The Last Night You'll Have To Be Alone CHAPTER 1

He sat at the opposite end of the bar, watching her as she quietly sipped her martini. She'd caught his attention the moment she'd walked through the door, and, from what he could tell, the attention of many other guys there aswell. One by one, they'd approached her, offering their best pick up lines no doubt, and one by one, she'd turned them down. He had to laugh at their attempts, and the way she handled them.

He downed the last of his beer and ordered another, aswell as a martini, before motioning one of the waiter's over. He tipped the young man as he whispered something into his ear, then sat back to watch as he made his way over to the woman, hoping he wouldn't be rejected like the rest.

The empathetic look on the waiter's face as he came back told him he had. “Sorry, sir. She thanks you, but she's not looking for any company tonight.”

This time he had a laugh at himself. He didn't know why he thought he'd be the one she'd say yes to. Maybe because... nah, she probably doesn't even recognize you... He looked in her direction to find her staring right back at him. They both smiled as their eyes met, but she quickly turned away... on second thought... He stood up and made his way over to her, hoping he could work some of his charm.

-----

She was enjoying the last of her fourth martini when a waiter came over, placing another one in front of her.

“From the gentleman over there,” he said, pointing to a man at the other end of the bar. “He'd like you to join him.”

She recognized him instantly, and almost disregarded what she'd promised herself before she had made the trip to New York. After everything that had happened in the last few months, she really wasn't looking for anything, least of all a one night stand... even if it was with a sexy rock star.

She looked back at the waiter hesitantly before speaking. “Tell him I'm flattered, but I'm not looking for company tonight.”

He smiled and nodded his understanding before walking away. She hoped she hadn't offended him. Hell, she hoped she hadn't offended any of the men who had offered to buy her a drink, but she had promised herself.

She started on her fifth martini before stealing another glance at him, watching his reaction to what the waiter was telling him. He looked over and her heartbeat quickened as their eyes met. She smiled and turned away, hoping her face wasn't as red as it felt.

-----

“Mind if I join you?” He asked from behind.

The sound of his voice had surprised her, and she turned around to find him peering down at her with a smile that showed off the most perfect dimples. As if her heart wasn't already racing fast enough, she now felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. Her mouth suddenly became very dry, and she had to take another sip of her martini before speaking. “I'm flattered, really I am... but-”

“Please? I don't think I could take being rejected twice in one night... especially from the same girl. It would be a real shot to my ego.”

“I'm sure.” She smiled and turned back to the bar. Her stomach was in knots, she couldn't believe how nervous she felt, and wondered why the alcohol wasn't helping.

Taking that as a yes, he planted himself on the stool next to her. Even though she was trying to hide it, he could tell she was nervous, and now he was certain she knew who he was... only one way to find out... He turned to her and extended his hand. “Richie... Rich-”

“I know who you are, Mr. Sambora,” she said as she took his hand.

“Oh? And is that a good thing, Ms... ?”

“Sorry, it's Kate, Kate Thomas-”

“Is that a good thing, Ms. Kate Thomas?” He asked with his best flirtatious smile.

“Hmmm...” she pretended she had to think about it for a second. “It's not a bad thing.”

“Phew!” Richie feigned relief. “I was beginning to think you didn't like me.”

He watched as she nervously traced the rim of her glass. He wasn't used to this. Sure there were the nervous fans, but most girls, especially ones who had been drinking, would be all over him by now. Not that he was necessarily looking for that. This girl was beautiful alright, but not his usual type. Still, something had drawn him to her, and he wanted to find out what it was.

“So darlin',” he began. “Why don't you want any company tonight?”

“Ugh, it's a long story.”

“I've got time.”