by Kaylee, Katy
“You earned a C- in Abnormal Psychology II,” Angela said. “It looks like that’s what dragged your overall GPA down.”
I swallowed hard. “I was sick,” I explained. “And I missed three classes.”
For the first time, Angela gave me a look that was even remotely sympathetic.
“Professor Connelly, right?”
I nodded.
“She’s tough,” Angela said. “I understand – my own daughter had the same thing happen to her, thanks to the flu. But you knew her policy going into the first class, right? It was explained on the syllabus.”
I had no choice but to nod again.
“Unfortunately, this doesn’t change anything,” Angela replied. “My hands are tied, Ms. Malone. I wish there was something I could do, but I suggest trying to work things out with Professor Connelly. Perhaps she could give you some sort of an extra assignment, to boost your overall cumulative GPA.”
I fought back tears, not wanting to admit that I’d already tried to go down that route ... and failed.
“Okay,” I said numbly. “Well. Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to see me.”
Once again brisk and businesslike, Angela turned back to her computer, all but signaling to me that I was dismissed.
Outside, in the crowded hallway, I stood rooted to the spot as my mind ran. What the hell was I going to do? I had one more year left at MontClaire University before graduating with a degree in Psychology – my lifelong ambition. I wanted to be a social worker or a counselor, someone who could really help people.
The way that other people in my life had helped me.
But now, knowing that I wouldn’t have my tuition and room and board covered, I was the one deeply in need of counseling and help. If I can’t manage to find a job – and soon – I’ll be royally screwed.
The sound of the music changing snapped me out of my head, and I looked up to see Madison Maxx, the most popular dancer at The Pink Diamond, passing me with an armload full of cash. I swallowed, hard, as I wondered if I’d be able to rake in that same amount. She flashed a sweaty grin at me as she passed by, and I took a deep breath.
This is it, Paris, I told myself. Go out there and get it.
Tossing my auburn hair back over my shoulders, I pasted what I hoped was a sultry smile on my face and walked out on stage. The other girls weren’t kidding about the lights – they were so bright that I was temporarily blinded, and my confidence faltered as I squinted. For a horrible moment, I froze in my tracks. But the familiar strains of the music blared over the speakers and I resumed walking to the center of the stage.
“Presenting for her debut at The Pink Diamond, Miss Harley Paige!”
The stripper name I chose didn’t sound too awful as the DJ’s voice boomed through the club, and a smattering of applause followed his announcement. I made my way to the pole, undulating and writhing my body in tune with the music. My heart pounded and my mouth went dry as I leaned against the pole, closing my eyes with a sexy flutter of my lashes.
I couldn’t believe that I was about to do something I’d never thought of doing before: take my clothes off for a room full of strange men. Despite my voluptuous figure, I was a virgin, and I’d never really explored my sexual side.
It can feel kind of sexy sometimes, Madison Maxx had told me when I’d gotten hired the day prior. Just go with it.
Standing with my back to the pole now, it didn’t feel sexy at all. It felt cheap and tawdry and pathetic. After all, what kind of a man has to pay a woman to see her naked?
I didn’t want to think about that. The music crescendoed and I lifted my hands to the back of my neck, untying the strings that held my flimsy pink bikini top in place. The hot lights were making me sweat and I licked my lips, tasting salty brine, as I held the top in place.
Finally, my eyes adjusted to the lights and I scanned the room as subtly as I could. Dozens of men with drinks in their hands sat watching me, their eyes narrowed. They all looked the same to me, gross guys who couldn’t get a real girlfriend, and I felt another shudder of panic mixed with revulsion spread through my body.
Then, I saw him.
He was sitting alone at the bar, his face dark in the shadows of the stage lights.
It was Harrison Hendricks, and it was obvious that he wanted me. The look on his face filled me with desire and warmth, and I swallowed hard. The lighting was too dim to see the exact look in his blue eyes, but I could sense that he was hungry.
Hungry for me.
Harrison didn’t know it, but I had been in love with him since I was ten years old. Since he’d rescued me from a life of pain and abuse, saved me from a terrible fate. Ever since then, I’d wanted nothing more than to be his, all his, body and soul.
If he wasn’t twice my age, it could have been possible.
And if he wasn’t the father of my best friend, Hollie.
I couldn’t imagine what a man like Harrison would be doing in a strip club, especially a cheap place like The Pink Diamond. He was a kind man, a strong man, a compassionate man who was totally devoted to his job as a police detective.
The music blared louder and I realized where I was, what I had to be doing. I pushed all uncomfortable thoughts of my head and focused on the look in Harrison’s eyes, the hungry desire, and slowly lowered my pink bikini top down, exposing my voluptuous breasts.
Suddenly, it was as if everyone else in the room fell away. It was just me and Harrison, and my body was thrilled with an electric current of desire that made my clit throb with lust. I began to dance, keeping my eyes on Harrison’s as I crawled to my hands and knees, arching my back and running my hands down my breasts. I cupped my nipples and closed my eyes, getting on my knees and spreading my legs. The pink bikini bottom rubbed against my pussy as I writhed and moved on the floor, and it only made me feel hotter as I slid a hand down the front of the thin material and pretended to finger myself.
It was only me and Harrison in the club, only me and Harrison locked together in an erotic spell. We locked eyes as I reclined on my back and kicked my high-heel-clad feet into the air. I pressed my legs together, bending them over and showing my ass as my hands slid my bikini bottom down my legs and tossed it to the ground. Now fully nude, I rolled over onto all fours and crawled towards Harrison, begging him to want me as much as I wanted him.
The experience was far more erotic, far more empowering than I’d imagined it could be. By the time the music faded and the catcalls began, I couldn’t believe I’d actually done it. My pussy was wet as I got to my feet and scooped piles of cash from the floor.
Holy shit, I thought as I looked down at the dollar bills in my arms. I finished picking them up and glanced into the crowd once more, hoping to see Harrison.
He was gone, and my heart sank like a stone.
The next song began and I scurried backstage, clutching my armload of money and discarded pink bikini. The pain shooting up my legs was easy to ignore now, and I went into the dressing room with my heart pounding.
Had I really seen him? Had Harrison really been there?
Or had I somehow imagined the whole thing?
As I pulled on my next costume, a thong under a pair of short-shorts and a bandanna-style top that tied over my breasts, Madison came up and patted me on the shoulder.
“Great job,” she said. “You really killed it on your first night.”
“Thanks,” I said. I smiled at her. “I appreciate it.” It was true – even though I knew I was attractive, I’d never felt sexy before. And Madison, with her trim little body and blonde hair, was easily the club’s most popular dancer.
Before Madison could say anything else, there was a knock at the door and it swung open. I turned and almost gasped.
Harrison Hendricks was in the dressing room, and he was staring at me.
Panic rushed through me. What was he going to say? I was sure he was about to confront me, and I braced myself for his anger when Madison ran over and threw herself into Harrison�
�s arms.
“Baby!” Madison squealed, leaning up on tiptoe to kiss Harrison’s cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here, I’ve been ready to go like, forever,” she gushed. “I’m starving – are we getting steak again?”
Harrison didn’t answer. Still clinging to him, Madison turned back to me.
“I’m heading out early tonight,” she explained. “See you!”
Harrison remained silent as Madison took his hand and tugged him out the door.
With my heart still racing, I sat down at my chair and looked in the mirror. I couldn’t believe it. My best friend’s dad, who just happened to be the love of my life and a cop is dating a stripper.
A stripper who was only a couple of years older than I was.
What the hell was going on?
I thought I was the one with secrets – a secret job, a secret love – but now, it seems like I wasn’t the only one with something to hide.
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