down my body. Nick had obviously caught John’s reaction, too, because he nudged me with his elbow from behind. Man, he’s going to brag about this for weeks.

The man talking to John must have noticed John’s expression because he turned around to see what had diverted his friend’s attention. That was when our eyes met. It’s the hot guy from the sushi bar! Those piercing blue eyes took me by surprise, and I grabbed on to Nick’s arm to steady myself. I tried to play it off as I focused on John.

Hey, John. How are you?

I was fully aware that blue eyes standing next to John was studying my body, and I could feel my cheeks getting warm. Thank God this club is dark.

Hey, Asia. Great to see you, John responded, slipping out of his state of shock.

I smiled back, feeling relieved that John hadn’t given me the same greeting Hailey had at the door. Trying to pull off this outfit was already hard enough, and there was no need for everyone to know that I didn’t always look like this. Then, I realized that the man standing next to me did know. Shit! His first impression of me had occurred when I was wearing my work clothes, which I now knew were completely drab and not stylish at all.

What’s up, Nick? Take a seat, you guys, John said as he slid farther to the left.

Hailey sat down, and I followed after her, scooting in to give Nick some room next to me. He was already scanning the room for his next conquest. Nick never wasted time.

I was more focused on the fact that I still had blue eyes fixed on me. Casually, I looked around, observing the room, as I tried to act oblivious to him. It was kind of unnerving that he was just staring at me without worrying about how obvious he was being.

When I finally decided to glance in his direction, his beautiful mouth slowly curled into a big smile, showing his dimples and perfect white teeth.

Do you guys know each other? John asked when he saw his friend smiling at me.

No, not yet, blue eyes said. He moved his drink to his left hand, wiped off the condensation remaining behind from the glass, and then extended his right hand out to me. Hi, I’m Jay.

As I put my hand in his, I searched his eyes for a sign of recognition, but I found none. I wondered if he even remembered me from last night. I don’t look that different, do I? Asia. Nice to meet you.

His hand was big, strong, and surprisingly rough for a man in a suit. I always imagined that the yuppie types had soft hands. I liked that his felt rough. The handshake seemed to last a few seconds longer than normal. I could feel Hailey and Nick watching us, which only made my cheeks warm even more. I need a drink.

You guys want a drink? Jay asked as if he were reading my mind.

Yes! Nick yelled enthusiastically, causing Jay to finally break his gaze away from me.

It seemed like Jay had just realized someone was with me. He gave Nick a once-over before looking back and forth between the two of us. Then, he raised his hand, signaling to a waitress.

Within seconds, a skinny blonde, wearing all black and holding a tray, was standing next to him. Leaning toward her, he lifted his hand to her ear and said something before she took our orders.

Jay and John continued their conversation, and a few minutes later, John reached out to shake Jay’s hand.

Nice to see you, Jay. Maybe I’ll meet you at the golf course sometime.

That would be nice although I’m not sure when I’ll have the time with all the changes coming up, Jay said as he returned John’s handshake.

The waitress came back with our drinks, and after she handed me the gin and tonic I had ordered, I took a big gulp, feeling the cool liquid running warm as it ran down my throat. Man, I needed that! Just as I was wiping the corner of my mouth with my thumb, Jay extended his hand out to me again.

Asia, it was nice meeting you. Perhaps we will see each other again.

When I put my hand in his, I caught him staring at my mouth before he slowly studied my