One Night Forever (Vacation Getaway)

1. Arabella

CHAPTER 1

Arabella

" I can'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 working there. 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 giving me 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."

I smile, clinking my glass against his. "To new beginnings," I echo, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid. It's crisp and refreshing, dancing on my tongue.

"So, Arabella," Tanner says, leaning in close so I can hear him over the music. "What brings you out tonight? Celebrating something?"

I hesitate for a moment, unsure how much to reveal to this handsome stranger. "Sort of," I finally admit. "I'm starting a new job on Monday. My friends wanted to give me a proper send-off."

His eyebrows raise, a look of intrigue crossing his face. "A new job? That's exciting."

"It is, what about you, Tanner, what brings you here tonight?”

Tanner's eyes twinkle mischievously as he leans in closer. "Would you believe me if I said I came here hoping to meet a beautiful woman?"

I can't help but laugh, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Smooth talker, aren't you?"

He grins, not denying it. "Only when the situation calls for it.”

My heart races. God, he truly is a smooth talker, but I like it. He’s gorgeous, in his early forties, I’d say, and he dresses impeccably. The smile he gives me is sexy as hell and makes me weak at the knees. We sit at the bar, his body pressed close to mine as we talk about everything and nothing. It’s fun and I really do like him.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” he says thickly. “Want to come back to mine?”

My breath hitches. Do I? Hell, bloody yes. “That would be great,” I whisper. My eyes locked on his. Tanner's smile widens, his eyes darkening with desire. He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers as he leads me towards the exit. I catch a glimpse of Juni and Cherry, both giving me thumbs up and exaggerated winks. I shake my head, laughing silently at their antics.

The cool night air hits us as we step outside, a welcome relief from the stuffy club. Tanner hails a cab, and as we slide into the backseat, he gives the driver his address. The ride is quiet, filled with anticipation and stolen glances. His hand rests on my thigh, his thumb tracing small circles that send shivers through my body.

As we arrive at Tanner's place, my heart is racing with excitement and nervous energy. He leads me into a sleek, modern apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The view is breathtaking, but not nearly as captivating as the man standing before me.

Tanner turns to face me, his eyes dark with desire. "Can I get you anything? Another drink perhaps?"

I shake my head, stepping closer to him. "I think I've had enough to drink tonight. What I really want is you."

A slow smile spreads across his face as he closes the distance between us. His hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing softly against my skin. "I was hoping you'd say that," he murmurs before his lips capture mine in a searing kiss.

The kiss is everything I'd imagined and more. His lips are soft yet demanding, and I melt into his embrace. My heart races as his muscular arms encircle me, pulling me closer. The scent of his cologne - woodsy and masculine - fills my senses. I run my fingers through his thick hair as our kiss deepens, growing more passionate by the second.

A small moan escapes my throat, and I feel him smile against my lips. He pulls back slightly, his piercing blue eyes gazing into mine with an intensity that makes me weak in the knees.

"I've been waiting all night to do that," he murmurs, his voice husky.

"Me too," I whisper back, my cheeks flushed.

He traces my jawline with his thumb, sending shivers down my spine. His lips slam hard against mine, and I can’t help but push my body against his, my hands sliding down his chest to his shirt buttons. God, I want him.

Tanner's hands roam my body, setting my skin on fire with every touch. He breaks our kiss, trailing his lips along my neck as I fumble with the buttons of his shirt. My breath comes in short gasps as he finds a sensitive spot just below my ear.

"Bedroom?" he murmurs against my skin.

I can only nod, not trusting my voice. He scoops me up in his arms, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me down the hallway. We tumble onto his bed in a tangle of limbs and half-removed clothing.

Tanner hovers over me, his eyes dark with desire. "You're so beautiful," he says, his voice thick with emotion.

I pull him down for another kiss, pouring all my wants and needs into it. He pulls back, grinning at me as I lie breathless beneath him. Tanner's touch is electric as he trails his fingers along my body. I arch into him, craving more, needing more, wanting him to fuck me.

He takes his time, worshipping my body with his lips and hands until I'm trembling with anticipation. I’ve never had a man take the time to get me revved up before. Tanner knows what the hell he’s doing, that’s for sure.

“Are you sure about this, Bella?” he rasps, his cock thick and full as he positions himself at my entrance. I love that he calls me Bella, especially with that raspy, thick tone of his.

I hook my leg around the back of his and pull him closer to me. “I want you,” I breathe.

With a low groan, Tanner slowly pushes inside me. I gasp at the delicious stretch, my fingers digging into his shoulders as he fills me completely. He stills for a moment, allowing me to adjust to his size.

"You feel incredible," he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

I roll my hips experimentally, drawing a sharp intake of breath from him. "So do you," I whisper back.

Tanner begins to move, setting a slow, sensual rhythm that has me seeing stars. I match his movements, meeting him thrust for thrust as the pleasure builds. His lips find mine again in a passionate kiss that steals my breath away.

I lose myself in the sensations - the slide of skin on skin, the taste of his lips, the intoxicating scent of our mingled desire.

Tanner's hands seem to be everywhere at once, caressing and teasing as he drives me wild with pleasure. I moan his name as he hits a particularly sensitive spot, my nails raking down his back.

"God, Bella," he groans, his pace quickening. "You're amazing."

I can feel myself getting close, a familiar tension building low in my belly. Tanner seems to sense it too, his thrusts becoming more urgent. He slips a hand between us, his fingers finding my clit with unerring accuracy.

"Let go for me, beautiful," he urges, his voice strained. "I want to feel you come undone."

His words and touch send me over the edge. I cry out as waves of ecstasy wash over me, my body clenching around him. Tanner follows soon after, burying his face in my neck as he finds his release with a muffled groan. We cling to each other as the aftershocks ripple through us, our hearts racing in tandem.

Tanner rolls to the side, pulling me with him so I'm draped across his chest. He brushes a few strands of hair from my face, his touch impossibly tender. "That was..."

"Incredible," I finish for him, smiling up at him.

He chuckles, the sound reverberating through his chest. "I was going to say 'mind-blowing,' but 'incredible' works too."

I trace lazy patterns on his skin, feeling more content than I have in years. "I've never experienced anything like that before," I admit softly.

Tanner's arm tightens around me. "Neither have I," he says, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

My eyes drift closed as I listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

I must have dozed off because when I opened my eyes again, the room is bathed in soft moonlight. Tanner is still holding me, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my back. I tilt my head up to look at him, finding his eyes already on me.

"Hey there, sleepyhead," he murmurs, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"How long was I out?" I ask, my voice husky with sleep.

"Not long. Maybe an hour." He brushes a kiss against my forehead. "You looked so peaceful; I didn't want to wake you."

I stretch languidly, reveling in the delicious soreness in my muscles. "Mmm, I haven't slept that well in ages."

Tanner's hand slides down my side, coming to rest on my hip. "Glad I could help," he says with a grin. “You can spend the night if you want.”

My heart races, as I tense in his arms. No, I don’t do that. I’ve never done that. Even with boyfriends, I don’t do that. “I should get going,” I whisper.

Tanner's smile falters slightly, but he nods in understanding. "Of course, whatever you're comfortable with."

I sit up slowly, suddenly feeling exposed. Tanner reaches over to the nightstand and hands me my dress. "Thanks," I murmur, slipping it on.

I slip on my shoes and order a taxi. I can feel Tanner's eyes on me. When I turn back to him, he's propped up on one elbow, his expression unreadable.

"Bella," he says softly. “Thank you for a great night.”

My eyes sting and my nostrils flare as the sting of his rejection hits me. What do I expect? The man asked me to spend the night, and I said no.

“It was—” I pause, trying to find the right words. “The best, something I’ll never forget. Thank you, Tanner. I hope you find happiness,” I whisper as I exit his bedroom.

I manage to make it into the backseat of the taxi before the tears start to fall. God, what the hell is wrong with me? I’ve had the best night of my life and I’m crying?

At least it was just one night. Right?