The dingy stairs and heavy door were misleading. Instead of the industrial landscape I expected, the club’s roof was a lush green garden. A massive trellis obscured most of the view of London nightlife, save one exposed ledge with padded bench seating.

Sucking in the air like it was fresh water after a drought, I escaped to the bench and toppled onto it. I slipped off Sophie’s shoes and immediately started rubbing my feet, wondering what kind of hangover I'd have in the morning. Was there a rule against mixing sake and absinthe, like there was for beer and liquor? Hell, back home I barely even drank, save the occasional martini if I was out with Easton.

A couple of weeks with Faith, Sophie, and their rag-tag bunch of model boys, and I was buzzed on a rooftop in London. Maybe this was my Sex in the City moment. Though, I doubted Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha would have been up on a rooftop alone.

“So, first you crash my party, and then you crash my sanctuary. We have really got to stop meeting like this. It could be hazardous to your health.”

I whirled around to find Lex sitting in a hidden alcove about three feet from me. “In case you didn’t know, it's your birthday. I think you're supposed to be at the party.”

Alexi shrugged, and I was fascinated by what the action did to his shoulder muscles.

“Well, the most intriguing girl there barely made time to talk to me. She was occupied by the DJ and a stream of would-be suitors, so I came up here to lament.”

A flush crept up my neck. He’d been waiting to talk to me? “Sorry I haven’t wished you happy birthday properly yet. Sophie can be Sophie. Apparently, there were lots of people I just had to meet.”

“Yes, I saw.” He cocked his head. “You looked visibly uncomfortable.”

I snorted. “You caught that, did you?” I’d have to be careful with him. He was way too observant. “Not real big on hugging or air kissing.”

He scooted out of the alcove and sauntered over to join me on the bench. I caught a whiff of cologne as he sat. Something musky, but also crisp and intoxicating.

“So, tell me, how did you end up here? In my sanctuary.”

“Well, I didn’t see a sign, so sorry to crash your private party. And sorry to crash your actual party. I got enveloped in Sophie's plan, as usual. I heard you guys planning the other day, but I had no idea it was your actual birthday until we got here.”

He shook his head. “I was teasing. Any friend of Sophie's…”

I hid a smile. You don’t even know this guy. Well not true exactly. I knew he had a penchant for rescues, and he had family problems.