“Thank you,” I say softly. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and for this opportunity. You won’t be sorry you hired me. I’ll do the best job I can.”
“You’ll be fine. I have no doubt that you’ll be anything less than fantastic. You’re starting tonight.” My mouth slightly drops, a nervous feeling consuming me. He notices. “Sink or swim, Princess,” he says. “Which will it be?” Oh I intend to swim, and I’ll keep swimming.
Chapter Thirteen
Sawyer
I feel so much better now that this thing between Mandy and I has been resolved. She showed up the following day apologetic, but didn’t try to change my mind or anything. I breathed a sigh of relief after she left, taking every last shred of anything that might remind me of her. I even went through my closet and returned any and all of the gifts she’d ever given me. I wouldn’t ever be able to wear or use them without thinking of her, at least not in a positive light. I don’t think she was heartbroken at all, in fact, she had a guy from one of her classes come help her out and he was shooting me dirty looks the entire time.
Whatever you stupid fuck, she’ll just cheat on you too.
That just sealed it for me even more, hammering home that I made the right decision. I shudder when I think of what could have happened, had we not split up.
I’ve spent the last two weeks studying like crazy. I had gone back to the diner to see Cherry, only to be told that she no longer worked there. No one had any information about where she might have gone. I think they knew, but weren’t going to say. I even went to the library every night for a week in hopes I would see her, but she never showed up, so I had to accept that I lost her. I get a pang every now and again when thinking about her. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I lost something important. It makes me feel a little crazy to be honest.
Dad’s been on my ass, trying to get me to connect with Mark. I haven’t had a chance to sit down with him and tell him what’s been going on. I’m sure Dad won’t be surprised, but he’ll be sad all the same. We’re both his children and I don’t want him to feel like he has to take sides.
I remember my summers with Mark, and looking back now maybe all the signs should have connected for me. Mark only came for the summers and when he did it was as if he was resentful that he wasn’t with us full time. Mom explained when I was older that Mark’s mom wouldn’t allow Dad any further time with him, punishing Dad for having another family. Mom said that Mark’s childhood had not been idyllic and things weren’t easy for him. Mark’s mom was working two jobs, but wouldn’t accept any money from Dad. Dad used that money and set up a trust fund for Mark, and now as an adult he’s well off. We both are.
Mark was always so jealous of all my toys and me. Every summer he would figure out what I loved the most and he would pester the shit out of me until he got it, which broke my heart. I hated who I became those summers: a bitter and resentful boy. It got to the point where I would hide my special items until he left. I would breathe a sigh of relief every time that last day of summer came and he was finally gone.
I look in the mirror and shake my head at myself as I straighten my black and silver tie. I reach into my closet and grab my suit jacket, pulling it on, and slide my feet into my black loafers. I don’t have classes today, but it’s my day at the office. I reach for my aftershave and splash a bit into my hands, before rubbing my face and neck. I run my hands through my hair. This shit is a mess. I need a bit of gel so I can keep it out of my eyes. I grab the tube and place a dime sized amount in my hand, rubbing both together before dispersing it evenly in the front and running my fingers through it, making it purposefully messy. I don’t do the creepy slicked back thing. That just reminds me of a pedophile. My cellphone chimes, signaling a text. Once I’m done I grab my cellphone and see that it’s from Dylan.
Dylan: On my way. Are you ready?
Me: Yes.
Dylan: Ok.
I head out front and sit on the Adirondack chair to wait for Dylan. He’s giving me a ride to the office, and from there we’re going clubbing.
I’m interning at a local accounting firm as part of my studies. It’s good experience to see how a family owned company is run from the inside out, and it will look good on my resume. I’m learning a lot and will be able to apply this to my own business when Dylan and I graduate, which is only in a few short months. Dylan is at the same firm as I am, but we’re on different floors.
I look up when I hear a horn and see that Dylan is pulling in the drive. I check to be sure I’ve got my phone and wallet before I leave. I’m good to go. The ride to the office is only about ten minutes in length. Both Dylan and I remain quiet, listening to the morning news on the radio. We arrive at work and park, parting ways for the day. “Catch you later, buddy,” I say, as I turn left to head up the stairs.
“Be ready. Your ass is having fun tonight if I have to pour the beer down your throat,” he teases. I laugh, giving him a wave.
It’s been forever since I’ve been out. We’ll head to the club together so I won’t have to drive. We’re meeting the rest of the guys at the club early, so we can relax and have a few drinks before the dancers perform. I’ve been to bars, but I’ve never been to a strip club before, because it’s never interested me, but Dylan assures me I’ll have a good time. Of that I have no doubt. He’s never steered me wrong before.
***
I only have a few more things to finish before I can head down to the lobby. I grab my phone and send a quick text to Dylan to let him know that I’ll be done in less than five minutes, and then hurry to complete my tasks. As I fold and stuff the last envelope in my pile, I lean back in my chair and stretch, putting my arms behind my head and groaning at the slight pull I feel in my neck and shoulders.
Tonight’s going to be a great night and I’m stoked for the first time in a long time. I stand and grab my jacket from the back of the chair and put it on. Dress code at this firm is suit and tie, but that doesn’t mean I like it. I’m dressed in a dark gray suit with a black dress shirt and coordinating tie. I head to the elevators with a smile as I think of the night to come. I’m ready to let go and have a good time.
Once I’m in the lobby I don’t have to wait long on Dylan. I turn as I hear the ding of the elevator.
“Hey Man, you ready for a night out?” Dylan pats his hand on my back and gives me a huge grin.
“I’m stoked about tonight actually.” I give him a huge grin in return. “Thanks for this.”
“Well, alright then. Let’s go. I’m ready to watch your ass get a lap dance. You need to get laid,” he teases as he starts for the parking garage. He’s parked in the back for the employees.
I keep up with him. “Leave my sex life out of this. I get plenty of action.”
“Yeah, okay dude. Keep spatting your lies. I’m not a dumbass.”
He’s making my manhood dwindle with each word. In some ways he’s right. It’s been a while, but not because I was lacking a sex drive. I just didn’t really want it with Mandy anymore, but refused to step out of our relationship. Maybe I need to leave emotions out of it and just find a random willing woman. I’ve never been that guy, but the other is getting me nowhere obviously. The decision is made. I’m ready for this, a chance to unwind. I don’t have Mandy tying me down anymore, so I can enjoy this evening to the fullest, and I intend to.
Chapter Fourteen
Cherry
The last two weeks have been interesting to say the least. My nerves were so bad my first night that I actually threw up before hitting the stage, but all it took was that one time and since I’ve been hooked. Roger had thrown the gauntlet my very first day and I think I blew his socks off. Joanne was there in the sidelines cheering me on. I know she’s proud of me and what I’m capable of.
I’m sure it probably seems pretty predictable to people that I’m a stripper, considering everything that’s happened to me. It certainly wasn’t my plan. Originally, I wanted so much more for my life.
; Here, we’re a family of sorts with Roger at the helm. It’s difficult for me to open up and trust others, but I’m trying. I constantly think back to a time in my life that I want desperately to forget, but no matter how hard I try it’s always there like a flashing neon sign, blinking on and then off with no permanent off button in sight. It’s irritating and blinding and oh so frustrating. I shake off the thoughts and breathe deeply, closing my eyes and putting myself into character.
Tonight is a big night. I’ve taken my time to ensure that I look good. I stare in the mirror as I admire the new lingerie I have to wear tonight. I used my uniform allowance to get this sexy getup. Roger expects us to always be fresh, never wearing the same outfit within a month rotation because of the regulars. There are no lower class sleezeballs here. This is where the big dogs come out and play. This is the most private club in town. If you knew who some of our highest paying customers were you would know why.
I have a birthday party that’s reserved the front table of the stage tonight, a group of ten men, all drunk off their asses already I’m sure. I could tell when I peeked out the door as they arrived that a few of them are newbies by their drooling, excited demeanor. This is what makes my job interesting and fun: breaking them in. A man gets a good first time and they’ll be coming back for more, meaning more cash for me. I place my tall heel into the seat of my chair and rub baby oil down my leg, giving me a sexy edge. Plus, it keeps the hands from going past the point of restriction.
I finish the other leg and take one final look in the mirror. It’s a sexy version of a clown; a white baby doll trimmed in all of the bright colors. The birthday hat and the sexy makeup top it off. My ruffle front thong is orange and it is the final dessert of the hour. I paint my lips with a matching cherry-red lipstick like my name and smack them in the mirror.
“Cherry, you’re up in ten. Don’t keep them waiting. This is my biggest payout of the night.”
I roll my eyes in the mirror at the sound of Roger’s voice as he pokes his head inside the door. Show the man green and he’d lease us out in private hotels I’m sure. He would never admit that though.
“I’ll be right out, Roger.”
He likes me though, because something about my pretty face keeps his pockets full. I’ve already been up on stage a few times tonight, so for now I’ll be circulating the room. “Showtime,” I mumble, and strut out into the club, ready for action.
The club is packed with businessmen lingering in various sections of the club. I love weekends. It’s when all of the high rollers come out to play. They each have a different story: some leaving their wives at home for a fresh piece, some making this their last stop before walking the aisle, and the rest college kids looking for a little fun. I don’t care what they’re here for as long as their pockets are empty when they leave and they leave everything in the club; after all, I didn’t make them come here.
I look around the room, spotting my party sitting in front of the stage. There are a few cute ones in this batch. This is going to be fun. My eyes lock on one. He takes me in and gives me a smirk before he starts to approach me. “Hey there, sexy. What can I do for you?”
He broadens his smile and gives me a wad of cash. “I need a favor.”
“Oh yeah. What’ll it be, Darlin’?”
He leans in to whisper in my ear, refraining from touching me because he knows it’s against the rules unless he’s buying a dance. “It’s my boy’s birthday. There is enough there for a hefty tip if you’ll take him to the VIP room for more privacy. I’ve already booked the dance.”
I look around for Roger to confirm. I find him standing across the room and he nods at me, giving me the go ahead. This guy has some nice friends. A private lap dance is easily a grand and paid up front to Roger. It is explained that’s before the tip, so this guy knows the rules, meaning he’s been here before. “Okay, sexy, but that’s an awfully generous gift to give someone else. Are you sure you don’t want it for yourself?” He’s cute. I wouldn’t mind giving him the dance.
He leans back to look at me. “As much as I would love to watch you grinding on top of me, my boy comes first, sexy. Maybe another time; I’ll be back.” He winks and backs away with a large grin on his face. I shrug seductively as I watch him leave. His loss.
I head to the VIP room to get ready for my dance, greeting Gerry at the door. All private rooms have a bouncer keeping guard to ensure that the women are safe at all times. As I’m getting my music queued up, I hum softly under my breath and wait for my client to arrive. A few moments in and there is a knock at the door. I walk over and open it. Greeting me on the other side of the door is an incredibly sexy man. Hell yes, this is going to be fun.
Something about his face looks familiar, but I can’t place it. He has dark hair, intense green eyes, and is physically fit by the defined muscle protruding from his fitted shirt. He must have come here right after work, because he is wearing a suit, but he’s removed the jacket and he rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt, revealing tattoos running up his arms. I don’t know what it is about a man with rolled up sleeves and tattoos, but it turns me on in a way I don’t understand. Maybe it’s the business meets bad boy persona. Whatever it is has me motivated to get closer to him, making my job easier.
I step aside to let him enter. “Hi, I’m Cherry.”
He studies me for a moment with heated eyes. The way he looks at me is as if he’s seen me before, like he knows me.
“Hi, Cherry.” My name rolls off his tongue in the most sexual manner, causing a rush of excitement between my legs. This is going to be one hell of a night: sexy and seductive.
The music starts to play and I place one hand in the center of my sexy stranger’s chest, grabbing a handful of black material. I walk backward and drag him over to the seating area before turning, pushing him backwards until he falls onto the couch behind him, giving me a deep, sexy laugh along the way.
“Damn,” he says, egging me on. Not wasting any time, I place each hand on the back of the couch to each side of his shoulders and flip my hair from side to side. It starts the full body roll that follows, pressing each segment of skin to his clothing, ending with my pelvis. I stand and turn, closing in on him, resting against him in a sitting position. I shake my ass against his crotch, enjoying the feel of it hardening beneath me. While cupping my breasts I roll my head back, grinding to the beat of the music. Turning my head to the side, I watch his eyes glaze over as I touch my body, skimming my hands down in a slow motion. I continue gyrating on his lap, listening to his breathing pick up, confirming the arousal that is pressing into the crack of my ass.
I breathe in deeply…. smelling his citrusy aftershave; something I would say is unique to him. My hormones are quickly running wild, something different than normal. It doesn’t take me long to get lost in the music and this sexy man pressed against my backside as I allow him to become familiar with my body. Time stands still…for a while. I hear him grunt, praising me for the havoc I’m causing on his cock and he isn’t even naked.
I finish out the dance as the song comes to an end, standing and adjusting my outfit. He stands as I run my fingers through my hair and I watch as he fishes in his pockets. He pulls out a wad of cash, handing it all to me. I briefly stare at him in shock, but brush it off and reach for it. He doesn’t immediately turn it loose.
“How much for house calls?”
I’m about to say something, anything to deny his question, but he beats me to the punch.
“Listen, I don’t usually come to places like this, but I’m here, and now that I am, I kind of like it. You have a beautiful body. Let me show you what I can do with mine,” he finishes quietly.
What a generous man, but I can tell he enjoyed the dance from the large bulge at the front of his pants, so I know what he’s referring to.
“I don’t think so, sweetie.”
I’m ready to thank him and leave when he grabs my hand, pulling me to him. He presses his lips to mine before I even know what�
�s happening. I can taste the whiskey on his breath. Poor guy is so drunk I don’t think he knows what he’s asking me, but the way his hands introduce themselves to my backside I can’t be sure. He pulls away and touches his index finger to my lips, silencing me.
“Think about it. The club closes at two. I’ll be outside waiting if you decide to take me up on my offer. Sometimes outside of the norm can be freeing…”
He turns and walks away, leaving me standing here alone. I’m not sure what the hell just happened, but I find myself considering it. I never do this. There’s one reason why….”
Chapter Fifteen
Sawyer
I couldn’t believe my luck. I found her again, working at Pair-a-dice. I was barely able to contain my excitement, and with all the liquor in my veins I was bolder than I would normally be, making her an offer I hoped she wouldn’t refuse.
I sent Dylan and the guys on their way and waited outside of the club for quite some time, but she never showed. I’m not going to give up. There is something about her that is pulling at me and I want to figure out why. Maybe it’s all just physical chemistry and once I fuck her she’ll be out of my system. That’s likely all it is: lust. I haven’t been with anyone since I started seeing Mandy and for a while now we haven’t been having much sex. It’s been non-existent lately.
I’m up early today with a long list of shit I need to get done. Since all the bullshit with Mandy happened I’ve left things like groceries on the back burner. I’m sick of takeout, so it’s off to grab some healthy food. I grab my wallet and keys and head to my truck, pulling myself up into the seat. It isn’t far, the drive taking only about fifteen minutes. I pull into a spot and get out, grabbing a cart as I go.
Accepting Cherry Page 11