And this place is locked down tight.
Security at the door, more near the stage, several big, muscular men who look like they could break most of the patrons in here in half like a twig roam around in civilian clothes that do little to conceal who they are or why they’re here.
They don’t take chances when it comes to their girls, and that’s something I can appreciate, even if it does make me a little uneasy as I walk in. Most of them pay me no mind as I saunter through the main room and slide onto an empty stool near the far end of the bar, exactly where I was sitting only a few days ago when it all went down.
And when I saw her…
My eyes immediately scan the club, barely skimming over the redhead on the pole who has everyone else’s rapt attention.
She doesn’t hold mine.
Not because she isn’t beautiful or talented. She’s definitely both those things. But the woman I’m searching for won’t be on that stage tonight.
She’ll be watching from the wings, standing in the shadows, even though she’s far more stunning than any of the girls who get naked and perform.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the brief glimpse I got of her the other night during all the commotion—or hoping I’ll see her again.
But she isn’t here tonight.
Just a normal crowd enjoying the music, the show, and a drink. No stunning burnt-umber-skinned beauty watching intently from the wings…
Disappointment hits me squarely in the chest, but I push it away.
You don’t need the complication.
It’s a reminder I’ve told myself many times in my life—that getting involved with a woman for anything more than a quick release only leads to heartbreak and pain. And for the most part, I’ve been able to keep things casual with my entanglements. They never last long, and I make sure they end before something like feelings can get involved. But something tells me that staying casual would be impossible given the way my body reacted to seeing her.
I’ve never believed in anything beyond lust at first sight.
There’s never been any reason to…
Yet, the moment I saw her racing into action when it was apparent someone was sick, it felt as if I’d been struck squarely in the chest by something far more powerful.
Something that drew me back here tonight when I should have stayed away.
The young bartender makes his way over to me and inclines his head. “Nice to see you again.”
He remembers me…
That could be a bad thing, or a good one. Friendly people have looser lips. That means I might learn a thing or two about the stunning woman who suddenly occupied all my thoughts over the past couple days.
I shift in my seat slightly, angling my body so I can see the club better—to watch for her. “Thanks.”
“What can I get for ya?”
“Whatever IPA you have on tap.”
He nods and offers a grin. “You got it.”
Without even thinking, I slide my hand into my right jacket pocket and close my fingers around the hard metal there, almost as if I need to feel it to ground myself tonight.
And honestly, maybe I do.
I need the reminder of who I am when things have felt off for a while now. It’s something I can’t put my finger on. An unsteadiness when I’m typically rock solid. Questions when there used to be none. And somehow, I thought coming here and drowning myself in hoppy beer was the answer.
Liar.
That’s not why you’re here.
