Antoine waggled his eyebrows. “Hey, the more competition, the better. So, you going to give it a go?”
Caleb glanced at the others in the room. The tic in his jaw resumed. Thank the advancements in technology for his display-enabled contacts. He couldn’t imagine doing this without them. “Yeah, I’m in.”
Antoine’s eyes glittered with mirth. “Well then, I look forward to competing with you. May the best man win.”
“Indeed.” Tonight, I will give the performance of my life. For you, Adara.
“Cali, thank you so much. How did you get this?” Adara held up the black bathing suit with the white stars, the one Caleb had given to her. She pulled the material to her chest, holding the pieces close as if they were her one link to Caleb.
Cali shook out one of her pairs of pants and arranged it on her temporary bed in the crew’s quarters. She folded one side then the other and placed it in her overnight bag. “Serna found your suit by the crew’s pool. I’d told her about our shopping spree and how you’d seen it in the shop window. When she saw Caleb carry you down the hall, she put two and two together, figured the bathing suit was yours.”
Not sure when she’d see Caleb again, Adara brought the clothes to her cheek, reveling in the softness of the material against her skin. An ache built in her chest. Caleb…
Cali placed her hand on Adara’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. It’s too bad Randall’s luck ran out. I don’t want to leave either.”
Adara stifled a pained laugh. “I wish circumstances were different.”
Cali wrapped her arms around Adara, giving her a warm hug. “Maybe we should scout the sector for some other hard-to-find materials that Quantum needs. We could always ‘arrange’ for some additional maintenance.”
“Thanks, Cali. I wish it were that easy. Randall wants to concentrate in sector nine for a while. Quantum was in that sector not long ago, so it probably won’t return anytime soon.” The lump in her stomach flipped the sandwich she’d had for lunch. Even though that was several galactic hours ago, a sour taste rose in her mouth.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Win me the ship’s lottery.” Adara forced a smile. Until she paid off her debt, she was bound to Captain Randall. As much as she wanted to stay with Caleb, she had no regrets about helping her sister through med school.
“Wish I could help you on that one, but at least I have a bit of good news to share.”
Adara peered at her friend. “Oh, yeah?”
“Karl, that bastard Durotang, got the boot. He’s no longer employed by Quantum.”
Relief flitted over Adara’s nerves. While Caleb was at his meeting, she’d filed a complaint with ship security. “Good. I’m glad they took action. From what the officers told me, his temper had pushed him to the brink of termination already. My testimony was the last straw.”
Adara’s personal device hummed. She tugged on her ring and enlarged the screen. Caleb… A flush raced over her chest and up her neck.
She tapped on the device to pull up his image, but he switched it to text only mode.
I can’t get away right now, but I need to see you. Can you come to the performance tonight? I have two front-row tickets—for you and Cali. You can pick them up at the box office.
Her heart sank as she typed her response.
We’re leaving. Randall wants us at the ship in two galactic hours.
A moment later he replied.
Seeing you in the audience tonight is important to me. Please tell me you’ll be there.
She let out a sigh and responded.
I’ll try.
His quick reply lit up the screen.
Good. I can’t wait to see you.
“What is it?” Cali’s voice broke the silence.
“Caleb wants us to attend the show tonight. He says it’s important.”
“We’re supposed to leave, soon.”
Adara gripped her friend’s hands. “Can you stall Randall? Please…”
Cali blinked then a sultry grin formed. “I’ll bet I can think of something.”
“Oh, Cali, I never knew you had the hots for Ran—”
Cali raised her hand. “Shh! Don’t say it out loud. You’ll hex my chances. Go to the show without me. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Adara tugged Cali into a quick hug. The sweet lemony scent from her shampoo tickled Adara’s nose. “Thank you.”
If all she could have was one more night with Caleb, she’d take it.
Fifteen
Caleb tugged at the edge of the curtain, peered through the slit he’d created, and scanned the crowd. Spotlights lit up the stage, casting the audience in shadows. Only the first few rows were visible. A few darkened figures scooted down the front row. He held his breath, waiting for them to take their seats.
They moved beyond the ones reserved for Adara and her friend, Cali. His breath eased from his lungs, even as his grip tightened around the soft, velvety material.
Adara, where are you? The question lingered in his mind.
Heavy footfalls approached, shaking the back of the stage. Caleb released the curtains and let them fall into place. He wouldn’t know if Adara made it to the cabaret until after the performance started. His stomach tightened. What if she’d already left? No, he wouldn’t believe that.
His gaze tracked to his station. A dozen Chinora flowers filled a small vase, their beautiful red petals a beacon of hope. The flowers arrived a short time ago with an attached notecard: From your lucky falling star.
His chest lightened. She’ll be here.
“Hey, we’re on in ten decitons.” Antoine’s gaze slid over Caleb’s chest. “You haven’t oiled up yet.”
Caleb gave him the thumbs-up and headed for his station. He already had on dark pants over his red G-string. His jacket hung on the rack along with his hat. All that was left was to oil up, finish dressing, and put in his contacts.
He’d spent some time at the pool as part of his usual workout, preparing for this evening’s show by swimming lap after lap, toning his muscles and relaxing his mind. The pool’s water had bothered his eyes, so he’d elected to hold off putting his contacts in until the last moment. Within easy reach, the case rested on his station, next to the bottle of oil.
Caleb picked up the vial. With a quick twist, he unscrewed the cap and shook a few droplets into his palm. His fingers trembled as he placed the open bottle back on the counter. The flask rocked side to side then steadied.
His heart pounded. This was a big night, a chance to help Adara, free her of her contract with Randall. With practiced skill, he rubbed the oil over his shoulders, down his arms, and over his pecs, making sure the slippery substance coated his skin.
“Five decitons.” Kenton’s voice rang above the din. He surveyed the group, as if evaluating each man. His gaze landed on Caleb. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and he lowered his head in an appreciative nod.
Was he encouraging Caleb or taunting him?
Caleb’s mouth went dry. He picked up a towel from the back of his chair and wiped his hands. Time to put in the contacts. He placed the case on the counter. Should he win…no, when he won, he’d need those in order to address the crowd and give his acceptance speech.
“Hey, Caleb, can I use some of your oil. I ran out—” Antoine’s finger skimmed the edge of the bottle.
As if in slow motion, the container tumbled. Oil spewed from the spout.
Everything on Caleb’s station, including his contact case, washed over the edge toward the floor.
“No!” Caleb reached for his contacts.
The case slipped through his fingers, still greasy from the oil. His holder took a slow dive toward the wooden floor.
Bile rose in his throat.
Antoine snatched the case before it landed in the slick oil.
Caleb’s heart skipped a beat then pounded double time. A sense of relief rushed through his veins. He held out his hand. “T…th…thank y…you.”
Antoine curled his fingers around the small box.
Caleb met his gaze.
A slow smile pulled at Antoine’s lips. “I think not. All’s fair in love, war, and…competition.”
With a quick flick of his fingers, he opened the case. The contacts slipped from their protected home and dove toward the floor.
Caleb launched himself, stretching his fingers as far as they would reach, but it wasn’t enough. The contacts bounced on the wooden flooring before landing in the oil puddle.
Caleb’s pulse pounded at his temple.
“Oops, sorry, Caleb.” Antoine’s voice was distant, muffled.
“N…n…no. N…n…no.” Caleb kneeled on the floor. Frantic, his fingers shaking, he fumbled through the muck. He gripped the edges of his contacts and held them up. A drop of oil dripped from one. The other had an odd sheen that glistened in the light. A heaviness settled over his soul.
Maybe if he wiped them off, they’d still work. He yanked his towel from the back of the chair and placed the contacts on the soft material. With gentle care, he patted them, trying in vain to wipe away the oil from the lenses. He proceeded even knowing his efforts were futile.
His contacts—ruined.
His chance with Adara—ruined.
His life—ruined.
“Dancers, take your places.” Kenton’s voice pierced through the fog in Caleb’s mind, but he didn’t move.
Antoine yanked Caleb to his feet.
Caleb jerked his arm away and curled his hand into a fist. The urge to punch Antoine burned in his gut. If it wasn’t for Adara and his desire to win this competition, he would’ve already decked the guy.
“H…how…d…dare…y…y…you.” Caleb’s shoulders shook from the force of his anger.
“Later you can hit me or thank me. Your choice.” Antoine shoved a dark jacket and hat into Caleb’s hands. “C’mon. We need to get on stage. Now.”
Caleb threw on his coat, crumpled his hat in his fist and stumbled past the curtain. Red, blue, and green hues lit up the fog. He used the cover of darkness to collect his thoughts. His stutter would bring him down, faster than you could say ‘rubber baby buggy bumpers.’
He turned his back to the crowd, lowered his head, and placed the hat over his face.
The simulated breeze picked up, sweeping away the fog.
Cheers rent the air. Music started, and the dance beat pulsed and shook the stage.
With years of practice, Caleb’s muscles knew what to do. He shut off his mind and let his body take over, following the choreographed routine. Yet, his heart wasn’t in it. His movements were stiff, lifeless, and his soul ached from the loss of expression. He made it through the routine, ending on one bent knee, his shoulders back, chest thrust out.
The crowd cheered.
His lungs heaved, his muscles demanding the much-needed oxygen.
He couldn’t stop his gaze from tracking to the first row. One of the seats was empty and his stomach clenched. His attention drew to the next seat.
Adara. There she was, clapping with rapt enthusiasm. The urge to run to her, pull her close and never let her go, almost drove him to his feet. His body jerked.
“Welcome, ladies, gentlemen.” Alicin stroke forward. Her long, luminescent gown shimmered in the spotlights. “We have a very special performance for you tonight. Don’t we, gentlemen?” She turned to face the dancers and extended her arm.
Kenton strode up behind her and placed his hand on her waist. “Indeed, we do, but first a special announcement.” He paused, and the energy in the theater soared like solar flares from a dying sun. “Last night was Alicin’s and my last performance.”
Gasps and “oh, no’s” rose from the crowd.
He waved his hand, encouraging the sold-out group to quiet. “Yes, I know. You’ll miss us, but this opens the door for a new team…a new spokesman, who will select his own promoter.”
He stepped toward the throng and leaned forward, as if they were his personal friends. “You are a lucky group, I must say. These fine men will give you an excellent show, the best ever. You,” he pointed to the crowd, “will get to pick the best of the best through your applause, crowning him the new spokesman for the Star-Studded Male Revue. What do you think? Sound good?”
Claps and cheers echoed off the walls, the sound so loud the floor rumbled beneath Caleb’s feet. He peered at Adara.
She stood, her gaze focused on him, and clapped. Even from this distance and in the dim light, her smile was visible.
Something inside him shifted. Resolve built in his chest, expanding as he inhaled. Do it for her. His conscience spoke loud and clear. A wave of pure energy crested over him, filtering into his muscles. He clenched his jaw. I’m ready.
Sixteen
Adara clapped her hands and jumped up and down. Her calf hit the front of her chair, a sharp pain flared at the impact, and she almost tumbled into her seat. Not that she cared. She was here to see Caleb perform.
The spokesman’s words echoed in her mind. …opens the door for a new team…a new spokesman, who will select his own promoter. Her stomach fluttered as if moths had found their way in. What would it be like to stay here, to work with Caleb as his personal promoter?
The idea sparked all kinds of thoughts, some clean, some on the naughty side. A sliver of doubt weaseled its way down her spine. Even if he won, he’d have to overcome his fear of speaking. She’d heard him speak clearly without his contacts. Did he believe in himself? She knew he could do this, and deep inside, she believed he knew it, too.
The lights dimmed. Voices quieted.
Feet shuffled as patrons took their seats.
Adara settled into hers, then slid to the edge of her chair. Her leg bounced up and down, an outlet for her nervous energy.
Music blared through the cabaret.
A group of men strutted on stage. Where was Caleb?
She glanced from one to another, searching for him. There, in the far corner.
He had on a pair of boots and frayed at the hem silk pants tied with a red cloth. A white shirt unbuttoned to his navel and a buccaneer pirate’s hat completed his ensemble. His dark hair cascaded around his shoulders.
She smiled. A sexy pirate indeed.
The music started, and the troupe danced, shimmied, and thrust their way across the stage to the delight of the crowd. Clothing came off, bit by bit, until all that remained were the red silk belts and the G-strings.
Adara only had eyes for Caleb. The way he moved his hips, circling like no man had any right to, sent heat to sear her cheeks. Memories of their time together flooded her mind. He made love like he danced, full of emotion. Her chest ached for this beautiful, proud man who looked beyond his perceived weakness to find a way to share his love for life with the universe.
Her heart constricted, and she didn’t think she could love him any harder.
In turn, each man approached the front of the stage. This opportunity was their chance to earn their vote from the crowd. A man with blond hair, tied back with a short knot, approached the stage. He smiled, baring his beautiful white teeth. He turned his back on the crowd and glanced over his shoulder. With deliberate moves, he squeezed his bottom, and the muscles tightened under his skin. Dimples formed over his butt cheeks.
Squeals of delight erupted from the crowd. He smiled and continued his dance, circling his hips ever so slowly. His arrogance left a bitter taste in Adara’s mouth. He seemed to love the attention far more than the dance. She pursed her lips.
Caleb was better.
Man after man took their turn, strutting and dancing in front of the crowd. At last, Caleb approached the front of the stage. The usual arrogance displayed by the other guys didn’t surround him. Instead, his movements had a more sensual tone, more alluring.
While he danced, he traced the outline of his biceps, flexing it, using his strength as a natural lure. Trailing his fingers over his abs, he hovered a mere nail’s width from the edge of his G-string cup, stroking along the
fine ridges.
The crowd cheered, the sounds melding together with the music. He closed his eyes, dancing and performing for the patrons like no other. Caleb was beautiful, alluring, charismatic, and so full of expression. Anyone with eyes could see how much he loved to dance, to perform. He paused in his final pose, one knee on the ground. Lifting his head, he gave the crowd one of his panty-melting smiles.
Tears of joy blurred her vision. She wiped them away with the back of her hand.
The music ended. Lights dimmed.
Cheers and cat-calls filled the room.
Dancers taking their places on the set appeared as shadows.
A single spotlight lit up center stage. Kenton, with Alicin on his arm, filled the light. She held a small device in her open palm. He patted her hand and stepped forward. “Well, well, that was a fine show, was it not? Are you ready to select your winner?”
Claps and hoots erupted in the theater.
“Alicin here,” he pointed to her and she raised the device in the air, “has a micro-recorder. As each performer enters the spotlight, clap, shout, holler, stomp your feet, do anything to make noise to show your support. The winner will be the one with the highest score. Ready?” He smiled. “All right then, let’s do this.”
He motioned to the first man in line, the one with long blond hair. The guy stepped into the spotlight and extended his arms.
Adara held her breath. Several patrons in the crowd made noise, but she had no doubt the crowd could be much louder. She exhaled, releasing the pent-up breath, but that didn’t ease her anxiety. Her knee continued to bob up and down in pace with her own beating heart.
One after another, each dancer entered the spotlight with varying degrees of applause. At last, Caleb stepped into the light. Ever the gentleman, he bowed low before the audience.
Claps and cheers burst from the crowd.
He rose and gave them his smile once again, the one she’d grown to love, the one that beamed with his joy, his love for dance. The cries intensified, rising in pitch.
Adara leapt from her seat, clapping her hands, screaming at the top of her lungs. She hoped it was enough. The cheers between all the men were so varied, she couldn’t guess who’d won.
Cosmic Cabaret Page 26