Perhaps he was an apparition.

She starred down at her plate of escargot and lifted a piece of crusty bread to soak up the sauce but she couldn't eat, she'd completely lost her appetite. Kat nugged her and skillfully directed her eyes to the table she was trying to avoid. Bonnie nodded, face turning red.

"Look who's here" her friend whispered from the corner of her mouth.

"I saw him" her jaw tightened and her eyes stayed glued to the plate in front of her.

"Is your friend okay?" Cade enquired, touching Kat's forearm. This question prompted Bonnie to look up again and she shot a look at Cade, nodding dumbly before stealing another glance at Kol.

He looked good. Too good.

The dark navy tailored suit set off his features perfectly. He looked sexy in the elegant threads, the white dress shirt underneath perfectly highlighting his tan skin and brilliant brown eyes. Sensing that someone was watching him, he pulled his gaze away from Jo Parker and met Bonnie's.

"Shit!" ducking her head, she pretended to look down at her phone. Her mouth was so dry she could hardly speak but managed to croak out, "I think I'm gonna hyperventilate."

"Will more wine help?" Kat smiled and refilled her glass with natural red wine which the waiter had been eager enough to advertise as having no additives.

"Not enough." She wanted to hide behind of the antique brass columns that dotted the place. Her palms felt sticky and her heart pounded. How was she going to get through dinner?

..

With his arm stretched across the back of the red leather booth, Kol lifted his glass and took a sip.

"I don't want the magazine back." he said to his audience or more specifically Jo Parker since she seemed to be worried about her editorial position at Esther. Jo smiled, a smile that didn't reach her big blue eyes and took a sip of her wine, a bottle of Chateau Lafite Elijah had ordered for the table. He opened his mouth to say something else but stopped when he spotted Bonnie sitting at a table across from him.

She was staring at him.

Before he could barely register having seen her here, she looked away and scrolled through her phone. Was she avoiding him?

He quickly accessed the situation at her table and deduced that the gentleman seated with them was Katherine's date and not hers.

"Another whiskey, sir?" A blonde waitress smiled warmly, sliding up against him. He looked at the half empty glass in his hand.

"Sure." He nodded toward Bonnie. "And a glass of champagne for the lady in black."

Leaning back in his chair, he sipped the rest of his drink and watched her over the rim. When the waitress returned, she deposited Bonnie's champagne and said something to her, gesturing toward Kol who lifted his own glass in a toast. Bonnie said something back to her in response and then grabbing her clutch bag from the table, bolted from the table.

Her stilettos clacked against a polished hardwood floor that changed to marble as she crossed from the dining room to the small bar area.

Kol watched her exit with amusement before excusing himself from the table, walking purposefully towards the door,

..

The minute she stepped outside the restaurant, she stuck out her hand and frantically hailed a cab. One taxi barreled past her and another then she heard a voice. His voice. Without thinking, she started walking down the sidewalk and ignored his calls. His voice grew louder as he was obviously following her and then she started jogging. She didn't stop to turn instead she broke into a run, her arm in constant midair in the hope that she'd catch a cab. When a taxi finally screeched to a halt in front of her, she pulled the rear door open and dove in.

"Go!" she instructed.

"Where to?"

"Just drive. I'll give you the address in a minute."

The cabbie shrugged, pulled into traffic and she turned, peering out the back window and saw him standing there, stunned. Turning back to face the front, she expelled a long breath and closed her eyes. She couldn't go home because he would surely follow her and she couldn't trust herself to be alone in a room with him. I won't sleep with him, I won't sleep with him, I won't sleep with him was a constant loop in her head. Opening her mouth, she gave the driver the address to Mason's bar.

What was she gonna tell Mason? Hi, can I crash by your place tonight because I'm scared if I go to my place I might end up screwing my unsuitable ex.

Then her phone rang, a piercing shrill that filled the interior of the car. She scrambled to find it in her clutch. Rooting quickly through the contents, she dumped everything on the seat, a wand of pale pink lip-gloss, a tube of red lipstick, fake-lash effect mascara, a tube of concealer, credit card, house keys and a stick of gum. Picking up the phone, she saw that it was Kol and tapped end on the screen.

Outside of Mason's bar, she fluffed up her hair, applied a coat of lipstick and paid the cabbie as she climbed out of the cab. Inside there was a good crowd, drinking at the bar and eating at a few tables sprinkled around the place.

When Mason saw her, he approached with arms wide for a hug,"Hi"

"Hey" he felt warm and she realized she was shivering. In that moment she became conscious of the fact that she'd forgotten her coat at Frenchette coat check.

"This is a surprise"

"I'm no stalking you, I promise" she said shakily, trying to force a smile into her voice.

"I'm always glad to see you."

"I'd offer you a drink but it looks like you've already had a few."

"I had three glasses of wine a Frenchette. I'm not drunk. "

"Ok" he shrugged, running a hand through his hair.

"Can I crash at your place tonight Uhm…there's gonna be some guys working at my place tomorrow, you know before the new roommate moves in on the weekend."

"Uhm, sure. I'm still working but you can take the key and go ahead. " he reached into his jeans' pocket and handed her a key.

"Are you sure."

"Yeah, I'll finish here around two a.m. or so."

"Thanks."

..

Her stomach clenched as the sight of Kol outside her apartment building. Expelling a long breath, she scrabbled out of the cab and shut the door behind her. She heard the taxi pull away but didn't look back at it nor did she move as her eyes fastened on Kol.

He took the cigar out of his mouth and said, "Hello darling, I've been waiting for you."

"I-I-I can see that." She stammered, tripping over her words. The cigar aroma drifted in the air, filling her lungs. She told her legs to move but they refused.

"You look very…Parisian. I like the suit." Her eyes floated over him, taking in the little details like the blue pocket square, the sexy stubble on his jaw, his sexily messy hair to his loafers and the elegant watch peeking out from his cuff.

"Bon, I miss you. I fucked up." "her name rolled off his tongue causing a shiver to skidder down her arms and her heart raced at his words but she stilled it. Still she didn't move.

"You were my hardest good bye" he continued, "I want to fix things between us "He pointed his finger, motioning between them.

"You can't. I can't be that woman that you call when you're horny. I need something you can't give me." She crossed my arms over her breasts, resolute in her decision.

Finally closing the gap between them, he declared "I can give you everything you want and more."

When she didn't respond he said, "Have a drink with me." He gestured to the waiting car where Alfred stood, holding the rear passenger door open for them.

"I can't." she shook her head and looked up at her apartment window.

"Please." He begged, his lips curving into an easy smile and she felt her heart kick against her ribs. His smile still set her soul on fire.

"Okay but no car. There's an okay bar two blocks from here. We can walk."

"Fine but I think you'll need this" He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.

"Thanks."

"Hmm, I love New York in the fall." She smiled looking up at the withering trees. She could feel him watching her and she told herself that she wouldn't react, she wouldn't like, she couldn't like it but a month of not seeing him didn't make her crave him any less.

It was a basement bar, a small little place with an array of beer taps. It was a place one could kill time before plans for an evening started, the perfect neighbourhood bar for a low-key drink. She told herself that this was all completely normal and innocent. Iris by Sleeping with Sirens was playing in the background as Kol pulled out a chair for her at a small corner table.

"So are you going back to helm the magazine?" she asked after hey ordered a round of drinks.

"No. I think Jo Parker is a good fit. I know nothing about fashion."

"You're not gonna fight for the editorial position at Esther?" her eyebrows rose in surprise.

"You seem to be more concerned about my position at Esther more than I am."

Looking down at her drink, she cleared her throat. "Just making conversation." She said, keeping her tone light.

"I'm launching my own travel magazine. "He explained, leaning towards her. He touched her hand, drawing circles on her skin and his cologne wafted up to her, invading her senses. It was warm leather and wood, delicious like the wearer. The focus of his gaze left her face, slid down to her chest and his eyes gleamed with mischief.

Drawing back her hand, she picked up her cocktail and ice jingled against the glass, "Very fitting. Did you get your father to invest?"

"No. I'm using some of my savings and my sister offered to put in some of her own money."

"Sister?"

"Yes. Rebekah. I saw her in Paris and we spoke about everything, mom, family, business and love." When he said love he looked into her eyes and smiled, a smile tinged with sadness.

"Another round?" he asked, rising from his chair.

"Last round." She replied even though he was already moving toward the bar.

She watched him at the bar, lost in him so much she could no longer hear the music around her.

Suddenly her brain became consumed with the image of him. His lips mouthing the words, "I'm gonna fuck you like I own you." His hands pulling her legs over his hips. Spread on the table in front of him, naked and waiting for him to fuck her to oblivion. Every gloriously thick throbbing inch of him sliding into her bit by bit. His teeth nipping her skin between licks, kissing her, fucking her, fucking her, fucking her.

She uncrossed and crossed her legs again. Then in an attempt to try and regain her senses, she turned to watch the crowd. He returned with four shots. She wanted to roll her eyes but found herself smiling like an idiot instead. Noticing that he didn't bring any limes, she went back to the bar and asked for a fresh bowl.

Back at their table she picked up a shaker full of salt, sprinkled some on her hand, swiped her tongue over it then tipped back the drink. She slammed the shot glass onto the table before sucking on a slice of lime. With her eyes watering, she watched as he tossed his shot back in one gulp, effortlessly like a seasoned pro, no salt and no lime.

"Next time ditch the salt and lime, that's not how you drink premium tequila."

"Yes sir."

"Do you have any idea how sexy you are right now?" He smiled very slowly, raising one eyebrow. She blushed, she couldn't help it. Four shots turned into more, and they ordered tacos from the bar.

Leaning over with his lips brushing against her ear, he whispered "I bet this place has a great bathroom."

When her mouth fell open he laughed and threw his palms up, "Jesting. I'm just trying to break the tension, darling. "

"Why do you like that?" she heard herself ask.

"Sex?"

Rolling her eyes, she couldn't help but smile "Sex in public."

"I think the risk heightens the pleasure." His voice affected her like a caress and all she could think about was him eating her out. Kol's hand moved to her cheek and slipped down her neck. She froze then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she shied away.

"Dont "she said, her voice dropping to a faint hush. He cocked his head and studied her with narrowed eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but quickly stopped himself. Just then, her phone rang, dancing across the table wildly and she knocked her drink as she reached for it.

She looked at the name. Mason.

Whipping her head back to Kol, he raised one eyebrow as if issuing a challenge. A challenge she refused to accept as she dropped the phone into her clutch.

"You need to go?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Yes."

..

It was well after midnight when they left the bar. The night was crisp, it's scent infused with autumn. His car was still waiting outside her apartment building but Alfred was now inside.

Standing in front of her building he said "Get in; I'll give you a ride."

She took off his jacket and handed it to him, "I need to pack a few things before I go."

Something dark flashed in his eyes, realizing what an overnight bag meant. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing and forced a smile, "I'll wait."

"I'll take a cab. I'll be fine." She said with absolute certainty. He caught her hand as she turned to leave.

He paused again and bent down to whisper in her ear, "I'm glad we did this,"

"Yeah."

She stopped breathing as he leaned forward, losing herself in his eyes.

"Relax, it's not that kind of kiss." He proceeded to give her a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"Good night."

"Bye."

She didn't wait to see him drive off and so she ran up the stairs to the apartment to pack some clothes for work.

..

When the cab pulled up in front of Mason's apartment, he was sitting on the steps with his dog. She got out of the cab with trepidation even more so when she saw how exhausted they both looked.

She smoothed her palm down the length of the dog's back

"I'm sorry I'm late….we…I uhm… the apartment was... "She trailed off awkwardly.

"It's fine, "he said with an easy shrug but he didn't look fine.

"Really, Mason. I'm sooooo sorry. Please forgive me" she begged.

"No problem. I'm sure whatever needed sorting is now sorted." He stopped and turned to face her, staring with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

She nodded.

"Are you drunk?"

"A little bit." She burped and covered her mouth as an afterthought.

"What am I gonna do with you?" He ran his hands down her arms then led her in the house, his hand holding hers and stroking her skin with his thumb.

Tucking themselves into bed within ten minutes of entering the apartment, she mumbled another sorry then closed her eyes. She felt him move in the dark and then he was slowly climbing over her, his arms planted on either side of her shoulders. He claimed her mouth in a kiss and her eyes fluttered shut as she kissed him back. After what felt like forever, he pulled back and looked at her with smiling eyes. She opened her mouth to say she wanted him to fuck her and threw up square on his face.

..

Her alarm was ringing.

Shit.

She had to find her phone. Where was her fucking phone.

She could hear the shower running in the bathroom and fell back onto the pillows wondering if she should stay and try to explain what happened last night or if should bolt. Would he think her a coward if she didn't stick around to face last night's music? Would he think she was revolting if she escaped his apartment without so much as taking a shower?

She took a peek at her chest and discovered that he had dressed her in one of his shirts and changed the top sheet. Finally leaping out of the bed, she found her phone in her bag, shut it off and staggered to the toilet down the hallway.

After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she got dressed and ran out of there.

When she emerged from the subway she was greeted by the sheer beauty of the city and temporarily forgot her men problems. New York was a spectacular spread of red, gold and russet trees lining the sidewalks, tall skyscrapers gleaming in the rich autumn light, commuters bundled in light coats and the ever present cacophony of traffic noise.

Her billowing dress, cinched tight at the waist with a wide belt curled in the crisp breeze and she cursed herself for not packing a functional cardigan especially since she had a post work engagement.

She passed a bakery with a heady fragrance of freshly baked bread and bagels, a deli with a hot pastrami sandwich and decided to grab some latte at a Starbucks that was a block away from her office. Deciding to multi task as she took small sips of her coffee, she dialled Matt to tell him about last night. After discussing the pros and cons of Kol being back in town, she told him about Mason.

"I vomited in his bed!" she stomped her leather scandal clad feet on the ground because she couldn't slap a hand across her forehead.

"What did he say?"

"I don't know I passed out after that."

"And this morning"

"Ran like the shameless coward I am."

"Chicken."

"I know."

"Ok. Gotta run. See you at that art thing tonight."

"Yes, remember, six o'clock." She hung up the phone just as she rounded the corner to her office building. She was just in time to see Jo Parker emerge from a black Lincoln town car. She was dressed in an impeccable Armani pant suit and probably smelled like money. Jo turned, her eyes colliding with Bonnie's. She gave her a quick once over, dismissed her and then turned toward the door.

..

Bonnie swallowed nervously as she sat in front of Hayley. She smoothed her hands down the front of her black cropped pants and crossed her legs. Crisp light was pouring into the space making the room as white and cold as an igloo.

The buzz from her morning coffee gave her the courage to say, "I was wondering if it was possible for me to get a raise seeing as-"

"We're already cutting overheads. I can't afford to give you a raise right now. "

"But the vlog is doing great and the reviews are phenomenal. The New Yorker even said that-"

Hayley let out a heavy sigh and leaned back in her chair, her attention now on the computer screen in front of her.

"That will be all, "with those three clipped words, she dismissed her and continued working.

As Bonnie left, Leah brunette entered, bearing a cup of black coffee from Dean & Deluca.

..

Lunchtime at her desk she attacked her chicken salad, stabbing the meat with her fork as white hot anger seethed through her. Cursing under her breath, she grabbed her bottle of water, twisted the cap and took a swig.

Her life had been near perfect a week ago, she sort of didn't hate her job even though she did hate Hayley, was dating a guy she liked and couldn't wait to sleep with and now everything had gone to shit.

She thought she knew what direction she was going, what path she was taking and just like that the wind blew her the other way.

…..***…..