Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

I stepped into the hotel bar in Asheville, North Carolina, after a delayed flight from Nashville. All I wanted was a quiet drink before collapsing into bed. I slid onto a barstool at the far end, away from the sparse crowd.

“Red wine, please,” I told the bartender, offering a tired smile.

He poured a generous glass. “Long day?”

“You have no idea,” I sighed, taking a grateful sip.

As I stared into my drink, thoughts of tomorrow’s drive to Brevard filled my mind. Thanksgiving with family meant navigating my mother’s not-so-subtle attempts to meddle in my nonexistent love life.

“Can you believe how hot it is for Thanksgiving?” a deep voice drawled beside me.

I glanced sideways to see a man settling onto the stool next to mine. Seriously? Out of all the empty seats. I rolled my eyes subtly and took another sip, hoping he’d take the hint.

“One more beer, Clark?” the bartender asked, placing a fresh bottle in front of him.

I couldn’t help a small laugh escaping. Clark. Like Superman. The irony was amusing.

He turned to me, a smirk appearing on his lips. “Something funny?”

“Just your name,” I admitted, meeting his gaze. His hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity. A well-groomed beard framed his strong jawline, and tattoos peeked from under the sleeves of his fitted t-shirt. He was annoyingly handsome.

“What’s amusing about Clark?” he challenged, a sexy eyebrow arching.

“Oh, nothing. It’s a strong name,” I replied, fighting a smile.

He chuckled. “And you are?”

“Aurora.”

“Like the Roman goddess of dawn. Fitting.”

“Well, aren’t you a charmer,” I quipped.

He raised his beer in a mock toast. “Heading home for the holidays?”

“Yep. Driving to Brevard in the morning,” I said, then mentally kicked myself for sharing.

“Family time. Always... eventful,” he mused.

“That’s one way to put it.” I let out a sigh. “My mom insists on inviting my ex to Thanksgiving dinner every year, even though I’ve told her I have a boyfriend.”

“You do?” he asked, almost pouting.

I nibbled on my lip before confessing, “No. It’s a lie to get her off my back.”

He laughed softly. “Smart. I might have to steal that tactic. My mom keeps inviting some poor girl from her church, hoping I’ll take her back to Nashville with me.”

I looked at him in surprise. “You live in Nashville?”

“Yeah, been there a few years now.”

“Small world,” I murmured, realizing I’d revealed more than intended. Traveling alone, I usually kept details vague.

He took a swig of his beer. “Maybe this year will be different. Mom just moved to a new neighborhood. Nicer place.”

“That’s great,” I said cautiously, sensing there was more to the story.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Figured she deserved it.”

An awkward silence settled between us before he broke it. “So, what’s this imaginary boyfriend’s name?”

“Clark,” I blurted out without thinking, then blushed as he grinned widely.

“Clark, huh? Excellent choice. Strong name, I’ve heard.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” I teased, shaking my head at my own slip-up.

He leaned in slightly, his gaze intense. “Tell me about this, Clark. What’s he like?”

“Oh, you know, tall, dark, handsome. A real Superman,” I said, playing along.

He smirked. “Sounds like stiff competition.”

A flush crept up my neck. His confidence was disarming. “Well, he is perfect.”

“Perfect’s boring,” he remarked, his tone lowering. “I could show you a better time.”

My pulse quickened. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely.” He looked at me earnestly. “Let me take your mind off this fake boyfriend.”

I swallowed hard, caught off guard by his bluntness. “You don’t waste time, do you?”

“Life’s too short for games,” he said simply.

Part of me was intrigued. No man had ever been so direct with me before. Nonetheless, the reasonable side reminded me I barely knew this man.

“Depends on what you’re competing for,” I replied, surprised by my own flirtatious tone.

His gaze intensified, and I was feeling warm. “I can help you forget about your imaginary boyfriend tonight. All night.”

My heart raced. “Bold of you to assume I want to forget him.”

“Boldness is kind of my thing,” he remarked with a wink. “May I?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Then he reached out, his fingers whisking a stray strand of hair off my face.

I swallowed hard, every nerve ending alive. Part of me screamed to say no, but another part—a louder, more insistent part—urged me forward. I found myself nodding ever so slightly.

He leaned in, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath warm against my skin. My eyes fluttered closed as anticipation swelled within me.

But just as our lips were about to meet, reality crashed back in. I pulled away abruptly. “I—I should go.”

He looked momentarily taken aback but quickly masked it with a gentle smile. “Of course. Long day ahead.”

“Yeah,” I whispered, slipping off the stool. “It was... nice meeting you, Clark.”

“Likewise, Aurora.” His gaze held mine, his eyes full of fire that made me want to stay.

I took a hesitant step back. “Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams,” he replied.

I turned and made my way to the elevator, my heart pounding in my chest. As the doors closed, I caught one last glimpse of him watching me, his expression pure lust.

In the elevator’s solitude, I exhaled shakily. What was that? No man had ever affected me like this stranger had. The rational part of me knew it was foolish, but another part couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened if I hadn’t pulled away.