Page 1 of One Night Forever
CHAPTER 1
Arabella
"Ican't believe you're leaving me," Juni whines as we sip our drinks. "I'm going to miss you so much."
I roll my eyes. "Juni, it's not as though we're never going to see each other again, you're stuck with me."
She sighs, sitting back in her seat. "True, but it won't be the same."
Cherry laughs. "Tell me about your new boss, I asked Derek about him, but he doesn't know much, all he said was that he was good stock. Whatever the hell that means."
I giggle. Derek is totally a man who would say good stock. He's also Cherry's boss, her best friend's dad, along with being the man that she loves. I'm so happy that she and Derek have managed to sort everything out and are happy. That's all that I ever want for my girls.
"Are you excited to start?" Juni asks, and I watch as she glances at her cell, her cheeks flaming bright red. No doubt our boss, Lincoln is sending her sex messages.
I lift my shoulders and shrug. I'm beyond nervous. I've worked for Lincoln Miles's company for almost four years. It has been some of the best times of my life. I really enjoyed workingthere. The atmosphere was relaxed and chilled. It was like working in a family business. From working there, I found two of the best friends a girl could ever have from it and while I'm sad to be leaving, I know that it's the best for my career. I'm going from receptionist and office manager to a personal assistant.
"I will be once I'm there, I've not met Mr. Thorne yet, and I think that's what is making me nervous."
Cherry grimaces. "Ouch, yeah, that sucks. When will you meet him?"
"Not for another two weeks. I'm starting on Monday and apparently he's got a huge business meeting that's going to take all week, not to mention he's busy the following week." I can't keep the irritation out of my voice. It's my first time working as a personal assistant and I'm over the moon that I got the job, but it stings a little that my boss won't be around if I need him.
Juni reaches over and pats my hand. "It'll all be fine," she assures me.
"Yeah," I sigh. "It will be." It has to. There's no other choice. I'm going to work for Mr. Thorne and I'm going to work my ass off and make a good impression. I just hope he's not an asshole. That's the last thing I need. It will make working there so much harder if he is.
"Well, at least you'll have time to settle in and get your bearings before he arrives," Cherry offers, trying to find a silver lining. "And who knows, maybe he'll be a total dreamboat."
I snort, nearly choking on my drink. "Yeah, right. With my luck, he'll be some crusty old man who barks orders and expects me to read his mind."
Juni giggles, her eyes still glued to her phone. "Or maybe he'll be young and hot, and you two will fall madly in love."
I roll my eyes again. "This isn't yours and Lincoln’s love story, Juni. I'm there to work, not find my soulmate."
"Sounds positively boring," Cherry sighs. "Shall I get us another drink? We’re here to let loose after all.”
I shake my head. I’m pretty buzzed as it is. “You go ahead, I’m going to hit the dance floor.” I want to find a handsome man that’ll take me home and do so many delicious things to me.
As I stand up, my head spins a little from the alcohol, but I'm determined to have some fun. I make my way to the crowded dance floor, the bass thumping through my body. I close my eyes and let the music take over, swaying my hips to the rhythm. I love dancing. I find it a great way to release the stress that I’m under.
Within moments, a pair of strong hands settle on my waist, their touch sending tingles down my spine. I turn to face a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes, his gaze locking with mine. A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and I feel my heart skip a beat in response. My stomach flutters nervously as he looks down at me, his presence radiating confidence and charm.
"Mind if I join you?" he shouts over the music. His voice is thick and deep, sending shivers down my spine.
I nod, a grin spreading across my face in response to his. Our bodies meld together, moving in perfect harmony with the music. He's a great dancer, and I find myself getting lost in the moment.
As the song shifts into a slower tempo, he dips his head down to whisper in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. "I'm Tanner. Can I buy you a drink?"
I hesitate for a moment, my mind flashing to my friends back at the table. But the warmth of Tanner's body against mine and the allure of his inviting smile wins me over.
"I'm Arabella," I shout back. "And sure, I'd love a drink."
He takes my hand, leading me off the dance floor and towards the bar. As we weave through the crowd, I catch a glimpse of Juni and Cherry. They're both grinning and givingme enthusiastic thumbs up. I can't help but laugh—they're ridiculous, but I love them.
At the bar, Tanner orders us champagne. I have no idea what we’re celebrating, but I take the glass into my hands.
"Cheers," he says, clinking his glass against mine. "To new beginnings."
