Chapter One
Reagan
“It's like a buffet of Hemsworth brothers!”
Sydney is laid out before me in all her shining glory. The late afternoon sunlight sparkles off the harbour, blinding me.
“Everyone can't be that good-looking,” Beatrix, one of my closest friends, says through the phone. A tall drink of water walks by, looking like sex on a stick in his perfectly crisp suit. His eyes are hidden behind dark sunglasses.
“Trust me. They are that good-looking here.”
I've been in Sydney for less than two hours. My apartment isn't ready yet, so I left my bags, and I am exploring my new home for the next year.
“So does that mean you're going to find your own Hemsworth?”
I smile, the quay bustling around me. “If I find a Hemsworth, I'm never leaving. I don't want to leave as it is. This place is incredible.”
The Harbour Bridge stretches across the water, looming large over me. The Opera House is as white as the clouds. “I just can't believe I'm finally here, Bea.”
It's been months of planning. A tech firm in Sydney acquired our small practice in Indianapolis, and with that came many new projects. Ones that I now get to oversee here.
“Who would've thought two years ago that you and I wouldn't be working in Indianapolis?” Bea is now working and living with her boyfriend, Reid, in Buenos Aires.
“I still have to pinch myself that this is finally here. It's going to be the ultimate year abroad. I’ll be sleeping with all the hot Aussies, exploring the country, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Maybe meeting a Hemsworth brother. I plan to do it all!”
“Hopefully not all at the same time.”
“Sex on a beach with a Hemsworth? I hope that happens.” I laugh, meandering my way along the harbour.
“I don't think Australia is ready for you, Rae.”
After talking with Beatrix,I made my way back to my apartment, thankfully now ready for me. The small studio isn't much, but it's paid for by the company I'll be working for. It could be a room without windows, and I'd still be happy.
Bright white walls and white furniture dominate the small space. A bed is tucked into one corner across from the kitchen and bathroom. Red cabinets add a pop of color. The windows look out onto an office building.
Jetlag is starting to fog my brain, but I refuse to give in to it and sleep. The last thing I want to do is miss a minute of my first weekend here. Work starts Monday, and as much as I'd love to be able to go out during the week, I don't want to mess up. This opportunity here could lead to more. I've always wanted to travel and see the world, and this is my prime opportunity to do that.
A knock at the door interrupts my unpacking. A shorter woman with long blonde hair is holding a bottle of wine. “I saw you moving in and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Evelyn. You can call me Eve.”
“Hi, Eve. I'm Reagan.” I extend my hand, her skin seeming paper thin to the touch.
“And American. What brings you Down Under?” She hands me the wine as I wave her inside.
“Work. I'm down here for a year.”
“Well, you're in a great spot. Quiet building, but close to all the sights. Have you been here before?”
I shake my head. “First time. I can't wait to see everything.”
“I'll leave you to it then. Just wanted to say hi. I'm across the hall if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Eve. Maybe you can come over one night this week and enjoy this wine with me.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She waves her fingers at me as she pulls the door shut.
With my suitcase exploding before me, I find a slinky dress to put on, determined to enjoy my first night out in the city. The sequins on the short dress catch the light. Heels that were made for dancing add extra height to my short stature. And my brown locks are sleeked back into a high ponytail. Swiping on a layer of lip gloss, I head out to find the nearest dance club, where I hope to meet some of the sexiest men Australia has to offer.
Chapter Two
