“Ihopeso, I won’t lie.” Gabe chuckled softly. “After what just happened in the shower, I’m pretty sure he wants to. But I’ll let him make the call.”
“Is he coming to work here?”
“I’malmostpositive that’s a yes,” Gabe said. “But he still hasn’t given a definitive answer. Though at this point, I think he’s just holding back to torture me.” He laughed. “Gotta love that in a man.”
“Mm. Absolutely.”
Gabe picked up the bottle of glitter oil and tilted his head at Dane. He grinned. “Wanna do the honors?”
Dane snatched the bottle from his hand without hesitation, popped open the lid, and started rubbing oil all over Gabe’s shoulders and back. Gabe shivered; the man had fantastic hands. His cock grew thicker as the warmth and sensuality of Dane’s touch reignited thoughts of Cole in the shower.
Gabe’s breath caught slightly when Dane ran his oiled palms lower over his ass, massaging the oil into his cheeks. Dane sank to his heels as he slicked the back of Gabe’s thighs, his breath warm on Gabe’s ass cheeks.
Fuck.
Clearing his throat, Gabe took the bottle of glitter oil from Dane when he stood. “I’d better do my front, or I might have an… accident.”
Dane chuckled, shaking his head.
When Gabe finished oiling his front half, Dane asked, “You ready?”
Gabe looked down at his massive erection and grinned. “Don’t I look ready?”
Dane laughed. “You give an all-new meaning tocockedand loaded.”
“Have a seat,” Max gestured to the leather sofa. “Should I assume you want to talk about working here at the club?”
Cole perched on the edge of the sofa cushion, its buttery leather creaking beneath him. His gaze swept across the office, taking in the opulence that surrounded him. The high-backed armchair across from him gleamed with brass studs along itsseams, while Max’s mahogany desk dominated the far wall, its surface reflecting the amber glow from a Tiffany lamp. File cabinets with ornate brass handles flanked floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined with leather-bound volumes whose spines had never been cracked.
His shoes sank into the plush burgundy carpet that felt thick enough to swallow his ankles, muffling any sound in the room to a whisper. The air smelled faintly of cigar smoke and expensive cologne.
“Uh, yeah,” he said quietly.
“I was serious before.” Max leaned against the front of his desk. “After watching you on the dance floor, I think you’re a perfect fit for the club. You definitely have dance in your blood.”
Cole leaned forward, nervously rubbing his hands together. “I do really like it here…” he stared at the floor, his words stalling.
“But?” Max asked. “If you have any concerns, I’d be glad to address them.”
Cole looked up. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I mean, yesterday was my first time in a strip club.” He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “I think… I think I would be okay performing with the other dancers. I might be nervous going on stage for the first time, but I believe I could get past that. It’s just…” he chewed his lower lip. “I’m not sure if I’d do as well with the customers. Up close, I mean. I don’t know how good I would be at… seducing and flirting.”
Max smiled. “I have a feeling you’d be great at it once you get the hang of it. But I understand your doubts.” He sighed. “If you want to give it a try here at the club, I could hire you on a trial basis. Say, work for a week, and if at the end of the week, you feel it’s not for you…” Max nodded. “… you can go on your way, no hard feelings.”
A trial period? Cole felt kinda relieved about the offer. He’d worried about starting the job only to have to quit soon after because he couldn’t handle it. That would make him feel like shit. But a trial run…
“I’m sure Dane and Gabe would be happy to show you the ropes," he said with a knowing smile. “Teach you how to handle the customers.” He chuckled. “Just an expression. You won’t actually behandlingthem. My boys are dancers, not prostitutes. Sometimes the customers need to be reminded of that.”
Cole nodded.
“So, what do you think?” Max asked in an almost hopeful tone. “You want to give it a try? I have a sense about people, and I think you will fit right in. In fact, I have a feeling you will be a great asset to the Phoenix.”
Cole had his doubts, but Max appeared genuine and not just trying to bullshit him into taking the job. Maxwell Raines didn’t seem like a “bullshitter.” Cole liked the man—had liked him the moment he met him earlier at the bar.
Rising from the sofa, Cole flexed his hands. “I think I might be okay with a trial basis,” he said, his lingering nervousness audible in his voice.
“Great!” Max grinned and stepped forward, giving Cole’s shoulder a squeeze with the same warm affection as before. “You’ve already got the look.” He pointed to the T-shirt. “Looks great on you.” He chuckled.
Cole laughed nervously. “When do I start?”
