I set my jaw in determination as I leave the building garage. I don’t ever remember having this kind of initial reaction to a man before. Even to some of the guys I dated in college.
I deserve to have this night.
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
* * *
I arrive at the Hotel Fredrico, my body practically humming in anticipation. As I walk into the glamorous resort hotel, I’m greeted with a stunning Christmas display in the lobby. A huge tree is the focal point, twinkling with white lights and filled with glittering ornaments in gold and red. A glass table is in front of it, with a gorgeous arrangement of fresh flowers in red and white. Holiday music floats through the air, and it’s hard not to feel excited for Christmas when I take it all in.
I take a moment to text Aiden:
I’m here. I’ll be waiting for you at The Lobby Bar.
Once I find the place, that is.
I look to my left, where there’s a sleek counter for guest check-in and concierge services. To my right, across the marble floor, is a dark and seductive-looking bar, filled with sumptuous-looking leather chairs and dark wood tables. Behind the bar itself are large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the turquoise waters of Miami Beach, framed by palm trees dressed in twinkling white lights.
It’s chic. Stunning. Sexy.
And the perfect place for my one night of enjoying the company of Aiden Wentworth.
I head in the direction of the bar, my heels clicking against the marble floor. I walk the few steps down to the entrance, stepping onto the hardwood floor, and am greeted by the sounds of jazz music. I find a cozy-looking table for two and take a seat. As soon as I sink down into the rich, leather club chair, excitement and nerves fully take over my body. I place my purse on the table and set my phone in front of me.
A server approaches me. “Good evening, welcome to The Lobby Bar,” she says, placing a black cocktail napkin down on the shiny tabletop. “I’m Dani, and I’ll be your server. Would you like to take a look at our cocktail menu?”
“No, thank you, I’ll just be having a cup of coffee,” I say, smiling at her.
“Very well. Cream and sugar?” she asks.
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
Dani retreats from the table, and I take a breath of air to settle my nerves. I stare down at the flickering votive in front of me, watching the light reflect off the cut edges of the crystal holder, the flame dancing as wildly as I feel my heart beating inside my chest.
Soon Dani returns to the table, setting a steaming cup of coffee in front of me, along with a small pitcher filled with half-and-half and a fancy holder filled with all kinds of options to sweeten my coffee. “Do you need anything else?” she asks.
“Someone will be joining me shortly, so when he arrives, he’ll probably want a cup of coffee, too. But I’ll let him order when he gets here.”
“Very well,” she says, smiling at me.
She leaves, and I tear open a packet of raw sugar and dump it into my coffee, then add a hefty amount of half-and-half. I pick up the spoon and swirl it in, and just by the aroma I can tell this is high quality. It smells divine.
I take a sip, and I was right. It’s delicious coffee. I set my cup back down on the saucer as my phone vibrates on the table. I excitedly check the screen, and it’s a message from Aiden:
Walking in now.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I text him back:
The Lobby Bar is on your right. I’m sitting toward the back, right-hand side.
Aiden Wentworth is typing …
I don’t think I could miss you, Scarlett.
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The butterflies are crazed now, dancing furiously in my stomach as I wait for Aiden to stroll in. I put my phone inside my purse and absently run my finger around the rim of my coffee cup, trying to appear calm and composed when inside I’m anything but.
