We rounded everyone up and made our way back to the limo, sweaty and tired and feeling like I’d been rubbed raw.
“Did you see my pirate friend showed up?” Daine asked the other guys as we drove off.
“That huge Fabio looking dude that you were sucking face with in the corner?” Blaze asked.
“That’s him,” Daine slurred.
“We saw him,” Richie replied.
“I think I’m in love,” Daine said.
“For the tenth time this month!” Fox said, laughing.
“I can’t help it, I have a big heart,” Daine protested.
“We know, buddy,” Richie laughed.
“Tillie, you are just delightful!” Daine said, turning his attention to me. “I don’t know what you’re doing with Richie, but I’m sure glad you joined us. Did you have fun?”
“I did!” I replied. “I’ve never done anything like that.”
“Well, honey, you need to get out more!” he said.
“I’m working on that,” I replied, feeling better than I could ever remember feeling. I felt so connected, so happy, so damned satisfied that I’d actually managed to have some real fun with someone other than Milo and Leo, for once. It had been a wonderful evening and I never wanted it to end.
You can imagine my immense disappointment as the limo came to a stop in front of my hotel and Reggie helped me out after I said goodbye to the other guys.
“Stay in touch, Tillie!” Blaze said.
“I will, I promise,” I said, waving and turning back to a waiting Richie beside me.
“Do you want to come up to my room?” I asked, the only words that I seemed to be able to form, even if they were the boldest words I’d ever uttered.
“I do,” he nodded, his words thick with lust. “But I have to get up very early in the morning.”
“Oh,” I said, my heart crushed. “I see.”
“No, you don’t,” he replied, smiling warmly into my eyes, as he rubbed his thumb against my palm. “I want you, Tillie. Let there be no mistake. I want you so damned bad, I can’t fucking see straight. But tonight’s not right.”
“It’s not?”
“No,” he said, brushing an errant strand of hair from my eye. “You deserve candlelight and flowers and slow, gentle, focused, drawn-out attention. Not sweaty, drunk, rushed sex.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Was he being a gentleman, even now? Despite the disappointment, my heart warmed at his words.
“I really do have to get up very early, in just a few hours, in fact, and when I make love to you I don’t want to be distracted. I’ve also had quite a bit to drink, and if I didn’t perform well the very first time we’re together, I’d never forgive myself.”
“That’s very sweet of you, Richie,” I said.
He kissed my forehead and sighed.
“Sweet, maybe, but certainly not easy,” he replied, laughing slowly. “Because every bone in my body is begging me to not be such a putz right now. Can I see you tomorrow? Do over?”
“Dinner in my hotel room this time?” I asked.
“Perfect,” he replied, brushing a gentle kiss against my lips again.
“See you tomorrow, beauty,” he replied, turning away and walking back to the limo and my new group of friends.
CHAPTER 24
RICHIE
Tillie’s perfume lingered on my skin as the morning sun poured in my window. I rolled over, my erection pressing against my stomach, my hunger for her ripping through me. I groaned in pain, remembering the feel of her skin, the way her hips moved in rhythm with mine last night.
It’d taken all my strength to leave her at the hotel. I wanted to devour her, I wanted to show her exactly how much of an impact she’d had on me.
I know she’s leaving soon and our time is limited, but I could also tell from the few hints she dropped that she most likely hadn’t been with a man in a while. She hadn’t gone into details but her ex-husband sounded like a real sonofabitch. Which was absurd, because I can’t even begin to comprehend how someone would treat a woman like her with even an ounce of disrespect.
She deserved to be worshipped.
Clearly, she was out of my league, as Daine had been so eager to point out on the way home, informing me of just how wealthy she must be, but my feelings for her are real. I haven’t felt like this in years, if ever, and if I ever did, the memories of whatever fling created them are long gone.
I’d only ever dreamed of a woman like Tillie.
I never expected she’d actually appear, that we’d actually have chemistry and that she’d be interested in a lowlife like me.
But hey, I’m not fooling myself, don’t get me wrong. I know what this is. I know where this ends up. Yeah, Tillie might be slumming, looking for a good time, and the chemistry might be off the charts, but there’s no way I’m fooling myself into thinking this is anymore than a quick fling, before she returns to her real life.
Guys like me don’t end up with women like Tillie.
It’s like a law of physics or some shit.
Still, that didn’t keep me from wanting to show her the best time possible.
If I’d fucked her last night, I’d have fallen asleep right afterwards, and it would have been over way too fast — after all that bumping and grinding on the dance floor, I would’ve exploded at her first touch.
Like I said, she deserved better than that.
I had it all planned out, too. A nice, quiet dinner in her hotel room, followed by a candlelit bubble bath, and then, I intended to spend hours upon hours slowly waking up every inch of her luscious body with my mouth, followed by a deep, intense pounding, ending with long, deep kisses and soft caresses.
I fucking couldn’t wait to sink into her.
I groaned again, my fist wrapping around my throbbing shaft, quickly sliding it up and down until I shuddered with release. I sighed, falling back on my pillow, my head swimming with images of last night.
“Damn,” I said, shaking my head. She’d gotten hold of me, gotten under my skin and I hoped like hell the hours passed quickly. I jumped out of bed and showered, eager to get on with my day so I could get back to Tillie as soon as possible. Maybe I’d even call her and ask to see her sooner. My cock, already throbbing again, twitched, agreeing with that idea, apparently.
This morning, I’ve set up another meeting with the guy at the bank. I’d gotten all my tax returns together yesterday afternoon and I wanted to go over everything else he needed. In the end, I figured the guys were right. We had to at least try to get the funds. If they said no, they said no. But as I walked out to the kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a little glimmer of hope.
“Hey, brother,” Daine said. He was pouring a cup of coffee and completely buck ass naked, his hair dripping wet.
“Dude, put some clothes on,” I said.
“I just took a shower,” he replied, shrugging nonchalantly.
“So did I and I’m fully fucking dressed,” I said, wryly.
“Well, aren’t you special,” he teased. “Do you want a cookie?”
“Fuck you,” I said, laughing. “I want coffee.”
“Help yourself,” he said. “Listen, Richie, I gotta tell you. I adored Tillie. I think you really got something there. Don’t blow it.”
“I told you I’m really into her. She lives in Los Angeles, though,” I replied.
“So what?” he said. “It’s just a few hours away. I’m serious, Richie. She’s special, I can tell.”
“Dude, she just wants a Vegas fling, and then she’s going back to her life. It’s nothing serious.”
“It is if you make it and if you know what’s good for you, you won’t let her go.”
“You said she was too classy for me, or did you forget that?”
“I was joking,” he replied. “And I’ve been thinking about it. You’re a good fit.”
“Well, you’re right, she’s special. I like her, too. I’m seeing her again tonight.”
“Good, I
hope you fuck her like a wild stallion,” he said.
“Dude, what the hell?”
“I said she was special! She deserves it! I’d do it myself if I was into that…kind of thing.”
“You mean pussy?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said, laughing.
“In the meantime, I have something for you.” He reached over and picked up a folder from the kitchen counter and handed it to me.
“What is it?” I asked, opening it.
“It’s a business plan. I made friends with a cute librarian yesterday and he helped me with it. When I told him we were buying a male strip club, he was all into helping. Actually, he did the whole thing. He emailed it to me this morning. It looks good, if you ask me.”
I scanned over it in awe. There it all was. All of the plans I’d shared with Daine and the guys, all laid out orderly and organized, looking incredibly professional.
“Daine, this is incredible,” I said, shaking my head.
“I knew you’d like it,” he said. “If you have any changes, I can email my library friend. I’m going out with him next week.”
“No, it’s perfect,” I said, throwing my arms around him and hugging him tightly, my heart racing. “Thank you, man.”
He patted me on the back awkwardly.
“You’re welcome, but get off me because I’m naked, remember?”
I jumped back, having forgotten.
“Right,” I said, trying not to stare at his huge, rapidly growing junk. “Thanks, man.”
“There’s something else,” Fox said, walking up behind me. He handed me an envelope. I opened it up to find a check, a very large check.
“What is this?”
“It’s all of our combined savings. I got a cashier’s check for you. Show all this shit to the banker and let’s see him turn us down now.”
“Wow, I can’t believe this,” I said. “You guys are amazing.”
“We love you, dude,” Blaze said, walking up behind him, his long hair tousled as he rubbed his eyes.
“Alright, then,” I said, shaking my head. “My meeting is in half an hour. I better go. Wish me luck.”
“Break a leg, dude,” Daine said.
“Keep us posted,” Fox said.
“Will do,” I replied, walking towards the front door.
“Blaaaaaze!” A girl's voice called from down the hall.
“Blaaaaaaaaaze!” Another girl's voice cried out, this one a little higher.
“Jesus, dude,” I said, looking at him and shaking my head, as he sheepishly began walking back to his room.
“Creature of habit, man,” he replied, shrugging. “Creature of habit…”
I laughed all the way to the truck, my heart pulsing with hope and love for those guys.
If I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t have anything.
CHAPTER 25
TILLIE
The knock at my door surprised me, but I was even more surprised to open it and see a huge bouquet of flowers. I tipped the delivery guy and brought them into the room, sure they must be from Mario, since I’d sent some to him, too.
I opened the card and my heart skipped a beat.
“Counting the minutes till tonight. Love, Richie.”
“Wow,” I said, shaking my head. I couldn’t remember the last time Reggie sent me flowers, or anyone else, for that matter. With trembling hands, I lifted a rose from the vase, inhaling its sweet perfume deeply, happiness washing over me.
I was due to go home tomorrow, but every single time I thought about Richie, I realized that was the last thing I wanted to do. Anticipation filled my veins, and I found myself checking the time every few minutes. The day crawled by and finally I decided I needed to get out of the room before I lost my mind.
Instead of hailing a taxi, I decided to walk down the strip today and explore. I wandered in and out of different casinos, past elaborate fountains and roller-coasters coming out of buildings and a million flashing billboards.
After all the excitement of last night, and having a taste of what it felt like to be surrounded by fun people, I was a little lonely and bored. I made the best of it, though, determined to enjoy my newly found confidence and independence.
This trip had been exactly what I needed. Mario was right. I felt like a new woman, the entire world opened up before me now. I began dreaming about all the different places I would visit now, and the thought of visiting the more exotic places didn’t intimidate me as much anymore. I’d learned I could handle being out in the world on my own finally, as pathetic as it was to figure that out at such a late age.
I didn’t care.
I loved it. I loved wandering through the throngs of people, watching them, making up little stories about their lives, listening to snippets of people’s conversations, strolling through the brightly carpeted casinos, the sound of the slot machines jangling, the shouts of joy from the winners and even the looks of sadness on the losers.
It was all life.
It was all living.
I was right in the middle of Circus Circus, staring up at a couple of performers performing a tight-rope act up in the mezzanine when my phone rang. I pulled it from my purse and froze when I saw it was Reggie.
“What the hell?” I murmured, contemplating if I should answer it or not. I walked away from all the noise and brought the phone up to my ear.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Hello, Tillie.”
“Hi, Reggie,” I said, wrinkling my brow. We’d left things slightly amicable, but talking on the phone was not something we did regularly these last few months. In fact, I’d not talked to him in over a month.
“How are you, Tillie?”
“I’m, um, okay,” I replied. “What’s up?”
“Where are you? It’s so loud. Is that circus music?”
“Um, yeah. I’m in Vegas.”
“Whatever for?” he asked, haughtily.
“For fun,” I said, lifting my chin defiantly, even though he couldn’t see it.
“Fun? You?” he asked. “What kind of fun?”
“What do you want, Reggie?” I asked, not caring if I sounded rude.
“I just wanted to make sure you got the papers.”
“What papers?” I asked.
“Well, the divorce papers, of course. Tillie, are you okay?”
“Oh, those. Yeah, of course I did. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course, I’m sure, Reggie! Is that the only reason you called? To make sure I got the damned divorce papers?”
“Well, yes, and…”
“Are you trying to rub it in, Reggie? I know our divorce is final.”
“I know, but I —.”
“What?”
“Never mind, Tillie. Enjoy your…vacation,” he said.
“I am!” I replied, a little too enthusiastically. “I’m having a great time.”
“Great, I’m glad,” he said. “Be careful, Tillie. I’ll talk to you later.”
I hung up, not even saying goodbye, because what was the point of niceties? I shook my head, trying not to be angry, but the irritation lingered.
What a stupid reason to call, I thought.
Of course, I got the damned papers, but so what if I didn’t?
Would we be any less divorced?
I turned my thoughts back to Richie, back to tonight, and my smile returned to my face after a few moments. I’d ordered an elaborate candlelit room service to be delivered and set up on the balcony for us and I’d set out some of the expensive lingerie I’d bought the other day.
I couldn’t wait to feel Richie’s hands on me again.
By the time I made it back to my room, Reggie and his ridiculous phone call were a distant memory.
CHAPTER 26
RICHIE
“It’s all there,” I said, pushing the pile of papers across the banker’s desk. “Tax returns, a business plan and a check for the down
payment.”
“That was fast,” Mr. Jenkins replied, lifting a brow. “You must be serious.”
“I am,” I nodded. My heart was racing. I hated that I was so nervous. Doing my best to appear calm and collected, I took a deep breath and raised my chin. The moment dragged on as he looked over everything with a somber expression. He nodded slowly and then looked up at me.
“I’ll be right back, Mr. King,” he replied.
“Take your time,” I said, sitting back in my seat. Watching him walk away, my stomach flipped. Everything depended on this moment — Blaze, Fox and Daine’s well-being, not to mention my own future. Forcing myself to remain optimistic, I wondered what my mother would have told me to do. She was a sweet, calming figure in my life until she’d passed away five years ago from cancer. She was the most free-spirited, spiritual person I’d ever known.
“Just be positive, Richard,” I heard her voice in my head. “Imagine all the things you want to do, manifest your future.”
I closed my eyes, doing just that. If this worked, I’d make Cowboys into one of Vegas’s must-see attractions. I’d hire new talent, renovate the place from floor to ceiling, maybe install a mechanical bull for the women to ride with the dancers sitting behind them. I’d refurbish the sound system, build a new stage, get a new state of the art light system, and —
“Mr. King?”
I opened my eyes, startled to see Mr. Jenkins sitting back behind his desk.
“Yes, sorry,” I said, shaking my head. He flashed me a polite smile and nodded.
“Not a problem,” he said. “I was talking to my manager and we ran a credit report on you, as well. We’ve looked everything over and at this time, we don’t think it would be prudent to extend the loan. The risk is too great for the bank.”
“Risk?” I said, my heart dropping. “It’s not a risk, at all. I promise, I’d work really hard to make all this work.”
“I’m sure you would, Mr. King. But unfortunately, our answer remains the same.” He pushed all my papers back over to me.
“Even with all that money as a down payment?” I asked, feeling like I had to ask one last time, for the guy’s sakes.
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