Page 7 of Beautiful Storm

I stay by the bar, my back against the counter as I slowly sip my cider, and after finishing, I move back to the dance floor, swaying on the edge until I’m ready to call it a night. My heart’s not in it anymore. Not that it really was to begin with.

I want to move on. I do. But the thought of starting over after all this time is a little crippling and really freaking annoying. I was married. We talked about having kids. And now I’m getting offers to have my world rocked in a parking lot.Oh, how my life has changed.

“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” Hayley whispers, clasping my hand as she sidles up beside me.

“Huh?”

“You have a defeated look about you. But single life is supposed to be fun. Instead of looking at it like you’ve lost something, take a leaf out of my book.”

“You mean a page?”

“Nope.”

I laugh, gesturing for her to keep going.

“What I’m trying to say is that being single is agoodthing. Embrace it.”

I stare at her for a second, letting that idea sink in. I loved Preston, but I lost myself along the way. Being single gives me the chance to find myself again. To finally live the life I always wanted. On my terms. “You’re right. I’m looking at it all wrong.”

Hayley’s eyes light up just like they did at the mention of hate sex earlier. “So can I find you—”

“Not tonight,” I cut her off. “But I’m going to look at this wholesingle thingdifferently from now on. I promise.”

“Okay. I’m calling thatprogress. Talk to you in the morning then?”

“After my massage.”

“Deal.”

She gives me a tight squeeze before making her way back to her man, laughing when he lifts her into the air.

I can do that.I’m a strong, confident woman, and I can be carefree and wild. Just like Hayley. I know it. I’m going to be.

Tomorrowanyway.

Tonight, my bed’s calling me. I’m done.

The music fades as I walk away, and I can’t stop my growing smile. Life doesn’t have to be trying. All I have to do is be more positive. Tomorrow’s a new day.

I tap my foot in time to the music as I wait for the elevator to arrive, and as the doors open, I'm met with a group of attractive men, all dressed in business suits, making me giggle to myself.Hayley would be in her element right now. And maybe with this new outlook on life, I need to think about men differently, too. What’s wrong with a man in a suit? Especially if it’s only for the night.

They’re deep in conversation until they spot me and pause, all eyes flashing my way. “Going up?” one of the guys asks with a relaxed smile and sparkling green eyes, making me grin in return.Guess I can see the appeal.

“I am. Thank you.” The guys move back to give me some space and I step inside.

A wave of relief washes over me as the doors begin to shut, bringing me one step closer to my new beginning.

“Busy night?” I ask, reaching out to press the button for my floor at the same moment a hand juts through the gap in the doors, startling me as they fly open again.Jesus Christ.

Silence falls over the space, and when the owner of the hand reveals himself, I hold back a groan as Luke slips in, immediately moving to my side.

“What are you doing?” I ask, my teeth clenched as I peer over my shoulder, my smile back in place.

“I’m calling it a night,” he says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, his fingers dancing across my skin. “I couldn’t bear to think of you alone in our bed, so I’m coming with you.Surprise.”

Surprise? Wait. What?

CHAPTER TWO

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