It's hard to believe I'm letting Emma talk me into meeting her for drinks tonight. I've been intentionally distancing myself from her because I don’t want her to know I have cancer. I can't bear to see the look of pity in her eyes. Maybe it's selfish, but I want her to remember the healthy and vibrant me, not some sick and dying woman, just a shadow of my former self. Thankfully, I feel good today. Although I'm starting to feel exhausted, I've managed to get through the day without getting sick.

Monday is D-day, the day I start chemo. Since the radiation didn’t work, I don’t have any other options. I still have a few things to finish up this weekend. I really don’t have time for this, but she's making me feel guilty for not being around. I guess it doesn’t hurt to catch up before the next stage begins.

With a heavy sigh, I throw off the reality I am living and straighten my shoulders. I open the door to McCormick’s. I haven’t been here in a while. They have the best happy hour oysters in town: $1 an oyster with a purchase of top-shelf liquor or imported beer. That works for me because I love my Guinness and indulge from time to time with a Grey Goose martini.

I quickly scan the room for Emma and don’t see her. The rich wood tones create a cozy atmosphere, adorned with classic Irish elements like Celtic knots, shamrocks, and horseshoes for good luck. The seating options range from comfortable booths to tables, catering perfectly to intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends. Soft lighting envelops the space, setting a relaxed mood. However, the bar stands out as the focal point, boasting an impressive selection of spirits, from smooth Irish blends to rare single malts.

As the hostess greets me, I explain that I won’t need a table and walk over to find seating at the bar. I see two stools open—one next to a couple having an intimate conversation and the other beside a man with tousled black hair, his back to me. His broad shoulders fill out the well-tailored suit he's wearing, emphasizing his confident posture. I hang my jacket on the back of my stool and use the foot bar under the counter to boost myself onto the seat next to him.

As I request a Guinness from the bartender, my eyes remain fixed on the door, waiting for Emma to arrive. She’s perhaps the only person I’d consider a friend, though I’ve never leaned on her for anything before. It’s not a matter of trust; we’ve been friends since college and weathered our fair share of trials together. I know she'd be there for me no matter what, should I ever need her. It’s just that I've always been self-reliant, and asking for help feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

 Emma has never probed into my life, respecting the boundaries I've set. She's accepted the few details I've shared about my childhood without pushing for more. In contrast, she's an open book, wearing her heart on her sleeve. Her compassion and open-heartedness are palpable, and while she may be a bit naive about certain aspects of life, her perspective often offers me a refreshing new lens through which to view things.

With my Guinness almost finished and still no sign of Emma, I pull out my phone to check the time. I’ve been here for forty-five minutes; she’s usually late, but not this late. I shoot her a text to see what the hell is going on with her, a little annoyed that she hasn’t reached out. I place my phone on the bar and wave over the bartender to ask for a refill when the gentleman next to me leans closer. A subtle hint of cologne wafts my way, a blend of earthy notes that sends a shiver down my spine.

“This one is on me,” he tells the bartender. His deep baritone voice ripples over my skin like a warm blanket, causing my nipples to harden against my black dress. I had chosen not to wear a bra today, a decision that now seems questionable given how evidently my body reacts to him. I turn my head towards him, my gaze landing on a marvelous specimen of a man staring at me, challenging me to turn away his offer.

Seated confidently on his stool, he exudes an air of assurance and poise. Despite his relaxed posture, his sharp features and intense gaze scream danger. I feel my blood rushing through my veins, and my heart pounds in my ears. Clad in a well-tailored suit that accentuates his broad shoulders, he leans slightly forward, his eyes locking onto mine with a magnetic intensity. Even in the casual act of sitting, he seems to possess an innate charm and power that gives me the feeling of safety.

What the hell is going on with me? I’ve been in a self-imposed dry spell for months, not interested in dating due to the reality of my life starting on Monday. My busy schedule hasn’t left much time for anything else but work. Now, my body is a hot mess. Waves of heat charge through me, bolting down until they reach my core. Yep, my clit is throbbing in anticipation, and I don’t know what I am expecting to happen. Clearing my throat of the lump that had formed, taken aback, I smile shyly, “Oh, um, thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

Leaning in closer, his eyes still locked with mine, he says, “Nonsense. A gorgeous woman like you deserves to be treated while you wait for your date.”

Feeling flustered by the electric current of sexual tension running through my body, I fidget with my empty pint glass. He assumes I'm waiting for a date. I could go with that, but what happens if Emma shows up? I guess I could play it off that I'm gay. But Jesus, I don’t want to. If there's ever a time to let go, tonight would be it.

At that moment, my cell lights up with a message. I grab it quickly, knowing it has to be Emma. “Ahh, excuse me for a sec.”

Looking at my screen, I read:

Emma: “FML!!! Sorry, I can’t make it tonight. I got a flat and I’m still waiting on AAA. I will make it up to you.”

Me: “It’s all good. I just had a hot guy buy me a drink.”

Emma: “Fuck! Hop on that shit! I’m so jelly now!”

Me: “Only you baby! Nah, I’m gonna finish my drink and head home.”

Emma: “WTH Don’t be a loser!

You always do this, just have fun for one night.

Jesus girl you drive me crazy!

Me: “Do what? I’m too busy to date.”

Emma: “I didn’t say date him! Fuck him for fuck’s sake! You only live once.”

Me: “Thanks for the advice. TTYL”

I turn off my phone and toss it into my bag. If only she knew how short life truly can be. But she’s right, you do only live once and there is no telling if I will make it through the next couple of months. I should take advantage of this situation. I don’t want to add to the long list of regrets I already have. Turning back to the man who bought me a drink, I plaster a smile on my face, trying to hide my thoughts.

“It seems my date just canceled on me.” I shrug. I don’t want him to think that I’m cheating on anyone, which I don’t know why I care about. I continue to explain, “I was meeting my girlfriend here… I mean my friend, not like my ‘girlfriend’,” using air quotes, “but she’s having car trouble, so I guess I’m on my own for the night.”

Oh my God, I can’t believe I just did the air quotes, I mutter to myself, internally smacking my forehead. If I keep babbling this way, I won’t be having any fun tonight. I take a deep breath and calm my nerves, maybe he won’t notice my reaction to him.

His husky voice intrudes on my thoughts. “That’s too bad, but I’m sure we can have fun by ourselves,” he smiles, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

The bartender drops off my beer, and I lift it. “To life being too short,” I smirk as I make a toast, clinking his glass gently when he lifts it to meet mine.

He places his drink on the bar and leans closer. “I’m Logan, and you’re?” His voice is barely above a whisper.

I flash him a coy smile. “Nova,” I say, reaching out my hand to take his.

As soon as our skin touches, an unexplainable sizzling energy swirls between us. He smiles, revealing a dimple on his left cheek as he turns my hand over and kisses the pulse point on the inside of my wrist. I suck in my breath as a warm stir works its way down my body, igniting every nerve, and goosebumps spread over my skin. With fire brewing at my core, I wiggle in my seat, trying to attain the friction I need before realizing what I am doing.

He swivels his stool to face me, placing his leg between mine, which opens my core to him. As he lays his hand on my knee and draws slow circles with his thumb, he says, "I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman," his voice low and rough with lust. "Your eyes are extraordinary—one is blue as the water, the other brown, the color of the earth. They're the only two things you need to create life."

I blush, a mixture of flattery and arousal heating my cheeks. "Thank you," I reply softly, meeting his intense gaze. My nipples tighten, and my pussy drenches my thong.

With the air charged with anticipation, I seductively smirk, "You're not so bad yourself.”

He gives me a flirtatious smile, "I’m surprised your boyfriend let you out of his sight. I know I wouldn’t," he’s clearly fishing for more information about me.

Leaning in closer to him as if I'm going to tell him a secret, my voice barely above a whisper, I say, "It’s a good thing I don’t have one."

He closes the distance between us, the noises of the restaurant fading into the background as he nuzzles my neck. “You've no idea how happy I am to hear that,” he murmurs, brushing his nose along the outside of my ear. “You smell incredible.”

My stomach knots with butterflies as his breath caresses my neck. His musky scent fills my nose, and my body trembles from how close he is to me. My lips part with a quiet gasp, and I close my eyes, basking in the moment. His lips are so close that if I turn my head just slightly, our lips will meet. God, I think I’ll die if he doesn’t kiss me.

He pulls back slightly and lightly caresses my cheek with his forefinger. Barely audible, he mumbles, “Ești bolnavă.” My heart quickens at his accented words. I'm not sure what he said, but it sounds beautiful. He leans in and kisses the left side of my mouth, then the right, before lightly whispering his lips across the middle.

“I don’t live far from here; would you like to come home with me?” he mumbles against my lips.

Without thinking, my body replies, “Yes.”

He stands and helps me off my stool, holding my coat open for me as I slip my arms in. As I finish buttoning my jacket, he hands me my purse and escorts me out of the restaurant, his hand resting on my lower back. The warmth of his touch penetrates through the layers of clothing, leaving a fire burning inside me.

A car meets us at the curb, and he opens the door, I crawl across the seat, and he follows me. The soft ambient lighting casts a warm glow, creating an intimate atmosphere. The spacious interior is adorned with luxurious leather seats, a small bar is stocked with a selection of fine wines and champagne. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier plays through the sound system, an interesting choice of song.

As we take off, the driver raises the privacy window. Logan pulls me onto his lap, and I straddle his legs. He holds both sides of my face with his large hands, drawing me closer as he brushes gently over the right and then left side of my mouth before pressing against my lips. His tongue softly seeks access, and I yield to him, the kiss deepening turning into a raging inferno, as if he were starving for me. I relished in our passion, allowing myself to let go and be free with him for one night.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I try to get closer, but our clothing stands in the way. I yearn to feel his skin against mine. Blood pounds in my veins as I quickly unbutton his jacket and then his shirt, finding the heat of his skin under my palms. I move my hands across his chest, leaving one palm over his heart and the other to his neck. His hands guide my hips closer to him, and I can’t deny the exhilarating sensation of his touch.

My body feels like I’m burning, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to quench the flames. I have never been more attracted to a man; it feels soul-deep, and I fear I might die if I don’t have him inside me. As I move to unbuckle his belt, he pulls away from our kiss and takes control of my hands, guiding them behind my back. With one hand holding both of mine, he places his other palm along the side of my face, and I can’t help but lean into him.

"Patience, dragostea mea," he whispered softly, kissing me again. He released my hands, his touch teasing the side of my breast as his other hand rested on the small of my back, drawing my body closer to his.

The drive feels like an eternity, though it's probably only a matter of minutes before we arrive. As the limo stops, Logan smirks mischievously and he buttons his shirt, and I quickly smooth down my clothes. He helps me out, and I'm stunned by the elegant Victorian mansion before us—a hidden gem among the forest surrounding the city. Its intricate architecture showcases a bygone era, with tall, slender towers and massive bay windows hinting at opulence.

The grand entrance, framed by elaborate pillars with intricate scrollwork, led to a beautifully carved double door. The manicured grounds featured colorful flower beds, winding pathways, and inviting lawns.

Logan's face lit up with a delighted smile at seeing my reaction to his home. “It’s been in my family for generations. I am glad you like it,” he says reverently.

As he leads me through the doors of his home, his hand lightly rests on my lower back, I can’t help but feel a mixture of awe and nervous excitement. The grandeur of the entry hall is steeped in lavishness and elegance, leaving me momentarily speechless. The massive crystal chandelier casts a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the portraits adorning the walls add a sense of history and heritage to the atmosphere.

We approach a grand antique circular table adorned with fresh flowers, and I steal glances around, taking in every detail of the sweeping staircase with luxurious carpet and the intricate iron railings.

“My God, Logan, this is beautiful. It’s like stepping into a different time. It makes me want to explore more of this fascinating place.”

My gaze meets his, and I’m mesmerized by the sparkle of pride and happiness in his eyes as he watches me.

“There's so much more to see, but I will give you a tour later if you would like.” His excitement is palpable as he anticipates sharing more of his home with me. His eyes remain fixed on mine, seeking confirmation that I’m indeed impressed by the grandeur surrounding us.

"I would love that," I reply with a bright smile, though a pang of guilt nags at me. What am I doing? I don’t have much time to spend with him; I shouldn’t express any interest past tonight.

With a mischievous smirk, he places his hand at the small of my back and gestures with the other towards the staircase. “Come, I have a room I think you'll be interested in.”

He clearly likes the small of my back, his touch is electrifying, igniting a warmth in me that is hard to ignore. The anticipation of what awaits me in his bedroom adds to the tingling sensation coursing through my veins. Each step feels like an eternity, yet I long for more moments of closeness with him. His presence seems to fill the space around us, enveloping me in a comforting yet exhilarating embrace.

Logan’s bedroom exudes the timeless elegance of the rest of his home, with rich, dark wood accents complementing intricately patterned wallpaper. The centerpiece, a grand four-poster king-size bed draped in deep burgundy velvet and brocade, adds lavishness to the space. Flanking the bed are antique oil lamps on matching bedside tables. An imposing mirrored armoire reflects the bed and the soft lighting, bathing the room in a gentle glow. The musical melody of “Her Joy Was Complete” by Sleeping at Last pipes through speakers in the ceiling. I didn’t see him turn any music on; it's strange.

He grasps my arm, pivots my body, and gazes down at me. Cupping the side of my face with his palm, he tilts his head toward me, brushing his lips across both sides of my mouth.

He murmurs, “Welcome home,” before crashing his lips onto mine demanding entrance, leaving me no time to ask him what he means.

My body roars to life, burning hotter than before. Everything around me fades away as I am consumed by his kiss. Our tongues caress each other with the intimacy of old lovers reunited after an eternity.

He grabs my ass, prompting me to jump up and wrap my legs around him. Carrying me toward his bed, he carefully lays us down without breaking our kiss. Positioning himself between my legs, he hooks his fingers through mine and brings them above my head as he deepens our kiss. Desire rushes through me, and I buck my hips into him, grinding his erection against me, feeling all my blood rushing to my core, eliciting a loud moan. He chuckles softly as he pulls his mouth from mine.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he murmurs, kissing along my jaw and down my neck.

He lets go of my hands to pull up the hem of my dress. The heat of his palms ignite my skin as he traces the outside of my thighs, moving upward until he's at my waist. Reaching around to my back, he pulls me up with him and finishes taking off my dress, dropping it on the floor somewhere. Then, he gently pushes me back onto the bed.

Lowering his head, he lightly circles my nipple with his tongue. I gasp, gripping his hair at the nape of his neck, forcing him closer as I arch my back, pushing my breasts into his face. Cupping them, he sucks one into his mouth while circling and pinching the other. I moan loudly and squirm under him.

His hand moves down to my apex, and his fingers slide beneath my thong. I whimper into his mouth as he returns his attention to my lips, his tongue delving deep in search of mine. He explores my pussy, his fingers rubbing my folds. I ride his hand, undulating my hips at every advance, his thumb flicking my clit in a mad rhythm matching with his three fingers sliding in and out of me, claiming me each time deeper and faster.

Moans escape my lips and soon ripples of pleasure wash over me, my muscles coiling, ready to spring. He breaks the kiss and returns to my breast sucking my nipple into his mouth hard and bites gently, just enough to make pain course through my body. I immediately fall over the edge, stars exploding in my vision, making me shake in his arms. Sweat-slicked and freshly fingered, I can barely breathe. I have never come so hard before from foreplay. My chest heaving, the room comes back to focus, and I hear “Fix You” by Cold Play in the background. Finding my words again, I manage to mumble, "Fuck, that was incredible."

He chuckles amused, his forehead resting against mine, he mummers, “I know, dragostea mea.”

The sensation that should have quenched my thirst for him only seemed to intensify it, as if flames were trailing along my skin. I begin to rock my hips against him, seeking the friction I crave. My hands move to his belt, fumbling to unbuckle it and pull down his zipper. I push his pants and underwear down simultaneously over his hips, using my feet to help slide them down to his ankles. He kicks out of them, and I grab the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head in my eagerness to feel the warm smoothness of his skin against mine.

I reach down and wrap my hand around his cock, the skin hot to the touch. I lick my lips, imagining what he will taste like. I clutch it tight, moving my hand up and down teasingly slow, reveling in the velvety skin, and length and thick girth. He’s enormous and I wonder if I can take him.

He flashes me a devilish grin, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. I will the thought away; there’s no way he could have read my mind. Having fun with this magnificent man is about enjoying it for one night.

He dips his head down, and I link my arms around his neck, pulling him to me. Our lips crash together in frenzy, our tongues dancing a primal tango. His hands move to my breasts, kneading them roughly, and I arch into him, surging my hips simultaneously.

Whispering against his lips, I beg, “Please, I need you inside of me.”

He smiles against my mouth and reaches down with one of his hands to line his cock with my opening.

“Tell me what you want, dragostea mea," his voice demanded.

“You, I want you!” my lower lip pouting from his teasing.

He curled his lips in a sultry smile and drove his dick into me. At every inch, I made myself a mental note to relax and enjoy. My walls clung to his cock, and when he finished entering me, I groaned. An ache stabbed at me. God, he’s so big. For a few seconds, we remained still, and my pussy produces more wetness from the anticipation of him moving inside me.

In a whispered moan, I tell him, as if he hasn't been told before, "You're big." The thought of him being with another after me shoots a quick stab of pain through my heart. Don't be ridiculous, I chide myself, internally shaking my head and refusing to think of him pleasuring any other woman.

"Dragostea mea, you're so fucking tight," he hisses out between clenched teeth. Then, he leans down and captures my lips in another deep, longing kiss. He nibbles my upper lip and lifts his hand to cup my breast. My body relaxes into him, and he begins to move inside me.

I wrap my legs around him tightly, pushing my heels into his backside, urging him deeper into me. I relish the sensation of being completely filled by him. His hips quicken their pace as his lips depart from mine. They trail along my jawline and down my neck.

Whispering in my ear, he says, "You feel like silk around my cock. So warm, so wet for me." His teeth graze against my pulse point, causing my heart to quicken as my body seems to move on its own, matching his thrusts.

Sweat glistens on my skin as I pant, feeling my muscles tighten. Sensing the climb to the precipice, I tilt my neck to the side, granting him easier access for his kisses, licks, and nips along my neck. A scorching sensation overtakes me, and I fall over the edge. My eyes tightly closed, I see a heavenly vision of stars and scream out, “Logan!” as I come apart in his arms.

He slows down his thrusts, allowing me to catch my breath. He kisses my forehead, each eye, each cheek, my nose, and my chin before reaching the corners of my mouth. His tongue flicks out, I part my lips and our mouths fuse together. I love the way he kisses me; it's reverent, as if he is worshiping my mouth before defiling it.

“You’re so beautiful when you come in my arms. I have never seen anything like it,” he murmurs against my lips. I smile demurely, my skin blushing from his compliment. No one has ever touched me the way he does or has said the things he has.

He lifts my leg, stretching it so my ankle rests on his shoulder and he drives deeper, finding my g-spot. He quickens his pace, throwing his head back in ecstasy, enjoying the feel of me clenching around his cock. He groans loudly and brings his head down, pushing his face into the crook of my neck. I push up using my other leg to meet his thrusts, and I let out a gravely, primal raw moan as he drives into me, my heart about to burst from beating so fast.

“Oh God, Logan!” I yell as my body starts to coil once again, climbing the mountain to the ledge. “I know, dragostea mea,” his voice gruff, haunted, and erotic. “I’m feeling it too… I love being inside you.”

He nibbles on the side of my neck, his teeth feeling sharper as they graze over my skin. I slip my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer as I turn my face to give him better access. I love the way he licks and nips at my flesh; my body feels like it's going to combust. He plunges and rotates his hips, as I feel a sharp pain in my neck before being overtaken by euphoria.

My body convulses around his cock, my pussy contracting as every nerve vibrates through me. Shimmering colors cover my sight, a fog on the outskirts of my vision slowly moving in. My panting becomes slower and shallower as my heart slows down. I close my eyes and drift into sleep.