Okay, this isn’t exactly how I expected this conversation to go.Truth be told, over the last week, I’ve wondered if I’ll ever talk to him again.Period.But considering Lexie’s suggestion about teasing earlier, and the alcohol swimming through my veins, I almost want to say yes.To prove I’m a desirable person, dammit.Even if he can’t see it.My lips purse as his hand finds my thigh.It’s not high, mind you.The placement is just above the knee.But oh, what I wouldn’t give for it to inch higher.
“I can get ya a room for twenty minutes,” Jill offers.“Ya know, if you’re interested in making a point.”
“Oh?”
We both say it.Ford and me.Though his is filled with intrigue and mine is nothing short of absolute terror.I’m not sure who she’s talking to, and which point she’s hoping we’ll make.Whether I can’t dance, or whether Icandance, or if she can feel the same electric charge pulsing between Ford and me and is ready to put us both out of our misery before we combust at her bar, and she’s left to clean up the mess.It’s a mystery, though I’m not sure which option I’d prefer, either.
Jill’s attention shifts from me to Ford and back again.“Sure can,” she confirms.
Who exactly is Jill being a wingwoman for here?
I’m not sure when Violet and Jagger found our conversation more interesting than their own, but it’s clear they’re invested in the turn of events because I’m pretty sure I can feel both their stares as Jill slips out from behind the bar, not bothering to wait for my response.“Right this way.”
“Uh,” I start.
“There a problem, darlin’?”
Is there a problem?Well, let’s see.I’m way out of my element, a little buzzed, and trying not to squirm beneath Ford’s grip on my thigh, let alone the reminder of what it felt like the last time we were together.Now, someone wants to shove us into a room together so I can give him a dance?
How is this happening?
34
JUNE
“There a problem, June Bug?”Ford questions.
My pulse quickens as his gaze holds mine at the bar.It’s so intense.So brilliant.I can barely think straight, let alone form a coherent sentence based on logic as to why us being in the same room without any witnesses is probably a less-than-ideal situation if I have any hope of keeping my lady bits in my pants.
“June?”he rasps.
“Nope.”
“Ya hear that?”Jill says.“Right this way, darlin’.”
My legs feel like Jell-O as I slide off the barstool.
Jill guides us deeper into the strip club and toward where I assume the private rooms are located.Part of me feels like I’m stepping into the pits of hell.You know, if it was bedazzled and smelled like, what is that?Sweet and rich with an undertone of sweat.Interesting.The front is more of a vanilla and cigar elixir, but the further back we go, it changes.Now, it’s more like… My nose lifts an inch higher, and I take in a whiff.Cotton candy and bourbon.
At least it doesn’t smell like pancakes.The first time I had sex, I could’ve sworn the guy’s cum smelled like pancake batter.
Not that this place is a brothel or anything.Or maybe it is?I don’t know!
My heart throbs behind my ribcage.Not because I don’t kind of, sort of want to give Ford a lap dance, but because I have no idea what to expect in the back of a strip club.Is it dirty?Clean?Is there a lock?Wait, am I honestly considering giving Ford Harden a lap dance?Here?Even after he’s been MIA all week?
“Whoa.”A big, burly man with a gold chain and a matching earring nearly runs into me in the hall.“Long way from home, aren’t you?”
“Keep it movin’, Rosco,” Jill orders.
I press my back against the wall, trying to make myself small in the tight space.His eyes trail up and down my body as he moves past me at a sloth’s pace, his chest grazing mine.
“Let it go, Ford,” Jill adds, not bothering to look behind her.“She’s off limits, Rosco.Now, go on.”
Mr.Earring grunts but finishes moving past me before disappearing behind another door at the back of the club.Part of me wants to ask where he’s going or what’s back there.The other part?I think ignorance is bliss.Even so, I can’t help but ask, “Hey, Jill?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
My brows pull, and I peek up at her again.“Should I be worried?”I whisper.
