Chapter Text
Prologue
I sat at the end of the dirty bar, nursing a broken heart I should’ve seen coming. The whiskey bottle sat in front of me and I lifted the shot glass, relishing in the burn in left going down my throat. My cellphone was on, though, just in case I got called out on a case, although I seriously doubted Hotch would want to call me in right this second. I barely noticed someone sit down beside me until he spoke. “Strongest thing you got.” He was polite to the bartender, but I could tell he was hurting.
His short, brownish-blonde hair was spiky in the front, his stunning green eyes had a haunted look in them, and freckles dotted his face, more prominent across his nose and cheekbones. He was extremely attractive and could’ve gotten any girl in the bar with just a look. He noticed me staring and gave me a small smile. “Heartbreak?” He asked softly. His voice was deep, smooth as velvet.
"How’d you guess?” I said wryly, downing another shot.
“Only reason for a beautiful woman to be sitting at the bar, looking like she’d kill the next man who tried to pick her up.” He chuckled. “I’m Dean.”
“Stacey.” We shook hands and a small electric jolt ran up through my fingertips at his touch. “Same deal for you?”
“Of sorts.” He took the whiskey from the bartender. “Leave the bottle.” He requested, turning back to me. “So, he cheat?”
“He died.” I forwent the shot glass, drinking out of the bottle. “I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.”
“I’m sorry. How long ago?”
“Six months.” I answered automatically. “I sleep better drunk. No nightmares that way.” I then turned the conversation to him. “She leave you?”
“No. My brother did.” He took another swig of whiskey and I was impressed. He didn’t even wince. “He was the only family I had and now, he’s gone.” We talked until the bartender called last round. “Wanna get out of here?”
One night stands weren’t my style, but he was charming and there was something about him I was drawn to. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He grinned and drove us to his hotel room and then proceeded to give me the best sex I’d ever had.
I woke up, my head on his chest. “Morning, Stacey.”
“Morning.” I stretched, rolling out of bed and getting dressed.
“Breakfast first?” He grinned, grabbing his jeans.
I stared at him, trying to decide if he was a serial killer in the making. Finally, I nodded. “Sounds good.”
We drove to a doughnut shop and each got three chocolate covered doughnuts and a cup of coffee. “Thank you for last night.” He said suddenly.
“Um, for what? The free therapy or sex?”
“Both.” He grinned, looking at me and I swear my heart stopped. “But I’m thanking you for the therapy.” Then, he drove me back to the bar so I could pick up my car.
“I, uh, put my number in your phone. Just in case you’re ever in town again or need to talk.” I said, sliding out of the Impala.
“I’ll call you.” He said and I could tell that, while he’s told others the same thing, he meant it with me.
“See you around, Dean.” I watched him drive off in the opposite direction I was headed before I pointed my Mustang in the direction of my apartment complex.