“Hello,” I sleepily answered.

“Were you sleeping?” Penny asked rather loudly.

“I was just taking a little nap,” I yawned.

“Get up; I’m on my way over to your place to get ready for the club.”

I heavily sighed, “Club? You said we’d go celebrate; I thought maybe that meant dinner, not clubbing.” I didn’t feel like going to a noisy crowded club tonight.

“Emily, snap out of it, you have been a hum drum since douchebag Kyle left. Reclaim your life, have fun like you used to; you are the most fun person I know.”

“I don’t know Peyton; I’m not feeling the club scene tonight.”

“You’ll feel it once you get there and who knows maybe you will meet your Prince Charming tonight.”

Did she say Prince Charming? I don’t want a Prince Charming. I don’t want anything to do with men period. It was important to Peyton that we celebrate, so I agreed to go.

“Ok Peyton, I guess I’ll go, but I do not want to be out late, I’m tired.”

“Yay,” she shrieked. “Oh, my friend Caleb is picking us up at your place, bye.”

“Wait, who is…”click… I silently chuckled and hopped in the shower. Peyton’s exuberance attracted a lot of different people. I believe that’s why we connected with each other so quickly.

As soon as I got out of the shower, Peyton walked through the door and threw a bag from Forever 21 at me.

“What’s this?” I asked as I peeked inside the bag.

She looked at me and smiled as she flitted to the bathroom, “Just a little pick me up I bought for you to wear tonight.”

Peyton was generous like that; we always bought each other things we thought the other would like. I opened the bag and took out the most spectacular silver, glittery knit tank top.

“Peyton, I love it,” I smiled.

“I knew you would. I thought you could wear it with your black leggings and black boots,” she mumbled as she brushed her teeth.

I went to the bedroom and put on the top. The length was long enough to cover my ass, which made it perfect for leggings. I walked to the bathroom where Peyton was doing her hair. She looked at me through the mirror and whistled, “Look at you miss thing; every guy at the club is going to want to tap that hot ass,” she smiled as she lightly smacked it.

I rolled my eyes. Peyton is one of those people who does not have a filter; she says what’s on her mind, at that moment and never gives it a second thought. Her mouth spits before her brain thinks.

I smiled as I hugged her, “Thank you; it’s perfect.”

“Awe, it’s nice to see you smile again Elle,” she continued straightening her hair.

I asked Peyton about Caleb, and she said he was a friend of a friend, and they went out a couple of times. I found it odd since this is the first time I’m hearing his name. She said she started seeing him right when Kyle left me. She didn’t think it was appropriate to talk about her dating life so soon. To be honest, I was touched by her thoughtfulness not to mention it, but at the same time I was pissed she didn’t.

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time before going out. I decided to throw some soft curls into my blonde hair that I already straightened and rubbed off some of the eye shadow Peyton painted on me. I was starting to feel glad I decided to go tonight; I needed some fun.

Caleb came to the door and whistled at the both of us as Peyton opened it. He gently kissed her on the cheek and walked over to me holding out his hand.

“I’m Caleb, nice to meet you.”

I shook his hand and told him the same. His grip was firm, and from what I could tell so was his body. He wore his short brown hair messy but in an attractive way and his black eyes were piercing. I could see why Peyton was attracted to him. The three of us slid into the cab that was waiting for us outside. Peyton had her arm around Caleb’s as they nuzzled each other. Suddenly, I felt like a third wheel.

“So, what club are we going to?” I asked. Caleb broke his gaze from Peyton and looked over at me.

“I thought we’d go to Club S.”

I frowned trying to think of how I knew that club, and then it hit me, my friend from the soup kitchen, Frankie is a bouncer there. I gasped.

“Isn’t that a sex club?”

Peyton looked at me and smiled, “Elle it’s a normal club; it just so happens that some people go there to find others to have sex with.” She said it so casually as if it was no big deal. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the S stand for sex, as in Club Sex?” Peyton and Caleb both smiled at me. “Great, now I’ll have to be on the defense all night.”

“Live a little Elle,” she laughed.

I crossed my arms and looked out the window as they started making out. I was not about to live a little by having a one night stand with some random guy; that wasn’t me. I only had sex with one guy in my life, and that was Kyle.

The cab dropped us off in front of the club, and I was astounded by the line of people who wrapped around the building for at least 2 blocks. I smiled, for I knew there was no way we were getting in tonight, which was OK with me. I preferred to go out for a quiet dinner.

Jason slumped his shoulders, “Fuck, look at that line; we should have gotten here earlier.”

As the crowds of people in line were patiently waiting to be let in, and I was wishing to get the hell out of there, I heard someone yelling my name. My eyes grew wide as I cautiously turned my head.

“Emily, is that you? Hey Emily, over here.”

I looked over in the direction where the voice was coming from, and it was Berth waving his hand and motioning for me to come over. The three of us walked to the entrance and stood in front of the large, burly man named Berth Leister. His 6’4” wrestler body was enough to intimidate anyone. I could see why the club hired him as a bouncer. He put his arms around me and gave me a squeeze.

“Good to see you Emily; you guys clubbing here tonight?”

I pulled from his embrace, “We were going to, but wow, look at that line, I don’t think tonight’s going to be a possibility.”

“Nonsense, you three go in.”

I gave him a dirty look as he lifted the rope for us. Jason and Penny were ecstatic and beaming from ear to ear. Berth lightly grabbed my arm as I walked past him, “If you do not feel comfortable in there or you need me, come out here and let me know.” I smiled at his generosity and nodded.

We walked through the small hallway that led into the main entrance of the club. I’ve been to many clubs, and this is by far is the most crowded I’ve ever seen. I looked around at the tables that filled the place. A massive bar sat off to the side with fluorescent lights that hung down from the ceiling. The oversized dance floor housed large projection screens and displayed a full color laser show. The walls were suede with soft lights that glowed off them. The music was blaring as the floor was thumping beneath my feet forcing my body to move with the beat.

Penny pulled me and Jason to the dance floor where we danced for what seemed like hours. I needed a drink, so I left them to dance as I made my way to the bar. I took the only bar stool that was available at the end and ordered a Cosmopolitan. I was sipping on my drink when I noticed a man and woman arguing at a table not too far from where I was sitting. She had her shaking finger pointed at him and then proceeded to poke him in the chest several times. I couldn’t help but shake my head and laugh. I kept looking over at them to see if they would kiss and makeup, but noticed he was yelling now. His finger was pointing at her, and his face looked angered. The tall beautiful woman slapped him across the face, turned on her heels and scurried off. I stared at him and took notice at the look on his face which showed no emotion whatsoever. He just sat there and stared straight ahead.

I kept looking over in his direction because he was one of the best eye candies I’ve ever seen. His light brown, almost blonde hair was shorter on the sides as his longer top had waves to it. I could not help but stare at his prominent square jaw and chiseled cheek bones. I could not tell the color of his eyes because he was too far away, and the lighting was inadequate, but I could tell just by looking, anyone could easily get lost in them.

“Yum Emily, I see someone has stolen your attention,” Penny smiled as she looked over at him. Oh god I did not need her knowing I was checking this guy out because she would be the first one to run over, tell him, and try to set us up.

“He only has my attention because he was just bitch slapped by some woman.” She let out a loud laugh, and that was my cue to change the subject. She dragged me out to the dance floor where I danced and endlessly fought off horny guys as I kept getting shuffled in the crowd.

It started to get extremely hot in the club, and I needed some fresh air. I told Penny I’d be back as I headed towards the door. As I stepped outside, I saw Berth escorting Mr. Eye Candy out of the club.

“Ok Mr. Frost, you have had way too much to drink tonight, and it’s time for you to go home.” He was stumbling from side to side and mumbling something.

“Berth, what’s going on?” I casually asked.

“Hey Emily, this gentleman has had too much to drink, and he started causing a scene when the bartender refused to serve him.”

“What are you going to do with him?”

“I just escort them out, what they do after that is not my concern.”

I looked at him and cocked my head, “He can barely stand, how do you expect him to get home?” My head was telling me to stop immediately because it knew what I was about to do, but my heart was telling me to help him. “I’ll make sure he gets home safe,” I said to Frankie.

“Emily, that is not a good idea, you don’t know whom you’re dealing with here.”

I put my hand up, “I know what I’m doing, and he needs help.”

Berth shook his head, “You have a good heart Emily, but sometimes I think you’re crazy; please be careful.”

I grabbed my cell phone from my purse and called a cab. Mr. Eye Candy was sitting on the cement against the wall. I took notice at his expensive black tailored suit and the white shirt that was partially unbuttoned, showing off his muscular chest. His 6 feet stature was lean, but seriously muscular. Like his hair and face, his body appeared to be perfect. I walked over to him and grabbed his arm to help him up.

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

He looked over at me with his drunken green eyes, “Do I know you?” he slurred.

I patted him on the back and walked him to the curb just as the cab pulled up. Before I pushed him in, I took his wallet out of his back pocket. He stumbled into the seat, and I climbed in next to him. I opened his wallet, took out his driver’s license and handed it to the driver, “Drop him off here.” He handed his license back to me, and I took it upon myself to read his name.

I patted him on the arm, “Nice to meet you Jack Frost.”

He looked at me and put his head on my shoulder. I let a small smile escape my lips.

The taxi stopped in the garage area. “This is where they like to be left. You should have a key that fits that elevator over there; her name should be on the inside next to the keyhole telling you what floor she's on, good luck."

I looked at the taxi driver because one: how did he know this? and two: she had no intention of taking him beyond the elevator. I opened his wallet and looked through his money. I shook my head at the fact that I only had several $100 bills. I took out a hundred and handed it to the driver, "Keep the change," I winked at him.

A big smile spread across his face, "Thank you, miss."

"Do not mention it; You can thank him next time.´´

I opened the door and grabbed his arm pulling him out of the cab. I put his arm around my shoulder and walked him to the elevator. She kept stumbling as she walked with him. I looked in his pocket for his keys. It was that awkward moment when I reached into his side pocket and felt something semi-hard that wasn't his keys. I pushed the elevator button and he looked at me.

"You are a beautiful woman and I am going to fuck you very hard," he said as he grabbed my butt. I won't lie: I sighed and removed his hand from my ass, "Only in your dreams honey, only in your dreams."

The elevator opened. I walked him inside and looked at the different keys on his key ring wondering which one would fit in the elevator. I turned to him as he leaned against the back of the elevator, "Can you show me which key goes here?" He gave me a drunken smile and seductively he took the key ring from me; he chose which key and held it up. "Thank you," I smiled.

I inserted the key into the lock next to his name as we went up to the top floor. The elevator doors opened to the biggest and most beautiful penthouse I've ever seen. Ok, it was the only penthouse I'd ever seen, but it was still beautiful. My intention was to lean it against the wall, leave it there, and walk away; I suppose he would pass out on the floor and wake up in the morning; that was until he looked at me and said he was going to get sick. I rolled my eyes when I asked him to take me to his room; I figured that would get his attention real quick. He pointed to the stairs and I clung to him, trying to hold him up as he climbed each step. We finally made it to the top when I saw a bathroom on the left. He didn't make it. He vomited all over his clothes. I shook my head because this was an all too familiar sight.

I rushed him into the bathroom where he leaned in and he hugged the china for a good hour. I stood there admiring the beauty of his bathroom. The taupe walls and black granite countertops gave it a classic yet luxurious look.

I found a washcloth and ran it under lukewarm water. I walked over to him as he sat against the wall with his head down. He smelled like vomit, and I had to make him change his clothes.

"Come on, friend; Let's see if we can change you. I put his arm around me and with a little help from him; I picked it up off the ground. We walked down the hall to his bedroom. I opened the double doors that led inside and was shocked; His bedroom was bigger than my entire apartment. I carried him to the king size bed and sat him down.

"You're an angel?" he stammered as he gently rubbed my cheek. His skin felt warm, and his touch felt nice, too nice since he gave me goosebumps.

I took my hand away from him and said "Yeah, I guess I am."

He smiled drunkenly and flopped down on the bed. He knew this was going to take some work, trying to get her clothes off, but he couldn't let her sit in his own vomit all night. First I took off his shoes and socks. I climbed on top to straddle him and unbuttoned his shirt, rolling him from side to side and extending his arms. It probably would have been easier to take off his shirt in the bathroom, but I didn't think of that. I went down to the button of his pants; oh god I can't believe he's doing this. I thought about leaving him lay there and sleep, but his pants took the brunt of his vomit and he genuinely smelled awful. I unbuttoned his pants and lifted his hips so I could take them off. It was a struggle, but I finally made it.

I couldn't help but look at his body sculpted of him as he lay almost perfectly naked in just his black silk boxers. I'm just a human, right? He was lean, muscular, and perfectly defined from head to toe. I felt dirty standing on his body swooning from him looking at him, but no one should look this perfect, it's just not right. She needed to move it to his pillow. I put the cold cloth on his head and he moved. I grabbed him under his arms and pulled him as best I could. I put him on his side, but he was still throwing up a lot again; a small moan escaped from his mouth. I found a blanket, on a chair in the corner of his room, and covered him with it. I sighed and looked at the clock on the nightstand; it said 1:00 a.m.

She was exhausted and desperately needed some sleep. That's when I realized I never told Penny I was leaving. I ran down the stairs and grabbed my bag from the table. I pulled out my phone and saw a text from her.

"Berth told me what you're doing, and I know you like to play Good Samaritan, but I'm worried, as soon as you see him text me back." I responded quickly.

"I'm fine; I managed to get him home, and he's passed out in his bed. He's heading home now; I'll talk to you tomorrow."

I stood in the hallway and looked up the stairs. Memories flooded my mind when I had to walk back to his room to check on him one last time. He had rolled onto her back, so I rolled him back onto her side. His bed was so comfortable that I decided to sit next to him and make sure he stayed on his side for the rest of the night. Maybe that way maybe he'll get some sleep. I fell asleep in an instant.

I woke up from a dream I had about my father. I quickly sat up, but my brain hadn't fully registered where he was. I took a good look around the room and saw him sleeping peacefully. I shook my head in disbelief that I fell asleep for so long as he directed me to the bathroom. I splashed some water on my face and drank some mouthwash I found in his cabinet. I ran my fingers through my hair and went downstairs. I should have left right then, but he needed coffee, and he would need it, too, when he woke up.

I walked towards the kitchen and stopped short. The mahogany cabinets with dark gray granite countertops were absolutely stunning. A large décor was located in the middle of the kitchen with a built-in stove on one side, while three stainless steel ovens were built-in facing the other wall. I found what I needed and made a cup of coffee. I had a recipe for a hangover cocktail that my dad used to make every day. I looked at the kitchen and surprisingly it had everything you needed to make one. I had my back to the door, making my hangover cocktail, when I heard someone clear their throat. I startled and slowly turned around.

He was standing in the middle of the kitchen in a pair of black pajama pants that hung low on his hips and outlined his muscular frame. I swallowed at the sight of him standing there, hungover and still looking as amazing as he did last night. He looked at me and cocked his head to the side.

“Didn't I go over the rules with you last night?

"Hey?" I frowned.

“I don't do sleepovers. You were supposed to leave after I fucked you; So would you mind telling me why you're still here in my kitchen getting so comfortable and making coffee?

His tone was arrogant and crude, obviously he didn't remember anything that had happened the night before, but he didn't expect him to. His green eyes looked dark and angry, but he will have to get over it; I didn't have time for that. I set the glass of hangover drink on the counter and slipped it to him. He narrowed his eyes at me.

"I asked you a question and I await an answer."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, “Listen buddy; I don't know what you think happened last night, but you didn't fuck me; I would never give you the pleasure of having done it with me; Trust me.” Ok, he was lying, I would have given him the pleasure, but he didn't need to know that. He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at me.

“You drank yourself into oblivion at the club last night, and they kicked you out. He was walking outside when it happened and being the good person that I am; I called a taxi to make sure you got home safely. You then proceeded to vomit on yourself so I had to take you to the bathroom and take your clothes off because frankly you smelled so bad." He raised his eyebrows.

“I was walking out the door when I decided to check on you one more time. I went back to your room and you were lying on your back so I turned you back on your side in case you threw up; I wouldn't have wanted you to choke to death. He changed his stance and crossed his arms. “I fell asleep from exhaustion after dealing with you, and when I woke up I decided to make you a cup of coffee and a hangover cocktail. I was leaving in a few minutes and I didn't expect you to be up for at least a few more hours."

He took a few steps closer, "So you're telling me that nothing happened between us?" I rolled my eyes, this man didn't hear a word I just said.

“No, nothing happened; He just needed to make sure that you were going to be okay; you were terribly drunk.” I looked down.

"What is this?" he asked himself as he took the glass.

“Just drink it; You will start to feel better in about 15 minutes. I'll get you some coffee and I'll go.

I started to feel a little dizzy as I picked up a cup and it slipped out of my hands and crashed to the floor.

"It can't be," I said as I bent down to pick up the broken pieces.

“Hey, you're going to cut yourself,” she walked up to me and leaned in.

"Sorry," I said, shaking my head and picking up the broken china.

"Stop now!" commanded her voice.

Her voice was surprising, but I didn't listen because it was my mess and I was going to clean it up. He grabbed my hands and turned them over to pull the broken pieces out of them. Our eyes met when he saw the scars on my wrists. I backed away quickly and stood up. He kept picking up the pieces. I took my bag from the counter.

“Sorry again about the cup. I'll replace it for you, and I hope you feel better." I turned around and headed for the kitchen.

"Wait," I heard him say.

I turned around and looked at him. "At least let me pay you for the inconvenience last night."

"I'm not going to take your money, and it wasn't a problem." Ok, it was, but he's alive, and I feel better knowing that he probably saved his life. He rolled his eyes, "Then at least he has a cup of coffee before you go." I sighed. I really needed it, and a cup wouldn't hurt.

"Okay, one cup and then I'll be out of your house."

He returned to the kitchen and put the mug on the table. He drank his cocktail and frowned the entire time. It was funny to see the disgusted look on his face. He leaned over the counter and looked at me.

“Why the hell would you help me like that? What if I was a bad person? What if I had hurt you while drunk?

I laughed, “You couldn't do me any kind of harm even if you wanted to. You were so drunk last night, you were staggering and couldn't even stand up; I barely got you home. He ran a hand through his hair.

“You shouldn't be doing that kind of thing; It's not safe in this town for a girl to do such a thing." He seemed agitated.

Leaning my elbow on the counter, I rested my hand on my cheek and watched him intently as he lectured me. He stopped what he was saying and narrowed his eyes at me, "Are you listening to me?"

I laughed as he lifted me from the chair, “Thanks for the coffee, but I have to go now; I need to get home. I grabbed my bag and started walking towards the kitchen exit.

"Have a lovely day Mr. Frost, and please don't drink so much next time." I could hear his footsteps following me behind.

"Would you mind telling me your name?" The elevator doors opened; I went in and turned to tell him.

"It's Emily," I told her as the door began to close.