Free Breathless Series - by Katelyn Skye

the chance of something deeper if only she hadn’t felt so damned insecure.
    Now she’d lost her one chance with him and she’d have the rest of forever to regret it. Unless…
    Shaking her head to clear her wishful thoughts, Alyssa sighed deeply and decided to get ready for her ‘hot’ double date. Pam had assured her that Brendan, the man Alyssa had been hooked up with for the evening, was much of a catch. Not that it mattered; Alyssa just wanted a means to pass the time. She wasn’t looking for romance or even love. But she didn’t want to be alone – didn’t want to remember, or regret. That she’d had her chance at something special and electrifying that could have changed her life forever and now it was gone.
    ****
    Alyssa glanced around the crowded room, trying to hide her nervousness. Just another glamorous evening, with beautiful paintings and equally beautiful people, spending big money to acquire them.
    She pressed her palms down her clinging dress and smiled in thanks as she accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She drew in a deep breath and faced one of the eye-catching artworks dotting the elegant walls. She heard a sound behind her and glanced over her shoulder, only to have a camera flash in her face. Trying not to flinch, she turned away again, quelling another sigh. She’d probably find herself on the pages of some society column tomorrow, attending a high-class art exhibition unattended.
    Not that she hadn’t had willing dates. Brendan for one, would have been great for companionship. He’d certainly been playing escort quite admirably in the past two weeks since they’d met. For an IT engineer, he was very hip and certainly knew how to give a girl a good time. They’d gone on dinner dates, a few nights spent clubbing and hanging out with other friends.
    Brendan was a good guy, handsome and charming. There’d been a few kisses, and Alyssa had tried, really tried. But she felt nothing. Here was a red-blooded man who was evidently attracted to her and Brendan had tried enough times to get them to spend the night together. However each date ended with nothing more than a chaste kiss goodnight. Alyssa felt no spark of passion from the touch of his lips or his presence. His attention was flattering but it all left her cold.
    Alyssa wondered if it would always be like this. Would she find no one who could give her the same thrill she’d felt in Lucas’ arms? It was frightening to consider.
    And now here she was, all dressed up in her most alluring outfit and shoes; her hair sleek and styled to perfection thanks to the hours she’d spent at the salon earlier. She’d caught several interested looks from the other males at the event. Some had even seemed promising in terms of excitement. But she wasn’t about to take the risk only to discover she’d been wrong and there was nothing there.
    So she ignored the obvious attempts of a handful of bold ones of vying to get her attention. But when a particular man walked into the room, she caught her breath and looked away sharply. For a few moments she felt like she was swaying on her feet, till she placed her hand against a nearby column and regained her balance.
    “Are you alright?” a deep, concerned voice asked and she looked up and saw a strange face ; a good-looking gentleman who didn’t look much older than thirty. His expression was concerned and he had an endearing white smile. Alyssa quickly nodded and said she was fine, and gave a hesitant smile before spinning and walking away before he could strike up a conversation.
    She felt bad about brushing another nice guy off, but Alyssa suddenly felt like the evening was too much for her. What had made her think she could do this?
    She dumped her half-full glass on the next table she passed and was heading straight for the ladies’ room when she heard his voice say her name.
    She whirled around and faced Lucas, who looked surprised yet pleased to see her. “Alyssa,” he said