“That should do it, then,” I say, offering him a soft smile.
Cam grins back, grabbing the twenties from me, his fingers grazing mine as he does so.
“Have fun,” he says, and I nod, feeling the anxiety swell in my stomach.
Before I can say another word, Paul wraps his arm around me and pulls me away.
Once we hit the door, I turn around, hoping to catch Cam looking andinsisthe join. But when my eyes land on the table we were at, I find his seat empty.
“Tonight’s going to be lit!” Mack announces as Andre hoots and hollers. I force a smile as I let my teammates lead me out into the chilly autumn night to go to a strip club I’m not entirely sure I want to go to.
Chapter Two
Cameron
The bouncer hands my ID back as he gestures over his shoulder for me to enter. I go through the doors and stop at the podium where the guy takes my money and stamps my hand. The doors to the club open as the person in front of me heads in, and I go in right after them, the music so loud I can hardly hear myself think. It’s my favorite. Getting lost in music, alcohol, and dancing. I’ve been coming to this club since I was eighteen, and though it goes through staff like I change my underwear, there are a few who’ve been here for a while and know me well.
Like Sid, the bartender.
“Long time no see,” he says when I squeeze between a few people loitering around.
“Been busy with school.”
He nods in understanding. “Want your usual?”
“Please,” I call back, sliding my card along the table for him to take when he gets back. He already knows I want a tab open. When I come here, I close it down, and tonight will be no different.
Austen is out with his shitty teammates, and being home alone with my thoughts isn’t something I can handle tonight. I thought I’d be fine to go home after modeling for the drawing class, something I do often enough, but even sitting there was difficult.
I don’t understand why Austen is friends with those guys. Not even friends, but how does he stand them? He’s nothing like them and they don’t even see it. Hell, I don’t think he sees it. Which makes me think I’m the problem here, not him.
“See you soon,” Sid says once he hands me my drink and takes my card. I sip from it as I make my way to the outer edge of the dancefloor. I’ll finish this drink, walk around a little, get another drink, and then I’ll be ready to dance. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to take someone home tonight.
I use the bathroom after my second drink, then move through the writhing bodies, to the center of the dance floor and dance. Most people who come here come with a crowd or a friend, but Austen would never be caught dead in a club like this. He does a lot of things for me, but this isn’t one of them. And honestly, I’m not sure I’d want him to come here. This is my safe place. One place I don’t see him, don’t have to worry about seeing him. Sometimes I just need a break. Sometimes I wonder why I came to this town, this college, at all. This won’t end the way I want, but I have too much hope in my heart to give up. Austen isn’t married yet. Until then, I’m staying.
“Hey!” is shouted in my ear, so I turn to find a smiling guy who looks slightly familiar. “You’re Cameron, right?”
I nod, running a hand through my sweaty hair. He holds out his hand for a shake, so I use my sweat-free one.
“You are?” I question.
“Greyson.” He leans in close. “I drew you in class today.”
I grin as he lets go of my hand. I knew he looked familiar.
“You were sitting in the back left.”
His eyes light up. “You noticed?”
“Sure did. You want to dance?”
“Hell yeah.”
He’s a good looking guy. Your typical artsy guy with dirty-blond hair that’s a little too long and clothes that are artfully put together and most people would think look ridiculous, but it all suits him.
Greyson moves closer to me, putting his arm around my waist, not being shy at all. I like that in a guy. Love when they’re forward with what they want. I don’t like playing games. I rest my arms on his shoulder and we move to the beat, grinding our bodies together to the heavy bass. It’s hot, and we’re sweaty, and the music keeps going. Turning in his arms, I move closer, rubbing my ass against him and grin when I feel he’s hard.
I’m not the best dancer, but I know how to use my body to get someone excited. I get enough practice.
