I should’ve told them, “Don’t hesitate because a day gone by is a day lost forever.”
Andrew and I were not in the same situation as they were. We were enjoying each other, but love, well that was…impractical. He’d made it clear what he wanted, my club. And based on what I’d read about him, that’s all he ever wants. To grow his fortune. Was that really all there was to him? They made him sound like a business tycoon without a heart. That didn’t seem like the same man that I was getting to know. I made it clear the club wasn’t for sale and since he no longer speaks about it, he obviously has accepted that fact. Besides, he took such good care of me after I had gotten hurt at work. And even now, he is coming with me to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The only thing he was getting out of all this donated time was my gratitude. Maybe a piece of my heart too. The world might view him one way, I see him another.
“Anne, are you still there?” Trixi asked.
There was so much going through my mind already, and now I must keep my emotions, feelings, in check when it comes to Andrew too. “Oh, yes. I was just…sorry, Aunt Trixi, I’ve got to go. I’m late,” I said.
She laughed. “Yup. Been years. Tell Andrew I said hi and I’ll be happy to extend my vacation if he needs me to.”
“That’s not necessary. Love you, gotta go.” I ended the call and turned to Andrew. He was already getting dressed.
“I figured we didn’t have time for another shower,” he said.
“You heard?” I asked.
“Let’s just say your aunt is not a quiet person.”
Oh, God. What does he think? She made it sound like I…can’t find my own…happily-ever-after. I can…could…if I was allowed to live my own life, way. If I wasn’t tied to The Treasured Chest, things might be different with me and Andrew. Maybe we could explore this…connection that is growing. Instead, all we can do is enjoy every second knowing the clock is ticking and it about to abruptly come to an end. You know that Aunt Trixi. Why did she talk like it can be any different than what it is?
At least Andrew didn’t seem to take anything he may have overheard too seriously. From the look on his face, it hadn’t fazed him at all. Wish that was the case with me.
“Then you know I don’t have time to talk, and have to rush out,” I said.
“We can talk on the way. That is, if you want to. But don’t worry. I am familiar with family being…outspoken.”
“That’s an understatement. And for the record, my aunt is nothing compared to my mother,” I said, as I bent over to pull on my sneakers. I was dressed more casually than usual, but all that mattered was getting to the club. My clothes were the least of my worries.
“You should meet my mother,” Andrew said. “She has a knack for making you think you asked for her opinion when you never even opened your mouth,” he chuckled.
“Sounds like they read the same parenting manual. Let me brush my teeth and I’m ready.”
“You might want to put a comb through your hair as well. It looks like…” he walked over and whispered, “Tumbling around in bed all day.”
I gave him a playful slap on the arm when I brushed past him. But when I got into the bathroom, I found Andrew was right. I had so many snarls and knots in my hair that I wasn’t sure I was going to get them all out. Each well earned. I did the best I could, then opted to pull my hair into a bun on the top of my head. I’d need to deal with it later.
I headed out and found Andrew sitting in the driver’s seat. “No moose during the day, so I figured it would be safe for me to drive.”
I chuckled. “You win this one, but only because I’m too tired to argue with you.”
“Sleep is so overrated,” he said.
“I agree. But just as a warning, I might take a nap in my office later,” I smiled.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
We could’ve talked on the way, but instead, I sent out a few text messages letting everyone know I was okay and on my way. My employees were all locals, so even if they had gone home, it wouldn’t take them long to return.
Once we arrived at the club, I turned to Andrew and said, “I don’t know if I said this before, but thank you for helping out.”
“You’re welcome. Not that I’m not happy to help, but you need someone permanent.”
It was a reminder that he would be leaving soon. I didn’t want to think about that. It was so nice having him here with me. Don’t think about it. Just enjoy the here and now. Deal with the…pain later.
“Yes. We can talk about that tomorrow. Right now, we’ve got a club to run,” I said.
Talking about hiring someone wasn’t the conversation I was dreading. It was the fact that tomorrow would be his last night in Bermoose.
Oh, how I wish I was going with you back to Boston. The problem was that I didn’t fit in his world any more than he fits here in mine.
At least I have the club to keep me so busy I don’t have time to pee, never mind miss what I never had.
“Are you okay?” Andrew asked.
I looked at him and saw genuine concern in his eyes. I nodded and he leaned over and gave me a brief kiss. “Go rest. I’ll handle things tonight. And if I need you, I’ll come knock.”
“Andrew, I can’t let you do that. You’re actually a guest,” I reminded him.
“I hope I’m more than that,” he said.
I couldn’t meet his eyes, for fear my feelings would betray me. Yes, you are.
I headed into my office and closed the door. I might have wanted to stay awake, but my body had other plans. Thankfully, I had someone I could trust. Damn it. I’m going to miss you when you leave, more than I ever thought I would.
Chapter Fifteen
Andrew
“I’m here about a job,” said a guy who looked like he could flip a truck.
“Did you schedule an interview?” I asked. I would’ve remembered doing a background check on someone like him.
“Nope. Sugar said you were hiring.”
“You know Sugar?” I couldn’t believe I already knew all the ladies by name. Well, their dancer names at least.
“She’s my kid sister. Sugar said the club had some trouble a few nights ago and you’re looking for someone to make sure that shit don’t happen again. Trust me. With me at the door, no one will fuck with the ladies,” he growled.
Especially your sister. I wasn’t sure how well that was going to work out. I mean, I don’t have a sister, but if I did, I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be working in the club where she took her clothes off.
“Thank you for coming by, but the job has already been filled.” Yeah, by me, if this is the caliber of applicant we can attract.
“Are you sure? Sugar said some bigshot from out of town was playing babysitter. Don’t want some weasel around my baby sister. They can’t be trusted for nothing. You know, they think they can get whatever they want 'cause they got money. Them folks make me angry,” he said, his fist clenched.
Weasel? That was the first time I’d been referred to as such. Obviously, this goon had no idea he was speaking to the weasel either. “I’m sure the owner is taking every step to ensure the safety of all the employees, including your sister.”
“Damn. I really wanted this job,” he said.
Yeah. A bit too much.
He turned and walked back out of the club, mumbling to himself and hanging his head. I really didn’t care what he told Sugar, but I knew by the end of the night, I was going to have a real bouncer, not related to anyone here.
I stepped away from everyone and called Phillip.
“Hi, Andrew. I was just about to call you.”
“Great. But first, I have another favor. You wouldn’t know anyone who works security and is looking for work, do you?” I asked.
“Shit, Andrew. I knew there was something you were leaving out. Are you in trouble? Someone threatening you?” Phillip asked, his concern misplaced.
I chuckled. “With five brothers, I believe I can hold my own
. Thanks for the concern. But this is actually for…The Treasured Chest.”
“The strip club? Why the hell do you need to hire someone there? Are the ladies getting out of hand?” he joked.
I wasn’t in the mood for laughing. Not when it came to Anne’s wellbeing.
“Is that a no?” I asked flatly.
“Shouldn’t you call Clark for help with these matters? I mean, he’s the one who has spent time in such places,” Phillip replied.
“I’m not asking for a recommendation on a new dancer. I need a bouncer.”
“You? I didn’t know you owned the club,” he said sarcastically.
“Why did I call you?”
“I guess that is because you needed my help, again. This is not like you, Andrew. In all these years, you have never come to me. Actually, I don’t think you’ve asked any of us. I take it this has become especially important to you.”
“It has. That land is the last piece I need to move forward with a major development. I have all the blueprints ready. But nothing can move forward until I own that land.”
Phillip said, “I’m not talking about the land. I’m talking about whatever is motivating you to hire a bouncer for a company you don’t own. This Trixi Worth must be something else to have you going to these lengths.”
I associated the name Trixi with Anne’s aunt. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to call her by that name. “She goes by Anne.”
“I would, too. So do you want to tell me about Anne?”
Not really. “I was actually hoping you’d have some answers for me.”
“I found something, but not sure what you can do with it.”
“Does it give Anne the option to sell without losing everything?” I asked hopefully.
“No.”
Fuck. “Then what did you find?”
“It says she must run The Treasured Chest and keep it in the black for the full 365 days.”
“I know. I read it,” I snapped.
“Did you happen to notice no address was associated with the business?”
I did not. But I knew exactly what he meant. “Why the hell didn’t I catch that?”
“It’s my job to write contracts in a way to ensure such loopholes are not there. I’m surprised you have never utilized me for any of your legal matters in the past,” he stated.
“I like my business life separate from my personal one.” This time I needed the person I knew was the best. And I was right. A fact I wasn’t about to state out loud. Phillip was the eldest and had the biggest ego because of it. Someday you’re going to be wrong, and I hope I’m there to see it.
“What are you going to do with this information?”
“I’m not sure yet,” I replied.
“Why don’t you just have her look for another location for her club?” Phillip suggested.
“See, there is one minor problem,” I sighed.
“She has no idea you have a copy of the will?” Phillip asked.
“That would be the one.”
“And that’s not a small problem. Not if you want anything more than just her property, that is.”
“I haven’t given any thought beyond this week,” I admitted.
“And that would be mistake number two. Should we continue this conversation so I can keep track of them for you?” Phillip asked, and I knew he was only half joking.
“I don’t plan on making any more. Thanks for the information. I’ll let you know if I need anything else,” I said before ending the call.
There were more than two mistakes, but I didn’t need to focus on all the things I’d done wrong with Anne. I had a lot to consider before I made my next move, which hopefully I wouldn’t fuck up.
Thankfully, besides standing around and waiting for an issue, working the door at the club was easy. I took Phillip’s advice and reached out to Clark. He said he knew a guy and would have him here in the morning. No name or information provided, but Clark wouldn’t send someone he didn’t trust.
With that off my list, it meant I could spend the remainder of my time at the club doing some research. After I few hours, I realized there wasn’t a single building in Bermoose that would fit the needs of The Treasured Chest. I thought I had located one, but it was too close to a school. Not where you want to put a strip club. I’d need to think about building one from scratch. That meant finding land on the outskirts of Bermoose. It would also mean keeping The Treasured Chest open at its current location a hell of a lot longer.
That wasn’t an option, either. For that amount of time and investment, I could just wait her out a year. I’d need to find the perfect location in town, talk the current owner into selling, then talk Anne into relocating The Treasured Chest.
Nothing about this plan would be easy, but at least I had a plan now. But how to make sure Anne didn’t catch wind of it before I had things finalized? I was only supposed to be here two more days. I can do it. I’ve pulled off deals in less time.
I was so distracted by my research that the night flew by. Soon it was time to close the doors.
“You look like you’re a million miles away,” Anne said, approaching from the office. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Just taking care of business while standing here,” I said.
“I’m sorry. I guess I forget that you really don’t work here,” she said. Then giggled. I raised a brow and Anne added quickly, “I’m joking. You do not fit here. And although I appreciate all your support, I don’t think you need to come here tomorrow night.”
“I wasn’t planning on it,” I stated.
“Oh…I…I…” she stammered.
“My…replacement will be here. He comes highly recommended.”
“Really? No one from town seemed interested. Well, no one I would hire at least. I don’t want to have to hire a bouncer to toss out my bouncer,” she laughed.
I knew what she meant. I had a hard time weeding out the weirdos who wanted the job just for the free show. “You won’t have an issue with this guy.” Because if you do, Clark will answer to me.
“Thank you. I had just about given up.”
“I’m glad to be of help,” I said.
Anne said softly, “You’re always taking care of me. Why?”
I couldn’t answer that. “Would you believe I’m just a nice guy?” She shook her head.
“Me either.” I took a step closer to her and said, “But when I’m with you, I want to be.”
Anne walked into my embrace and said, “Why don’t we go home, and you can show me just how nice you are?”
There was so much to be done, but an offer like that wasn’t something I could refuse. I bent and scooped her into my arms and said, “I think we can skip the takeout. I already know what I’m hungry for.”
She whispered in my ear, “Straight to dessert.”
As before, Anne refused to let me drive to the cabin, but she also didn’t take her sweet-ass time, either. I swear she even drove through two stop signs. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who ached.
When we got inside, our lips were locked, breaking contact only long enough to rip off our clothes. We scattered them throughout the living room and I knew we wouldn’t make it to either bedroom.
Kissing her, I tugged at her lips with my own, biting them gently. Anne pulled away and playfully pushed me onto the couch. Damn, it was a fucking turn-on when she took control. For now, I’d let her.
She dropped to her knees in front of me and ran her hands up my thighs. Oh, fuck. I was in trouble. Sweet trouble. I ached for her the entire ride to the cabin. I desperately wanted my cock inside her. Of course, the feel of her lips was far too tempting.
Leaning back against the couch, I watched as she inched closer. With her hair still up on top of her head, I had a clear view as she licked my shaft from base to tip. Then she twirled her tongue around the head before mouthing my cock all the way down again. She knew when to apply pressure and just how to tease the fuck out of me. When I thought I couldn’t take any
more, she stopped and blew on the tip of my cock. Gripping it with one hand, she opened her mouth and took me in. Fuck yes.
Her head moved up and down as she took my cock deeper in her mouth. She sucked and stroked me in a rhythm, building gradually faster. I could feel my balls tense. I pulled back and grabbed her by the shoulders, stopping her from continuing.
She looked up at me, her eyes dark and filled with want. In one swift move, I flipped positions and now she was lying on the couch, her legs wide open.
“Sweetheart, although I was enjoying it immensely, I don’t want this to end yet.
Anne smiled and reached out for me. “I like to finish what I start.”
“Later. Right now, I see something that…needs my attention,” I said, bending to kiss the inside of her thigh.
Her protest didn’t last, and she opened wider, moaning as I scattered kisses along her hips and abdomen, continuing until my tongue slid between her folds and found her swollen clit. I licked and stroked her, teased and pleased her. She moaned and begged.
“More,” she groaned.
My cock became harder, begging for more too. I nipped her clit gently and her moans became louder. My cock throbbed in unison with her moans, demanding its own release. I wanted to savor her passion. We didn’t have many more nights together, and I needed to make sure she remembered me. I’ll never be able to forget her.
As I slid a finger inside, she opened to me with a deep groan. Then I slid a second, and then a third.
“Please, Andrew,” she whimpered.
“I know, sweetheart. I ache for you, too.”
I brought my mouth back to her clit and licked and sucked her as I fucked her with my fingers. Faster and harder until her legs tensed in climax, her thighs practically crushing my skull as she released her hot juices over my fingers.
When her core ceased clenching around them, I slowly removed my hand and went to grab a condom. I looked around and I didn’t even remember where the fuck I had thrown my jeans.
“Damn it!”
“There are…some…in my nightstand top drawer,” Anne said.
I didn’t hesitate. I opened the drawer and fumbled inside for the foil packet. What I came across was a vibrator. If I didn’t need my aching cock inside her right now, I’d bring that back with me, too. I’m sure we could have some fun with it. Maybe later.
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