Chapter1: New Beginnings

I'm not an easy-to-please girl. In fact, I revel in being complicated. It takes a lot to make me happy, and I never settle for anything less. Tonight was no exception, as I aimed for the ultimate experience. I earned it by achieving two major milestones- graduating with honors and landing my dream job in just one year. I deserved a night of celebration.

So, I wanted the crème de la crème - the best music, the best drinks, and the best company. I figured a club was the perfect place.

But it seems Marcella, my best friend, didn't share the same idea. The club she chose was a total disappointment. The interior looked like my grandma's kitchen, the music was mediocre, and the crowd was bland - not my scene at all.

I yearned for the thrill of the thundering bass and the chance to dance with a hot stranger. I sighed for the fifth time that night, and Marcella gave me a remorseful look.

"I'm sorry, I had no idea it would turn out like this. I've never been here before," she said with puppy dog eyes.

I rolled my eyes, that wouldn't work this time. I was wearing a $500-dollar purple dress, a special outfit for the occasion. It hugged my curves perfectly, and my strappy heels, halter dress, and ponytail completed the look. There was no way I'd spend this much on my appearance and not have a wild time.

"I can fix this, I promise," Marcella pleaded as she pulled out her phone.

I quickly snatched it from her. "That's enough fixing for one day. I've got this one," I declared and pushed her out of the lackluster club.

When we stepped out to the street, I pulled out my phone and tried to find the 'it' club we could go to. Suddenly, a rush of air pushed my hair to the front of my face, blinding me for a few seconds. Fortunately, I looked up just in time to see a sleek sports car, transporting four girls in matching pink dresses and glossy hair, to where I assumed the real party was.

"Where can we even go?" Marcella asked, clearly not seeing the vehicle.

I smirked at her, and stopped a cab before saying: "Wherever they're going."

"We don't even know where that is, Leah. We can go to another club tomorrow," she protested as I dragged her into the cab with me.

"Follow that car please," I instructed the cab driver and turned to face my unadventurous friend. "We both look too hot to not party tonight, I'm just taking us to where the party is."

"As long as we get to party tonight," she sighed and I screamed with excitement.

I squeezed her thin body. "That's the spirit!"

I took a long look at her and realized that we may not be as prepared. "We can't go in like this. Let your hair down."

I pulled out my lipstick and spread the red cosmetics across Marcella's lips and then mine. I eyed her skirt, before taking matters into my own hands and ripping off half of it.

"You'll be thanking me by the end of the night," I whispered as we stepped out of the cab, ready to conquer the night.

I stared at the beautiful club with a grin on my face; I couldn't wait to get in and knew just how to do it.

I walked to the front of the line with an air of superiority, pushing my chin up in a snobby manner, just how the bouncers like it. I succeeded in not giving them even a second glance and walked into the club like I owned the place.

"I can't believe we just did that!" Marcella smiled.

"Shhhhh!! Let's just dance," I said, pulling her body close to mine. She giggled and we swayed our hips to the music.

Now, this was what I wanted. It looked like a high-end club judging by the interior, and the fashionable patrons. The DJ was on point and the music was irresistible.

As the beats thumped in my chest, we hit the dance floor and couldn't resist moving to the rhythm.

I felt a tingling at the back of my neck and knew someone was watching me. I quickly glanced over my shoulder to see if the admirer was worth my time. He was.

I couldn't tell his height as he was seated, but the dark hair, piercing eyes, and chiseled jawline made my knees go weak. My body shuddered with excitement; I had to have him, and it was even better that I had caught his attention.

"Looks like someone has an admirer," Marcella teased.

"He's hot, isn't he?"

"You've had enough hot guys, remember?"

"Oh, honey, you can never get enough hot guys," I continued. "I want him."

"Nuh-uh, not tonight. It's a girl's night," Marcella protested.

"I'll braid your hair tomorrow night sweetheart. Now help me get my man."

I placed Marcella's hands on my waist and swayed my hips slowly, making sure it was as sensual as possible. I ran my hands through my hair, running it around my neck. I turned around to face the stranger; he's looking at me, good.

I stared at him intensely, never breaking eye contact, and very subtly, blinked at him, giving him a clear message to come over. I turned back around and waited, counting down in my head: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1..."

NOTHING.

Shocked, I turned to face him and the mystery man I flirted with seemed to be having a deep conversation with the guy next to him. Did this guy really just blow me off to have a boring conversation with another man?

I didn't get it, that move always worked, so why was this so different? I was mad, and I was going to make him beg for my forgiveness.

"I'm going over there," I said and gave Marcella her hands back.

"You shouldn't."

"Oh, I should. I really should," I sneered and stomped angrily to where he was seated.

I pushed through sweaty bodies to get there. Halfway there, I questioned why I was doing this. I always let the men come to me, never the other way around. But, I was determined to get what I wanted.

Almost as if he sensed my presence, he quickly abandoned the conversation he was in. He made eye contact with me and smiled sweetly.

"Hi."

The bass of his voice sent shivers down my spine, and I tried to hide the effect it had on me, "He speaks."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, all you did was stare; I was beginning to wonder if that was all you wanted to do."

He chuckled. "I can't complain, it's a pretty good view." Then he got up and offered me his hand.

He was much taller than me, making him want him more. "Hi, I'm Samuel." He introduced himself.

"Hi, Samuel," I said, taking his hand, the friction from his rough hand sending shivers down my spine.

"You didn't tell me your name."

"You didn't ask," I responded mischievously.

He leaned in and I caught a glimpse of his baby blue eyes and the day old stubble clinging stubbornly to his face. He took my hand again. "Are you going to make me beg?"

I smiled sheepishly, I had him exactly where I wanted him. I looked up at him and puckered my lips before saying: "I can make you do a whole lot more."

I watched as his lips curved into a smirk. His lips were pink and full; they looked soft. I bet I could confirm if I could just get a…

"Leah?" Marcella interrupted, tapping my shoulder and breaking the spell Samuel had me on.

I groaned internally, just when things were getting good. I offered him a 'sorry' smile and turned to face her.

"What is it, Marcella?"

She ignored me, and peered over my shoulder to wave at Samuel. "Hi," she said.

"Hi," he responded, looking awkward as he glanced back and forth between us.

"What do you want, Marcella?" I repeated, my frustration mounting..

"We have to go," she replied as she fidgeted nervously.

"I don't want to go anywhere." Trying to keep the situation light, I winked at Samuel who was now standing with his hands in his pockets. He looked so adorable..

"It's a red light down there Leah, we have a code. You can't let me leave alone." There was a hint of urgency in her voice and I could feel my resolve breaking.

"But shouldn't this night be an exception?" I pleaded. "We haven't even started clubbing yet."

"I'm sorry Leah. We can come back another time, but right now I really need you."

Stupid, stupid code. You're so lucky you're my best friend.

Sighing, I turned to where Samuel was waiting. "I'm so sorry but…" I trailed off realizing that the man I was flirting with was no longer there. I searched the crowd for a bit, trying to find him, but he was nowhere in sight.

Oh well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.

"Can we go now?" Marcella asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, we can." I tried to hide my disappointment and followed her out.

We made our way out of the club and I couldn't help but feel balked at how the night ended. I understood that Marcella needed me, but I would have also loved to spend more time with the mystery man, and the way he just disappeared was weird.

Once we got outside, Marcella nudged my shoulder.

"Isn't that the hot guy you were talking to?" she asked and pointed at Samuel standing in front of a car I assume was his, looking lost in thought and oh so adorable.

So, he didn't leave after all.

I approached him with a smile on my face. "I thought you left."

"I was hoping I could give you a ride. I'm assuming you need to leave because of something important, so I went to pull the car around," he said.

"Wow, so he's hot and nice, or maybe he's a serial killer; he doesn't look like one though," I thought to myself.

"How do I know you're not going to slit my throat and stuff my body in your trunk the moment I get in the car?"

"Because you're too pretty to be in my trunk. I'll lock you in my bedroom instead," he said with a straight face.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm joking, no serial killer instincts over here. Look, if you don't want me to give you a ride at least let me pay for your cab."

"I can handle this."

"I'm trying to do something memorable so you won't forget about me. You can help me out here by telling me your name."

He leaned in softly, his lower lip dangerously close to mine. I could almost taste him, but I knew I wouldn't be able to stop once I started. His smell surrounded me like a drug, and I was dizzy with want and desire. With all the willpower I could muster, I moved away from him and dialed a cab.

"I'll take my chances," I smirked.

Before long, the cab pulled up and Marcella got in.

"I'll be here next Friday," he said, as he held the door open for me. He was leaning in again, his scent filling my senses.

"Leah," I said simply, as I sat down in the cab.

"What?"

"My name is Leah."

He smiled sweetly. "Well, I hope to see you next Friday, Leah."

Then, he shut the door of the cab and we sped off into the distance.