Chapter 1: The Club
The club pulsed with energy, a cacophony of music, laughter, and the low hum of conversations. Neon lights danced across the room, casting flashes of pink, blue, and green over the moving bodies on the dance floor. At the bar, Ted Miller stood apart from the chaos, his tailored dark-blue suit pristine against the vibrant backdrop.
Ted held a champagne glass loosely in one hand, the other buried in his pocket. He surveyed the room with sharp eyes, his lips curling into a faint smirk. He wasn't here to dance or drink excessively; he was here to find something—or someone—who could make this night worth his while.
His gaze flitted from face to face until it stopped. Across the room, a woman's laugh broke through the thumping bass, and for a moment, everything else faded. She was standing with Jack, an old friend of his, and Jack's fiancée, Matilda. Her smile was unguarded, her laugh genuine.
Before Ted could make his move, a familiar voice interrupted him.
"Mr. Miller."
Ted turned, his expression shifting to one of polite interest as he extended a hand. "Mr. Morgan. What a pleasant surprise. You look great."
William Morgan, a man in his fifties with a touch of gray at his temples, chuckled as he shook Ted's hand. "I look old," he said with a self-deprecating grin.
Ted chuckled, taking a sip of his champagne. "Looking at your age, you're doing okay. How old are you now? Fifty-something?"
William shook his head, his tone dry. "Same old Ted."
Ted finished his champagne in one smooth motion, setting the empty glass on the counter behind him. "The champagne's good. Have a glass while I go find my way around."
William raised an eyebrow. "Found someone to take home already?"
Ted smirked, already stepping away. "Make sure I see you before I leave tonight."
"If you're not too busy," William called after him, his voice barely audible over the music.
Ted weaved his way through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Jack's group.
At the center of the celebration stood Jack, his arm draped proudly over Matilda's shoulder. Jack's easy grin lit up his face as he bantered with Chloe, the woman who had caught Ted's attention.
"So now all the girls in town are crying because you're not single anymore," Chloe teased, her voice playful.
Jack placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Is there possibly any other way you could have said congratulations?"
Matilda laughed, nudging Chloe lightly. "Jack's told me so much about you, I almost feel like I've known you forever."
Chloe grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He doesn't shut up, does he? But seriously, I must say—you look absolutely gorgeous."
Matilda flushed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh gosh, thank you." She leaned closer to Chloe, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And no, he doesn't."
Their laughter mingled with the party's noise until Ted arrived. His presence seemed to shift the atmosphere slightly, his smirk and sharp suit making an impression.
"Indeed, it's hard to find true love and beauty in the same person," Ted said smoothly, his voice low and confident. "Jack is a lucky one."
Matilda smiled shyly, her cheeks pink. "Thank you. And you must be Ted?"
Ted gave a slight bow. "That's me."
Jack grinned and gestured between the two. "And that's a fact. By the way, Ted, this is Chloe. Chloe, this is Ted—family friend and neighbor."
Ted turned his attention to Chloe, extending his hand. Instead of a handshake, he lifted hers gently and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
"It's a pleasure," he said, his gaze lingering.
Chloe cleared her throat, her smirk faltering slightly. "The pleasure's all mine," she replied, her voice steady despite the warmth spreading across her cheeks.
For a moment, the noise of the club faded into the background, the unspoken tension between them thick enough to cut. But Jack's voice broke the spell.
"Ted, Chloe—before I forget, you're both invited to dinner tomorrow night at my place. Seven o'clock. Does that work for you?"
Ted's smirk didn't waver as he answered. "I'm available."
"I'm not so sure," Chloe said, her voice softer now. "But I'll try my best."
Ted tilted his head slightly, his eyes still on her. "You'll miss all the fun," he teased.
Jack nodded in agreement. "I'll have to agree with him."
Ted placed a hand over his chest, mock sincerity lacing his tone. "And I'll get bored being around these two lovebirds."
Matilda laughed, shaking her head. "No, you didn't lie when you told me he's a bit too honest."
Chloe raised an eyebrow at Ted, her smirk returning. "No, I'm pretty sure it'll be fun. I'll check my schedule."
Ted leaned slightly closer, his tone playful. "You can't deny I'm all about fun, Jack."
Jack rolled his eyes. "You are—when you're on a date. But that's unfortunate for you because the lovebirds are still here."
Ted took a step back, his smirk growing. "It is true. We're not going on a date." He paused for effect, his eyes locking with Chloe's. "Yet."
The lingering look left Chloe slightly breathless, but before she could respond, Ted turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Jack sighed, shaking his head. "He just likes to show off. Don't mind him, Chloe."
Matilda nodded in agreement, but Chloe's gaze lingered on where Ted had been, her thoughts swirling.