“Oh. How old?”
“He’ll be five next month.”
The fact that the music is still playing, and she’s still moving doesn’t escape me. The absurdity of the two of us having this conversation while she’s giving me a lap dance hits me.
The fact that she’s here with me because she’s being paid to be hits my ego hard. “Look, I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. You’re just trying to earn a living.”
Something changes in her expression, and her eyes get cold. “That’s what usually happens when I mention I have a son.”
“It’s not that. Not at all. It just hit me that you’re here with me because you’re beingpaidto be in this room with me, and if I’m being honest, me wearing this vest…? It’s probably taking away your feeling of being able to say no. That’s not the case, Ginger. You can tell me to go fuck off, and I won’t hold it against you.”
She stops moving and stares into my eyes. “Are you being for real right now?”
“Yeah.” I huff a laugh. “Stupid, but honest.”
The music ends and the time clock chimes, indicating the thirty-five minutes are up. I push her onto her feet.
“Put your top back on, honey. I better let you go before Tiny gets overprotective and risks his job to stick his head in the door and check on you.”
“Tiny takes good care of us.”
“I know he does, and I don’t mean to put him in a spot.”
She turns her back and refastens her top, but glances over her shoulder at me. “Were you serious about that cup of coffee and walking me to my door?”
I freeze, hope zinging through me. “Yes, ma’am.”
She gives me her first real, honest-to-God smile, and it lights up her face.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Heather—
Before I can react, Cody reaches out and tugs my lace blindfold down.
“Hey,” I snap, swatting his hand away as panic hits me.
“Sorry. Just wanted to see your eyes.” His gaze narrows, and his chin pulls to the side. It’s like he thinks he recognizes me but can’t put his finger on where we’ve met.
“I should go,” I whisper and move to walk past him, but his hand clamps on my wrist, stopping me.
“Do I know you?” he whispers.
Before I can answer, his eyes widen when he figures it out. “Wait a minute. You’re Ryan’s girl.” He pulls back. “Aren’t you?”
I try to pull free, but he won’t let go.
“Are you Heather? Answer me.”
A long moment drags out while he won’t let me go until I answer, and I don’t want to admit the truth. Finally, I realize he’s not going to give up until I do.
“Yes, okay. Now, let me go.” I tug and pull on my wrist. When he releases me, I dash from the room, flying past Tiny with tears in my eyes.
Tiny’s jaw drops. “Ginger, wait. Are you okay?”
Glancing back, I see him whirl to confront Cody, shoving him backward with two hands on his chest.
“You said you wouldn’t hurt her. I trusted you,” he roars, and I’m suddenly fearful for Tiny’s job.
