Watching my mom get married was not one of the things on my bucket list for the year.
In fact, there was a pang of jealousy as I watched her excitedly announce to me and my siblings that she was getting married to her new catch - an older wealthy man.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes as she talked about him like he was the moon and stars.
"Kiara why aren't you saying anything?" She asked me after I had been quiet for so long.
I shrugged. "I don't have anything to say mom."
"You should be happy for me!"
"Yay." I faked the enthusiasm.
Her eyes drooped in what seemed like sadness. It was most likely fake like everything else she did these days. She strategically went to these high society parties where she could catch a wealthy man who would alleviate all our problems. She faked her laughter when she talked to her big fish boyfriend. She faked smiles at these parties all because she wanted to belong.
I did not want to be part of anything like that.
"I'm happy for you mom." I said with a forced smile and jogged up the stairs to my room.
"Kiki!" I heard her call after me but I was long gone, shutting the door behind me.
I stayed there and contemplated calling my dad. I had no idea if he was back in LA. He traveled a lot for work. And ever since the divorce, we barely got to hang out.
I missed when our family felt whole and complete. Now we were all just leading different lives and my mom was about to complicate things further.
"I need a drink." I muttered as I got out of bed.
There was a bar not too far away from here and this looked like the perfect time to get myself a beer or maybe something stronger to unwind.
I texted my best friend, April and she said she was down for a night out. It was the weekend after all so I dressed up in a risqué nice little dress, brushed my curls out and applied minimal makeup.
I stepped out of my room and when I got downstairs, I saw that my mom wasn't there anymore. She had most likely gone back to her rich boyfriend - now fiancée's place.
I scoffed in irritation.
"Where are you going?" My sister asked me as I headed towards the door.
"Out. You wanna come?"
She shook her head. "I'll pass. I have studying to do."
"Right. I totally forgot you're still in college." I said with a cheeky grin.
"Haha, very funny." She rolled her eyes.
"Not my fault I just graduated." I shrugged, picking up my keys. "Lena, where's Josh?
I asked her about my older brother.
"He's gone back to his apartment."
This was our new normal. Everyone went on with their lives and did whatever they wanted. Our family home which used to be a cocoon of love and warmth didn't feel like it anymore.
It was heartbreaking.
"Okay. See you later then." I said, cutting through my sad thoughts.
I got into my car and drove to the bar. April said she was going to be there in ten minutes. From the looks of things, she was most likely already waiting for me. I was wrong.
She cancelled on me at the last minute because her boyfriend showed up at her place unannounced. Just great.
Now I had to be in a bar full of strangers all by myself. I didn't mind on a normal day but this was one of those days that I needed her to cheer me up and she bailed on me.
I looked around the bar as I sipped on my cocktail. Everyone seemed chill and minding their own business but then all of a sudden my gaze met the ones of a devilishly handsome stranger.
He looked too good to be real.
I tore my gaze away as heat crept up my cheeks.
But when I looked again, I saw that he was walking towards me.
What do I do? What do I do?
I panicked in my thoughts.
He reached where I was seated before I could even make a run for it.
"You look like you're either about to cry or start a fight," he said, sliding into the seat beside me.
His voice was deep , smooth, slightly husky - the kind of voice that could turn a casual question into an act of seduction.
"Depends. Are you buying me a drink or giving me a reason to throw one?" I responded calmly even when my insides were churning with ravenous desire.
He chuckled slightly. "Rough day?"
"You can say that." I shrugged slightly.
My eyes skimmed over his features now that he was closer to me.
He was the kind of man people noticed without trying. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a body that looked like it had been carved into strength rather than sculpted in a gym. His hair was dark and a little too perfect in its mess, like he'd run a hand through it on purpose. He had a strong jaw shadowed with a stubble gave him an edge. But it was his eyes that pinned me in place. They were cool and sharp, the sort of eyes that didn't just look at you but through you, peeling back your thoughts with a single glance.
This man was gorgeous in a way I couldn't comprehend. I shook off the thoughts. I was getting too carried away by the sight of a stranger who probably just needed a girl for the night. Not that I had a problem with it anyway.
"Wanna get out of here?" I asked, tilting my head towards the door.
His eyes lit up in amusement.
"Very direct. I like women like you." He smirked.
"Of course you would." I grinned.
He paid for my drink and led me to his car.
We got in and before I could breathe a word, his lips claimed mine in a dangerous searing kiss.
I had never felt anything like this and I wondered if he felt it too. Maybe I was just in my feelings.
"I came with my car." I breathed out when we pulled apart.
"I'll have my driver bring it." He panted, trying to kiss me again.
I shook my head and pulled back. This was too intense.
I had a feeling if I followed him and let him fuck me, I would never forget it. The kiss had given it away.
And the last thing I wanted was having my brain chemistry altered by a total stranger.
So I shook my head and stepped down from his car. He respected my wishes and said good night as I walked back to my car and drove home.
Phew, that was close.