The Billionaire's Forgotten Night

"Come on, Catherine, just this one time!" I rolled my eyes, already knowing that this wouldn't be the last time Nikki pulled me into one of her wild plans. My best friend was determined to drag me out tonight, no matter how many times I refused. "Nikki, I really don’t feel like going out," I sighed, crossing my arms. "I have work tomorrow, and honestly, I’d rather just stay home and watch a movie." She placed her hands on her hips, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You always say that, and yet, you always end up having fun." I opened my mouth to argue, but she held up a hand, cutting me off. "No excuses tonight, Cat! You need this," she insisted. "You’ve been working non-stop, and it’s time you let loose a little." She wasn’t wrong. Running my own company took everything out of me, and lately, I hadn’t done much except drown myself in work and take care of responsibilities. Still, going out wasn’t exactly on my priority list. I sighed in defeat. "Fine." "Yayyy!" Nikki squealed, clapping her hands like an excited child. "Now, let’s get you dressed. The girls are already at the club!" She darted toward my closet, flipping through my clothes like she owned them, before pulling out a sleek, black bodycon dress that I barely remembered buying. "Good, this is perfect!" she declared, tossing it at me. "Go put this on." I shook my head but took the dress and headed into the bathroom. As I slipped it on, I turned to the mirror and couldn’t help but admire the way the fabric hugged my curves perfectly. "Why haven’t I worn this before?" I murmured, running my hands down the smooth fabric. Stepping out of the bathroom, I barely had time to register Nikki’s reaction before she let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest. "Can I have you all to myself, babe?" I giggled, rolling my eyes. "You look gorgeous," she said with a proud smile. "Thanks, Nikki," I replied, twirling slightly. "Now, sit down. Hair and makeup time," she demanded, dragging me toward the bed. I let her work her magic, and by the time she turned me to face the mirror, only one word came to mind. "Wow." "I know, right?" Nikki chuckled, admiring her handiwork. "I absolutely love it. Thank you, Nikki!" "You're welcome, babes. Now, let’s go! The girls are already there," she said, checking her phone. "I ordered an Uber, and it’s outside." "Wait, you’re not driving?" I asked, raising a brow. She scoffed. "Girl, I’m getting wasted tonight, and so are you," she smirked. "Now, let’s go!" Grabbing my phone, I followed her out the door, knowing this night was about to be one I wouldn't forget. The Club The second we arrived at the club, I spotted Emma and Sofia waving at us from the entrance. "Let’s go!" Nikki said excitedly, leading the way. "You guys look amazing!" Emma and Sofia said in unison as we approached them. "Thank you! You both look stunning, too," I replied with a smile. Emma and Sofia were friends from work, and though we weren’t as close as I was with Nikki, they were always fun to be around. "Come on, guys, let’s go inside!" Nikki said, already striding ahead. The club was packed, music vibrating through the air as colorful lights flashed across the dance floor. The energy was electrifying, and I could feel the bass thumping in my chest as we weaved through the crowd. We made our way to the bar, where a handsome bartender turned to us with a charming smile. "What can I get you, ladies?" he asked, his gaze lingering on me a little too long. Before I could react, Nikki smirked at me knowingly. Emma and Sofia placed their orders, and when it was my turn, I smiled slightly. "A virgin mojito, please." "Coming right up," he said, flashing another grin before getting to work. "Oh my God, Catherine, did you see the way he was checking you out?" Emma teased. "Like he wanted to eat you up," Nikki added, nudging me playfully. "Guys, please," I said, laughing as I rolled my eyes. Moments later, the bartender returned with our drinks, sliding mine toward me with a wink. "And for you, beautiful," he said before moving to take another order. "I told you so!" Nikki whispered, still smirking. I shook my head and took a sip of my drink, pretending not to notice their knowing stares. As the night wore on, drinks flowed, and laughter filled the air. My initial hesitation about coming out tonight had completely faded, and I found myself letting loose. "Come on, let’s dance!" Nikki said suddenly, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the dance floor. Emma and Sofia followed, and soon, we were moving to the rhythm of the music, bodies swaying in sync. The beat was intoxicating, the atmosphere thrilling. I let the music take over, my body moving effortlessly. For the first time in a long time, I felt free. The flashing lights blurred around me as we danced together, lost in the moment. I was having fun, completely relaxed—until I suddenly felt strong, firm hands settle on my waist. My breath hitched. An unfamiliar warmth spread through my body as I turned around, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. And that’s when I saw him. Tall. Confident. Irresistibly handsome. His dark blue-gray eyes, piercing eyes locked onto mine, holding me captive in their intensity. His chiseled jaw, the way his expensive cologne filled the air around us—it all sent a shiver down my spine. The world around us faded. The music, the people, the flashing lights—everything disappeared as we stood there, caught in the undeniable pull between us. I didn’t know who he was. But I felt something shift in that moment, something I couldn’t quite place. Something dangerous. Something that would change everything. And I had no idea just how much.