Stay by Hilary Wynne

his last co mment.
    “Hello, la dies.”
    He flashes them his sexiest smile and I swear a couple of them swoon. Oh, he’s good at this. I wonder if his business cards say hotel owner and professional flirt on them. He sticks his hand out and introduces himself to my friends one by one. I watch to see if any of them have a physical reaction to Julian’s touch like I do, and I’m relieved when I see nothing that worries me. He tells them all he hopes they have a great time tonight and to let him know if he can do anything to make it happen. I’m not a fan of his choice of words because, friends or not, a few of these girls are drooling over Julian, and I’m sure they would love some personal attention. These girls are all used to getting hit on by good-looking guys, but Julian is kind of in a class by himself, and I can’t blame any of them for being mesmerized. Luckily it seems he only has eyes for me. He asks them to excuse us for a minute, takes my hand, and leads me off to the side so we no longer have an aud ience.
    “I was serious about having unfinished business, Alexa. I’m not happy with the way we ended things last time, and I’d like to do things a little differently ton ight.”
    Okay. I’m game. Now I’m hanging on his every word.
    “I have some actual business I need to take care of, but I should be done in about an hour. I’ll come and find you. Do not l eave.”
    “Yes, sir.” I’m totally playing with him and say it with a smile. His look is se rious.
    “Alexa, you left me with no way of getting in touch with you last time, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since. That isn’t going to happen a gain.”
    I want to remind him he could have gotten my information from Luke. I also did tell him my full name, and I have a Facebook account. There were ways he could have gotten in touch with me, but he chose not to. I don’t point it out because it really doesn’t matter now. I have absolutely no intention of leaving here before I find out what Julian’s definition of “unfinished busines s” is.
    Julian leans into me and presses his lips against my cheek. His lips are hot on my skin, and when he pulls away, it’s all I can do to keep myself from pulling him to me for a real kiss. I’ve been dying to feel his lips and hands on my body for week s now.
    “ Hasta luego , A lexa.”
    As Julian turns and walks away, I feel an uneasiness creep up inside my chest. I’m already missing him. This man I do not even know has already found his way into my heart. I turn to walk back to my friends and push those thoughts from my mind. Within seconds, a flood of questions and comments come barreling m y way.
    “OMG—he is unbelievably hot!”
    “What did he say to you?”
    “Are you sure you two didn’t sleep together already? That man was looking at you like he’s seen you n aked.”
    “Or like he want s to.”
    “Does he have any friends? Or a twin?”
    I assure them Julian has not seen me naked but that if he wants to I’m fine with it, on the condition I get to see him naked too. We all laugh, and I’m sure a few of them run with that idea and try to picture Julian naked. I change the subject because I really don’t want to share more of the conversation I just had with Julian. It feels too per sonal.
    We all head up to Orion to see what’s happening upstairs. It’s a beautiful April night, and it feels nice outside. The place is crowded as usual, and we have a hard time getting close to the bar. After about twenty minutes, I’m finally able to get Luke’s attention. He comes down to where we’re standing and takes the credit card I’m handing him to open a tab for us. I know he won’t charge me for all the drinks, but I’m not comfortable asking for free drinks when there are so many of us. He gives me a kiss on the cheek.
    “You look hot tonight, Hooka.” He’s in a good mood.
    “Thank you. I try.” I feel good, and the compliment just reinforces the fe