CHAPTER 4
1241 Words
Night Club 🎉
Fergus’ POV
I eased into a dark booth at Scan Frost Nightclub, letting the pulse of music wash over me. My cocktail sat untouched on the low table. The lights moved in patterns across the room, but my thoughts stayed locked on the earlier moment.
This afternoon, I was on my way to lunch with a colleague and two bodyguards. We walked toward a quiet bistro when I turned a corner too quickly and collided with someone. I staggered back and watched a woman fall to the pavement. My heart jolted. I crouched beside her, hands out, ready to steady her.
“Are you all right, Miss?” I asked, my voice low with concern. She looked up at me, and time seemed to slow.
Her hair was long and blonde, falling around her face like a waterfall. Her eyes were narrow, almost mocking, yet they shone with strange beauty. Her lips were soft and slightly parted. I saw fear flash there before she blinked and studied me in return.
“Miss?” I asked again, truly worried I had hurt her. The guards stood back, silent. She pressed her palms to the ground and lifted herself. Her hands were small in mine. An odd thrill ran through me at the touch.
“I’m fine,” she said at last, her voice calm but cold. She dusted her dress and stood. I wanted to keep her there, to ask her name, but I held back.
“Do you need any help?” I offered.
She shook her head, brushing stray hair from her cheek. “No, thank you.” Then she turned away. I watched her walk into the afternoon haze, wishing she would look back.
I shook off the moment and tried to return to routine. But the image of her eyes and the feel of her hand stayed with me.
Now I am sitting alone in this nightclub, waiting for a friend’s performance, sipping my drink with absent focus. My best friend Kyle was beside me, drumming his fingers on the table.
“You look miles away,” he said, grinning. “What’s on your mind?”
“She was the woman I bumped into,” I said. “The one I helped.”
Kyle raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“I can’t get her out of my head,” I admitted.
He laughed softly. “Go talk to her, man. You saw her once. You owe her nothing, but maybe she needs company.”
I shook my head. “She seemed fine. I didn’t want to impose.”
Kyle set down his beer. “She’s here tonight. I saw her by the bar when I arrived. Alone, in a red gown.”
My pulse picked up. “Red gown?”
“Yeah,” Kyle said, standing. “Come on.”
I nodded and rose. My suit jacket felt tight as we navigated through the crowd. My heart pounded with anticipation. I spotted her near the back, under soft lights by an empty table. She sat alone, sipping a cocktail, her red dress hugging her curves. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders. She seemed bored, almost lost in thought.
I approached and paused beside her. Her profile was stunning against the club’s glow. I cleared my throat lightly.
“Good evening,” I said.
She looked up, surprise in her eyes. My breath caught. Her cheeks were rosy. She stared at me, then managed a small smile.
“Hello,” she replied. Her voice was soft, melodic. “Do I know you?”
I offered my hand. “I’m Fergus. We met this afternoon.”
Recognition spread across her face like sunlight. “Yes. You helped me when I fell.”
I nodded. “I didn’t want to leave you there.”
She touched my hand, her skin warm and smooth. “Thank you.”
I pulled out a chair beside her and sat down. The space between us felt electric. The noise of the crowd fell away as I studied her features. Her eyes held a question, a challenge.
“How are you enjoying the night?” I asked.
She held up her cocktail. “My friend dragged me here for support. I’m trying to have fun, but it is loud.”
I smiled. “You look elegant, not bored.”
She shrugged and looked down at her glass. “I get nervous in crowds.”
Her honesty made me smile wider. I reached over and picked up her empty glass. “May I refill that for you?” I asked.
Her lips curved. “Yes, please.”
I signaled a server and asked for another Margarita. When the glass arrived, I poured it and handed it to her. Our fingers brushed, and I felt a spark.
“Better?” I asked.
She took a sip and looked at me. “Much better. Thank you.”
I settled back. “What brings you here tonight?”
She sighed. “A friend’s performance. I’m supporting her. That’s all.”
I leaned closer. “No one should have to be bored when they look like you.”
Her cheeks warmed and she glanced away. I slid closer, drawn by the gentle rise of her collarbone. The crowd’s noise felt distant now.
“What’s your name?” I asked in a low tone.
She met my gaze. “Sandra.”
“Sandra,” I repeated softly. The sound felt right on my lips. “I’m glad to know you.”
She tucked hair behind her ear and smiled. “I’m glad you found me.”
Her words drew me in. I leaned forward, the edges of her world and mine blurring. I saw longing in her eyes. The moment stretched as I closed the distance between us. My lips met hers in a tentative kiss. Her mouth was soft and tasted of citrus and ice. She responded eagerly, pressing into me. My arms wrapped around her, holding her close as we kissed more deeply. The world around us vanished.
She pulled back slightly, eyes closing as she rested her forehead against mine. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
I brushed her hair back gently. “No need to apologize.”
Her breath came in quiet gasps. I touched her cheek and felt her pulse fluttering under my fingers. I could taste her lips again and leaned in. She met me halfway, her tongue tracing mine. My hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Her dress was smooth and warm beneath my palms.
She trembled at my touch. A thrill shot through me. I felt the steady thud of my heart in my chest. Never had a single kiss felt so alive.
When I finally broke the kiss, I rested my forehead against hers. “That was unexpected,” I murmured.
She laughed softly, breathless. “But welcome.”
I smiled and whispered in her ear, “May I know your last name?”
She lifted her chin and looked into my eyes. “Montgomery.”
“Miss Montgomery,” I said, savoring the words. “Would you allow me to buy you another drink?”
She grinned, eyes shining. “I would like that.”
I stood and extended my hand. She placed hers in mine and rose. We walked to the bar together, the
night before us opening like a promise I intended to keep.
- Writer
