The Lies In The Love

Chapter One-The Stranger

Danielle

Alone at a bar, I’m enjoying a glass of white wine to unwind from a stressful work day and yet another disastrous date. I hate dating. Each date I go on is worse than the previous one. The men my friends set me up with or that I meet online are boring to me. I need more. I am ready for a change. I have always meticulously planned out my life. It is the control freak in me, but recently, I have become restless. Nothing or no one is satisfying me any longer. It’s irritating. I am due to give up on it all. I am not asking for much. Where are the men who would boldly take control and dominate me? I yearn for something like that, a deep longing for someone to exert absolute control over me. I dominate in all areas of my life, particularly in my work. I need a man to stand up to me and one who isn’t afraid to tell me to shut the f**k up. If not a man, something else can satisfy the itch.

Annoyed, I finish my wine and order another with a groan. I move from the bar to a table. I pay no attention to the men staring at me as I pass by. I take a seat, making sure I have a view of the entire bar, so I can’t watch for any creeps coming in my direction. I’m fine with having a drink by myself. Although it may bother others, I enjoy some downtime after dealing with people all day. I’m comfortable going out alone, whether it’s for a drink or a meal. I’ll eat alone if I feel like it. Other people’s judgments don’t concern me.

Out of nowhere, I sense an intense stare fixated on me. As I look around, I spot the culprit with my eyes. At the bar, he is seated by himself, wearing jeans and a white tee. He appears to be around my age, possibly slightly older. His dark hair is intentionally messy, not in a ridiculous way. It’s difficult to distinguish his other features from this far away.

With a smirk, he gestures for me to come closer. I decline his request by shaking my head. He wants to talk to me; he can come to me. He raises his brow at me and repeats the same motion. I shift my attention from him and fixate on my drink. I didn’t come here to find a man. Yes, I want a change, but I have had enough of men on my dates these last few weeks. I don’t care how handsome he is. I have no plans to go to him.

I sigh and take a sip of my wine. When I glance up, he’s gone. Either he left, or he found someone. I shrug and finish my wine. Two glasses are enough for me. I watch what I drink when I am out alone. It’s important to always be on guard, as you never know who might be lurking.

I collect my belongings and leave. I shudder as the coldness tickles my skin.

“Sweetness, you should have brought a coat.”

The voice beside me causes me to jump. I spin and spot the man from the bar, standing and smoking.

“I am fine.” I protest.

“You don’t look it. You look cold,” he says, coming to stand in front of me.

I am able to see him more clearly. His eyes have a gorgeous shade of light blue. He has a strong jawline and plump lips. I bite my lip, and my eyes run down his body. His abs are visible through the white tee, and his arms are muscular. You wouldn’t be cold with them wrapped around you on a cold winter’s night. I lick my lips and finally look back at his face. He is smirking at me.

“Like what you see, gorgeous?” he asks confidently, stepping closer to me.

I swallow hard. He smells as good as he looks. I could play it in two different ways. I have three options: say no, walk away, or say yes and observe his reaction. I need something different. He appears to be unlike the usual business people I go out with.

I gently bite my lower lip and reply, “Yes.”

He lets out a chuckle. “I admire your honesty. Where are you heading?”

“Home.”

“No, I don’t like that plan. How about you join me inside for a drink?”

I cross my arms over my chest and raise my brow at him. “And why would I do that?”

He places his hand on my hip and rests his lips on my ear. “You seem to have had a stressful day. If you come for a drink and decide you are still attracted to me, then I can help get rid of your stress, gorgeous, and give you the best night of your life.”

A shudder runs through me. His confidence is sexy. It’s been a while since a man spoke to me like that.

I moan softly, “Fine, one drink, but if you don’t impress me by the time I finish, I leave and go home.”

He retreats and presents his hand to me. “Deal. We can even shake on it.”

I take his hand. “One chance. One drink. I’m done with clueless men who can’t talk or impress women.”

He smirks. “Damn, you are feisty. I like it. I promise I won’t disappoint.”

I place my hand on his chest. “You better not. I will have a small glass of white wine.”

I pat his chest, turn and walk inside without saying another word. I smirk and find a table. He comes in after me. He looks at me, a seductive smile forming on his lips as he walks towards the bar. If he ends up being another letdown, then I’m seriously taking a break from dating men and s*x. It would have been smart to ask his name before agreeing to go back inside and have a drink.

I get comfortable and wait for his return. A few minutes later, he returns, bringing two drinks and two shots, and sits next to me.

“I never mentioned wanting a shot.”

He slides into the booth. “Sweetness, loosen up and enjoy life a bit.”

I give a nod and then take the shot. He does the same.

“What is your name?” I ask.

He responds with a smile, “Callan.”

“That is an unusual name. You can call me Danielle or Dani, whichever you like.”

“It is a family name. I have both Scottish and Irish ancestors. Until we become more familiar, I’ll call you Danielle.”

I acknowledge with a nod. “That is okay with me.”

I lean back and sip my wine. Callan scoots closer to me. Perhaps a handsome stranger will turn my terrible day and night around. There is a first time for everything.