Chapter 1

one

. . .

Kaitlyn

The glittering lights of the ballroom dance across my mask as I step through the ornate double doors, my heart thrumming in time with the string quartet. I clutch Megan's hand, grateful for her steadying presence even as my stomach flutters with nerves.

"I can't believe you talked me into this," I mutter, glancing around at the sea of beautiful strangers in elaborate costumes. "You know I'm no good at these fancy soirées."

"Oh hush, you look stunning!" Megan grins, sweeping her gaze over my deep crimson gown that hugs my curves like a lover's caress. "Besides, it's New Year's Eve—time to let loose and take a risk for once in your life, Kaitlyn Bennett!"

I nibble my lip, knowing she's right even as old insecurities tug at me. Megan squeezes my hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief behind her feathered mask.

"In fact...I dare you to kiss a stranger at midnight. No excuses." She winks. "Maybe then you'll finally get a New Year's kiss under your belt."

A scandalized laugh escapes me. "Megan! I couldn't possibly-"

"Ah ah, no arguing. You're doing it." She snatches two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter and presses one into my hand. "Liquid courage. Now, let's go find you a dark and handsome mystery man to seduce with those luscious lips of yours."

Shaking my head in amused exasperation, I let her pull me into the sparkling throng. Well, at least it’s only a kiss and my bestie isn’t trying to get me laid. Megan knows I’m a virgin, and thank God she isn’t trying to pop my cherry for me. I love her to death, but she can be so pushy about what she thinks is good for me.

The bubbles in the champagne tickle my throat as I sip, firing my blood with intoxicating warmth. Maybe Megan is right, though. Maybe it is time I took a chance, threw caution to the wind just this once. The masks shroud us in tantalizing anonymity...perhaps tonight I can be someone else entirely. Someone confident and alluring, who takes what she wants.

Not the shy graphic designer I really am.

My eyes drift over the crowd, imagination reeling with possibilities. Which of these enigmatic strangers will I choose to be my midnight destiny?

The champagne flows through my veins like molten gold, emboldening me with each sip. I scan the room, my gaze drifting over the sea of masked faces, searching for that elusive spark of connection.

A tall figure catches my eye across the dance floor. He moves with a panther-like grace, broad shoulders straining against the fine fabric of his tuxedo. A sleek black mask obscures the upper half of his face, but I can feel the weight of his stare even from this distance. It sends a shiver down my spine, awakening something primal deep within me.

As if sensing my appraisal, he turns, our eyes locking through the shifting crowd. Electricity crackles between us, a tangible current that steals my breath.

"Well well, looks like tall, dark and sinful has taken an interest," Megan murmurs in my ear, her voice laced with wicked delight. "I think we've found your midnight kiss, Kait."

I barely hear her, transfixed by his gaze.

And then the countdown begins.

I hand Kaitlyn my champagne glass.

Here goes nothing…