The shrill whimper that emerges from the back of my throat brings me to my senses. It’s the sound of unbridled desire. I don’t remember the last time I made that sound. Without warning, I pull away from his grasp and go for the passenger door. I grab my things and step down from the pickup into the cool night air, forgetting to close the door behind me. I run directly over to my car, parked away from the light from the diner interior. I fumble for my key and my fingers tremble when I yank open the door.
I hit the gas as soon as I’m able. I practically fly out of there. I glimpse the passenger door of his pickup and it’s still open.
Guilt rinses me for the second time tonight. I shouldn’t have kissed him. I shouldn’t have let him kiss me.
But dang if that wasn’t the best kiss of my entire life.
‘Where the hell you been, Ren?’ Jaxon complains at me as he follows me backstage at Surly’s. ‘I’ve been leaving you messages all afternoon.’
I don’t stop walking. ‘I’m sorry,’ I say, as in the dressing room, two of the other girls voice their objections and cover up at his presence. ‘I’m early, aren’t I?’
Jaxon lowers his voice. ‘Boss is here. We needed extras.’
I pull off my jacket and frown at him. ‘For what?’
‘He’s got guests. Out back.’
I stiffen. It means the games room is in use. Kale is likely hosting a few rounds of Texas Hold ’Em. ‘What guests?’
‘I don’t know names, do I? But he told me to tell you to get your ass back there soon as you arrived. You’re not performing out front tonight.’
I swallow. I remember Brody Conway’s message to me earlier today.I’ll tell the whole of Canyon what you really are, and I know it in my heart. He’s back from honeymoon, and he’shere.
‘Oh, and Ren?’ Jaxon says.
‘What?’
‘Boss says lose the hair tonight.Au naturel. Or whatever it is they say. No wig.’
My stomach performs a somersault. Jaxon leaves and I swiftly change into tonight’s outfit: a red corset trimmed with black lace and matching high-waisted panties. I pull on my thigh-high patent leather boots and raise both zippers. I add to my makeup that I was already wearing for my date with Jake. Then I defy Kale’s orders and pull on a long, straight, mahogany wig and fix it into place.
Behind me, I hear Misty suck air through her teeth. ‘Somebody’s playing with fire tonight,’ she says.
‘I’ll fight my corner if I have to,’ is my response.
‘Sweetheart, why would you try and antagonize him on purpose? You know what he’s like.’
‘It’s this cheerleader thing,’ I sigh. ‘Every time I go out there, I’m scared somebody’s gonna recognize me.’
‘You knew the risk, honey pie.’
She’s not helping. ‘Ilikebeing a cheerleader.’
‘Should have thought about that before you sent in your application.’
I whirl around and fix my gaze on her tired eyes. ‘I can’t have dreams now? My life is over until I pay this debt, is that it? Should I have let my Daddy die?’
She raises her brows and goes back to fixing her makeup.
Minutes later, Jaxon opens the door to the back room. The lights are low, other than a dim light over the poker table. Four men surround it, smoke from their cigars swirling about their heads. One of them is Kale McCoy. He has his back to me. Mila – orCandy Chains– sits closely at his side. I step forward. The two men sitting to his left and right I don’t recognize. Talia – otherwise known asBaby Bullets– is in one of their laps, and Kaycee – dancer name,Heaven Scent– has her arms draped around the other’s shoulders. She’s wearing long pearl necklaces and is sucking on a lollipop. Only one man sits alone. I don’t need to see his face to know who it is. I’d recognize those long fingers anywhere.
‘Finally,’ Kale’s voice rings out as he looks back at me. ‘There she is! Where you been Brandy? Come on over, have a seat.’
My heart pitter-patters. There’s already a chair waiting for me at the table.
When Brody Conway’s face comes into view, he meets my gaze.
‘Evening, Brandy,’ he says. ‘We’ve been expecting you, come sit.’
