Page 22 of One Weekend in Sydney

I buy the items while Tara looks for an empty seat. When I receive our order, she’s still looking for a table.

“There are benches outside,” I suggest. “As long as you won’t be too cold.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Across the street from the eateries are a row of tables and benches overlooking the big Olympic Stadium. It’s the perfect spot because it’s quiet right now, probably because people prefer to be inside where it’s warmer. Most importantly, I’m able to choose a table furthest from a lamppost. The lack of light should help prevent her from discovering who I am after I take my bottom mask off so I can eat my food. I also sit next to her so that we’re not facing each other.

“You met a friend tonight,” I can’t help but comment as I dig into my burger.

“You mean Arpi? I don’t think I can call him a friend because I won’t be seeing him after tonight.”

My heart does a little dance.

“I don’t intend to give out my phone number to anyone tonight,” she adds.

“Right.” That’s good.

“What about you?”

I raise my brows. “Me?”

“Oh, I forgot. You’re working, so you’re being a professional.”

“Well, technically, I’m off the clock,” I say with a chuckle. “The head of security at the Dome is a friend of mine, and I volunteered for an hour tonight so I can go in. I don’t have a ticket.”

She bumps her side against mine. “Sneaky and smart.”

“I know.”

“Well, you better eat fast or you’ll miss the next band.”

“It’s okay. They’re not my favourite.”And I’d rather stay here with you.

“They’re not my favourite, either. I just want to see the Glowing Devils. But…”

“But?” I prompt.

She shrugs shyly. “I don’t mind missing them. It’s nice sitting here with you.”

My heart expands. “Yeah, it is,” I murmur.

Tara takes a long, deep breath. “I like this…talking to you out here with just the two of us. It’s like a date that’s going well. Not that I’m asking you for a date. I still don’t want us to take our masks off. But…it’s just nice to feel like I can be as adventurous as I want tonight. It’s not something I expect to ever experience back home.”

I frown. “I’m sorry that you feel so constricted.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I love my job. I care about my community so much, and I’m honoured to…do what I do. I love living there and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.”

She takes a long sip of her drink. “But I don’t have a satisfying dating life there. I’m just very picky. Plus, because of my job, I don’t want to indulge in one-night stands with men and be the subject of gossip. It’s the price I pay for being a well-known figure in a small town.”

“Maybe you should start masquerade parties like Masks On there,” I tease.

Tara laughs. “That’s an idea.” She shifts so she’s facing me. “Romeo, I don’t usually proposition men. But tonight, I feel a kind of freedom that I might never ever feel again. Remember when I said on the boat that I don’t want life to pass me by without experiencing some things?”

I nod, my heart galloping so hard that I can feel the pulsing in my ear.

Tara shuts her eyes. When she opens them again, they’re blazing. “Will you have a one-night stand with me?” she asks.

Fuck, yes. Let’s go!My cock is instantly ready.

---