The city lights blurred into luminous bubbles outside the window, the darkness of the night blackening the glass and reflecting the image of my own exhausted face back to me. The train, as always at this time, was full to bursting with restless, tired, irritable commuters, and I couldn't wait to step off onto the platform and make a break for home.
A few minutes later, the train pulled in at my stop, and I sighed in relief as the cool evening air rushed over my clammy skin. I was so glad to have a day off the next day; it had felt like a long time coming - I was so excited to have a luxurious, self-indulgent day of doing absolutely nothing.
As I started along the familiar path for home, I felt the soft buzz of my phone in my pocket. Taking it out, I immediately recognised the name on the text. Dana. My best friend and long-time partner in crime.
"Hey Cass, you busy tomorrow?! D xx"
I groaned inwardly. I had a sinking feeling that my non-existent plans were about to be trampled all over.
"Hmm... Depends what for!"
A little back-and-forth ensued, which of course culminated in me agreeing to help Dana. She was an event planner, and was due to be dressing a venue the next day for a fancy soirée, but had to take an unexpected business trip and would be leaving that morning. I, being the dutiful friend that I am, would be stepping in to take over the venue-dressing duties.
My nice leisurely evening now changed to a quick meal, and an early night to get up bright and early for my new 'job'.
•
The next morning, I woke up and took a long hot shower, and slipped on a light summer dress to match the beautiful weather. I was just about to grab my car keys and leave, when a text flashed up on my phone. Surprise surprise, Dana again.
"Cass, thanks so much again for agreeing to help today! I felt bad about you doing all the work yourself, so I've roped Rob into helping you too. He's going to meet you at the venue. I know you 2 don't get along, but please just be nice today, for me! ;) D xx"
My heart did a somersault as the words sank in. Rob was Dana's boyfriend, and as much as she thought we hated each other, the exact opposite was true. Rob and I had enjoyed a drunken, super-hot kiss in a bar roughly a week before Dana had introduced him to me as her boyfriend - neither of us had known about the other, and we didn't dare mention it to fiery Dana. We decided from that point on that we had to stay apart as much as possible, the chemistry between us was so strong that we'd already had a couple of near misses.
How was I going to cope with a whole day with him, completely alone? I bit my lip and checked myself over in the mirror. I instantly cursed my choice of dress. It had a bustier-style bodice which sat pretty low and flaunted the curve of my breasts perfectly, and a tight fitting waist which accentuated my curves. I looked damn sexy, and I knew it. Way too sexy for seeing Rob, but there was no time to change. I just had to hope he didn't think I'd done it for him.
I jumped in the car, driving along with an apprehension about seeing him and spending the day alone together. I'm ashamed to admit though, I did feel a thrill of exhilaration at the prospect too. We'd never spent any real time alone, not since that one sexy-as-hell kiss in the bar.
I pulled up to the venue, a gorgeous period-style mansion house that Dana had rented in its entirety for the party. It was completely deserted, except from one other car. Rob.
He was standing, leaning against his car with his arms folded and sunglasses shielding his eyes. His arms, folded as they were, looked so big and powerful and manly. He'd grown his facial hair a little since I'd seen him last, a shadow of stubble hugging that strong jawline. Oh god. He was so sexy. I could feel my heartbeat quickening, and I tried to steady my breath as I walked towards him.
"Hey. Dana conned you into this too, huh?"