“I can’t!” I swallowed hard again, willing the lump in my throat to go away.
“Why? And don’t you dare feed me the ‘because’ line.”
“I don’t want him to know that I’m weak and allowed this to happen to me.” My chest felt tight, and the lump was increasing in size.
“Andrew,” James said my name much quieter this time. He shook his head as he focused on the road. “For everything that you’ve endured by your father’s side—the loss of two brothers and your mother within weeks of each other—I don’t believe for a moment that your father wouldeverthink you were anything except the strongest person he knows.”
And just like that, James made me lose control of my emotions that were holding on by a thread. I turned my head to look out the passenger side window as a few tears escaped.
3
Tabitha
Shit! It was already after eight o’clock! Where did the time go? I had planned on going to Club Oxygen tonight to hopefully see Andrew. I’d already wasted too much time pussyfooting around. Life was short, and while I was aware he needed time, I also wanted him to know that I was interested.
I was so exhausted from the work day, though, that I was tempted to go home. The only saving grace was it was Friday night, and I could sleep in tomorrow. Plus, there was the possibility that I’d see Andrew tonight.
Before I made my way to the club, I stopped in the ladies’ room to fix my hair and made sure the stress and exhaustion of the day wasn’t apparent on my face. As I brushed my hair, I decided I wasn’t going to try to negotiate a session with anyone. It wouldn’t be fair to them if I wasn’t in top form. But there was nothing wrong with stopping in for a drink on the way home. I went back to my office and gathered my things. Depending on how the night would go, I might even be able to get an hour or two in on the project for the company logo change.
“Hey, Mistress Tabitha!” Ali welcomed me as she stood behind the check-in counter.
“Happy Friday, Ali.” I handed her my club identification card so she could scan the barcode on the back. I had been so pleased to hear that Sam scooped her up. She balanced his calm personality perfectly. And with Josh in the mix, the three of them were just too much fun.
“Are you playing tonight?” she asked and handed me the ID card.
“Not tonight. The work week has been exhausting, and it’s already nine o’clock. I was planning on possibly having a drink, then heading home.”
“Okay. Brett is here. He might have found someone to have a session with.”
“Hopefully he’s found a Top for the evening who will meet his needs,” I said. “I’ll see you later, Ali.”
I moved away from the check-in counter and stepped into the dimly lit main room of Oxygen. The club was what I’d expected for a bustling busy night. The main room already had some members in the aftercare stages of their evenings while others were excitedly negotiating play.
I went to the bar and took a corner seat so I was facing the majority of the main room. I enjoyed people watching; though, I was primarily looking for one specific male tonight. Oxygen’s atmosphere was invigorating, and by the time I’d sat down, a burst of energy swept through me.
“Evening, Mistress Tabitha.” Albert stretched his arms out and gripped the bar top.
“Hello, Albert,” I warmly greeted.
“What might I interest you in to drink?” he asked.
“A Coke, please.”
Albert nodded while wearing a smile and stepped away from the bar top. My eyes were set to glance around the room. I spotted James sitting in his usual chair. He looked relaxed as he stroked Brandon’s light brown hair. Brandon sat proudly on his heels beside James’s feet. They were a beautiful pair. They were a masculine mix of aged perfection and youthful energy. I didn’t know how James kept up with that young man.
“Thank you,” I said as Albert placed the glass of Coke in front of me.
I guided the black straw to my lips to sip the Coke while my eyes drank in the aged perfection that James exuded. When I realized James was looking at me, I politely smiled and raised my glass. I managed to pry my eyes off him and scanned the rest of the main room.
While I casually sipped on my Coke, I began to wonder what I might spot the handsome Andrew West wearing tonight. I’d seen him many times before wearing black boxer trunks or a jockstrap, and I’d seen him gloriously naked as well. But I doubted he would be roaming the club in a jockstrap tonight.Pity.
Josh’s laughter immediately drew my attention. Just on the other side of the bar directly across from me, a shirtless Josh stood laughing at something with two other men. Sam had a smile on his face, but Josh’s laughter was no match volume-wise for anyone. Both were looking at the source for the laughter—Andrew.
Mmm, so we’re in business attire tonight, Mr. West.
Lord.
Andrew leaned on the bar top with his elbow propped up on the lacquered dark wood. The fabric of his white button-down dress shirt hugged his bicep. My fingers itched to lightly scratch the bulge of his muscles over the shirt. His beautiful head was tilted back, and his hand covered his eyes as his laughter was masked by Josh’s. I wanted to pause time so I could study this handsome man. I focused on his throat and watched his Adam’s apple move slightly as he laughed and talked to Sam and Josh.
