“I guess you’re stuck with me,” Olivia says, apologetically, looking at the two empty chairs on the far side of the table.

  I smile and settle in beside her, “I wouldn’t consider that unpleasant.”

  Shannon, John’s girlfriend, looks over at us, with regret in her eyes. Ethan shoots daggers at me from across the table. I know exactly what his problem is, but I don’t care.

  Minutes seem like hours while I fake an interest in the small talk going on around me. I’m much more interested in knowing more about Olivia. Although, I feel like I already know everything about her. How do you bring that up in casual conversation with a complete stranger? She stares at me several times, looking as if there’s something she wants to say. “Have we met before?” she finally asks me.

  I want to answer ‘Yes, every night in my dreams,’ but it’s likely a bad idea. “I don’t believe so.” Have you ever been to Australia?”

  “No,” she laughs, “but you seem very familiar to me.”

  I’m intrigued that she feels it too. “Were you born here?” I ask, ignoring the business conversation on the other side of the table.

  “Yes, born and raised in Dufferin County. I’m a small-town girl.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” I add.

  “Were you born in Australia?”

  “Yes. I spent most of my younger years in boarding schools in the U.S. Then I did my business degree at one of the best universities in London. That’s where Ethan and I met.”

  “What can you tell me about Reese Wilson?” she asks coyly.

  I glance up to ensure Ethan isn’t listening to the conversation. I’m not even going to attempt to change the subject. Surely she’s aware of the falling out between them. “I lost touch with Reese after college. I heard he just accepted a job offer and he’s moving back to Ireland. Ethan hasn’t seen nor heard from him in quite some time. He doesn’t plan to, in the future.”

  She nods, acknowledging my loyalty, but at least she tried. For a long drawn out moment, the golden flecks in her hazel eyes mesmerize me. I envision the lush rolling hills of Ireland, babbling brooks, and the warmth of the summer sun. Odd since I was born and raised in Australia.

  I’m annoyed when Ethan ruins my daydream by pulling me into a conversation about business. I ignore his steely glare from across the table. Fumbling with the zipper on her purse, Olivia drops it on the floor, spilling everything out. It amuses me when she curses like a sailor. She disappears under the table for quite some time, making me curious about what’s going on down there. Ethan clenches his jaw and begins to look extremely uncomfortable. I lift the edge of the tablecloth and bend down to see what’s causing her delay. I close my eyes, wishing I could unsee what I’ve just witnessed.

  I gather up the few remaining items on the floor and pass them to her. She gives me a forced smile as she stands and leaves the room.

  Ethan watches her with a very stoic expression and then glances over at me. I return his stare, not feeling intimidated at all. I shake my head in disapproval as I return to my seat.

  “Is there something you wanna say to me, Brant?” he growls angrily.

  I pause a brief moment, giving it consideration; there are quite a few things I’d like to say to him. Thinking the better of it, I decline. “Not at the moment, no.”

  Shannon frowns “I’ll go make sure Olivia’s okay. And you…” She puts her hand on my shoulder as she passes, “You… need to do something about that,” she states firmly, as she nods in Stacey’s direction.

  John and Ethan step outside to talk and I suddenly find myself alone with the woman I overheard Shannon refer to as the devil during one of John’s calls.

  “I love your accent,” Stacey says, giving me a demure smile.

  “Thank you.” I busy myself with my phone, typing everything I can think of into the search engine to get some insight or answers about the feelings I’m having for Olivia: déjà vu, past life regression, dream traveling, alternate universes.

  “I heard you drive a Ferrari. Would you take me for a ride?”

  I glance up briefly. “If you’re ever in Australia. That’s where it is.”

  “What color is it?”

  “What?” I ask annoyed.

  “The Ferrari. What color is it?”

  “It’s red.”

  “Trophy Wife Red like my nails? Or Candy Apple Red like my lips?”

  I look up, amazed she’s flirting with me. I know John was hoping I’d charm her away from O’Connell, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. He made his bed, and now he can lie in it. “Rosso Scuderia is the brand color.”

  Olivia returns and I start to get to my feet, but she waves me off. I relieved when Ethan returns and takes over the conversation. I lean in to whisper in Olivia’s ear and rest my arm on the back of her chair. Her long curls brush against my skin, and I resist the urge to brush my fingers through them. “Thank Christ, you’re back. After only ten minutes of brilliant conversation, I can safely say, she must have slept her way to the top.”

  She tries to keep a straight face, but she has to turn her head to mask her amusement. Unable to control herself, she snorts, and it makes me chuckle. Recognizing it as a silent warning when Ethan glares at me, I straighten in my seat. It’s not easy being so close when I crave the touch of her skin against mine.

  When dinner is finally over, we move around the pub, mingling between the bar and the billiards room. The silence is broken by a shrill scream, as Stacey runs like she’s on fire toward the front of the restaurant to greet her friends. I’m disappointed to find out she hasn’t burst into flames. Olivia watches them in horror from the bar. “Dear God help us, Bartender… two tequila shots and hurry!”

  Amused, I take one of the shot glasses out of her hand. After clinking them together, we toss them back in unison.

  “Whew!” Olivia’s eyes slightly water from the burn in her throat. “Hey, Carter, let me ask you a question. Would you let any of those women join your mile-high club?”

  I had seriously hoped she hadn’t heard that comment. “Hell, no!”

  “Not even Stacey?”

  I slide the empty shot glasses across the bar and indicate to the bartender that I want two more, then I scrunch up my face and lie. “Even I have standards.” I pass her another shot, and laugh at the face she makes when she swallows.

  “Bleh! I don’t think I can do any more of those.” She shudders.

  “One more,” I wave at the bartender. “And a glass of red wine,” I add, as Shannon makes her way over to join us. Ethan makes his way to the bar and Stacey flashes me a seductive grin as she anchors herself to his side. I’ll admit, after several tequilas, I’m starting to think she’s a very intriguing woman. Or she’s completely fucked in the head. I’m not sure yet.

  Olivia tenses and takes several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. I pass her another shot. “I can’t remember if bitch-slapping was on the list of things that would be frowned on when entertaining a client,” she mumbles under her breath.

  I laugh once as Ethan approaches and she dramatically rolls her eyes. It’s clear she’s had just about enough of Ethan O’Connell. With a boldness fueled by tequila, Olivia picks up another shot glass and tosses its contents deep into the back of her throat, letting it wash down effortlessly. Slamming the glass down hard on the bar, she gives him a smile that unmistakably means fuck off! I think I love this girl. I lean against the bar and cross my legs at the ankle. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

  Ethan stares at her, his jaw clenched, and his lips pressed in a hard line. Turning to his right, he establishes eye contact with Shannon. “Please take Olivia down to the pool tables, so Carter and I can have a talk.”

  Olivia raises her eyebrows and laughs. “You can’t be serious? You’re dismissing me?”

  This is getting good. I’ve never seen a woman take a stand against O’Connell.

  Shannon nods and takes Olivia by the arm, trying to steady her as she sways. Olivia protests but Shannon is clearly stronger than she looks.

  I wait for them to get out of earshot. “What’s up, Boss?” I ask, pretending that I don’t know what’s about to go down.

  “Keep your hands off my girl, Carter,” Ethan says harshly.

  Well, that was blunt and to the point. Classic O’Connell. I furrow my brow, unable to resist taking a shot at him. “Don’t chuck a spaz, Ethan. I haven’t had my hands on your girl. She was firmly attached to your dick all through dinner.” My boldness makes me smirk. “Find it hard to believe you didn’t notice, mate,”

  “I’m talking about Olivia.” Ethan’s jaw tenses and the vein in his temple starts to pulse.

  “Olivia?” I scratch my head, pretending to be confused. “Hmm.”

  “What?” he asks annoyed.

  “Could have fooled me. I have to say, mate, I’m a little shocked.” I’m officially tired of his bullshit.

  “At what exactly?” Ethan crosses his arms in front of him, widening his stance.

  “Making someone, who’s obviously in love with you, watch another girl manhandle your junk at the dinner table. That’s a little cruel, don’t you think? I don’t want to judge you, mate, but it was a dick move. Literally.”

  Ethan considers my statement and rakes his hands through his hair in frustration. He establishes eye contact with her across the room and takes on a tortured expression. I know that look, and it causes me concern. “Oh shit. You’re serious about Olivia?”

  Ethan nods. “Yes, I think I’m in love with her.”

  If there was any chance of exploring the feelings I have for her, it’s fucked now. I don’t understand the jealousy that stirs inside me over a woman who was a complete stranger only a few hours ago, but it feels very real.

  “Then, what’s going on with Stacey? Don’t tell me nothing. I have eyes.”

  He signals the bartender for another scotch. “She’s just a client, who’s made it very clear about how I’m going to get her approval on our proposal.” Lifting himself to sit on the stool beside me, he takes a long pause and then frowns.

  “Only you can fix it, O’Connell. Get your shit sorted.”

  Ethan gets to his feet, but I can tell there’s one more thing on his mind. He reaches over and grasps my arm.

  “If you so much as get close enough to breathe on her, I’ll kill you.”

  Some things never change. “Okay, Boss. I’ve got it.”

  “And Carter… don’t buy her any more shots. She’s pretty feisty when she’s sober, but from what I’ve just seen, if she keeps drinking tequila, she’ll have my balls by the end of the night.”

  I laugh out loud, “Yeah, I think you’re right about that. But you have to admit, she’s fucking brilliant!”

  Ethan grins, “That’s why I love her.” He indiscreetly adjusts his crotch. “But, I’m rather fond of my balls, as well.”

  I glance across the room and catch her staring. I wish that look of ardor were for me. Ethan makes his way across the room like a man on a mission, completely ignoring Stacey when she tries to intercept him. Grabbing Olivia’s hand, he pulls her into a private room, out of sight. I experience a strong feeling of regret over what I’ve just done. My heart tells me she and I have a destiny together, and yet I just launched O’Connell back into her arms. I shake my head feeling conflicted.

  From across the room, I watch as the girls decide to try their hand at billiards. This should be amusing since I noticed when I was under the table that Stacey’s not wearing any panties under that very short designer dress. I move to a stool with a better vantage point so I can enjoy the view. I am a man after all. Stacey doesn’t disappoint, leaning as far as she can across the table. She glances at me over her shoulder and smiles; fully aware I’m watching. I tip my beer to my lips and watch the show attentively.

  A door swings open and Olivia emerges. Ethan takes her by the hand and guides her across the room. Planting himself on one of the tall stools beside me, Ethan widens his knees and pulls Olivia between them. I know the long sensual kiss he places on her lips is a message to Stacey, but it makes my gut feel like it’s tied in knots.

  She lays her head to rest on his chest and smiles at me. In this light, her eyes are dark and rich looking, like the most decadent chocolate. I’m drawn back to a time where I remember looking into them and feeling loved. Now I feel even more confused.

  “Uh Oh,” Olivia says, as Stacey makes her way toward them.

  “The girls want to go over to EUPHORIA and do some dancing,” she says to Ethan as if Olivia isn’t even there.

  “Sure, if that’s what you want to do. It’s only a few doors down. I’ll have John call over and get you on the VIP list.” Ethan waves John over. “Carter, before you go home, make arrangements to have the tab charged to your room, and then submit it with your expenses.”

  “Sure thing, mate.”

  Stacey stares at Ethan with an unimpressed expression. “You’re not coming?”

  “No, it’s been a long day, and I think I’m going to get on my way.”

  She crosses her arms angrily. “You can kiss my endorsement goodbye if you don’t go.”

  Ethan anxiously scrubs his hand over his stubble. Sensing the tension, Olivia shrugs, trying to put him at ease. “It’s okay with me if we go.”

  Ethan meets John halfway across the room to discuss plans. Shannon wanders over to Olivia and me. “What’s going on?”

  “Stacey wants to go dancing, and she’s insisting that Ethan goes, too.”

  “Wow! She doesn’t discourage easily, does she?”

  “Apparently not, so I hope you have comfortable dancing shoes on.” She looks down at Shannon’s feet.

  “Oh, I don’t think John, and I will go.”

  “You have to go,” Olivia says panicked. “Ethan won’t go unless I do. And I’m not setting foot in that place unless you go with me to make sure I don’t scratch out her eyes.”

  I laugh, raising my beer bottle in a salute. “Well, you ladies have fun.”

  Olivia sneers at him, “Not so fast, Crocodile Dundee. You’re going, too. Ethan is going to need you there.”

  She narrows her eyes at me, giving me a stern warning. I’ve seen that look before, and it seems it’s transcended through time without losing any of its effectiveness. “Fine,” I say, giving in reluctantly. “I’ll go.” Somehow, I know I don’t want to be on the wrong side of Olivia’s threats.

  “Go where?” Ethan asks as he returns.

  “To Euphoria with us,” Olivia answers for me.

  “Awesome, I’d feel better if you were there. Nice of you to offer.”

  Shannon lets out a small, well-mannered laugh, while Olivia tries to look innocent. Ethan looks at me, confused. “Oh, I didn’t offer,” I explain. “I’m going because your girlfriend told me I have to. And quite frankly, mate, I’m afraid of what she’ll do to me if I refuse.”

  Olivia bats her eyelashes at him. Ethan grins and shakes his head. “Wise decision, my friend.”

  Standing between the lovely lawyer and the sassy information technology consultant, I present my arms to them. “Ladies. Shall we?”

  John is waiting outside the nightclub, located in one of Toronto’s most prestigious hotels. The line of patrons waiting to get inside extends down the street and around the corner. “Ethan, I don’t think they’re going to let us in.” Olivia says concerned.

  Ethan kisses her on the forehead, “Trust me, they’ll let us in.”

  She glances over at me and shrugs.

  “You didn’t know that he’s part owner?” I ask.

  Her eyes open wide. “Of the nightclub?” she asks, in shock.

  Ethan smirks. “No, Baby. I own the hotel.”

  Arrogant bastard. We bypass the lineup and head to the second floor VIP lounge. Ethan and Olivia head out to the balcony while John stands outside the door, ensuring they get some privacy. I lean against the bar watching the flurry of activity in the room. Maybe it’s the booze inflating my ego, but I keep catching the girls staring at me.

  Stacey makes her way over to me, smiling. “Hi there, handsome.”

  “Hello.” I give her a longer, more appreciative look. She’s a few dingoes short of a pack, but beautiful nonetheless. In this light, she bears a close resemblance to another woman in my dreams. The whole thing just keeps getting more bizarre.

  She moves in closer and touches my arm while she talks. “I hope we’re not going to spend all night up here.”

  “What did you have in mind?” I ask curiously.

  She leans in and whispers into my ear.

  I nod. “Right.” I’m not quite sure what I was expecting her to say, or why I’m feeling discontented. I walk away to have a few words with John.

  “Why?” he asks me in frustration. “Any other time you’d be all over a challenge like that. The woman is bad news, and I need her away from Ethan.”

  “He got himself into this mess, he can get himself out.”

  “I understand now. You’ve lost it.”

  “Lost what?”

  “Your charm. Your pizzazz. Your sex appeal.”

  Shots fired! I raise my brow. “Uh, no. She’s clearly only interested in O’Connell.”

  He shakes his head and frowns, then lets me pass. I clear my throat as I enter so they know I’m there. “Sorry to interrupt,” I say, as I join them on the balcony. “But I’ve been sent to inform you, Stacey wants to dance, now.” I point at Ethan and smile, unapologetically, “With you.”

  There’s barely room to move on the dance floor. A very popular song plays, and everyone explodes into their best moves. I join them, inspired by the number of hot young women that begin gravitating toward me. Take that McCabe. I have definitely NOT lost my sex appeal. “Carter!” Olivia screams in my ear. “Stacey is watching you.”