Chapter 1: Introduction
The neon bar sign flickered on, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the rain-soaked streets of Seattle. Inside, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation warmed the room. Mike leaned against the polished bar, nursing a whiskey on the rocks, and watched as the bartender slid a glass of red wine across the counter to the man who had just taken a seat next to him.
The guy was handsome, in that classic rugged way—broad shoulders, a hint of a beard, and those intense, piercing eyes that seemed to hold a world of stories.
He caught Mike's gaze, smiled, and raised his glass. "Cheers to the night," he said, his voice a low, velvety rumble.
Mike raised his own glass, returning the smile. "Cheers. To the night, indeed." He took a sip, his eyes never leaving the stranger. "You new here?"
The man shook his head. "No, just passing through. Name's Ethan. You?"
"Mike. Just here for a drink after work. Seems like a nice place."
Ethan looked around, taking in the dim lights, the smoke-filled air, and the rhythm and blues music playing in the background.
"Place has character," he said, swirling the wine in his glass. "I like it."
Mike chuckled, "Yeah, it's a bit of a dive, but it's got a certain charm."
Ethan's gaze lingered on Mike's face, his eyes tracing the line of his jaw, the curve of his lips. "You're not here alone, are you?"
Mike shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "No, I'm waiting for my wife, Areille.
She's just running a bit late," Mike replied, his smile growing wider as he thought of her.
Ethan's eyebrows raised slightly, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Ah, so you're a married man. How very... traditional of you."
Mike laughed, "Well, we're trying to spice things up a bit. You know, keep the spark alive after all these years.”
"Ethan leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, "Spice things up, you say? Now that sounds interesting.
Just then, the door to the bar creaked open, and Areille stepped inside.
She was a vision, her long brown hair cascading down her back, her green eyes scanning the room until they landed on Mike. She smiled, weaving her way through the crowd towards him.
Ethan watched her approach, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, well," he murmured. "It seems your wife is quite the looker."
Mike felt a surge of pride. "Yeah, she is, isn't she?" He turned to her as she reached them, pulling her into a kiss. "You made it," he murmured against her lips.
Areille smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "Of course.