Baby Steps

Seven weeks ago . . .      The loud music being played in the background as we sway our hips in the middle of the dance floor. Both of my hands up in the air before slowly drowning in the crowd, completely ignoring the complaints I had made a few hours ago. All I'm focusing on is the adrenaline rush and the warmth of my own body. If only this place is slightly less crowded, it would've made me more comfortable.      However, I miss this feeling. I miss the rush.      ''You're so sexy, Bella!'' My friend shouts, grabbing onto my waist as we dance.      ''Thanks to working out!''      We both laugh before moving to our table, away from the crowd.      I immediately grab onto my glass of alcohol before letting the liquid burn my throat. It has been awhile since we've spent time like this because ever since 'responsibilities' happened, we forgot what it was like to actually live. We forgot what it was like back when we were younger—things were wild especially in college.      My best friend, Kate, hugs me from behind. ''I'm glad we're all here. Thank you for the best birthday celebration ever,''      ''I know you're always the party animal,'' I chuckle.      Kate laughs, taking a sip of her own drink. ''I'm just so happy. I missed us!''      The four of us look at each other before smiling. Kate, Zara and Linn has always been together since we were in college—we were inseparable. From the late nights we've spent studying in law school, partying and talking, we're more like sisters than anything else. We went through hardships, shitty breakups and crazy moments, we were there for each other since day one.      ''Even though we're all in our thirties now?'' Linn speaks, raising an eyebrow before smiling as she relaxes on one of the seats. ''This is the life we wanted. We got everything,''      ''Thirty-one. Sexy. Rich. We're independent women,'' Zara replies.      ''Well, we worked hard to get where we are. We deserve all the good things in life,''      I smile, ''Anyways, welcome to the club, Kate. You're one of us now.''      As one of us means, the four of us are thirty. Regardless of being thirty, we all know it's just a number and we're all content with our lives. Most of our friends in college are either married or completely miserable with the choices they made as they adapt to adulthood, but the four of us, we have been making the right choices. We're literally envied.      What could possibly go wrong?      ''Come on, ladies. Let's get drunk!'' Kate shouts, the four of us dancing and enjoying ourselves as the DJ plays our music.      Tonight feels different. It feels like our commitment has been forgotten and we're left with zero responsibilities. The four of us know that as soon as this night ends, we're back to reality; back to our jobs, back to our lives but we want to make sure this night lasts as long as it can. We are willing or at least I, am willing to give it all a go.      Besides, we're single. We're free.      My vision begins to blur as everything moves in a slow motion. As if I've slowed down time only hearing the music fading before it getting louder and my heartbeat feels like it's going to thump out of my chest; I'm on a rollercoaster. At the age of thirty-one, no one would've expected me. We've gone places, we've received compliments saying we look young, nowhere near our age. We can get away by saying we're twenty-five.      When it comes to my appearance, I wouldn't really be down to earth. Ever since I was a child, I was known to be beautiful and growing up receiving compliments, it has gotten me where I am. I'm more confident.      The crowd is going wild as my body is being pushed forward, making me lose my balance.      Suddenly, a pair of hands grab onto my waist which causes me to turn around, meeting dark brown eyes staring back at me. He looks down at my face as he lifts me up and I blink a few times, trying to regain my balance.      It doesn't take me long to realise that both of his hands are still placed on my waist but I'm not complaining. Even under the dim lights, his features appear to be standing out and my eyes can't seem to move away from those beautiful brown orbs, messy yet neat dark brown hair. He's completely mesmerising . . . beautiful, yes.      ''Are you okay?'' He asks, frowning. ''You almost slipped,''      I smile, ''Yeah, I'm fine. Can we go there?''      My finger pointing out near the seats where there are less people and more space for me to breathe. My friends are nowhere in sight, probably having the time of their lives and apparently, so am I. This beautiful stranger in front of me nods as we both walk towards the seats, letting me focus onto his broad shoulders. He seems big.      'He's so sexy,' My mind wonders.      With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a couple of his front buttons undone. I am very confident what's hidden underneath is mouthwatering which makes me lean forward, pretending as if I'm going to fall again; causing him to immediately grab onto my hands. ''Wow, are you sure you're okay?''       Perfect. Just . . . a bit naughty. I smile.      ''I'm sorry,'' I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, ''I'm not always like this. It's just . . . crazy tonight,''      ''Yeah, I can tell. I didn't want to be here,''      ''Why's that?''      ''Well, I didn't feel like going out. What about you?'' His eyes piercing into mine which causes my knees to go weak as I drown in them. We're sitting next to each other and I can smell his cologne, making things harder.      ''My friend's birthday,'' I respond.      ''Oh—''      I cut him off, ''—do you want to get out of here?''      Both of his eyes widen for a second before he blinks, my hands reaching up to his neck as I smile seductively. This, exact smile, has made men melt and I'm pretty sure the man in front of me is no different. Besides, we're both adults hanging out on a Friday night, we're bound to be making stupid decisions. Like now.      ''Uh . . . yes. I'd like that,''      We both head out of the club with my hand holding onto his as we walk towards the nearest hotel. My friends and I planned it all through, spend the night at the club having fun before we all sleep it all away at the hotel. We know how drunk we would be and we decided to find a club near a five-star hotel. We did it.      Only now, I don't know where they are.      And, my head hurts. Everything is a blur. All I can think of right now is the beautiful man behind me as we enter the hotel room, not really paying attention to what he's saying but then again, his voice is sexy too. He's just overall sexy.      I turn around, meeting his gaze. ''I want to take everything off.''      His eyes wander down my body as I slip out of my tight dress, sighing in relief to finally be free again. As I slowly make my way towards him, I know he's staring. He is staring at every inch of my body, of my skin. I do notice how he's holding in his breath as I stand near him, it's pretty obvious he's bewitched. Besides, I'm seducing him and it works.      ''You're damn sexy,'' He breathes.      ''So are you,'' I smile, unbuttoning his shirt before throwing it on the ground. ''Take it all off, please?''      It doesn't take me long to realise that we're both skin to skin with nothing in between. Our breaths and moans are filling the room as we're drowning in l**t. We both know we'll wake up in the morning and we would have the worst hangover but at least tonight, we're enjoying it.      We're both drunk.       ''Oh my god, yes!''      And, honestly, that's as far as I can remember.