1. ONE NIGHT STANDS

Moaning makes me stir from my sleep. Hangover makes my head fall back into a soft, comfy pillow; a warmth of all thick muscles and hardness and I move closer to that warmth eliciting another moan exactly identical, except this time longer than the previous ones.

I don't remember my dog Tiger being this hard or moaning like this. In fact, there is no way he would be in bed with me right now because as my memories come floating back, I vividly remember that Tiger died seven years and—

My eyes snap open and when I look up, it is to the face of a stranger. Jolting from the bed in surprise, the action makes me hiss as my head feels like a building fell on it. I place a hand on my temple , trying the fight the migraine. Jesus! My head is killing me. How many drinks did I have?

I look over at the stranger who probably from my movement, has turned on his stomach, a slow smile playing on his pink, full lips as his long lashes flutter. I look away from him, shaking my head in disappointment at myself. Seriously, Bella. When did you start pulling a Mackenzie? Angel was more your style. The committed one who wouldn't fuck anyone she's not in a relationship with.

I never do one night stands— in fact, my only relationship was with my college boyfriend who is the reason I'm in this situation in the first place. The plan was to drink and forget the heartbreak and betrayal of my boyfriend cheating on me, only for me to end up in bed with a handsome stranger.

I shake my head again. Mackenzie and Angel are going to have a trip with this story when I tell them. Speaking of which… I glance around the room, searching for the clock and when I find one, my eyes almost bulge out of their sockets. It's Mackenzie’s daughter's baptism today and I'm… unfashionably late.

Cursing myself, I start grabbing my clothes that's scattered along with his clothes on the floor. Memories of what we'd done the previous night comes to mind: Me initiating the kiss, him throwing me back on the bed and eating the hell out of me, me sucking his cock moments after he did and then me riding him until my knees almost gave out before he took charge. I shake my head and push the memories back. There's no point in reminiscing.

Finding my panties to no avail, I give up and just take my clothes to the bathroom to dress up. Hopefully, the stranger will be asleep when I sneak out. And yes, I'm sneaking out because I have no idea what a one night stand entails after all is said and done, but I know one thing for sure: it's got to be awkward.

After dressing in a haste, I chance a glance at myself in the mirror and wince. I look horrible. There are hickeys scattered on my neck and cleavage — a testament of how wild the night really was. My hair looks like a bird's nest, but I'm sure with a little finger combing, that could be fixed. All in all, my eyes look brighter and livelier. One night stands aren't my thing but with one look at my eyes and how I feel, I can say it was worth it.

Smiling at myself in the mirror, I walk out of the room, feeling lighter than before.

“Good morning.”

I startle in shock as my eyes snaps to the owner of the voice. The stranger. Sitting on the bed, his whole chest in display, revealing tattoos that start from his left muscular chest down to his arm. His hair is disheveled, but that only makes him look boyishly handsome.

He smiles at me on seeing the look on my face. I'm sure I look like someone who's been caught. “Sneaking out?”

It takes a while for me to catch what he said, and when I do, I straighten to my full height, with pretend confidence and clear my throat. “No.” My answer comes out as a question. Dang it!

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “Seemed that way to me. Although, I wouldn't blame you. It's to be expected. Two strangers fucking and the next morning, they have to go back to being strangers.” He says and then pulls the duvet out his legs and stands to his full naked glory.

I immediately look away, clearing my throat. It's obvious I'm as red as tomatoes, and he must have seen it too because he lets out a small laugh.

“Okay,” I finally bring myself to say. “Since we both agree on that, I'll like to take my leave.” I turn back to him, forcing myself not to look at his cock. “And last night was fun too.”

He nods with an indescribable look that makes me visibly shiver. “Tell me about it.”

With a nod and a small smile, I walk to the bedside table, and grab my purse that still has my belongings in it( thank the heavens), and then make my way to the door.

My hands barely touch the door handle, before he calls me. “Arabella?” I halt, but don't turn around. “Last night was phenomenal. Thank you for that.”

I nod, fighting the urge to throw up at how dirty his words make me feel. I ignore the feeling and then grab the handle, opening the door and getting out. So much for having fun to forget your problems, only to do something that goes against your morals and upbringing.

One thing's for sure though: I'm never drinking ever again.

As I make my way out of the hotel, feeling better about myself now, that's when I remember my conversation with the stranger in the room. He called me by name and the truth is, I never told him my name, just as he didn't tell me his.