Page 30 of What If I Knew You

“Ican’t believe I’m doing this.”

I take one more look at myself in my bedroom mirror, making sure I look hot enough in my green floral mini wrap dress for Alan to possibly think I’m attractive, yet classy enough to not look like a whore. My hair is down, styled in tight curls as it’s the only thing my hair knows how to do, and I’ve applied minimal makeup. Enough to feel pretty but not overdone.

“You know what? Fuck it. I’m ending this night with an orgasm one way or another. Layken is right. C’est la fucking vie.”

Approving of my look for the night, I remind myself not to bend over too far in public, fluff my hair, grab my purse and keys, and head out.

When Alan texted me this morning that he was back in town and looking forward to our date, he suggested we meet at Topside Peaks, a rooftop bar not far from where I live, though he doesn’t know that. I liked the idea of Topside in particular because it’s relatively dark with only soft lighting so it feels a little more private, and also, it’s never extremely busy as it tends to be on the pricier side. The fact Alan recommended this place at all impressed me. He must make decent money in whateverjob he does to be able to afford this place. When my Uber drops me off, I make my way to the elevator while double checking his last text to remind myself how to best identify him.

Me

I’ll be in a green floral mini wrap dress and heels. Light brown very curly hair.

Alan

I’m sure you’ll look stunning. I’ll be wearing black pants and a light black sweater.

Me

Perfect, you’ll blend in well with the shadows.

Alan

I promise I’ll find you.

The elevator doors open and I step out to the rooftop bar overlooking the city. It’s a modern take on a tropical oasis above the fray of the streets below. There are beautifully adorned open cabanas lining the center of the rooftop while firepit lounges line the back wall. Up front it’s standing room only with a wide-brimmed bar edging the banister where patrons can mingle while taking in the views of the city’s nightlife. It really is a magical view. As I look left and right, I notice the space is just dark enough to feel a sense of privacy yet not enough to make me feel any less on edge.

I’m literally about to whore myself out…for free.

Nothing a stiff drink can’t help fix, right?

A man standing behind a podium smiles at me when I approach him. He’s in black dress pants, with a white dress shirt, and black tie. His blond hair styled meticulously.

“Welcome to Topside Peaks. Can I interest you in one of our cabanas or fireside lounges this evening?”

I return his warm smile with one of my own. “Uh, hi. Actually, I’m meeting someone here. The reservation is under the name Alan.”

The man checks his iPad and then nods. “Of course. It looks like you two will be at our cabana in the far back corner. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you there.”

“Thank you.”

He leads me across the rooftop to the last cabana near the corner of the bar. It’s the best of both worlds as there is a comfy loveseat for two along with a small table and chairs plus access to the ledge where I can stand and see the city streets below.

“Can I get you a drink ma’am?”

“Yes please.” I turn back from admiring the view. “A vodka cranberry.”

He taps a few things on his iPad and nods with a smile. “Coming right up. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you very much.”

When the host disappears back across the rooftop I nervously glance around for any sign of Mystery Alan, but there’s only a small handful of people here. One party of six is laughing together several cabanas away, a party of four is seated around one of the fireside lounges, three individual couples are standing near the ledge, and then there’s me. Adjusting my dress from the warm coastal breeze, I take a deep breath and remind myself that confidence is key. I feel like one of those girls Layken reads about in her romance books. The ones who make a deal with the rich billionaire having no clue what they’re getting themselves into.

Oh my God what if this is like that?

What if Alan is some billionaire business mogul?

What if he wants to Alpha me?

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