Samantha took a deep breath as she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her little black dress. The soft fabric clinging to her curves, making her feel more confident than she had in years. 

Tonight was about celebrating freedom and new beginnings. She had finally mustered the courage to end her toxic relationship with Alex and also landed a new high paying job. Her best friend, Chloe, who was even happier than she was, stood on the other side of the mirror adjusting her lipstick.

“Come on, Sam! You look stunning,” Chloe exclaimed, her wild red hair framing her face like a halo. “Tonight is all about letting loose and having fun. You deserve this and more.”

“Bills on me,” she yelled out, giving a happy small dance showcasing her flexible thin waist.

Sam gave a small smile, her hazel eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I know, Chloe. It’s just… I haven’t done this in a long time.”

Chloe linked her arm through Sam’s and led her towards the door. “That’s exactly why we’re doing it. Let’s go make some memories!”

The club was alive with pulsing music and vibrant flashing lights. The beat of the song thumped through Sam’s body, syncing with the rhythm of her racing heart. 

Chloe immediately pulled Sam onto the dance floor, their bodies moving in sync with the beat. For the first time in months, She felt a sense of liberation. She closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her, feeling the vibrations under her feet, and the warmth of the crowd pressing in around her.

After a few songs, they made their way to the bar. “Two shots of tequila!” Chloe shouted over the music to the bartender. She handed one to Sam. “To new beginnings!”

“To new beginnings,” Sam echoed, clinking her glass against Chloe’s before downing the shot. The tequila burned its way down her throat, but it also brought a sense of boldness she hadn’t felt in ages. The warmth spread through her chest, loosening her uptightness.

As the night progressed, Sam found herself laughing more freely, her inhibitions melting away with each drink. As they leaned against the bar sipping more drinks. Chloe nudged Sam with her elbow. “See? Aren’t you glad you came out tonight?”

Sam laughed, the sound feeling foreign yet wonderful. “You were right, as always. This is exactly what I needed.”

Chloe smirked, her green eyes twinkling mischievously. “Of course I was right. Now, how about we find you someone to help celebrate this fresh start properly?”

Sam rolled her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Chloe, I’m not looking for anything serious.”

“Who said anything about serious?” Chloe winked. “Just have some fun, Sam. You are now free.”

"I can't believe I actually stayed with him for so long," Samantha shouted to Chloe, shaking her head.

"You were blinded by love, girl!" Chloe replied, handing her another shot. "But now, you're finally seeing the light! And to think, you landed an amazing new job at one of the biggest companies in New York!"

Samantha beamed with pride. "I know, right? I'm so ready for this new chapter of my life!"

"And who knows, maybe you'll meet someone special tonight.”

“Not this again…you know…,” Sam replied,smiling back.

While she was still talking, a whiskey-on-the-rocks appeared in front of her, courtesy of the charming bartender. Samantha raised an eyebrow, and Chloe nodded encouragingly.

Samantha chuckled, dragging her words. "Thanks."

Chloe raised her hands as she leaned in to whisper to Sam. "Well, Well! I guess the night just started!"

Before Sam could respond, a deep voice interrupted their conversation.

“Is this seat taken?”

She looked up to see a strikingly handsome man with piercing blue eyes and a confident smile. He was tall and impeccably dressed in tailored straw pants and white collar shirt slightly unbuttoned, the material stretched across the chest, that hinted at broad shoulders and a well-toned physique. His dark hair was slightly tousled, giving him a perfect charm. A fine specimen of Man, she thought.

“No, go ahead,” she replied, her heart skipping a beat as Chloe took a step backwards and into the crowd.

“Hi, I’m Ethan,” he said, extending his hand.

“Sam,” she replied, shaking his hand and feeling an unexpected spark. His grip was firm yet gentle, sending a jolt of electricity up her arm.

“You sure have some moves, Sam.” Ethan cuts in, his gaze unwavering as he moves in closer, sending more shivers down her spine as she could feel the hairs standing on her skin.

“…Thanks ... were you watching me?!” Sam asked with a small smile, her face totally flushed. 

Ethan raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer “Maybe I was. Can you blame me though? Hard not to notice someone who is lighting up the dance floor.”

Sam chuckled, feeling a surge of warmth at his compliment. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she teased, taking a sip of her drink.

“I try,” Ethan replied with a grin. “Can I buy you another drink?”

Sam hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure, why not?”

Ethan signaled the bartender and soon, another drink was in front of her. She took a sip, savoring the warmth that enveloped her. As the night progressed, the drinks kept coming.

“You know,” Sam said, her voice a bit slurred as she leaned closer to Ethan. “I don't usually do this. I mean, get drunk and talk to handsome strangers.”

Ethan chuckled. “Well, I’m glad you made an exception tonight.”

Sam pouted and poked Ethan playfully on the chest. “You are really handsome. Did I mention that?”

He smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I think you did, but I don't mind hearing it again.”

Sam's gaze softened as she stared at Ethan. “Are you usually this nice to every girl you meet for the first time?”

“Not really, but with you, Why wouldn't I be? You're captivating,” Ethan replied, his voice sincere.

Sam blushed, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol. she glanced around the club, the coloured lights and loud music creating a more surreal atmosphere. “I can't believe I’m doing this,” she muttered to herself.

“Doing what?” Ethan asked, his warm breath against her ear.

“Talking to you. Feeling like this,” Sam admitted, as she searched his expression.

His hand gently taking a strand of her hair behind her ear, he replied “ I’m glad you are.”

Suddenly, Sam bursted out laughing, “Why am I so drunk?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ethan laughed too, a deep rich sound that made Sam's heart flutter. “Maybe it's because you’ve had a bit too much to drink,” he teased.

She nodded vigorously, her hair bouncing around her face. “Yes! That must be it! You’re very observant, Mr handsome.”

Ethan grinned. “And you, Ms.Captivating, are very charming when you're drunk.”

She giggled again and then, feeling a sudden surge of boldness, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for making my night so much fun,” she whispered.

As She pulled away from his face, she felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Ethan's gaze held hers, a silent feeling lingering between them. She could feel the heat emanating from his body, drawing her in like a magnet.

"The night isn't over yet," Ethan repeated, his voice low and husky.

A coy smile played on her  lips as she replied immediately, the anticipation building between them. "I guess we'll just have to see where it takes us," she murmured, her breath mingling with his.

Ethan's eyes darkened with desire as he looked at her. Before their lips could meet again, Chloe's voice cut through the moment.

"Hey, Sam! Sorry to interrupt, but my boyfriend is here to pick me up. You can find your way, right?" Sam turned to see Chloe gesturing to a man standing by the entrance, waving enthusiastically. 

She blinked, momentarily disoriented by the sudden intrusion."Uh, yeah, of course," she replied, flashing a charming smile.

"I'll make sure she gets home safe.” Ethan cuts in.

“Thanks.” Chloe replied, waving and winking at Sam continuously until she was no longer in sight.

Without another word, Ethan took her hand and led her through the crowd, out of the club, and into the cool night air. The world spun slightly as Sam followed him, her heart pounding with anticipation.

They ended up at a nearby hotel, the excitement and alcohol mixing in Sam's vein making everything feel like a dream. As they got to the door, Ethan fumbled with the key card, both of them laughing at their clumsiness, before finally getting the door open.

Once inside, Ethan pulled Sam into his arms, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. She felt a rush of sensations – his hands in her hair, the taste of whiskey on his lips, the firm press of his body against hers. Everything else faded away as they stumbled towards the bed, their clothes quickly discarded in a flurry of movement.

Her thoughts blurred into a haze of pleasure and desire. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so alive, so wanted. Ethan's touch was both gentle and demanding, his kisses leaving a trail of fire across her skin.

“Ethan,” she whispered, her voice breathless and filled with longing.

He responded with a low growl, his mouth finding hers again. The world outside ceased to exist as they lost themselves in each other, the nights unfolding into a series of heated moments.

As they finally lay entwined, the first light of dawn creeping through the curtains. she felt a contentment she hadn't known in years. With her head still throbbing hard, she closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace, not yet ready to face reality.

For now, at that moment, everything was perfect.