by L. P. Dover
I think about stopping at the coffee shop on my way home, but I’m on such a high from being with Kennedy I don’t want to cloud my memories of her with caffeine. Instead, I go home and shower, and prepare to start the first day of my internship. I lied to Kennedy last night when she asked me what I’m going to school for. I don’t know why I did, but I thought she would judge me if I told her that I want to be a lawyer.
She already carries this preconceived notion about me being a stripper I didn’t want to see a look—the look of bullshit—on her face. So I lied and told her I’m getting my degree in business. For years I’ve been busting my ass with college, including summer school, so I can graduate with a degree in law. My dad was a lawyer and even though he’s not alive I thought I could follow in his footsteps. Somehow make him proud even though the route I took probably isn’t what he had planned for me.
My reflection in the mirror is one I’m not used to seeing. Rarely do I look at myself at home before going to school or work because I don’t care, but today is different. Today, I feel different. Tonight when I’m off work I’m going to tell Kennedy the truth and hope that she can see past my blunder. If not, I’ll seduce her until she’s putty in my hands and I’ll ravage her body.
Adjusting my tie and the lapel on my suit jacket, I shake my shoulders out, making sure they’re relaxed. Honestly, I’m not used to wearing this many articles of clothing and it will take some getting used to, but it’s going to be worth it. Interning is the final stage for me. My dark hair is styled professionally and I add my specs. I don’t need the black-rimmed glasses, but they make me look distinguished, smart.
Reaching for my keys, my hand brushes against a card. I read it and that is when my heart drops. I lean against the wall, trying to steady my heart. If there’s ever a time in my life when I’ve fucked up, it’s now. I read the words on the card again. Yep, I’ve seriously fucked up. Staring right at me is her name. Kennedy Vaughn, ESQ. Vaughn and Marshall, Attorneys at Law.
I close my eyes and pray there is more than one Kennedy Vaughn, but in my heart I know there isn’t. The night we met comes rushing back to memory—the faces she was with. The other people are blurry except for hers and the one … the woman I interviewed with was at the club and she didn’t recognize me.
“Fuck my life,” I roar as I tear through my messenger bag looking for the other woman’s card. Elaine Burleson, Paralegal. Vaughn and Marshall, Attorneys at Law. My career as an attorney is going to be over before it even fucking starts.
“Shit, how did I not figure this out sooner?”
Of course there isn’t anyone in my apartment to answer my question, not that there’s an obvious answer. I interviewed with a paralegal and it was done at the school. There are four of us interning there from my class—Dante, Connie, Alan, and me—all so we can have experience with family law. That’s my specialty, or least that’s what I thought I’d go into when I graduated.
“This is what you get for not being honest,” I say out loud. It’s true. If I had been honest sweat wouldn’t be pouring down my face right now. If I had told Kennedy the truth, last night wouldn’t have happened and being with her far surpasses working in her law firm.
A quick glance at my phone tells me my time is running out. I need to get to the office to start my day even though that is the last thing I want to do right now. My resolve is wearing thin and is about to break as my finger hovers over Kennedy’s name. I should call and tell her everything now before I show up.
However, showing up and looking dapper has its benefits, too. I know she likes me and while this will be a shock, it proves to her that I’m serious about her, about my life, and that I won’t always be a stripper.
I grab my keys and head for my car, locking my apartment up tight. The drive is quick with the office not being far from my apartment or the mutual coffee shop that Kennedy and I share, which makes me question how I’ve never run into her before. Surely, I would’ve noticed her. A beautiful woman like Kennedy doesn’t escape any man’s notice.
Her office … my workplace looms in front of me. I park and shut off the engine, letting the calm rush over me. “I can do this,” I tell myself over and over again. And when I see Alan, Connie, and Dante, I figure it’s best if I walk in with them, a unified front.
“Damn, Hunter, why do you have to look so gorgeous?” Connie says with a shake of her head.
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not,” she laughs. “We should get dinner sometime.”
This isn’t the first time she’s asked me out, and the answer is always no. It’s not that she’s not pretty; she is, but not my type. Too much make-up, hair always styled perfectly, and thin as a rail. She hardly ever eats when we’re on campus and constantly complains about her weight. Plus, she’s not Kennedy.
In my eyes, Kennedy’s perfect. Everything about her from the way her hair falls in her face when she’s trying to hide from me, to the curve of her hips when my hand is holding onto her. Kennedy has it all—the perfect eyes, lips, sense of humor, style and grace. All without trying.
“I’m seeing someone,” I tell her truthfully, even though in about five minutes that might change. Connie’s face falls, but that’s not enough to deter me. “Let’s go to work, shall we?”
Dante leads the way and every part of me becomes nervous. The door chimes as we step in and my eyes instantly fall upon one of the women that came with Kennedy to the strip club. I try to hide behind Connie and Alan, hoping she doesn’t recognize me. The last thing I need is for her to give away that I work at Society X. I fear that if word got out the school would frown upon my job duties and kick me out.
“Good morning,” Dante says. “We’re here to start our internship today.”
“Yes, of course. You’re going to meet with Elaine. Go ahead into the conference room and she’ll be right in.”
I manage to stay hidden and never make eye contact with the receptionist. Once we’re in the room, I let out a huge sigh and pray that I can get to Kennedy soon.
When the paralegal we interviewed with enters, my heart hits the floor. This is another one who was at the club that night with Kennedy. The pit of my stomach rumbles loudly, drawing her attention to me. I look everywhere but at her, and when she clears her throat I have no choice but to look up at her. I swallow hard and ready myself for my demise.
“Good morning. It’s great to see all your familiar faces.” I should just get up and leave right now, save face and forget about ever meeting Kennedy, but I can’t. I won’t.
“I have your assignments.” Elaine hands out folders with the contents telling us what we’ll be working on and with whom. I’m assigned to Chris and will be working on reaching an alimony and settlement agreement of a couple going through a divorce. The folder is full of documents; pertinent information that I’ll need to come up with the numbers for both parties. On the inside, I’m rejoicing. The last thing I’d be able to do is work with Kennedy.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your offices.” We all follow her down the hall and it takes every ounce of willpower to not seek out Kennedy. I know she’s here, though, because I can sense her.
“Connie and Hunter, this is Mr. Marshall’s office and you’ll be working in here.” Elaine pauses, showing us the room. Inside there are two desks, facing each other both with legal pads, pens, and laptops. I choose the desk closer to the window and sit down. “Mr. Marshall will be in shortly.”
“Wow, this is big time. I had no idea their offices would be so big. I thought we’d be sitting in a research room, crammed in the corner,” Connie states.
“We’re lucky I guess.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mr. Marshall entering the room. Taking a deep breath, I turn to face him. I can tell by the expression on his face, he recognizes me. “Good morn— Well, we haven’t met officially, I’m Chris Marshall.” I shake his hand and introduce myself, even though he knows my name and what my dick looks like. Connie does the same
and shakes his hand as well. “Let me give you a little tour,” he says with a slight chuckle.
He takes us around the office, clearly avoiding the other side of the building where I can only assume Kennedy’s at. He obviously knows I’m going to be in deep shit. Once we’re back in his office, he gives Connie a folder of work and I’m about to sit down with her when he shakes his head. “You’re coming with me.” Heart racing, I follow him out and down the hall. “Interesting seeing you here,” he mentions quietly.
“Um … yeah.”
“I’m gathering Kennedy doesn’t know.” I shake my head and follow him down another hall. “Well let’s surprise her, shall we?”
Dread fills my body as he swings open the door that reads Kennedy Vaughn. She looks up and blushes. No, that’s not right. There isn’t a color to describe her right now. She’s whiter than Casper and looks like she’s about to be sick. This is perfect. I’m her dirty little secret.
“Lovie, look who I found.”
“What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice low and clipped.
“Best news ever, Hunter is one of our interns. Well mine, actually, and I don’t think I’m going to share.” His attention goes from me to Kennedy and back to me, clearly picking up on the tension.
“Oh my God, now I know why things are feeling awkward. You guys messed around, didn't you?”
“Wh-what?” she stammers.
“Oh I can see it. I knew you were getting laid, but I had no idea it was from him!” Chris points at me as if I’m not in the room.
“I’m …” Her face grows paler and she squeezes the pen in her hand so tight her knuckles turn white. She’s angry and embarrassed.
“You’ve been holding out on me. How dare you. I thought we were close.”
Kennedy shakes her head, breaking her own thoughts. “Chris, can you leave us alone for a minute?” she asks, her demeanor something I’ve never seen. I can feel it, my internship slipping away. Chris leaves and the click of the door shutting has me on edge.
“What are you doing here?” She sits on the edge of her desk with her ankles crossed.
“I’m one of the interns.” I bite the inside of my lip and wait.
“How did you find out where I work?”
I sigh. “I didn’t. And about an hour ago I didn’t even realize I was coming here until I found your business card on my table.”
“You lied to me.”
It takes me a second for her words to sink in. And once they do, I realize I’m not the only one who made a mistake. “You lied, too.”
Sighing, she closes her eyes. “I’m protecting myself.” I don’t dare move from my spot on the floor even though I want to go over to her. When she opens her eyes, it's not the look I want to see. “You can’t be here.”
Anger boils in my veins. I can’t lose my internship. It’s all I have left. “Why not? I applied for this spot months ago. I’m on the Dean’s List and my course studies more than exceed the requirements your firm requested.”
“That’s not the point.”
I scoff and shake my head. “Is it because at night I strip to pay for college so I’m not drowning in mounds of debt? Or is it because we’ve been fucking and you don’t want to be caught sucking the dick of your intern?” I sigh and hold my breath.
Her mouth drops open and before I can fix the damage I’ve done, she’s pointing to the door. “Get out, now.”
Knowing I’ve sealed my fate not only with her, but also with the job, I make my way back to the office that's supposed to be mine and sit down. I figure if they’re going to ask me to leave, I might as well wait until that happens.
“Staff meeting now,” Kennedy yells as she storms down the hall. I look at Connie who shrugs and returns to whatever is on her laptop. Neither of us move, especially me. I have a good feeling that Kennedy is about to do some damage control.
I storm into the conference room and wait for everyone to get in there. Elaine and Sara come charging in, but it’s Chris who walks in with a smirk on his face that pisses me off. When they’re all in, I slam the door and face them.
“We have a problem,” I hiss, trying my best to keep my voice low. Hunter and the other interns are just a couple doors down.
Elaine and Sara glance nervously at each other while Chris tries to hold back a snicker. He has to know how uncomfortable all of this is for me. Instead, he’s finding amusement in it. If anyone finds out I’m not only screwing around with a stripper, but also an intern I’ll be screwed.
“Did we do something wrong?” Sara asks.
Sighing, I walk past them to the window. If Hunter thinks I’m going to let him slide because we’re lovers he has another thing coming. This is my practice and I have to do what’s best for my business. “No, Sara, that’s not it. I have a problem with one of our interns.”
“But they’re perfect,” Elaine claims. “They’re the top of their class. I interviewed them weeks ago and knew they’d be a good fit for us. We’re trying to hire new blood, are we not?”
I turn around and face them. Elaine and Sara are seriously confused which leads me to believe they have no clue who Hunter really is. “Yes, we’re trying to find new blood, but Hunter’s not going to work. I have no doubt of his academic skills, but he needs to go.”
“But why?” Elaine challenges.
For the first time in my life, I’m tongue-tied. Usually, I can think on the top of my feet, but with Hunter around, it’s like I lose my game. That’s how much he flusters me. I steal a glance at Chris and he shakes his head, clearly not agreeing with my demand.
“There’s nothing wrong with him being here, Kennedy. We own this practice together, and I say let’s give the guy a shot. Just because he gave you the best lap dance of your life doesn’t mean you should punish him.”
And there it is …
Elaine gasps while Sara stares at me in shock, slapping a hand over her mouth to contain her giggle. “I thought he looked familiar,” Elaine points out. “I think he looks hotter in a suit.”
Yes, he does. Rolling my eyes, I sit down. “He’s a distraction. No one will be able to take him seriously if they find out he’s a stripper.”
Chris huffs. “That’s why none of our clients are going to find out. Honestly, I think he’s pretty damn serious if he’s graduating at the top of his class. If I’m willing to look past his extracurricular activities, then so should you.”
Elaine nods. “I agree. I say he stays.”
“Me too,” Sara pipes in.
“So basically, you’re all overruling me?” I ask, knowing I’m defeated. I don’t want to take this opportunity away from Hunter, but I can’t work with him. When I say he’s a distraction, it’s really for me. I don’t trust myself when I’m around him.
“Yep, you’re overruled,” Chris announces. He glances down at his watch and clucks his tongue. “And now we’re all running late.” His gaze focuses on Sara and he tilts his head toward the door. “Do you mind seeing if my client is here? I’m going to get Hunter to shadow me.”
Sara hurries out the door and I nod at Elaine to follow her. Chris gets up and shuts the door, his eyes lit with humor. “What is it?” I huff.
Leaning against the desk, he breaks out into a smile. “I’m curious, Ms. Vaughn. So when were you going to tell me about Hunter? I’m a little hurt you didn’t confide in me.”
“How could I?” I say, massaging my forehead. The whole situation makes my head hurt. “He’s a stripper, Chris. I’ve done things I know I shouldn’t.”
He crosses his arms across his chest. “Like what? Sleeping with a sexy, younger man you’re attracted to?” Hunter’s in his mid-twenties so it’s not like he’s that much younger than me. I’m only thirty-three.
“It’s more complicated than that.” I avert my gaze to the window and he steps in my line of sight.
“You’re making it that way. Being a stripper isn’t a big deal. He’s probably just doing it to pay for tuition. Not everyone is made of
money, Kennedy. You and I were some of the lucky ones who didn’t have to pay for our schooling.”
He’s right and it makes me feel even guiltier. I didn’t have to pay for college. My parents saved up for years so that I wouldn’t have to take out loans. Hunter didn’t have any of that. His parents died when he was young. The thought makes me sad for him. I can’t imagine having to strip to make money for college.
Sighing, I close my eyes. I don’t want to look at Chris’ accusatory stare any longer. “You’re right,” I murmur. “I was hasty and I shouldn’t have overreacted. But it still doesn’t change the fact that things are going to be awkward.”
He taps my chin. “How awkward are we talking? Are you saying you and Hunter are a lot closer than just the lap dance?”
The heat rises to my cheeks and I open my eyes. “Yes,” I confess. “We’ve been seeing each other since that night.”
“As in dating or just having sex?”
I roll my eyes. “Both. I agreed to a date and it was actually nice. But I lied to him and he lied to me. He had no clue I was a lawyer and I had no clue he was in school to be one.”
He lifts his arms in the air. “Then I’d say you’re even. He’s probably in his office right now wondering if you’re about to screw up his career.”
The words sting and I blanch. “I would never do that.”
“Good, because I’m going to let you give him the good news.”
“Why don’t you tell him?” I gasp. “He’s working with you.”
Shaking his head, he strolls to the door. “He’ll want to hear it from your mouth. Besides, you two need to talk anyway.” I watch him turn the knob but then he freezes and jerks around, his eyes wide. “Holy shit, I just had a thought.”
“What?”
“You’re working undercover for Jennifer Bates, right? At Society X?”
I bite my lip, remembering the show I watched the other day. I haven’t told Chris about it yet. “Yeah, why?” He points down the hall toward Hunter’s office and it’s like everything falls into place. “Oh my God,” I gasp. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”