“Hey, stranger,” a sultry voice says. I turn my head to find Shelby, one of my former flings. She’s the only woman I’ve hooked up with more than once; her job brings her in and out of the city a lot, and she’s definitely not looking for anything serious. At the time, it was perfect. Exactly what I needed. We always had fun, but I can only stand her in small doses.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” I give her a big hug, hands resting on the small of her back while I give her a squeeze.

“Girls night out.” She gestures to a group on the other side of the room, shrill laughter nearly piercing my eardrums. I wince at the sound. “I know. Totally obnoxious. How’ve you been?”

“Not too bad. Busy with work. What about you? How’s the modeling gig going?” The tray of drinks I’m supposed to deliver back to my table arrives, and I ignore it.

“Good. I got an ad campaign with a big-time lingerie designer. You know how much I love my bedtime sets.”

“One in every color. I was always partial to the red one. My favorite. Congratulations! That’s awesome!”

“Thanks. I’m so excited.”

“You look great as always, Shelby. I also like the darker hair.” I take a strand of her hair, twirling it around my finger, the former blonde now a brunette. “Does it make you smarter, too?”

“Shut up,” she laughs, lightly shoving my chest. “I wanted to change it up for fall. Who are you here with tonight?” she asks, looking over my shoulder and grinning when she finds no one on my other side. “Ah, alone? I was hoping I’d stumble into you.” She takes a step closer, hips almost touching mine.

“My friends and my girlfriend, actually. She should be back soon.”

“Girlfriend? Has hell frozen over? I never thought I’d see the day Henry Dawson settled down. Where is this mystery woman? I’d love to meet her and tell her to get out now!”

“Bathroom,” I answer.

“How long have you two been together?”

“Couple weeks. We’ve talked for longer, though, and we also work together.”

“What a bummer. I wore red specifically for you. Look.” She takes my hand in hers, bringing it to the strap of her dress, my fingers resting on her shoulder for a beat before I yank them away. “Remember that time you peeled it off with your teeth?”

Wrong.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

This is so wrong. I don’t want to be touching Shelby.

There’s no chemistry or fireworks. No desire for anything more.

Zero part of me wants to continue down this road, and I back up, doing everything but shove the girl away.

“Did you miss the part where I said I’m here with my girlfriend? I’m not interested in hooking up with you.”