She exhales at last, and I slow our movements, letting the shuddering ebb, watching her descend. Her head falls onto my shoulder.
I carefully lower her leg to the floor and release her hair. I wrap my arms around her waist and wait her out.
She breathes hard against me, gradually regaining control. Then, muffled against my shirt, she says, “That was an orgasm, wasn’t it? From nothing. Nothing went in me.”
I nod against her hair.
She pulls away, her eyes alight. “That’s not against the rules, is it?”
I shrug. “No cherry was popped.”
“Did you like it?” She frowns. “No, of course not. It was nothing for you.” She glances down at my bulge. “Should I lick it? Something.” She reaches for me.
I take her hand. “Not now. Let’s take our time, so you can figure this out.”
Her eyes lift to meet mine. “But I want you to want to do it again.”
I chuckle at that. “I’m happy to be of service.”
“Next Wednesday?” Her voice is so hopeful.
“Next Wednesday.”
She steps back and adjusts her skirt. “That was…wow. I didn’t even know such a thing could happen.” She straightens her tank top. “Okay. I, uh, guess we need to close up?”
I chuckle again. “We do. Go gather those glasses and we’ll finish here.”
She hurries off across the bar. As I watch her ass twitch while she walks, I adjust my crotch. We’re playing with fire here.
But fuck all if it isn’t fun.
CHAPTER 17
MARIETTA
Iswear I walk on moon shoes the whole week after Wednesday night with Merrick. I almost write my brother about it to remind him of how we would jump around the neighborhood on the tall plastic shoes with rubber bands that made you bounce in the air.
But I don’t think anyone in my family would be too thrilled with my new life, so I don’t.
Symphony and Jenna, however, are more than thrilled for me. They agree that things are definitely looking up.
On Saturday morning, I get ready to go to pole class, both to learn some transitions with Terra and to dance for Merrick through the glass wall.
I feel wet thinking about it, and I’m bent over, making sure nothing is showing in the crotch of my leggings, when Betz comes in.
“What the hell are you doing, Mouse?” She stands in the doorway, her hip cocked. Her hair is wrapped in a black bandanna. She looks like a total badass in her property cut and black leather pants.
I straighten up. “I thought there was a hole in them. Couldn’t go to dance like that!”
Betz rolls her eyes. “The prospect is out front waiting for you. Don’t make him wait, even if he is only a prospect.”
“Yes. Of course. Thank you.” I throw on a sweatshirt so I won’t be cold on the ride and hurry toward the door.
She doesn’t move out of my way. “You’ve been acting like a lovesick dove,” she says. “Is something going on between you and Merrick? Because Iron Jack won’t take too kindly if you’re going behind his back. He’s got a new prospect coming to church tomorrow that he’s thinking might be good for you.”
That stops me in my tracks. “He does?”
“Yeah. Cute thing. Maybe a bit naive. But not a brute like these others.”
