Chapter 1 Hannah I squeered myself into my bestie Emma Taylor's borrowed dress , silently cursing her fashion choices while struggling with the thin straps . The mirror reflected a stranger who seemed to have far more confidence than I did . " Stop fidgeting ! You look hot , " Emma declared , applying another coat of mascara to her already perfect lashes . Tlook like I'm auditioning for a reality dating show , " I muttered , tugging at the plunging neckline that seemed determined to showcase assets i preferred keeping private . " This dress has more slits than actual fabric . " Emma rolled her eyes . " That's the point , Han . You've been buried in textbooks for months . One night of looking smoking hot won't kill you My bank account balance flashed in my mind , a pitiful double - digit number that had been haunting me all week . I shouldn't be out tonight at all , but Sofia's birthday celebration wasn't something I could miss . My best friends were the only luxury I could afford these days . " Is Michael coming tonight ? " I asked , trying to sound casual while adjusting the dress for the twentieth time . Emma's reflection smirked at me . " Said he was busy with some work . Why ? Planning to show off your new look ? " " No ! Just asking . " I felt my cheeks warm . " And this isn't my look . This is your dress that I'm borrowing against my better judgment . " " You'll thank me later ," Emma winked , tossing me her lipstick . " Now finish up . The Uber's three minutes away . " I applied it with shaky hands . The deep red shade seemed to complete my transformation from an overworked grad student to … whatever this was . " Three minutes ? I need at least ten to mentally prepare for walking in public like this . " I checked my reflection one last time . The dress hugged every curve like it was getting paid to do so . Emma grabbed her purse . " You look amazing , Stop overthinking ." The Uber ride was mercifully short . Sofla had chosen The Velvet Room , an upscale pub that made my bank account wince just looking at its fancy exterior . Exposed brick walls , Edison bulbs , and bartenders who probably had more formal education than I did . " Hannah ! " Sofia squealed when we walked in , rushing over in a blur of sequins and perfume . " You made it ! And wow , look at you ! " I accepted her enthusiastic hug . " Happy birthday ! Sorry , I'm so late . Wardrobe … complications . " " Worth it , " she whispered with a wink before pulling Emma into th the hug . " Come on , we've got a table in the back . Drinks are flowing ! " We weaved through the crowded pub to find Valentina , Nora , Thomas , and Andrew already settled at a large booth . The table was littered with colorful cocktails and small plates of overpriced appetizers . " Hannah Mitchell , is that you , or did Emma finally create her clone army ? " Thomas raised his glass as I approached . I slid into the booth , grateful to be sitting down . " Very funny . I lost a bet . " " You did not ! " Emma protested , settling beside me . " You agreed willingly . " " Under duress ," I clarified , reaching for Sofia's untouched water . " Happy birthday , by the way . " Sofia beamed . " Thanks ! And don't worry about drinks tonight . My parents sent me birthday money , so it's all on me . " I could have kissed her . " You're an angel . Andrew pushed a menu toward me . " They have these ridiculous cocktails with smoke and fire . I ordered something called " The Existential Crisis , and it came with a tiny paper boat floating on top I eyed the menu , raising an eyebrow at the pretentious cocktail names . " An Existential Crisis seems appropriate for my current life situation ." " It's actually pretty good , " Andrew insisted . " The tiny paper boat represents your hopes and dreams slowly sinking into alcohol , " 1/3 Chapter 1 " Poetic , " I snorted . " What happens if I drink it too fast ? Does that mean I've drowned my ambitions ? " The table erupted in laughter . Sofia was glowing with birthday happiness , and the warm lighting of The Velvet Room cast everyone in a flattering glow . Even me , I supposed , judging by the second glances I kept catching . " To Sofia ! " Thomas raised his glass . " May this year bring you everything you deserve , which is only the best because you're amazing . " We clinked glasses , and I took a sip of water , waiting for the server to return so i could order something with actual alcohol . My eyes wandered around the crowded pub , taking in the mix of professionals unwinding after work and the younger crowd dressed to impress . That's when I noticed him . He sat at a corner table with three other men in expensive suits , but unlike them , he wasn't engaged in conversation . His attention was fixed directly on me . Dark hair swept back from a face that belonged on a Renaissance painting all sharp angles and perfect symmetry . His suit looked custom - made , hugging broad shoulders that tapered to a trim waist . I quickly looked away , heat rising to my cheeks . When I dared another glance , he was still watching , one corner of his mouth lifted in what might have been amusement . " Earth to Hannah , Walentina waved her hand in front of my face . " You ordering or what ? " I blinked , realizing the server was standing beside our table , pen poised . " Oh ! Sorry . T'I have … " I scanned the menu quickly . " The Midnight Confession , please . " " Doh , spicy choice , " Nora teased . " Planning on confessing something tonight ? " " Just my undying love for whoever invented pizza , " 1 quipped , trying not to look back at the mysterious man . My drink arrived - a dark concoction with a rim of something that sparkled under the lights . Sofia insisted on taking group photos , which involved much shuffling and posing before we settled back into conversation . " Did I tell you guys about the professor who came to class with his shirt inside out last week ? Thomas launched into a story about academic mishaps . Our table erupted in laughter . I sipped my drink , the sweet - spicy mix warming my throat . The sparkly rim left a trace of shimmer on my lips . " You know what we need ? " Sofia announced , standing up suddenly . " Dancing ! " My stomach dropped . " Oh ho , I don't- " Yes !" Emma clapped her hands . " The Di's actually playing something decent for once . " I shook my head . " Lreally can't dance in this dress . One wrong move , and I'll cause a scene . " Emma rolled her eyes . " Forget about the dress ! You're sexy and hot today , and it's criminal to waste it sitting in a booth . " " That's right , " Sofia nodded , already swaying to the beat , " Birthday girl commands it . " " I can't argue with the birthday girl , " I conceded but made no move to stand . Andrew slid out of the booth . " Come on , Hannah . Even I'm dancing , and I have the coordination of a newborn giraffe . " " Fine , " I sighed , " but I need to finish my drink first . For courage " Two minutes , " Emma pointed at me . ' Then we're coming back to drag you . " I watched my friends migrate to the dance floor near the DJ booth . Sofia immediately took center stage , her sequins catching the light as she moved . Emma and Valentina flanked her , while Thomas and Andrew attempted what I could only describe as enthusiastic flailing . I took another sip of my drink and glanced around the bar . The mysterious man was gone from his table . Disappointment flickered through me , which was ridiculous . What had I expected ? That he'd come over and Introduce himself ?