by Matson, TC
“Love you, Sunshine,” I say before hanging up.
I may have blue balls with the hardest dick and pissed I can’t have her, but I can’t take it out on her. I agreed to this job.
I throw myself back into the recliner and stare at the ceiling. I’m so fucking torn. I want Paige and absolutely despise being away from her, but I had my goals set years before I met her. My sights have been set and I’m determined to get where I want. Exactly how I’m going to balance all this will be a journey.
Rubbing one out…again…doesn’t seem so enticing any longer. I need to get out for a bit. Get some fresh air. I grab my phone and call Adam.
“What’s up, man?” he answers.
“Nothing. Dude these walls are starting to close in. What are you doing tonight?”
“There’s a club down the street. Wanna go?”
I rake my hand over my face and sit up. “Yeah. What time?”
“Get ready, fucker, and let’s roll.”
I check my watch. “At a quarter to eight?”
“Figured we grab some food first,” he says.
“I’m ready whenever you are.”
“Hell, yeah! Open your door.”
“Do what?” I chuckle confused.
There’s a knock on the door.
“Okay, now will you open the door?” Adam laughs.
I pull open the door and Adam is standing in jeans, a red shirt, and holding the phone with a shit eating grin. “I was already on my way up here. And how the fuck this thing kept signal in the elevator is a miracle,” he says pointing to his phone. “You aren’t ready yet?”
“How was I supposed to know you’d be here in seconds? Damn, you’re better than room service. Give me a minute.”
He steps in and makes himself at home, sitting down on the couch as I make my way to the bedroom. I don’t play dress up often. I rely heavily on gym shorts or jogging pants, but since it’s a club, I’ll throw on some pants and a decent shirt.
Oh, come on, ladies. I hear your accusations. No. I’m not going to go find another woman or a random hookup. I just need a change of scenery and to get the fuck out of this hotel room. There’s no right or wrong place…except for a strip club. You won’t catch me in one. What a fucking waste of money. “Oh but it’s a club, Levi.” Yeah, and what’s wrong with it? Tell me what the difference is between me going to one and Paige working at one? Give me a valid point and I’ll toss it out the window. I’m true to my girl.
We grabbed a bite to eat at a little pizza place down the street then came to the club. Club Pulse. I’ve been to many clubs in my life, but I have to say this is one of the hypest places I’ve been so far. Neon strobes batter the place, bouncing from floor to ceiling and over everything in between. There are two floors with the bottom one serving as the dance floor with two bars on either side and the DJ’s booth at the back facing the crowd. Dancing bodies grind on the dance floor as the DJ keeps the music pumping. LEDs flicker with the bass and a large LED TV behind him displays some wicked illusions.
The upstairs seems to be much less busy with tables lining the railing. I’m quite sure I’ll claim a table in no time.
Adam’s first stop is the bar. He orders a beer as I order my usual—water. I get the same expression from every bartender. Their eyebrows always jump as they look me over. Confusion slowly sets in and like they’re puppets on strings, they hesitantly grab a cup and put water in it.
The bartender I just confused looks like a dweeb with his hair slicked back and his green shirt three sizes too small for him. If he gives me the once over like that again, I’m liable to knock that crooked ass nose straight.
I nudge Adam, grabbing his attention, and nod toward the second floor. I’d rather sit back and watch than to be standing in the middle of the mass of people. He nods, silently agreeing he’ll follow me, and I push my way through the crowd.
Although still loud, the second floor isn’t nearly as deafening nor is it as congested. I find a table next to the railing overlooking the dance floor and lay my claim.
Adam places his beer on the table and throws his hands up showcasing the place. “You like?” he yells.
“Yeah.”
Excitement spreads over his face as he leans over the table and slaps my shoulder. “Good. I’m glad to see your mopey ass out of that hotel room.”
I smirk at his point. I haven’t done a damn thing since taking the job and coming down here. But something about tonight…I just had to get out.
Adam reacts to a wave of giggles that seems to have just crashed against his ears. He perks up, looking beyond my shoulder. A wolfish smile slides across his lips and he grabs his beer, nods at me, and strolls away from the table.
I’ve known him long enough to know there’s a hot ass chick who’s caught his attention. There’s no need to turn around and check. I just know.
I pull my phone from my pocket to see if Paige has been able to text me, but no notification is present. It’s a hopeless habit. Normally, she isn’t able to get a break until closer to closing time. I’ve watched her many times work behind the bar. She’s quick, expertly grabbing the exact bottles needed from her speed rail without even having to look. Her multitasking skills shine the brightest while she makes two drinks at the same time. I’d have a mess. And this is why I don’t shake drinks for a living.
Adam returns with a blonde in tow and pulls her into his lap. She tosses her long, straight hair over her shoulder and smiles at me. It’s too dim to see the rest of her qualities, but from what I can see, she’s pretty and not in slut fashion.
Suddenly, the stool beside me slides out and a smoking hot brunette in a tan low-cut shirt showing off her mound of cleavage parks her ass beside me.
“This is Carli,” Adam says looking at the woman on his lap. “And that’s Khloe.” He tips his head to the woman beside me. “Ladies, this is Levi.”
I offer a cocky smile and lean back in my chair. Carli releases her attention from me and focuses on Adam, chatting about whatever. I can’t hear.
I think you need to hold onto something. Seriously, you need to brace yourself. You have the ledge? Good. I’m uncomfortable. Yes, you heard me right. The last time I was at a club, I was out to get my dick wet. Now, I’m just here to have fun and with a woman beside me, I have no fucking idea what to say or do.
“Omigod, are you drinking water?” Khloe’s eyes bulge at my cup.
I lick my lips turning to her. “I’m not too keen on drinking. Like to keep my wits about me.”
Her full lips slowly spread. “Oh, that’s kinda a turn on. Most guys stumble around drunk and you’re here sober. So like there’s no regrets in the morning, right?”
Let me take a second to describe the voice that just pierced and busted my eardrums. Take a high-pitched, very tipsy Valley Girl and put her in a room that is fully tiled so it echoes very loudly as she drags her nails over a chalkboard. Yeah, have fun with that.
“You’re right. No regrets.”
“So are you from around here?”
“Tennessee,” I answer.
“What brings you here?”
“Work.”
“Oh, really? What kind of work?” she asks and then takes a sip of her pretty little pink drink.
This is normally where I brag, seducing women with the excitement they think my lifestyle holds. But I’m in a little different situation. She doesn’t need to dream about what a night with me would be so I downgrade my occupation.
“I’m a personal trainer.”
That seems to suffice for her but in a thrilled way. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and pushes her shoulder out. “Feel like dancing, Levi?”
A good laugh rumbles out of me and I pull my hands up yielding submission. “Oh no. No dancing for me.”
She sticks her plump bottom lip out and pouts. “Oh come on. I bet you’ll be fun to grind on.”
Paige…
Paige…
Paige…
I bounce my head
from shoulder to shoulder releasing the tension in my neck. “I’m sure a pole will do you just the same.”
“Mmmm…” she moans quite sexily, “but every pole I’ve ever seen isn’t as hot as you. Come on, let’s go have some fun.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose to hide my laughter. It’s nice to know I still have it. “It” being the fact that I can get any girl I want. It’s flattering and it blows up my ego pulling me out of the slump I’m in, but please let me remind you, I’m completely out of my element. This is usually where I let the woman have a taste of what’s to come. All pun intended. I could slide my hand up her thigh and squeeze against her pussy as I nip her jawline telling her whatever the fuck she wants to hear. But this poor woman is about to seriously have her expectations blown to pieces.
And before I can say a damn word about this going nowhere because I’m happily taken, my name is called from behind Khloe and I look up to a group of men. Jubilation spreads across their faces.
“Holy fuck! It’s Levi!” A guy yells out slapping his shorter friend in the arm. “It’s The Leveler!”
The short blond guy stumbles toward the table and leans level with my face. “What’s up, man?” he slurs like he’s known me for years.
Mentally I groan, pulling away slightly and trying to give the best cordial smile I can conjure up. “What’s up, guys?”
Khloe’s head whips around to me with wide confused eyes. “Who?”
“I’m Evan,” the short blond guy says tapping his drunk ass self on the chest. “And this is Greg.” He reaches back and pulls his friend closer to the table. “Dude, told you it was him.”
I’m desperately trying to be polite. “Nice to meet you guys.”
Khloe is glaring at me, burning holes into the side of my head. I’ve got to get out of here before the whole place ends up at my table. I grasp Khloe’s hand and lean in close to her ear. “Sweetheart, you’re beautiful, but I’m very much taken. Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time with any of these dipsticks in here.” I lean back, flash a smile, and then peer at Adam. “I’m heading out.”
There are times I don’t mind the fans. I can chat them up, joke around, talk the sport, whatever. But there are other times I feel they overreact. I’m just a regular guy with an abnormal job.
I stand, patting a perplexed Khloe on the shoulder and fist bump Adam. “It was nice to meet you guys,” I say to the drunk men and try making my way past them.
“Hey! Can I get a picture?” Greg asks pausing me in my spot.
I exhale. “Sure.”
He’s frantically pulling out his phone like I’m going to take off running at any moment. Finding it in the very pocket he checked first, he hands it to Evan. I do my normal fighter pose with my fists up while he points at me looking a little too damn goofy.
Once taken, Evan, who already has his phone out, asks for a picture as well. I offer the same pose and Greg snaps the picture.
I pat Evan on the shoulder. “All right, guys. Have a good night.” Then I leave before they can stop me again.
The hotel isn’t but a few blocks away so I decide to walk it. Fresh air is always good for the mind and lungs.
Chapter 5
I’m woken by my phone alerting me that I have a text. Slowly, I pull my eyes open reaching for it.
Levi: I’m blaming you for feeling like I have a hangover.
I laugh reading the text with one eye barely open. We stayed up so late last night talking until four in the morning. I feel bad for him because he had to be at the gym at eight.
I gasp glancing at the time on my screen. It’s freaking ten in the morning. I can’t remember the last time I’ve slept this late. Damn. I stretch and sit up before hitting reply.
Me: It’s your fault you didn’t hang up. :)
I don’t know how he does it—working hard with little to no sleep. I’d say the hell with it and skip the day. But that just shows how disciplined he is. This wasn’t the first time we’ve stayed up late, talking about nothing like we were teenagers. Times like these help ease the sadness from missing him so horribly. But they’re also a reminder that he’s so far away from me.
I make my way to the kitchen for some much needed coffee. Blain is planted on the couch watching TV.
Eagerly he slides to the end of the cushion. “Good morning!”
I squint, unsure of what the heck he’s so excited about. “Good morning.”
“What are you doing today?” he asks.
“Well, considering I just woke up, my main plan right now is that thing.” I point to the coffee maker.
“Do you have to work tonight?”
I turn back around to him and study his expression. He’s up to something. “I do. Why?”
“Care if I have a small get together here?”
See, here’s the thing about living with him—he completely forgets that downstairs is all his and what happens down there is his business. It’s nice down there. Extremely manly. His own personal man cave. Why would he want to be up here with all my feminine features, unless…
“Who all will be here?” I ask nonchalantly.
He’s going to bring a girl and he wants to impress her.
“The usual,” he shrugs. “Jason, Brent, Lacy, and whoever they bring.”
Lacy’s name exited his mouth so quickly, if I wasn’t listening closely, it wouldn’t have registered. “The usual, huh? I don’t mind. Just clean up if you make a mess, please.”
Satisfied, he slides back into the couch. “Always do.”
I pour my freshly made coffee in my mug and then sit down in my loveseat. Slowly, I take a sip, eyeing him, then set the cup on the table.
“So…Lacy will be here?” I’m fighting a smile.
He peers from the corner of his eyes before he slowly turns to me. “Yeah.”
“That’s good. She needs to get out and be around some friends.” I test him.
“For what?”
Oh, he’s playing dumb. He has to know she’s single.
“I guess since Conner cheated on her, she hasn’t been in the mood to do much. She’s been hanging out with Mattie at her house and not going out.”
That catches his attention and he jerks up. “She’s single?”
I roll my eyes. “Like you didn’t know.”
“I didn’t.”
“Seriously?” I ask baffled, reaching for my cup. “Jason didn’t tell you?”
“No. Fuck. I wonder if he knows?” he queries out loud.
“Oh wow. You really didn’t know.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I figured you’d know everything about your crush.”
“I’m not her stalker,” he states a little annoyed.
“Well, now you know. But you know she isn’t going to give you a chance. You’re in the friend zone so deep that we’ll have to send a search and rescue to find you.” I snort.
“We will see. I’m up for the challenge.” He smirks.
“Honestly, I hope you win her over. You two would be a great couple, but you have to learn how to treat her well.”
“Paige, I’m old enough to know—”
“I know you are,” I interrupt him, “and I know you’ll treat her like a queen once you get to her.”
He clears his throat and sits back. “What are you doing today?”
I laugh inwardly. He’s never been good with expressing emotions, making him an expert at changing the subject.
I smile widely. “I don’t know what my day holds.”
I set my mug on the kitchen counter and head for the shower. I don’t know what I want to do today, but I know I want to do something. I grab my phone and text Holly.
Me: Lunch?
Holly: Greasy ass cheeseburger?
Me: Let’s do it! I’ll get ready and come get you. I’ll be there in an hour.
Holly: K
Setting my phone on the counter, I adjust the water to the perfect temperature and undress. It’s funny how every time I get nak
ed I think of Levi. The way he eats me up with his eyes…
I step into the shower to another reminder of Levi in my face. Because he stays with me when he comes to town, I have his soap and shampoo so he doesn’t have to smell like a girl. His soap smells of dominance. It’s a mixture of a minty, woodsy and menthol scent that screams sex appeal. And yes, I’ve popped the top several times just to inhale his aroma when I miss him down to my core.
Holly comes bounding out of her apartment when I arrive, and I’m completely set back. She’s not in her usual gothic attire. Her makeup isn’t so…what’s the word? Deadish? She smiles widely, opening the door and sliding in.
“You look…amazing. What’s wrong?” I ask.
Even her clothes are different. She’s in a pair of jeans with rips running up her legs, a blood red t-shirt that cuts deeply into her cleavage and a pair of Converse sneakers. Her makeup is more natural, showing off just how pretty she really is. She’s dressed the way I would dress.
She impishly shrugs her shoulders. “Felt like a change.” But there’s a faint glow she’s hiding.
“I love it,” I peep, putting my car in gear and leaving her apartment complex.
She’s quiet, tapping her fingers on her knee to the beat of Breaking Benjamin. Her leg is bouncing…
“Okay!” she yells startling the living shit out of me. “I met someone!” Excitement spews from her pores.
I squeal like a little girl and do the best happy dance I can do while driving. “When? Who? Tell me about him!”
“His name is Matt. I don’t know his last name. We didn’t get that far. He’s hot and I don’t mean like burner on the stove hot. I mean so hot my panties combusted the moment I saw him. He’s tall, but not Levi tall. More like five eleven. Emerald green eyes that are fierce and totally pierce you and pull you into him. His smile. His teeth. Omigod, he’s got the cutest dimples. And I want to run my hands through his hair. It’s shaggy but short and—”
“Holly, breathe!” I interrupt, cracking up at her pure elation of him. She’s talking so fast I can barely hear everything she’s saying.
She stops and takes a deep breath beaming from ear to ear. “Wanna know the best part?”