Club Prive Read online

  The waiter arrived and we both ordered a salad. Gavin also suggested a bottle of Chardonnay to go with our meals.

  When I started to protest, he said, “Listen, I originate from Sweden, and in many places in Europe it’s normal to have a glass of wine with lunch. Besides, we can’t make a real toast with ice tea.”

  Truth was, I could use a glass to loosen my nerves a bit, and I knew the lawyers at the firm often had a glass of wine with their business lunches. And this could be considered a business lunch, after all. “Sure, why not? Let’s do it.”

  Minutes later, we were toasting to casual encounters.

  “So, did you grow up in Sweden then?” I asked.

  “Not really. I was born there. My mom is Swedish, and I actually lived there for a few years as a baby. My dad was working for the US embassy in Stockholm. That’s where they met and fell in love. A couple of years after I was born we moved here to New York.”

  We continued our casual talk, swapping stories of our very different childhoods, but staying away from anything too personal or anything about our first meeting. The place was busy for lunch, but finally the food arrived, bringing a pause to our conversation. As I was picking at my chicken salad, I studied his set face. His teeth were even and white, but something about them suggested they were all natural. He had a ruggedness and vital power around him that titillated me as his gaze traveled over my face and searched my eyes.

  “Thank you so much for joining me for lunch,” he said as he poured more wine into our glasses. “I was hoping to get a chance to see you again.”

  I extended my hand to stop him from filling my glass to the brim. “Gavin, I’m really enjoying this, but I have to get back to work soon. You still haven’t told me how you ended up at my job today.” It was time to get to the things I really wanted to know.

  “Trust me, I’m not stalking you, but I did go through a couple of hoops to make sure I would get a chance to meet you again.” He was wearing that cocky smile of his again.

  “Oh really?” I said, raising my eyebrows. “How did you find out where I work?”

  His grin widened. “That’s kind of what I do for a living. Part of my job is gathering information about people.”

  “So you’re some sort of a detective?” I asked curiously. He certainly didn’t look like the typical detective, but since I had never actually met a real-life detective before, maybe this was what they looked like. I could see the amusement in his eyes.

  “Not exactly,” he chuckled, the sound going straight through me. “I’m more of a consultant, I would say. My clients hire me to attend to their needs. Making sure they get what they desire without drawing attention to themselves. That requires gathering information of various sorts.”

  “I see.” I nodded, not much wiser on the exact nature of his profession. “So tell me, what sort of information did you gather to find out where I work?”

  “It wasn’t that difficult, actually. I felt bad about leaving without saying goodbye, so I went back to Huggins Bar and Grill, but by the time I returned, you and your friends were already gone. Luckily the waiter remembered you all. In fact, he said he had dated one of your friends briefly and that you all worked for a divorce lawyer. Since my friend, Howard Weiss, is going through a divorce I called him up and suggested that he made an appointment with your boss. He owed me a favor, so I collected.”

  “Wow, everybody owes you favors, it seems.” I cracked a smile. “So you’re the reason Mimi might represent the biggest client of her life?”

  “I guess you could say that,” Gavin replied. “Howard seemed quite impressed, by the way. I think he might like your boss.”

  “That would be great for Mimi, but I still don’t understand why you went through all that trouble just to ask me out for lunch. Is getting dates really that difficult for you?” I teased.

  “You’re funny,” he chuckled. “Truth is, you intrigued me last time, and I wanted to find out more about you. See if you really are different from the typical New York single girl.”

  “Then tell me, what’s your verdict?” I asked. My heart was pounding and I was torn over whether or not I wanted to hear his answer. “Am I still intriguing to you?”

  “Absolutely,” he said without hesitation. “Very intriguing.” He gently took hold of my hand across the table, and his touch made the heat rise to my cheeks as my pulse pounded. “In fact, I would be honored if you would go out with me for dinner tonight. There are still so many things about you I’m dying to know.”

  It killed me that I had to say this. “Gavin, I’m flattered, and as much as I really want to get to know you better as well, I…I can’t. Between my job and my studies, I just don’t have time to date right now.” I could sense his disappointment as he settled back in his seat, withdrawing his hand. The animation briefly left his face. “I’m really sorry,” I continued. And, boy, was I. He didn’t look like he’d just be a good roll in the hay. He looked like the kind of guy who could make me see stars and fireworks, and all those other clichés that meant amazing sex.

  His brows drew together in an agonized expression, but then he offered me a smile. “Let me at least take you to lunch again another day. You gotta eat, right?”

  That smile of his was so irresistible. “Maybe next week,” I said reluctantly. I knew it wasn’t a good idea, but how could I say no to that smile?

  “How about Monday?” he suggested. “I have a meeting just down the street from you and can pick you up about the same time as today.”

  I nodded as I rose to my feet. “Okay, but promise me to lay off the stalking now.”

  He chuckled. “You have my word, Carrie.”

  To my relief, he kept our conversation casual as we walked back to the office. I’d been worried that things would be awkward after I’d turned him down for a date, but he seemed to take it in stride. He wanted to know what my favorite parts of New York were. Did I like museums? Art galleries? He seemed disappointed when I said I never had the time to really go.

  Before I knew it, we were back and it was time for me to head upstairs. We stood in front of the doors for a moment, a tension growing between us in the silence. I wasn’t sure how we were supposed to end this. Did we shake hands? Hug? Just say our good-byes?

  Finally, I had to do something or I’d be late. “Thanks for lunch,” I said.

  “You’re very welcome.” His voice was soft.

  “And I guess I’ll see you again on Monday.”

  He nodded.

  Before he could say anything else, I turned around and briskly walked inside. To my dismay, none of the elevators were ready. I pushed the button and tapped my foot as I waited. I didn’t want to wait because waiting meant I had time to think. And thinking meant that I’d start wondering how the good-bye would’ve gone if I’d accepted his date. Would he have kissed my cheek? Pressed his hands over mine in one of those gentlemanly gestures that never really existed outside of movies?

  Why had I said no? I was ahead on my paper, and I needed to eat, as he had pointed out. What would the harm be in going to dinner with him? What was the worst that could happen? I’d have a horrible time and realize that it had been a bad idea? Or maybe it’d be worse if I had a good time and realized that I wanted something more? Would that really be so horrible?

  “Screw it,” I muttered. I hurried back towards the street. As I stepped outside, I looked both ways, searching the crowd for him, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  I pulled my phone out of my purse to call him, but remembered I’d given his number to Leslie. I pondered if I should ask her to give it back, but knew I would never hear the end of it if I tried.

  I put my phone away and headed back inside. I would wait and see if he was interested enough to keep pursuing me. Let him work for it.

  Chapter 3

  “Hey, something about you looks different. Did you get laid?” Krissy was studying my face over her bowl of cereal for nearly a full minute before coming up with her question. It was Saturda
y morning and for once she was up early enough for us to have breakfast together. She was still in her pajamas—cute boy shorts and a camisole—and her hair was pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, but she was still gorgeous.

  “What?” I was understandably startled by her question. “You’re funny. How would I have gotten laid? It’s been over a year since my last date. I’m lucky to make a date with myself.”

  “Wow, it’s been that long? We need to get you laid, girl. We’re going out tonight, no matter what you say. I won’t take no for an answer.” Krissy dropped her spoon with a serious expression on her face.

  I sighed. “Wish I could go out. A fun night in town. I feel like I’ve been working and studying nonstop the last few months.”

  “That’s probably because you have been working and studying nonstop the last six months or more,” Krissy said. “It’s not healthy, you know. A girl needs a break once in a while.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know.” I glanced down at myself and frowned. “Do I really look different?”

  Krissy scanned me up and down, her eyes narrow as she focused. “I don’t know…something’s different about you. You look skinnier. Did you lose weight?”

  “I guess I have lost a couple of pounds. I haven’t had much appetite lately.”

  “Be careful. Don’t lose too much weight. I mean, you look great now, but I don’t want you to become one of those anorexic women who break like a matchstick in the wind.” Her words were vaguely teasing, but I could hear the undercurrent of genuine worry.

  “Don’t worry. That will never happen.” I smiled. “So where are you going tonight?”

  “Only the most exclusive event of the year.” Krissy squealed with excitement, her somber mood forgotten. “You absolutely must go with me, Carrie, no excuses.”

  I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, but it had been a long time since I’d had an actual night out. Could it really hurt to have a little bit of fun? Getting Gavin’s number had reminded me that I still could make a connection with a guy. And maybe a “connection” was what I needed to clear my head for the insane amount of work I had to do. I was definitely feeling like I was on the edge of burning out.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll go out,” I agreed with a heavy sigh, as if it was the hardest thing I could do. No need to let Krissy know just how much I needed this. Any hint and she’d start pestering me to join her every weekend, and that would definitely not work.

  “No, we’re not just going out,” Krissy corrected dramatically. “We are going to the opening of one of the hottest clubs in the city. Everyone is talking about it, and everyone is going to be there!”

  I rolled my eyes at the intensity of her words. “I get it.” I loved her like a sister, but she could be such a drama queen sometimes. “Now, if I’m going to party with you tonight, I have to finish some work first.”

  Krissy rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. That was good. I really did have an essay to write, and if I procrastinated, I’d never be able to enjoy myself at all that evening.

  After having spent most of the morning and afternoon sweating over my assignment, I was relieved when I heard Krissy call out from the other side of my door.

  “You better get ready soon. We’re leaving in an hour.”

  I realized I had no idea what to wear. Sorting through my closet didn’t help. My work clothes had pretty much overtaken anything that might have been even the slightest bit dressy. Had it really been that long since I’d gone anywhere but to the office and work-related events?

  I picked out a short black skirt, and paired it with a simple white blouse. It wasn’t anything special, but at least I didn’t look like a complete bore. When I walked out of my room, Krissy was waiting to greet me. She was dressed in a green ribbon. At least that was what it looked like. The material wound over the most intimate areas of Krissy’s body, leaving little to the imagination, and its rich color stood out boldly against her tanned skin.

  “Wow,” I said, raising my eyebrows. That was new.

  “Ugh,” Krissy replied as she looked over the outfit that I had chosen. “Did you think we were going to the library?” she asked and canted her head to the side curiously.

  “No,” I snapped. “Just because I’m not wearing something that looks like it was used to tie the box the dress came in—”

  “Look, Carrie, this is an opening of a new club. I was invited by one of the investors. You can’t just walk in there looking like this. Someone might think you’re one of the bartenders!” She paused, then added, “Or, honestly, someone’s chaperone, because I think even the bartenders would be dressed hotter than that.”

  I frowned as her gaze raked critically over my clothes. I would be the first to admit that it wasn’t the nicest outfit I’d ever worn. I guess I’d gotten out of the habit of picking out hot styles, and into the habit of spotting the best sales on professional suits.

  “Is it that bad?” I asked. Had my fashion sense really taken that much of a dive? I’d never been quite as on top of things as Krissy, I admitted, but I had the feeling this was beyond that.

  “Oh no, not really,” Krissy said in a kind tone. “It’s much, much worse.” She shook her head, a giggle escaping as she grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me into her room, toward her closet.

  “Oh Krissy, I don’t know—” I started to say when she pulled out a tiny dark blue dress. It had thin straps over the shoulders, a V-neck and a form-fitting style that led down into a very short hemline. It looked more like a shirt than a dress.

  “Put it on,” Krissy demanded. “Or I’m going find some ribbon for you, too.”

  “Do you think it will fit?” I frowned. I was fairly slender, but the dress looked so very tiny. How’m I supposed to wear this thing, I thought as I took it from her.

  “The tighter the better,” Krissy smirked. “Now hurry up or we’re going to be late.”

  I groaned, but carried the dress to my room to change. If I had to do some sort of embarrassing wiggles to get into it, I didn’t want an audience. It was a wise decision. It was so tight that the only way I was going to get out of this again was to have it cut or peeled from my body. I even had to break out my only thong to prevent a panty line. The dress was short too. It almost didn’t cover the tops of my thigh-highs, and I had a feeling I was going to spend most of the night making sure I didn’t flash my underwear at people. I twisted my haphazard curls up behind my head and applied my usual minimal amount of makeup. After a moment’s hesitation, I added some eyeliner to make my eyes seem larger, and a hint of mascara. When I stepped hesitantly out Krissy greeted me with applause.

  “Gorgeous!” she declared, and then gave a mock frown. “Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. With you looking like that, who’s going to be looking at me?”

  I grinned and gave her a hug, moving gingerly so that the dress didn’t unexpectedly rip. I hoped it was more durable than it looked. “Let’s get going because I have to get up earl—”

  “No!” Krissy interrupted firmly. “Tonight you’re all mine. We’re going to the hottest new club in town so don’t even think about calling it an early night.” She looked at me with her sternest expression.

  “Okay, okay. I won’t. I promise. Tonight I’m all yours.” I couldn’t help but laugh as we almost stumbled down the stairs in our high heels. Yeah, a girls’ night out with the objective of meeting cute guys was sounding better and better.

  Chapter 4

  By the time we reached the club, I couldn’t wait to just have some fun with no work, no studying, no pressure or expectations. Just drinking and dancing, maybe some flirting. That was probably why, when we walked towards the front of Club Privé, I was disappointed to see the line was huge. A good two to three hundred people were standing along the sidewalk, all dressed at least as flashy as Krissy was, and all looking eagerly towards the doors. None of them seemed even remotely close to leaving, though I judged it would be hours before those at the back of the line got anywhere near the front.

>   “Krissy, come on, let’s just go somewhere else,” I said. “Standing in line half the night isn’t exactly my idea of a great night out.”

  “No.” Krissy shook her head and I saw the stubborn glint in her eyes.

  I sighed. When Krissy looked like that, it was usually pointless to argue. I was strong-willed, and she made me look like a wimp when she got something into her head. Nevertheless, I tried again. “You want to have a good time? This,” I gestured at the line, “doesn’t look like a good time. Let’s just go to another club, get some drinks, find hot guys to dance with and forget about this place.”

  “Hell no.”

  Krissy grabbed my arm and dragged me past the line to the front, where a rather large doorman loomed. I could feel my cheeks heating up as the people waiting stared at us. Some were glaring, annoyed that we were even trying to cut, while others appeared amused, expectant expressions on their faces clearly saying that they were just waiting to watch us get sent to the end of the line, metaphorical tails between our legs.