Free Destined for Love by Diane Thorne Page A

had time for a quick fuck.
    “Maybe we could—”
    The sound of the doorbell interrupted her.
    James kissed her head. “We can pick this up later.”
    “Count on it,” Mark said.
    Val took in a deep breath and nodded. Right. I’ll drink and dance for a little while, mingle with a few guys, and perhaps meet a man equally warm-hearted as Mark and James. Then I’ll return home to their loving embrace. She liked her plan.
    “I’m ready.”
    She walked out of the bathroom and headed for the living room. The doorbell chimed again, followed by a knock.
    “I’m coming,” she said.
    Val reached the door and opened it. Before Terri could step inside, Val hurried out.
    Terri’s eyes widened. “Wow. Look at you.” She wore a navy blue dress with the hem past her knees.
    “I’m ready,” Val said.
    “You look hot.”
    “Do you think Mr Right might notice me?”
    “Oh, definitely.” Terri grinned while nodding. “Is that the dress you bought a couple of years ago?”
    “Yeah. Can you believe it still fits?” She had difficulty believing it herself.
    “It looks fabulous on you. And it’s perfect for The Hideaway. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of looks and free drinks.”
    “Let’s hope they come from Prince Charming.”
    They both chuckled softly as they descended the stairs.
    “Oh, do you need your purse?” Terri paused on a step.
    Val continued uninterrupted down the steps. “No. I have a couple of old friends visiting for a few days. They’ll let me in.”
    The excuse was the only one she could conjure for Mark and James, and she’d hoped Terri wouldn’t ask too many questions. She quickly thought of something to say to change the subject.
    “I’m really looking forward to tonight. I can’t thank you enough for treating me out to such a fancy club.”
    “You’re my friend and I want you to have fun tonight. Even if you don’t find the prince, maybe you’ll hook up with a couple of rich guys who won’t mind loaning you a little money until you get back on your feet.”
    The idea of borrowing money was one Val disliked, but she might have to at some point if she didn’t find a job or a place to live. She’d prefer to take a loan from a rich boyfriend instead of from Terri and Sam. Like her, they too had student loans and bills to pay. Either way, she hoped to avoid any kind of financial assistance if possible.
    By the time Val had reached the main door, her legs were trembling slightly. The high heels along with the weakness in her knees made for a slight problem if she had to stand for long. She’d have to sit at the bar for a while and take breaks if she danced too long.
    From the apartment building, Val followed Terri to Sam’s black BMW. She slid into the back passenger seat, keeping her knees close together. The smell of leather overpowered the musky perfume scent from the front. She guessed it was Sam’s cologne.
    “Is that you, Val?” Sam asked with his head turned over his shoulder to face her. He wore a dark suit with a white shirt and maroon tie. Thin glasses framed his brown eyes.
    Terri shut her door then playfully smacked Sam on his arm. “Don’t be rude.”
    He turned to face the front. “She looks nice. I was going to compliment her.”
    “She looks spectacular,” Terri said as the car began moving.
    “Thank you, both of you.”
    As Sam drove away from the building, Val’s gaze lingered at her apartment window. Part of her wanted to stay with her two genies. The other part realised she had to face reality. They aren’t normal men and they will leave as soon as I make my last wish. Damn it, why couldn’t they be regular men? Just my luck, I meet the perfect man, or men, and they can’t stay. Life is always full of twisted surprises.
    The drive to the club took longer than Sam had anticipated and he complained to Terri. Considering they were visiting a club on a Saturday night, the heavy traffic didn’t surprise Val.
    Valet attendants waited at the kerb to assist