Robert's POV
Callum said the bar would be quiet.
He lied.
The place hummed with low music and the clink of glasses and voices layered into a comfortable murmur. It was one of those bars that pretended to be casual while charging more for a drink than most people spent on dinner. Leather armchairs in warm pools of light, dark wood polished to a mirror shine, and a view of the city that glittered like a promise.
We'd grabbed a table near the window. I was halfway through a whiskey I didn't particularly need when Callum's gaze sharpened over my shoulder.
"Well, well," he said, his voice stretching the words into something smug.
I didn't have to turn. I already knew.
She was here.
Alexandria. In a fitted black dress that made the room seem dimmer in comparison, her hair falling in smooth waves. She walked toward the bar like she owned the air around her. The shorter friend from the café was there too, laughing as she gestured for the bartender.
I forced myself to take another sip of whiskey instead of staring outright.
"She's stalking you," Callum said.
"She's not stalking me."
"You've seen her three times in one week. In this city? That's statistically impossible unless someone's putting in the effort."
"She's not putting in the effort."
"You sound disappointed."
I didn't bother responding. Callum grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
When I glanced toward the bar, she was already looking at me. Not in a lingering, obvious way, but in a quick, precise flick of her gaze. Like she'd just confirmed something to herself.
Her friend leaned in, said something that made her laugh, and then to my complete lack of surprise they started walking our way.
Callum straightened like a man ready to witness his favorite sport.
"Robert," she said when they reached our table. Her voice was smooth, like she'd been expecting to see me.
"Alexandria," I said, trying the name for the first time.
Her brows lifted slightly. "You remember."
"I don't forget interesting introductions."
The friend gave Callum a once-over that was half appraisal, half challenge. "And you are?"
"Callum," he said with the easy charm he used on everyone.
"Vanessa," she replied. "We were just saying how dull our evening was about to be. And now here you are."
"That almost sounds like fate," Callum said.
Alexandria slid into the seat opposite mine without asking. "Or it's just New York being small again."
I smiled faintly. "Convenient either way."
Vanessa and Callum immediately fell into a lively exchange about travel, cocktails, and the best places to people-watch in the city. Alexandria, however, kept her gaze on me, her chin propped lightly on one hand.
"Three times now," she said.
"Are you keeping score?"
"Maybe. It's unusual."
"What is?"
"This. You. The fact that you don't seem to fit in your own skin here, but you also own the space."
I tilted my head. "That's an odd observation."
"It's not an insult. You just look like you're used to a bigger stage."
"Maybe I am."
Her eyes held mine for a moment, steady and unflinching.
Vanessa leaned over suddenly, breaking the moment. "Actually, Robert, maybe you could help us settle something."
I raised a brow. "That depends what it is."
Alexandria shot her a quick look the kind that says don't you dare but Vanessa ignored it.
"We were talking about certain… situations," she said, "where a person might need someone to step in. Play a role. Purely for appearances."
"Sounds vague," I said.
"It's hypothetical," Vanessa added, her eyes sparkling in a way that suggested it wasn't hypothetical at all.
I glanced at Alexandria, who was very carefully studying the rim of her glass.
"And what role are we talking about?" I asked.
Vanessa's smile was pure mischief. "Boyfriend. Or maybe fiancé. Someone charming, confident, willing to show up and make an impression. For a weekend, maybe two."
I leaned back, letting my gaze linger on Alexandria. "That's oddly specific for a hypothetical."
Alexandria finally looked at me, her mouth curving in something between a smirk and a warning. "It's not happening."
"I didn't say I wouldn't do it," I replied.
"I didn't ask you to."
"Yet," Callum said helpfully.
Alexandria's eyes narrowed at him. "You're enjoying this too much."
"Absolutely," he said without shame.
The conversation shifted after that, but the air between us felt different. Charged. Like a spark had been struck, even if neither of us was ready to admit it.
When she and Vanessa finally stood to leave, she gave me one last glance over her shoulder. Not a smile, not an invitation just a look that said she was thinking about it.
I knew I was.