Chasing Dreams

By Laurene Bobb-Semple

After surviving a personal tragedy, Kieran Taylor seeks refuge and a new life In New York City. In less than a year, she settles into her dream job, makes new friends and even gets back onto the dating scene, though she is still dealing with the demons of her not so distant past.
With her new found knowledge about life and love, Kieran quickly learns that no relationship is easy. Determined to break bad habits, she vows, this time things will be different.
As the city of Manhattan works its magic, Kieran is thankful for the second chance she has been given, she is rebuilding her life and planning a future, one she thought was impossible.
However just when it seems she is getting everything she’s ever wanted, circumstances beyond her control threaten to shatter her dreams of a happy ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurene Bobb-Semple
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781370588930

Laurene Bobb-Semple

If you’re anything like me, you’re usually curious about the person behind a book you’ve read, or plan on reading, so I thought I’d share a little about me.I was born in London, England, and have lived there my whole life. I am currently a stay at home mum to a wonderful and cheeky toddler who most definitely keeps me on my toes! I am also in the process of setting up my own Virtual Assistant business.My greatest passions are, of course, writing, reading, listening to music, travelling the world, shopping and spending quality time with my family and friends.My other interests include, dining out. Gosh! You would not believe how much I love food. My favourite is... that’s a tough choice, I can never really choose between Indian or Mexican cuisine. Still it’s usually washed down with a cocktail, or three:) I also enjoy dancing, visiting the theatre, and cinema, though to be honest I don't get to do too much of these activities these days!Chasing Happy which is the first book in the Chasing Happy trilogy was not meant to be published (I’ll get to that in a few), writing it was just a bit of fun and I stopped and started over a four year period then one day I decided to finish it, plus it was only ever meant to be one book.But as I added new characters, they became central to the plot and the ending (no spoiler alert here), I knew I had to write a sequel - 'Chasing Dreams', which I actually started before I’d even finished Chasing Happy. That became so long that it, too, had to be split and the final installment 'Chasing Forever', was born.During this time, members of my family and my friends read ‘Chasing Happy,’ and told me how much they enjoyed it and loved the characters and encouraged me to publish it. I decided to pursue releasing it officially, which was nerve wracking as I had kept it close to my heart for a very long time. I hope everyone who reads these books fall in love with the characters and enjoys reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. All three books are available on kindle and Paperback.I have also Co written a book called 'Hidden Sparks' with Cherry Ann Carew. It is the first in a series of books we are working on called 'The Millionaire Girls Secret'. We are working on the second title which we hope to have completed soon, its very tough finding writing time when you both have busy schedules!That’s about it for now, thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit again soon!Laurene xoxo

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Rome eyed the clock on his bedside table and stifled another yawn. Sleep eluded him though he was dog-tired. It didn’t help that he had to be at work for four a.m. and it was already approaching midnight. He sighed and rolled onto his side, thinking how early starts always messed up his sleeping pattern.

Still, it wasn’t like he had the busiest of personal lives. Months had passed since he’d seen many of his friends, barring Luke, when they worked the same shift. Missing out on social activities with his boys didn’t really bother him, spending time with his daughter, Alana, was all that mattered to him.

Eventually, he felt his eyelids droop and was thankful, even though less than six hours sleep put him in a cranky mood. In truth, he hadn’t slept well since he last saw Kieran. A day did not go by where he wasn’t tortured by what happened to her, and the fact that she blamed him. It was slowly killing him; not being able to see her or talk to her but what could he do? She had told him to stay away, and he would respect her wishes, he owed her that much.

The thought brought him wide awake again and he growled into the pillow from frustration then rolled off the bed, walked over to the window and opened it. The cold night air made his body shiver. It was officially winter in London, and the weatherman had predicted snow. Rome found it amusing when Londoners panicked from this news, it was nothing compared to the snow fall in New York City, which he was used to, given that he was a native New Yorker.

On many occasions he thought about returning home, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Alana, even though he missed his family, friends, and the buzz of the city. She was the only reason why he remained in London.

Rome seriously questioned his judgement in getting involved with Amy, she was hard work. The only good thing about the whole sordid situation was his daughter, though it meant Amy would forever be in his life.

Their arguments pissed him off no end, but he made a conscious effort not to argue in front of Alana. At least they agreed on one thing, and that was not to tell her he would be moving out soon. Rome suspected Amy had ulterior motives for agreeing, whatever was going through her head; he was pretty sure she felt they would get back together on a permanent basis. It wasn’t going to happen. Not after meeting Kieran. Rome could never feel for Amy, or any other woman, what he felt for Kieran. The thought made his head and heart hurt and he got back into bed.

The front door opened then closed. Within minutes, his bedroom door creaked open. Rome steadied his breathing and pretended to be asleep. He was too old to be playing childish games and felt stupid.

Rome?

He didn’t respond.

I know you’re awake, Amy slurred, as she walked towards his bed and switched on the lamp on the nightstand.

Rome sat up and squinted from the sudden brightness that assaulted his eyes. What is it, Amy?

She sat down on the bed. Just letting you know I’m home,

He lay back down, closed his eyes and remained silent. If he started a conversation it would be the excuse she needed to get comfortable. Every time she went out with her friends, she’d get wasted and return home thinking she could get into his pants.

How was Alana? she asked, as she pulled back the duvet and made to climb under it.

Rome glared at her. What are you doing?

Getting into bed with you, what do you think?

Rome got out of the bed. Amy, don’t start that shit, we aren’t doing this again.

Giving him an innocent look, she asked, Doing what? I just want you to hold me like you used to.

He recognised that look only too well. She wanted more than that. Not wanting to start a fight, he said in a softer tone. Amy, you know I’m always gonna have respect for you, you’re my kid’s mom, but I don’t have feelings for you anymore. How many times do I have to say it?

Don’t be such a baby; let’s have a night of fun for old time’s sake. She smirked and patted the space where he lay a few seconds ago.

His temper rose. She was not going to take no for an answer. He should never have given in and let her sleep in his bed that one time. Nothing happened, but she hadn’t stopped testing the boundaries since.

That’s not a good idea.

Why? she demanded.

I have to be up in a few hours, so go sleep in your own bed, he said through his teeth, and braced himself for the outburst that would follow.

Are you still saving yourself for Kieran? she asked in a snide tone.

What the fuck?

Don’t swear at me Romeo, I just wondered if you’re still waiting for her to take you back. It’s a little pathetic, don’t you think?

One, that’s none of your fucking business and two, don’t mention her name again.

How fucking dare she?

It is my business, since you’re living in my house, she sat up, and with a smug smile folded her arms across her chest.

She was seriously pissing him off. Want me to leave now? he challenged, knowing she would never say yes.

She narrowed her eyes at him. You do what you want. Why do you need me to make the decision for you? You didn’t ask my opinion when you broke up with me.

That’s because I don’t care about your opinion, it’s how I feel, whether you like it or not.

But we could’ve talked about it, we could’ve gone to counselling, her voice broke.

Rome looked up at the ceiling. Here come the water works.

It was her new trick and why he’d let her stay in his bed that first time. She annoyed him, but he wasn’t a total dick and didn’t like seeing her upset. However, there and then, he had no sympathy for her; she should not have brought Kieran into the conversation.

You think I want to go back to a shrink?

Amy rolled her eyes, and the crack in her voice was replaced with her usual sarcasm when she said, You need to get over it already.

You need to get out already.

I’m trying to help you here. I’m trying to help us. We can work this out.

How many times have we been through this? We are over! Rome shouted.

We will never be over, we have a daughter. We will always be connected, Rome. It’s time you come to terms with that.

I swear to God you’re crazy.

Crazy runs in your family, not mine, she snapped.

Leave now!

Amy huffed, got off the bed and marched out of the room slamming the door behind her.

Bitch! Rome fumed. Grabbing a pack of cigarettes from the drawer of the night stand, he opened the window again, lit one, took a drag and felt his body relax before he blew out a cloud of smoke. He was trying to quit, but as soon as he felt aggravated, usually Amy’s doing -- she was the one person who made him lose his temper just like that -- a cigarette seemed to be the only thing that calmed him down.

His mobile rang. Would he get any sleep? Flicking the cigarette out of the window, he reached for his phone and frowned when he saw the number.

Nana?

Romeo, did I wake you?

No, I’m awake.

Are you having problems sleeping? What’s on your mind?

Nothing much, Nana, same old crap. What’s wrong? How come you’re calling so late? he asked, as he climbed back into bed.

His grandmother hesitated one second too long and he knew something was wrong. Nana what is it? Is it Pops? he asked, feeling an anxious knot in his stomach.

Your grandfather is fine, but he wants to see you, to talk to you about some things.

What things? What’s going on? Has he been taking his medication?

I don’t think so and I’m worried. He won’t go to the doctor either; you know how stubborn he is.

Can I speak to him? Sometimes she panicked unnecessarily; maybe he could persuade him.

Rome thought the world of his grandparents, having spent a lot of time with them in his youth. He wouldn’t be the person he was if it wasn’t for them. He owed them a lot.

When are you coming home? his grandfather’s voice roared through the phone line.

He sounded different. Pops, what’s up? Why do you need me to come home?

I have to get things in order and I need you to be here. There’s a lot of paper work to do.

Paper work? What’s going on? Are you feeling okay?

I’m fine. I just need you here.

Pops, I can’t up and come over like that. I have to see if I can get time off work.

Well, do it. I want you here by next week.

Next week? Why next week?

Romeo, for once just do as you’re told, he said in a stern tone.

Rome was silent. His grandfather had never spoken to him that way before. Even in his teenage years when he was being a little shit, he spoke to him like they were equals. His grandparents had never patronised him, it was one of the reasons why he had so much respect for them.

Romeo?

He heard the sadness in his grandmother’s voice when she came back on the phone. I’m here, he said hoarsely, and swallowed the lump in his throat.

I think you should come home, she whispered.

Rome nodded, as if she could see him. It’s happening again, isn’t it?

I think so my darling, I think so.

I’ve got leave saved up; I’ll see if I can take a couple weeks off. I’ll let you know tomorrow when I’ll be there.

I’m sorry, Romeo.

Keep an eye on him and don’t leave him by himself, okay, Nana.

I won’t. Will Alana be okay without you?

Rome rubbed his eyes. I’ll only be gone for a few weeks, she’ll be fine. Plus it’ll do me good to get out of here for a while.

Amy’s being as lovely as ever I take it?

Rome smiled in spite of the situation. His grandmother never liked Amy. He should have listened to her in the beginning when she told him she was no good for him.

Yep!

Don’t let her get to you. Anyway, get some sleep and when you’ve booked your flight call to let me know when you’ll be arriving.

Her voice sounded perkier now he had confirmed that he’d be going home. Okay, Nana, take care.

Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine, she reassured him before hanging up.

Rome stared into the darkness, unable to switch off all the thoughts flowing through his mind. There was always some drama or bullshit that he had to deal with. The conversation with his grandfather, though brief, didn’t make sense and it scared him for many different reasons. He’d deal with whatever needed to be dealt with when he got to New York. Right now he needed some shut eye.

Then he remembered.

Kieran lived in New York.

Living in different countries made it somewhat easy to be apart from her even though he missed her, more than she would ever know. It was why he had avoided going home; Rome didn’t think he could resist the temptation to impose on her life once again.

Now that he had no choice, could he continue to stay away from her knowing she was close by, or would the urge to find her be too strong for him to ignore?

Maybe he would leave it to chance. If they were meant to be together, they would find each other. Hadn’t he told her that

1 CHAPTER ONE

Kieran pulled away from his kiss, not quite believing what she had heard. Pardon? she said, arching one eyebrow.

He smiled confidently and asked again, Do you want to get a room some place? Then he leaned in to kiss her again.

His name was Jeremy. He was gorgeous with an arrogant, cocky air about him. He was hardly her type, but he was a blind date set up by her friend Matt, and his sister, Nina. Kieran preferred a humble man, who was rough around the edges. Jeremy was far too groomed with black hair that swept across his forehead and dark brown eyes that she was sure were subtly outlined with black eyeliner.

Kieran had no intention of seeing him again and only kissed him out of curiosity. Why would I want to get a room with you? she asked him.

Kissing had given him the wrong idea, although she was not sure how. Didn’t people just kiss anymore?

He shrugged. So we can hang out.

Girlfriend.

He must have had a girlfriend; why else wouldn’t he take her to his apartment? He’d spent at least twenty minutes boasting about how amazing it was, so why didn’t he want her to see it?

Kieran shook her head. Goodbye, Jeremy. She got up and walked towards the door. Had he really expected her to agree to such a suggestion?

They were at Bar 54, in Times Square. As expected, there was a lot of hustle and bustle, from tourists, locals and commuters. Kieran grew impatient when in crowds and usually avoided the square on Fridays; space was always limited, especially on the sidewalks. She stepped outside and was jostled along by the crowd before she had even taken five paces. On top of that she was cold, tired, her new Louboutin’s pinched her feet so she had no patience left for Jeremy’s presumptions. Increasing her pace, which was difficult in heels, she headed towards the subway station.

Kieran, wait! he called after her.

She kept walking, her head held high. Kieran wasn’t sure who he thought she was, but she wasn’t the kind of girl who went to hotel rooms with strangers. Well….

I’m sorry if I offended you, he said falling into step beside her.

Kieran slowed down.

It’s just that I haven’t had sex in a long time, I got carried away and I thought we were getting along. C’mon, we were kissing for ages and it made me want you, he reasoned.

She gave him a sideward glance, Are you serious right now?

Yes, I’m serious; I don’t see what the big deal is? We are adults, we have needs, he spun her towards him and kissed her again.

He wasn’t rough, but he held her firmly; her hands against his chest. She pushed him away, catching a few people’s eyes as they walked past. She could tell they were assessing what was going on; were they another couple having a tiff, or was something serious happening?

Are you out of your mind? she asked him, before walking off again.

A few strides later he was beside her again. You’re hot, Kieran, I can’t help myself, he protested and reached for her hand to slow her down.

Kieran snatched it away, stopped, and glared at him. Jeremy, I’m going home, you and your hand can go find a hotel if you’re that desperate. Have a great evening! she turned on her heels and marched off.

He didn’t follow her.

It was the third bad date she’d been on in two weeks; enough to make her swear off men for a while. Taking her phone out of her bag she called Matt.

Miss Taylor, do I have the best taste in men or what? he sang down the phone.

You better be at my house in an hour Matthew! she threatened, with food! she added, before ending the call, giving him no time to reply.

From the tone of her voice, she knew he’d be there in half the time.

***

I just don’t understand why he thought it was appropriate to suggest that, Kieran ranted to Matt, who sat in silence listening to her with a look of amusement on his face.

They were seated in the living room after stuffing their faces with Burritos, which Kieran insisted on eating before giving Matt an account of her evening’s experience. Buying her dinner was his punishment for setting her up with Jeremy in the first place.

Why didn’t you just go? he asked her, before taking a sip of wine.

Ewww, I don’t know him, why would I sleep with him?

Matt rolled his eyes; How old are you? This is the dating game. You don’t have to be in a relationship with someone to sleep with them. Have you never slept with someone on a first date?

Kieran didn’t need to dwell on the answer. No, I haven’t, she lied, avoiding his eyes.

He gasped. I have so much to teach you.

Kieran hit him playfully, You are a man whore.

I resent that comment, Miss Taylor, he grumbled into his wine glass.

Kieran laughed, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, although she didn’t take back the comment, they both knew it was true.

What happened to romance and chivalry?

Matt looked at her as if she had asked a stupid question It died out in the eighteenth century when that concept was last around.

And that doesn’t depress you?

Why would it?

Doesn’t it get boring sleeping with people you don’t care about? Just having sex, knowing it doesn’t mean anything, showing vulnerability to someone who hardly knows you. I couldn’t do that with a random person, it would have to mean something. Kieran stared ahead as a memory attempted to break through her consciousness.

I will not think about him.

You are such a girl.

Kieran threw a cushion at him and wine spilled out of the glass on to his hand.

Matt swore and wiped his hand on his jeans.

That’s a really sexist thing to say, it’s not only women who want romance. Kieran told him.

Really? How many men do you know that have romance at the top of their list?

An image of a man floated into her head. It would do her no good to remember him. Men can’t be interested in just sex, surely.

Not all men no, some of us want to settle down in the end,

Kieran nodded. When you find the one,

Exactly, Matt surveyed her for a few seconds, Don’t you miss sex, though? he placed his glass on the coffee table. It’s been ages, Kieran.

She blushed and avoided his eyes, Yes, it has been a while, but I miss affection more than I miss sex.

That’s why I kissed Jeremy – one mistake I will not be repeating.

Do you miss Joshua? Is that why you don’t want to sleep with anyone else? Matt asked of her ex-boyfriend. His tone was sympathetic.

Kieran shook her head, no; he wasn’t the reason at all. I’ve never really been into casual sex; I haven’t slept with anyone that I didn’t like and after one date how can you possibly know that?

That wasn’t necessarily true, she had slept with someone after one date, but she didn’t want to talk about him. In fact, Kieran never spoke about him.

Matt sighed and shook his head. The girls are right, you are Charlotte,

Kieran threw another cushion at him. Matt was ready this time and put his hands up in defence. The cushion rebounded, narrowly missing the table and their bottle of wine. He shook his head at her in reprimand.

I am not Charlotte! she protested. Her friends, Chantelle and Christina, compared her to one of the characters in her favourite TV programme, Sex and the City, whenever she said something naïve. Sometimes you’re too optimistic about men - like Charlotte, they’d say.

If she was like Charlotte, Matt was definitely Samantha, flying the flag for casual sex, and lots of it.

You have no idea what you’re missing, why wait? What if you spend ages getting to like a person and the sex is bad? Then you have to dump someone you like because of sex, no-one wants to go through that.

You sound like you’re talking from experience? Kieran told him.

Too much experience, so now, no more waiting, I’m not saying you should hump every guy you meet, but if there’s a physical connection, why not? You have to test drive the car before you can make an informed decision about buying it.

Kieran laughed, I’ll take your word for it.

So, when are the girls landing? Matt changed the subject and refilled his glass.

Kieran’s eyes lit up, Two days.

Are they prudes like you?

Kieran poked her tongue out at him. I’d rather be a prude than a man whore, she hit back playfully.

Matt opened his mouth faking shock horror. That was the last time he insulted her sex life for the rest of the night.

***

Kieran climbed into the taxi and told the driver, The Blue Note Jazz Club, please. The restaurant in the West Village was a few blocks from where she lived, and she looked forward to lunching with French Fancy. They had developed a firm friendship after he became a client of Cupcake Communications, The London PR firm owned by her aunt, Janet.

Like Kieran, he lived in New York, but was usually travelling around the country playing football, which was his profession, and making public appearances. He always made an effort to meet up with her whenever he was free and Kieran appreciated his company, especially before she’d made any friends. The Blue Note Jazz Club and Restaurant somehow became their hang out spot.

In less than an hour, Kieran made her way through the first course, while a jazz band played on the stage. Frenchie filled her in on what he’d been up to then it was her turn.

So have you met anyone, yet?

Kieran looked skywards. No, I was wondering how long it would take you to ask.

He laughed, I worry about you being alone; it’s time you got back out there.

You sound like Matt.

He worries about you, too?

Yes, and there’s nothing to worry about.

I have told you before, you are like my little sister and I just want to see you happy.

His French accent was a lot more pronounced when he was being serious. Kieran tried not to make a face. It bugged her when he referred to her as his little sister, since she had a less than sisterly crush on him. I am in New York, I’m happy, she reassured him.

He studied her face for a while and Kieran pretended not to notice, turning her attention to the saxophone player. Their eyes met, he winked then moved towards the end of the stage, closer to where she sat. Kieran blushed and picked up her cup of tea.

Frenchie chuckled and sipped his coffee.

Shut up, Kieran grinned and nudged him in the ribs.

He held up a hand, I did not say anything.

I don’t need a boyfriend to be happy, you know.

I am not saying that, but I am sure you miss being in a relationship, no?

Sometimes, she admitted but don’t most people who are single?

Okay, I won’t bug you anymore, when you are ready I guess you will find someone, he said and started to clap as the band reached the end of their song.

Kieran joined him, but did not look at the saxophonist, My thoughts exactly.

He chuckled again.

Kieran was captivated by the next song, perhaps because the instruments blended into one harmonious sound evoking emotion and longing. Suddenly, she shivered; the hairs on her arms stood on end as she remembered dancing to the song once upon a time, in Greece, with him... though she knew it was a mistake she closed her eyes and allowed herself to relive the moment when she inhaled his cologne, felt his arms around her and the weight of his body on top of hers as they made love, the softness of his touch and the tingle on her lips when he kissed her. She gasped and her eyes flew open to see Frenchie observing her.

You like this song? he asked.

Overwhelmed by the memories, Kieran nodded, yes.

It brings back memories of something good?

Ah, you could say that, she told him and hoped he wouldn’t ask for details.

Bien, he said, and left it at that.

Kieran was grateful, but it wasn’t good, it wasn’t good at all.

2 CHAPTER TWO

I’m so glad you guys are here! Kieran squealed with excitement at her two best friends, as they exited the airport. The wind howled and Kieran rubbed her hands together. She dreaded the long wait for a taxi. As was typical, when you didn’t want one they were everywhere, when you did, there were none in sight.

Ah, anyone would think you’ve missed us, Chantelle told her and shivered.

How do you cope with this cold weather? Christina asked through chattering teeth, she rubbed her gloved hands together.

Kieran laughed. When she first experienced the winter, she thought she would pass out from the icy temperatures. She hadn’t known cold like it before, but quickly got used to it like she had with most things New York. She especially fell in love with the snow; it was a completely different story over there than it was in London. When it snowed it really snowed, and covered everything in a fluffy white blanket that lasted for days. There was nothing more magical than being in the midst of a bout of snow in Central Park; Kieran became emotional the first time she witnessed it.

She turned her thoughts back to her friends. The last time they saw each other was three months ago, when she went home for Christmas and returned with them to spend their first New York, New Year’s Eve together. I missed you guys’ loads, Kieran told them, as they shuffled forward in the queue. They’d never been apart for so long before.

Seven months had passed since Kieran moved to New York after she was promoted from Junior Publicist to Publicist at her aunt’s company, Cupcake Communications. The new office was located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Park Avenue to be exact. She loved telling people where she worked, as it was a prestigious part of the city. She also had the good fortune of finding an apartment ten blocks from her office.

Kieran well and truly loved her new life, and was the happiest she’d been after the death of her daughter and the breakdown of her relationship. Her promotion offered a new start and not a day went by where she regretted her decision to leave.

I hope you’ve got your heating on, Chantelle said, when the taxi pulled up outside Kieran’s thirty-story condo an hour later.

It was a fairly new, post war building, built with brick, painted white, with rotating glass doors and standard doors on either side to accommodate people in wheelchairs. It housed six apartments on each floor and a penthouse apartment at the very top.

It’s like minus five degrees, of course I have the heating on. She paid the driver and got out of the taxi. He followed, took the suitcases out of the boot and placed them onto the sidewalk.

Mike, the main doorman was on duty. He smiled, as he opened the door. When Kieran first saw him, she wondered how he could protect the building, given that he was short, chubby and in his fifties. As she got to know him, he turned out to be a nice guy and Kieran couldn’t imagine him not being there. Everyone who met Mike loved him. Hey, Mike, she called out, as she walked into the cream carpeted lobby. Chantelle and Christina followed, wheeling their luggage.

Good evening, ladies, you two back again?

We can’t stay away. Christina admitted.

That’s New York for you. It’s why I’ve never left. How long are you here for?

Two weeks, the girls chorused.

Kieran grinned. She’d been looking forward to their visit for ages.

That’s cool. Have a good evening. I’m sure I’ll see you in the morning.

See ya, Mike, Kieran called after him.

They continued through the wide lobby. The concierge desk was immediately ahead of them and Kieran waved to Maria, a Mexican lady, who was on reception duty. Maria was friendly enough, but if you caught her on a bad day, it was wise to avoid her. Opposite the desk was a small waiting area that housed a cream sofa placed against the wall.

They walked over to the lifts on the far side, entered, and were on the twenty-fifth floor within a few minutes. Living in a tower block in New York was completely different to living in a tower block in London; the smell of urine was absent for a start. Kieran felt like she was in a hotel when she first moved in, since she had maid service on a weekly basis. At first she felt uncomfortable with the idea and tidied up before Ana arrived, which defeated the purpose of her being there.

Chantelle and Christina gasped in unison when Kieran opened her door, not because they hadn’t seen her apartment before, but from the amazing view of the city. It never failed to take people’s breaths away. They let go of their cases and hurried over to the floor to ceiling window and stood in silence staring like proper tourists at the city that was lit up for miles and miles.

Kieran allowed them to savour the moment then said, I’m gonna turn the light on now.

They groaned.

Kieran laughed. She was just as bad if truth be told. Many nights she sat in the dark just admiring the view.

"What are we doing tonight? Chantelle asked, as she flopped onto the sofa. Lily did the same and sniffed her.

Let’s go to a bar? Christina said, as she sat down next to Chantelle and gently pushed Lily off the sofa. She had no time for dogs.

Lily dropped her head as if she were sad and walked off in the direction of the kitchen.

No, I wanna take you to this club I went to about two weeks ago, it’s so cool! Kieran told them and sat in an armchair opposite them.

Christina rolled her eyes, You sound so American.

I do not! Kieran protested then grimaced at the American twang that she had to admit was present in her accent.

You do, Chantelle agreed.

It’s Matt’s fault. She spent a lot of time with him, not only at work; they went to dinner, the theatre, clubs and he often stayed over. They would have been perfect for each other, but he, too, was looking for the right man.

I can’t wait to meet him, Christina said.

I will call him now and ask him to take us out.

Will he take us to a gay club? Chantelle questioned.

Kieran laughed as she rummaged in her bag for her phone. Actually, we take it in turns. Tonight we’ll go to a straight club.

Are New York guys cute? Chantelle asked hopefully.

Oh my God, yes! Kieran squealed.

Your cute, or my cute? You know sometimes I have to question your taste in men.

Universal cute, Kieran assured her. She didn’t know if it was their accents, but there was something about New York guys that she found charming. Even though at present, she had no luck with her dates, Kieran had learnt a lot about what she wanted and didn’t want in a guy.

If she was honest, no-one could compare to her one-time holiday romance gone sour. The name of the man she couldn’t bear to utter, because it still hurt. He set a high standard with the way he treated Kieran and she wouldn’t settle for anything less. If her date wasn’t chivalrous and they didn’t share common interests and values, she didn’t bother seeing them again.

In seven months, she’d only been on a few dates, all Matt’s doing; none evoked the chemistry she and Rome had shared, but she had to move on. Kieran actually enjoyed being single and loved the simplicity of her new life.

When she met Matt, the events manager at Cupcake Communications, she was in awe of the tall, Mediterranean looking, dark haired, olive skinned man, with chocolate brown eyes, a chiselled jaw and high cheek bones. He was plain and simply gorgeous. He fell in love with Kieran immediately, they developed a friendship that continued to blossom, not to mention he was the reason her social life had soared. She couldn’t help but feel a little bit smug at the world in general that her life was good.

By the time Matt and his sister, Nina, arrived, they were all dressed and ready to party. Kieran had also developed a bond with Nina. She and Matt had adopted Kieran as their little sister and she couldn’t imagine them not being in her life.

Nina, at thirty, was the eldest, Matt, twenty-seven and Kieran almost twenty-five. When together, they did not act their ages and indulged in silliness. Nina had recently moved to Brooklyn with her husband, so Kieran hadn’t seen much of her in the past month and was excited she was joining them.

Like her brother, she was stunning, with her corkscrew curls, dark brown eyes and lashes that looked like miniature fans, she never failed to get attention from both sexes.

They took two taxis downtown and Matt led them to an exclusive club. One thing Kieran loved about going out on the town with him was that she never had to queue, and felt like a celebrity. Once inside the VIP area, they ordered cocktails and were soon dancing to the music that was so loud the floor vibrated from the bass.

Miss Taylor, you have an admirer, Matt announced a while later, as he sipped his drink and leant against the bar. Three pairs of eyes scanned the room, Kieran kept hers on Matt’s face. He’d made it his life’s mission to find her a man.

That guy at the other end of the bar? Nina asked, her voice rose an octave in excitement.

Yea, he’s hot, right?

She nodded with enthusiasm, her curls bounced around her face.

Kieran scowled at her. She was just as bad as her brother.

He’s okay, Chantelle added, as she too studied the man at the bar.

I think he’s trying to figure out whether Matt is your boyfriend,