Forever Glamorous

Chapter 13

"EXCUSE ME?" AURA SAID, quirking her brow as she turned to the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life.

He smiled and sat down across from her. His blue eyes glistened as they stared at her face. His windswept blond hair caught her attention as his fingers ran through it.

Who was this man and why was she graced with his presence now rather than sooner?

"I don't believe we've met," he continued. "I'm Zachary McBane. It certainly is a pleasure to meet you."

He stuck his hand out and she shook it. Before she could retire her hand, he placed a daring kiss on the back of it. Her cheeks flushed red as she tried to gather her wits.

"And what's your name?" he asked.

She flushed again, realizing she was being unreasonably quiet. She should start making her moves if she was so enchanted by him. He was clearly her type. Tall, handsome, and, by the clothes he wore, rich. Exactly what she looked for in a man.

"I can see that my vacation just got a hell of a lot better," she cheekily remarked. "I'm Aura Chandler."

"Aura Chandler," he said, smirking. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

She bit down on her lip, staring into the endless blue of his orbs. It was the same blue from the ocean she captured in her pictures. So deep and enticing. She did not mind getting trapped in that whirlpool.

"If you insist." She smirked when she caught him staring at her the same way she was.

"My eyes never fail me," he pointed out. He leaned back, looking around the coffee shop, as if realizing where he was again.

The shop was vacant, so if anyone was witnessing their little flirting spat, it was the teen behind the counter. However, she seemed more engrossed in her phone than on anything happening around her. In other words, she and Zachary were in complete privacy.

"So what brings you to this quaint coffee shop?" Aura asked, trying to get him to keep talking. It was by far the best thing that had happened to her since she got there. She even thanked Elaine Cavett silently, because without her taking her job, she would've missed out on the most handsome man she had ever laid her eyes on.

Zachary McBane. Even his name sounded regal.

"Just trying to get my mind off things. Distracting myself, you know?"

Aura quirked her brow. If dear Zachary needed a distraction, she did not mind that at all. She was usually an expert at distracting people.

"I see," she said. She smiled before taking a small sip of her coffee. "I can relate. I've never heard of this place before, but I really don't want to go back to reality any time soon."

Zachary leaned forward, propping his elbows on the cheap tables. "It seems like we found each other at the perfect time, Ms. Chandler."

"I'm inclined to agree." Aura took another swig of her iced coffee, although she wasn't enjoying it as much anymore. She was more focused on those ocean blue eyes and that deep voice of his.

They spent hours talking about anything and everything. He was the most charming man she had ever laid eyes on, and that was saying something. Everything flowed like a soft caress, so effortless, she couldn't even believe how much fun she was having.

A soft ringtone pierced the still air, cutting Zachary mid-sentence and he muttered a curse under his breath. He rolled his beautiful eyes at his phone screen, and pointed at it in disapproval. She raised a brow, but left him to pick up the call.

She picked up her own phone, scrolling through her socials in an attempt to stop her eavesdropping. More pictures of Lacey Redd's shoot resurfaced, which felt like multiple slaps in the face. However, she looked up at Zachary, and her bubbling envy dissipated instantly.

"Hey, I'm being summoned out of here, but I hope I can get to see you real soon." He stood up from the seat, offering her a hand. She took her last sip of iced coffee and let him guide her out of her seat.

"Oh, so soon?" She fluttered her eyes.

Zachary smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Aura almost pouted, but restrained herself. She wasn't going to act like a fool in front of him.

"I wish I could get to know you better. You are a breath of fresh air." He held both of her hands after he placed her empty cup back on the table. Aura flushed under his stare. A handsome man with a way with words. What a rare breed.

"Likewise, you have been the highlight of this entire trip," she said. She didn't know why she was telling him that, but the truth flowed out. Out of everything that had happened leading to that day, Zachary was by far the best thing to happen to her. She could not believe her luck.

"There's..." Zachary trailed off. "I'm not sure if this is your scene, but there's a party tomorrow night at The Siren Beach Club. Attend with me." He squeezed both of her hands. His eyes stared into hers, begging for her to say yes.

Her heart almost burst out her chest. She had found her missing piece to get her into a beach club like she wanted. A damn handsome piece. Now she was invited to a party at one of the rich beach clubs, so she had a chance to showcase her work and take nice pictures to post all over her socials for everyone to see.

"Sure," she replied. His face brightened and he pulled her into a hug. She flushed brighter at the proximity, but played it off when they pulled apart. "Sounds like fun."

After giving him her number, they hesitated in leaving the other. Zachary chuckled, running his fingers through his hair.

"Uh, before you go, what's the dress code for this party?" Aura asked.

"Well, there's going to be a bunch of pretentious idiots, so as fancy as you can." He laughed. Aura chuckled, thinking back at her limited wardrobe she had back at Grandma Ruby's. She wasn't sure she packed a black tie dress, so she might have to visit some stores on her way back.

"I'm sure you'll knock everyone dead," he said. "You already stopped my heart. Now I really gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes," she replied. He nodded and gave her one last wink before exiting the coffee shop.

Aura stood there unable to do anything for a solid minute before realizing she was in a public place.

"I wish someone would come to me like that," the teen behind the counter grumbled.

Aura chuckled and stared at where Zachary was moments before. She sighed, feeling her excitement threatening to burst at any moment. She had to contain herself before one of her infamous squeals left her being, scaring the poor teen.

She could not wait to tell her friends back in Cali and here about what happened.

She was too thrilled. Her vacation dreams were coming true, so she had to plan accordingly. Those people at The Siren Beach Club were going to drop their jaws to the floor once she stepped foot inside.