by Layla Frost
“What?” I shrieked before lowering my voice. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” I spun around to face him.
“And miss that show, Tiny Dancer? Nah, it could wait.”
“You’re such a dickhead!”
“Yeah, I know. See ya soon.” He dropped a light kiss to the top of my head before sauntering out of the room.
The sweet gesture took me by surprise, leaving me momentarily frozen.
Before I could clear my thoughts enough to ask what his deal was, he was gone.
Hurrying back to work, my eyes caught Lars’ the instant I walked into the main area.
Leaning casually against the back wall, he jerked his head to the side. He turned and walked down the hall, clearly expecting me to follow.
Sucks to be him, I’m my own person. I do what I want. He can’t just move his head and expect me to jump and follow his orders.
I’ll just stand right here for another ten seconds, and then I’ll go.
That’ll show him.
After my rebellious wait, I went to find him, correctly guessing he’d be in his office.
Sitting on the edge of his desk, his body was tense and his expression unreadable.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I’d guess Teo was. When I asked what was between you two, you said nothing. Then I see that.” He gestured to a screen showing the security feeds. The section with the room Kase and I had been in was enlarged, showing Maddison at work.
And I thought I was a vixen. She needs to teach me that hip swirl.
“There is nothing,” I said.
“Then why was he here?”
“To tell me Eddie couldn’t see the cameras anymore. Why didn’t you tell us?”
He ignored my question. “That required you on his dick?”
“It’s my job, Lars. Since you’re my boss, you know that,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, well, maybe Teo was on to something about you not working the stage.”
The weight on my shoulders began to make itself known on my chest. “What?”
“How about bartending or serving?”
“Are you firing me?”
“I’m just giving you other options.” He ran his hand over his short hair.
While I wouldn’t be making as little as I had at the shitty bar, it wouldn’t be anywhere near what I earned dancing. People went to strip clubs with a limited amount of cash, and most of that was reserved for the chicks putting tits in their face, not beer in their cups.
I shook my head. “You know they don’t make anywhere near as much as dancers.”
“You can work the books or some shit. We’ll figure out a salary.”
“I’m bad with numbers, Lars.”
“So am I, it’s fine.”
“Are you firing me?” I asked again.
“If I do, what’re the chances you won’t just go to another club?”
“Nonexistent,” I answered honestly.
“Figured.” He sighed. “I’m not gonna fire you. I didn’t know Eddie had set it up to see the security feeds. He can’t now. And he isn’t allowed to fire anyone without my okay, either. You wanna get in touch with your girl, she can have her job back. You hear anything about Eddie starting shit, you come to me. Got it?”
“Yeah.”
Clicking out of the zoomed security screen, he hit a few buttons on his computer. “Now get back to work.”
Feeling the pressure start to ease, I nodded and left before he could change his mind.
Chapter Three
Spy Toads and Escaped Bears
Harlow
“I need help,” a high-pitched voice called out like I was a mile away and not just the few feet I actually was.
“Okay, baby. What’s up?”
“This.” Her small, pudgy hand slammed a paper on top of my open laptop. Random text popped up on the report I was working on.
“Hold on.” I hit a few keys to undo her handy work and save my files. I closed the computer and pushed it aside. “Okay, so what’re you supposed to do?”
“I have to count the frogs.”
“That’s easy peasy bacon greasy. Why do you need help?”
“Because they aren’t all frogs. Some of them are toads.”
I looked down at the paper filled with identical pictures of cartoon frogs. “Hadley, none of these are toads.”
She stabbed at the worksheet, her red hair flinging back and forth as she shook her head. “That one looks exactly like a toad. I’m pretty sure his name is Ted. Ted the Toad shouldn’t be counted with frogs. He’s a toad.”
“They’re basically the same thing.”
“They are not,” she cried, mustering up all her five year old indignation and attitude. “Toads can walk but frogs jump everywhere. And toads are nice and dry, frogs are icky and slimy and gross. Ted the Toad is not a frog.”
I tapped the pencil on the table. “Why do I get the feeling you learned about frogs and toads today?”
“We did!” Hadley’s eyes lit up, her grin stretching wide to show her missing bottom tooth. “We even touched them. That’s how I know that this one is a toad.” She pointed to the paper again, though at a different frog.
“Sorry, baby, you’re going to have to pretend they’re all frogs.”
Her eyes started to narrow as her lips pursed. “But—”
I knew I should put my foot down and make it clear that all the pictures were of frogs and she needed to cut it out. But I could never bring myself to stifle her creativity.
In the world we lived in, sometimes an overactive imagination was the only escape available.
“Hadley Freckle Face Cooper—”
“That’s not my name,” she protested through a giggle.
“If the paper says they’re frogs, baby, then count them as frogs. Maybe Ted the Toad is in disguise.”
“Like a spy?” she whispered loudly, her eyes wide as she looked from the paper to me.
“Exactly. Don’t blow his cover, Hads.”
“Okay. I’m gonna go count the froooogs.” She tried to wink, but it looked like she was doing a slow blink, her chubby cheeks scrunching up in an adorable way.
“You’re so smart.”
“I know,” she singsonged, skipping out of the room.
Though I had a million and four papers to complete, I zoned out wondering whether Kase would be at Wicked again. Since telling me about the cameras the week before, he’d been there every night, but he hadn’t gotten any more dances.
As far as I knew, at least.
Not that I care or anything.
Nope.
Not at all.
Sighing, I started my laptop back up.
I wish I was counting frogs. Maybe even kissing some. One of them might be a prince.
Nah.
*******
“Legs. Office. Now.”
As Lars stormed past, I raised my brows at Maddison.
She shrugged but looked relieved it was me in trouble.
Traitor.
I defiantly waited five seconds before following.
“Close the door,” he ordered as soon as I entered his office.
I gently kicked it closed behind me, waiting patiently for him to speak.
Then I waited not so patiently.
“You summoned me?” I asked when I couldn’t take the silent brooding and staring any longer.
“Teo is here again.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” I lied. I’d have to be dead to not to see him. Even then, I was fairly certain my ghost would spend a lot of time haunting him.
“He only shows up during your shifts.”
See? Totally don’t care. That doesn’t secretly make me happy.
I shrugged. “I try to tell him to go, but he just winks and smiles at me. I think he likes messing with me.” When Lars’ eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak, I talked over him. “Not like that.”
“You sure there’s nothing going on between you two?”
“Nothing.”
“Good,” he rumbled, prowling toward me. He cupped the back of my head and pulled me to him. My hands hit his chest as his mouth dropped down to mine.
Startled, I gasped.
Taking his opening, he deepened the kiss.
Oh my God. Lars is kissing me. In his office. For all the office supplies and computer to see.
Speaking of computers, did I save my paper? When is that due? Shit, I think on Friday. I’ve got so much to do, I don’t know if I’ll be done in two days.
Wait, why am I thinking about school when I’m being kissed by a hot guy?
Enjoy the kiss. Relax. Stop thinking about the paper.
The paper you’re not going to get done. And then you’ll fail the class, get kicked out of school, and…
Lars ended the kiss just as suddenly as he’d started it. “You weren’t enjoying that, were you?”
“No. No, I mean I totally was. It was good.”
He chuckled. “Good, huh?”
“No. It was—”
“Harlow, it’s fine. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”
I looked off to the side. “Uhh, no worries.”
“You’re fuckin’ cute. Don’t get me wrong, you’re sexy as hell, too. But I make my money in sexy. It’s the cute thing that gets to me.”
“Oh.”
Lars released me and backed up. “I’m into you. And, according to you, some people might consider me attractive,” he teased. “But I’m getting the feeling that’s as far as it goes on your end.”
I wanted to tell him otherwise, but I couldn’t.
There was an obvious physical attraction between us, but that was as far as it went. We didn’t know anything about each other outside of work.
For instance, it might come as a shock that I’m not coated in glitter and five pounds of makeup every day. And I don’t do chores in a thong and mega stilettos.
“You’re right,” I admitted. “But I think the same is also true for you.”
He shook his head but smiled. “And now we’ll never know.”
*******
Entering a private room the following Tuesday, I was surprised to see Kase. Though he came in every shift I worked, he always stayed in the bar area.
“Switching things up?” I grinned, genuinely happy to see him.
Actually, I’m feeling good all around. Relaxed even. I wonder if I can sneak a nap on the bench.
As I walked toward him, my ankle twisted. Stumbling, I lost my balance, reaching out to catch myself at the same time as Kase grabbed me. My face hit his rock-hard chest.
“Whoa, there. You okay?”
“Uh huh,” I muttered. Looking up, I gave him a flirty smile. At least I thought I did.
I knew I was wrong when he steadied me and stepped back, his expression a mix of grim disgust. “Lars know you’re high at work?”
“I’m not high! And I’m outraged you would accuse me of that.” As he sat, I started giggling. “Why are you in a strip club again? You’re too hot for that. But I kinda like dancing for you. I hate that I like it, but I do.” Pushing him back, I climbed onto his lap.
He glanced at the camera then shifted so only my back was to it. “I know you need this job, Harlow. And I know you must have some crazy shit on your plate. But…” His words trailed off as he rubbed his bearded jaw.
I wanna rub his beard.
That was… weird. Wait, am I high?
Nahhhhh.
“I’m not high. I barely even take pain meds. Today was the first time in like ages. And I only took them because I had a migraine from being called ‘Fire Crotch’ while I rushed around to do other people’s work. Even then—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Okay, we’ve got a lot to go over there.” He shook his head. “Let’s start from the beginning. Pain meds?”
“I grabbed two ibuprofen before work.”
“You sure that’s what they were?”
“Uh, yeah. I mean they were in the ibuprofen bottle, soooo…” I lost my train of thought. “Anywho, can I dance? I wanna dance.”
Naked. While he’s naked under me.
That sounds like an awesome idea.
I reached behind my neck to untie my top.
“Don’t,” Kase said, the smirk on his face at odds with the harshness of his tone. “Your eyes are unfocused and you’re talking a mile a minute.”
“I always do that.”
“True. Which means you’re talking a mile a second.”
“Oh, that’s pretty fast then.” I paused, making an effort to slow down. “I still don’t know why you think—”
“Okay, now you’re talking way too slow.”
I shrugged. “Maybe this is how I always talk. You just wouldn’t know since we never speak.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t listen to everything you say.”
His words made me grin as I inhaled deeply. “But I’m not high. I just took meds for my migraine.”
“Whose were they?”
“My mom buys all that kinda stuff. Why? Do you think they were expired?” I stood up and stumbled, but couldn’t communicate to my arms they needed to catch me before I face-planted.
Thankfully, Kase was quicker than me. Grabbing my hips, he twisted so I was sitting and he was standing.
There’s only one logical explanation to explain how he moved so fast.
He’s a superhero.
Or a ninja.
He’s a super ninja.
“Taking you home,” he growled, looking pissed.
I stood up again, moving slower. “I’ve gotta work. I can’t just—”
His eyes narrowed. “I said, I’m taking you home.”
“Okay then.”
“Go get changed. And, warning you now, if you aren’t out in three minutes, I’m going in to get you.”
“You can’t do that!” I said, already heading for the door.
There’s a time to be defiant. I’m thinking now isn’t it.
“I’ll tell Lars you’re leaving.”
I whipped around, my eyes wide. “I can’t lose this job, and if he thinks—”
Kase’s easy smile pulled at his lips, but my attention was on his eyes. More specifically, the fact his smile didn’t reach them. Instead of lighting with humor, they were darker. “It’s all good, Tiny Dancer. I’m just gonna tell him you aren’t feeling well. No harm, right?”
I studied him for a moment. Well, I tried to. Unable to focus, I sighed and nodded before heading to the dressing room.
I think I’m high.
Fuck.
*******
“Harlow, wake up.”
“Huh? Wha?” Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes. When I pulled my hand away, I saw it was covered in glitter and eyeliner.
Awesome. I bet I look like the stripper version of Jack Sparrow.
Kase reached in to help me out. “You fell asleep about five minutes after we left.”
“I don’t even remember putting my head down.”
“You didn’t. You were talking, and right in the middle of the sentence—” He leaned his head back and pretended to be asleep, including snoring. Loudly.
“Oh God, did I really snore?”
“Nah, I’m just fuckin’ with you about that. But you were saying something about a fire crotch, and then you were out.”
When Kase started up a smooth rock path, I followed. “Yeah, I’m all of a sudden super flippin’ tired.” Reaching the porch, I stopped. “Uh, this isn’t my house.”
“I know.”
“You said you were bringing me home.”
“I did. I just didn’t say whose home. Even if I wanted to take you to your place, you weren’t awake to give me an address.”
“I’m awake now.” I started back toward the car before Kase’s hand engulfed mine.
“When’s the last time you slept, Harlow?”
“Uh, just now?”
He shook his head as he used his hold to pull me closer. “Not crashed. I mean a good, full night’
s sleep.”
“I sleep every night.”
“How many hours?”
“The normal amount.”
“You’re a bad fuckin’ liar.”
“I don’t see—”
“How many?”
“It’s not a big—”
He leaned in to me. “How many?”
“Are we really going to stand out here at eleven at night—”
“It’s almost one.”
“Seriously? Huh.” I pulled my hand out of his and crossed my arms.
Unfortunately, he copied the movement, and the effect was much more intimidating. “Plus, I’m not the one dead on my feet. I can stay out here and argue all night.”
“Pretty sure your neighbors would have something to say about that.”
Kase’s brows lowered. “Don’t have neighbors, Harlow.”
I looked around again, this time actually seeing. The house was large, although it was too dark to see many details. The smell of water was strong and there wasn’t another house within sight.
“Oh.”
“How many hours of sleep do you get?” he asked again, his voice gentle.
“Four or so. Sometimes more if I’m lucky.”
“How often are you lucky?”
All of a sudden, the exhaustion hit me. My throat felt clogged as tears pricked my eyes. The weight pressed in again, making it hard to breathe. “Rarely.” My voice was thick and weary. “Never.”
“Let’s get you to bed.”
“I should really get home,” I argued, but even I heard the lack of conviction.
“It’s late, Harlow.”
“I know, but—”
“Got a giant, soft bed and a down comforter.”
Sold!
“Fine, fine.” I sighed as I started up the stairs. “I’ll sleep here for you, so you don’t have to drive tired.”
He chuckled as he followed behind me. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
“What can I say? I’m a giver.” I stopped by the door, waiting as he unlocked it. “So, how big are we talking here?”
“I’ve never had any complaints.” Kase smirked cockily.
“The bed! I was talking about your bed.”
“I know, so was I.” He threw open the door and moved to let me enter.