The band started a warm-up song, not really a song, more a case of them testing their instruments and sound equipment. Everyone in the bar gradually started to settle down, as if a magic wand had swept across the room.

"I hear they do this every year at this bar," Trinity said.

"I can't believe I've never even heard of this place before." Alicia sighed, enjoying the guitar intro to the band's first song, every band member taking a turn at an instrumental solo.

"Yes, Smashed is the best anti-Valentine spot in the city." Jacques swept his hand theatrically. "And, by the turnout, I would say that I am seriously starting to be concerned about this city... I mean, it looks like losers are out in full force tonight." He eyed Veronica over the rim of his glass.

"Exactly! Can't you just smell the desperation in the air? A bar full of lo..."

Jacques' eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened – never a good sign.

Veronica feigned an expression of shock, then contrition. "Oh you weren't being serious, were you? I meant singles. A bar full of effin' singles."

"They say the owner does this every year because he is a sworn bachelor. And not in the Cliff Richard song kind of way. If you know what I mean. No offence, Jacques." Trinity leant across the table, her voice raised so she could be heard above the escalating metallic sounds of the electric guitar. "Apparently his fiancée left him at the altar." Her eyes moved from side to side as she spoke, reminding Alicia of the way her father used to tell what he considered to be scary stories around the campfire at night when she was still a young girl. "For another man. The best man."

"Ouch!" Jacques tutted and shook his head slowly. "There ain't no Band-Aid big enough to cover that bruise."

"Well that explains why the man surrounds himself with l..." Veronica's smile challenged Jacques to say something. "...Like-minded people on days like these."

Alicia could not have cared less about the bickering between Jacques and Veronica; they were all used to it. She was enjoying the music and the gentle tingling every time she thought about the charming barman. She strained her neck a few times to catch a glimpse of him, but the bar area was too crowded.

She was thankful when the band launched full swing into its first number, the sultry tones of the lead singer – who had introduced herself as Lilah during the introductions – drowning out the babbling at their table. Within minutes, the band had the entire room under its spell with poignant lyrics that struck a chord deep inside Alicia.

♪Words slice like a double-edged knife; my heart cannot endure... so watch me bleed, tainted blood pouring from my soul...

I tried to save you, but it was all in vain... You cut me down, to ease your own pain...

Now here I stand... wounded, broken and alone... Here I stand... yearning, bleeding; I've come undone...

Broken mirror on the wall, watch me tumble as I fall... refracted light blinding me...

Shattered glass shining as it falls... reflecting light for me to see, the strength that's left inside me...

Now here I stand... wounded, broken and alone... Here I stand... falling, flailing; I've come undone...

You'll only die a dream... I've found my salvation...♫

Alicia was not used to drinking champagne, so, two glasses later, the room began to tilt just a little off centre and a strange buzzing filled her head. When the band took a short break after the fourth song, she took the opportunity to visit the bathroom, partly because her bladder felt like it would burst, but mostly so she could wash her face. 

The cold water helped; she felt instantly refreshed after splashing herself, even though her cheeks retained their rosy glow. The tiny bathroom was crowded, so she did not linger.

He was leaning casually against the wall outside the bathroom as she exited. She was not sure if it was the bubbly or if she just needed to get out more often and meet people, but it occurred to her that his smile could light up a small city.

"Thought I'd find you here, sweetheart." He nodded toward the ladies' room.

"Oh!" Alicia felt the slow blush spread from her neck up to her dark hairline. Why was she blushing? Was that even a blush-worthy comment? Was blush-worthy even a word? "Yes, I... Are you stalking me?"

"Guilty as charged." He reached for her hand; she tried to pull back as if his touch scalded – the tingles from his touch and the effervescent liquid in her system made her feel giddy – but his grip was firm, thumb stroking her palm softly. "I have to confess... I knew the champagne would bring you here. It was the only hope of me seeing you again tonight. Well, aside from coming over to your table and doing what I've been dying to do all night."

Alicia opened her mouth, but no sound formed; her mouth felt dry, her palms moist. OhmyGod! He is holding my sweaty hand; how disgusting. She eventually found her voice, but it seemed to come back alone, no coherent thoughts attached. "Wha...? I don't know what you m..."

He lifted her hand and touched his lips to the inside of her wrist, the contact sending sweet sensations rushing through her. She could have sworn that his eyes darkened the moment his lips touched her pulse, but it could have been a play of light or the tiny fact that she was wholly distracted by the way his lips felt on her skin. 

Does this qualify as a kiss? Holy shit! If his lips feel this good on my wrist, imagine... Shut up, Ali. Oh God! 

His head lifted and he released her hand, those dark eyes burning right through her as he leant back against the wall casually, observing her as if to gauge her reaction. Alicia did not want to have a reaction, but her traitorous knees buckled as they fought to regain their strength. He reached out with lightning-swift reflexes, pulling her firmly against his chest.

"Steady there, sweetheart. You okay?" His words were touching, but his eyes twinkled mischievously. 

He had done this before, she could tell. Her heart was racing and she felt a hot flush spread through her at the thought of him feeling it through the flimsy fabric of her blouse.

"I... Yes. I'm fine. You can let go now."

His lips lifted into a half-smile that could only be described as cocky, his eyes creased with mirth. Was he laughing at her? He released her and she swayed unsteadily, but he did not reach out to steady her again.

"Uhm... thanks." Thanks? What the hell was she thanking him for? Shut up and walk away, Ali. Shut up and walk away right now!

And she did. She gathered what little dignity she could still find and made her way back towards her friends on wobbly legs, with a swarm of butterflies fluttering around inside her tummy.

"By the way... I'm Aidan," he called after her, his voice dripping with quiet amusement.

She did not turn back to look at him.