Love Beyond Numbers

KATHERINE TURNER POV

As a romance novel lover, I thought I knew a thing or two about love but my own divorce from a manipulative gaslighter taught me that real life happily ever after takes a lot more work.

As I sat on my couch, nursing a glass of wine and staring blankly at the TV, my friends burst through the door like a tornado. "Time to celebrate, girl!" Lucy exclaimed, holding up a sparkly dress. "You're finally free from that maniac!"

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, guys. I'm not really feeling up for it."

But Angela was insistent. "Nonsense, Kat! You need to get out and live a little. No more hiding behind those frumpy clothes and that sad face."

Before I knew it, they'd dragged me into my bedroom and were rummaging through my closet.

"No way are we letting you wear that ugly sweater," Lucy said, holding up a faded gray thing. "You need something that screams 'I'm free and I'm fierce'!"

They emerged with a dress that made my eyes widen. It was red, tight, and had a neckline that plunged dangerously low. "You can't be serious," I said, but they just laughed and shoved me into it.

It was right to say the last time I wore a tight dress was years before I met Max, ever since we dated and eventually got married, it had always been loose clothing.

His reason? "I don't want to share you, and dressing flirtatiously will attract horny low-life guys."

It made sense, or so I thought. Next thing I knew, we were at a club, surrounded by pulsating lights and thumping music. I felt like a fish out of water, but my friends were determined to get me to let loose.

"So how do you feel, baby girl? When was the last time you went out for fun babes? You suddenly turned into a 61-year-old," They teased and a faint smile escaped my lips.

They were right though, I couldn't remember the last time I stepped into a bar not to talk of a club, even though I was 39 years old.

"Forget about him, and focus on yourself and your daughter," Angela shouted over the music. "Tonight is all about you, Kat. Time to start afresh"

At the mention of my daughter, my smile flattered, I knew Charlotte was not happy with my decision.

She loved her father, and I did too, until his manipulation and gaslighting became too obvious.

I thought I could continue to endure it. Sixteen years of marriage seemed worth saving, but when I saw him that night with a slutty-looking redhead while Charlotte was out for a school project and I was exhausted from work, I knew it was enough.

He didn't want "guys all over me" and didn't like "ungodly clothing," but he was screwing a redhead with makeup that could paint a canvas.

As the party continued, I noticed a tall, handsome guy with piercing blue eyes who seemed to see right through me. My eyes followed him as he made his way to the bar and ordered a drink.

"Oh my gosh! Guys, look at that hottie," Lucy cooed.

"Yeah, and he's a young guy," I emphasized the last words.

"But it seems he's staring at you, Kat, and age is just a number, it is to celebrate your win." They winked at me and shared a laugh.

Our eyes met, he truly was staring and I found myself gulping, his eyes were fierce and hypnotic.

I couldn't take my eyes off his chiseled body and hot looking face. He might be young but not for the night.

I hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well...maybe it is time for a change." I smiled.

"That's the spirit, girl. You go, girl!" Angela cheered.

They handed me a drink for confidence, and I made a weird face as the alcohol hit my throat.

I took a deep breath; maybe a night of freedom was what I needed.

I approached the bar where he sat, and soon we started talking even without asking for his name.

I blurted out that we should get a room, and to my surprise, he accepted.

I gulped down the remaining drink in my glass and caught my friends' eyes, telling me to enjoy myself.

We couldn't wait till we got into the room and started making out in the elevator.

I inhaled the musky scent on his body, feeling my lips down there becoming moist every second.

The ding of the elevator announced our arrival at the hotel suite.

His hands fumbled with the key as we stumbled into the room, kissing passionately as we made our way to the bed.

We gently pulled each other's clothes off, continuing to explore each other's mouths. The bulge in his pants was visible, but he took it slow.

He slowly traced his fingers along my cheeks and lips, sending a shiver down my spine.

I saw a dragon tattoo on his chest. It looked sexy on him and turned me on the more, before I could touch him, he stiffened.

He flipped me to face the other way and continued touching me with his soft yet masculine hands.

As our bodies drew closer, my mind raced. Was I being reckless? He was young, I should stop but the lady down there wanted him badly.

I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol playing pranks on me or if I wanted to escape my past. But I knew I was attracted to him.

I decided to enjoy the moment since it was a one-night stand and I was never going to see him again.

Little did I know, that one-night stand would change my life forever.

ADRIAN STERLING POV.

The blaring of my phone woke me up, reminding me that my team was waiting for me in the airport to return to the USA.

Groaning, I reached over to silence the noise, my eyes still heavy with sleep. As I turned back, I noticed the other side of the bed was empty.

Disappointment washed over me. The lady in red had left, and I didn't even know her name.

A smile crept onto my face as I recalled the previous night. Leaving my hotel room for the club downstairs had been the best decision.

The moment I saw her, I was captivated by her freckled face and blonde hair. But it was her dress that really did it for me. Red-my favorite color.

The dress complemented her skin perfectly, and the night we spent together was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

I stretched, my muscles pleasantly sore from the night's activities. I got out of bed and headed to the shower.

I hoped I would see the lady in red again someday. But for now, I have work waiting for me in the USA.