Leah stares at herself in the mirror.
She’s wearing a little black dress, black kitten heels, her mother’s pearls and red lipstick.
It’s the perfect cocktail party outfit, and a classic choice for later…after the party…
For the moment of truth with Rem.
He’ll either be at Spill, or he won’t.
She walks down into the sea of guests swarming her parents’ house.
She finds her father quickly.
Her father looks up from where he is chatting with a client.
Dad
Hi, darling. Leah, this is Josh Chambers, a client of mine. Josh, this is my daughter.
Josh
It’s very nice to meet you, Leah.
She shakes his manicured hand and is unmoved by his handsome face.
Her father watches the exchange and sighs.
Dad
Your mother is probably in the kitchen.
Dad
She said something about getting more hors d’oeuvres.
Leah
I’ll find you later.
She slips away, winding her way toward the kitchen, stopping only to grab a glass of wine.
As she takes a sip, she hears a rich velvety voice behind her, and it’s impossible…
But it is. She’d know that voice anywhere.
She turns slowly, as if time is standing still, and sees Rem standing next to her father.
He looks up and his eyes meet hers, and his light up.
Leah’s heart drops and she does the only thing she can think of.
Through the people, out onto the veranda.
When she reaches the pool-house, there is a hand on her elbow.
She has to turn, and when she does…
She faces Rem. She gulps.
Rem
Leah — why are you here?
Leah
This is my parents’ house.
Rem
I’m your father’s financial advisor.
They stare at each other in shock.
As the feeling fades, Leah’s apprehension grows.
Without thinking, she fingers her scar.
He tips her chin up with one finger, gently forcing her to look at him.
Rem
You’re beautiful, Leah.
Leah
I’ve had it since I was twelve. My dad and I were in a car-jacking.
Leah
The guy threw me out of the car, and my face got smashed into the curb.
Leah
A broken beer bottle…cushioned my fall.
Rem runs his thumb over it, and Leah flinches.
Rem
Your scar makes you who you are, Leah.
Rem
And I think everything about you is beautiful.
Rem
Besides, I have a scar too. Remember?
In the moonlight, he turns and lifts his suit coat.
Pulling his shirt from his belt, he exposes his back—
And it’s riddled with jagged angry scars.
Leah
That doesn’t matter. You’re perfect.
Rem
It’s possible for ME to be perfect with a scar, but not for you?
Rem
That seems a little unfair.
Rem gazes at her pointedly.
Rem
I think you’re perfect, too.
Rem
Why didn’t you answer my texts today?
Leah
I left my phone off. I figured you were going to cancel tonight.
Leah
And I…I couldn’t handle the rejection.
Leah stares at him with wide, honest eyes.
Rem
I’m not going to reject you, Leah.
Leah
What are the chances…that we’d meet here?
Leah
I mean, what a weird coincidence.
Rem
I don’t believe in coincidences.
Rem
Leah, I think that this was fate.
He reaches for her, and pulls her close.
Their chemistry is palpable, and her fingers splay across his chest.
She breathes in, and then out…
And then he dips his head to kiss her beneath the stars.
When they finally pull away, Leah is breathless. Rem whispers in her ear.
Leah’s heart pounds, and all she can do is whisper.
Rem
I’m honored to be your first, Leah.
Rem
And now, more than ever…
Rem
I want to be your last, too.
Her heart pounds and they kiss again.
Leah nods and they sneak away, avoiding Leah’s parents.
Within minutes, they are in his Porsche, driving away.
Rem keeps his hand on Leah’s knee while he drives,
And the heat of it ignites a fire in her belly.
Rem
I’d love to take you to mine.
Leah
And I’d love to see it.
He drives to his home, a beautiful sprawling property,
And leads her by the hand into his masculine bedroom.
The blues and grays of his décor swirl together as he kisses her.
His tongue is hot and needy, his mouth crushing hers, passionate, yet still gentle.
His hands are everywhere, and she tilts her hips to meet his.
He plays her body like an instrument, making it sing and soar…
And just when she’s on the precipice, he whispers.
Rem slides into her, and he fills her up — her heart, her being, her soul.
Emotions flood her as they rock together.
When she orgasms, she cries.
Remington instantly pauses and wipes the tears from her cheek.
He cradles her in his strong arms, and she rests her face against his chest.
Rem
You were made for me, Leah.
He kisses her tears away.
The stars out the window fade—
Because the only thing that exists is the two of them, folded together in the night.
