My Cop Ex-Boyfriend

: Long Time No See

2

After I'd fended off the fifth guy to hit on me in this corner and downed my fourth cocktail, Vivi Willow still hadn't come back.

I silently cursed her. 'Is she planning on moving in here or what?'

I got up, my eyes scanning the dance floor and the surrounding booths.

I didn't find Vivi Willow, but I did find the makings of my next big scoop.

'Well, looks like I'm working overtime after all. I have to admire my own dedication.'

In the most central booth of the entire bar sat Summer, the famous actor known for cultivating a public image of an innocent, pure-hearted boy. But right now, he had his arms around a flock of scantily clad beauties, looking for all the world like an ancient king lost to debauchery.

He must have been there for a while. Plenty of eyes were drifting in his direction, and some people even tried to sneak a photo with their phones. But as soon as they did, the burly bodyguards at his side would spring into action and give them a warning.

Perhaps worried about attracting too much attention, the actor and his entourage got up and headed toward the private rooms.

I slipped off my jacket and tossed it onto a barstool.

I smoothed down the black silk slip dress I was wearing underneath, then pulled out the recording pen I always carry. I clipped it to my bra and activated the miniature camera in my small purse. Grabbing the half-finished cocktail from the table, I quickly fell in behind them.

'First, I'll follow them. Then I'll just have to play it by ear.'

After the group ahead of me entered the private room, a guy with an oily, powdered face came out. He stopped a passing bartender and started speaking to him in a low voice.

I swirled the cocktail in my hand, hiked my slip dress up until it barely covered anything, and sauntered over.

After Pinky finished talking to the bartender, the server brushed past me and left. My eyes were locked on Pinky. He licked his lips and a smirk played on his mouth. He crossed his arms and gave me a lazy, insolent once-over, from my feet to my eyes.

It seems adults can convey everything about flirting with a single glance. Naturally, I decided to press my advantage.

Just as I reached him, I pretended to lose my footing, spilling my cocktail all over Pinky's chest as I fell into his arms. And just as I'd planned, he smoothly draped an arm over my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, I think I've had a little too much to drink," I said, putting on my most delicate, helpless voice.

My hand provocatively brushed across his chest, right where I had "accidentally" spilled my drink.

Just as I was plotting my next move, a voice suddenly rang out from behind me.

"Don't move! Hands on your head! Police!"

I straightened up, shoved Pinky away, and turned my head. My gaze collided with a pair of clear, familiar eyes.

The other officers behind him swarmed into the private room beside me. Panicked screams mingled with the still-blaring music, but it felt like time had frozen as we stared at each other.

'It's been a long time, Leo Reid.'