Stripped

by Harms, C. A.

  As I absorbed the things he was saying my mood suddenly changed. I no longer felt sexy; I felt dirty once again. I knew what I was doing was not glamorous in any way but he had no idea why I was here. I didn’t need this stranger making me feel worse than I already did about myself. I had to end this. I rose up and turned to face him, “We’re done here…thank you.”

  “Wait, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said any of those things. Don’t leave. Please.” He stood and took a step toward me. I held up my hand in warning.

  “You seem like a really nice guy, but you don’t know me. You have no idea what kind of life I have, or why I work here. Please don’t pretend to know anything about me, and don’t judge me. Everything in life is not what it seems.” I turned and walked out of the room, leaving him staring after me.

  Once I got my money from Rex I left. I crawled into my old beat up Ford Focus that I bought for nine hundred dollars. I allowed my head to rest into my palms as I sat in the parking lot and cried. I hated who I had been forced to become. I hated Brad for leaving us and ruining my happiness. Even though things got rough when he became so aggressive and sometimes scary, we still had good times. Emma was my only joy, and I knew I had to keep it together for her. I forced myself to start my car and I finally drove home to my daughter.

  ~Three~

  (Kylie)

  “You’re so beautiful, sexy…perfect. I love how soft you feel beneath my hands. I just want to kiss every inch of you.” I could feel his tongue tracing my neck as he whispered in my ear softly. He lowered himself until he reached my breast taking each nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly. A moan escaped me when I felt him travel farther down, his tongue tracing my lower stomach. As I looked at him as our eyes connected and a teasing smile spread across his lips. Mr. Sexy was driving me wild, and it felt amazing. My head fell back against the pillow when I felt him slide my panties aside. His finger circled my clit before finding my wetness. He slowly slid his finger into me, “You are so wet…so ready.” The voice I heard was familiar, causing me to quickly look back down. I screamed when my eyes connected with Brad’s.

  Breathing erratically I looked around the still partially darkened room, realizing it was all just a dream. It felt so real, and the fact that I was still so damn turned on from it made me frustrated. “What the hell”, I whispered to myself as I sat up and let my legs fall over the edge of the bed. After I took a deep breath to clear my head, I crawled out of bed. How in the hell could I dream of Mr. Sexy from the club and Brad wrapped together? I needed coffee.

  Grabbing my robe from the hook on the door I slipped my arms through it and knotted the sash at my waist. My mind still raced from my erotic dream. I made my way down the hall walking passed Emma’s room. I paused to see her still snuggled in her toddler bed, which only made me smile. Katie was such a great sitter and Emma adored her. Last night after I got home, I found them sleeping in a tent they made from blankets in my living room. I moved Emma to her bed and I don’t think she has moved an inch since. She loved Katie, and I could tell the feeling was mutual.

  I had to be at the Café in an hour for my shift, and I hated leaving before she woke up. I just wanted to get my shift over so I could spend some time with her today before I had to be back at Club Red tonight. It felt like I never got to see my daughter; I really hated missing so much of her life, but right now there were not any other choices.

  I heard a light knock and I quickly made my way to the door. “Good morning June…come in.” I opened the door and allowed her to step inside.

  “Morning Dear is Emma still sleeping?” I smiled at her and nodded my head. She walked toward the kitchen, and I could see she was starting coffee. I excused myself to go have a quick shower and get ready for work. June was my landlord, and my part-time baby sitter. I rented a tiny little apartment behind her house. She has become an amazing part of our lives; we both loved her dearly. She was like the grandma that showed love to anyone she met. I always felt horrible for leaving Emma with her since she was not getting around as easily anymore. Her age was hitting her harder these days and I hated adding more stress to her life.

  Emma woke up right before I was ready to leave. “Good morning sunshine…How’s my girl?” She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I lifted her from her bed, squeezing her close. I kissed her forehead as I carried her into the kitchen and placed her into her highchair feeding her the milk June had already prepared for her. June was in the process of placing Emma’s breakfast on a divider dish. I grabbed a cup of coffee, and said good bye as I left for the Café.

  Things were crazy when we first opened, as usual, but started to slow down a little after ten. One more hour and I would be done; I was counting it down. “Kylie you just got a group of seven.” Rose announced as she passed me to put away the freshly wrapped silverware.

  Lovely, “I hope they tip well.” Big groups usually meant demanding business men and women, who felt they deserved special treatment. They barked commands at you with such arrogance and they acted as if they were above everyone else.

  I made my way to the table quickly, “Good morning everyone, my name is Kylie. I’ll be taking care of you this morning. Can I start you off with some coffee?” I scanned the group, stopping when I found a familiar set of eyes. Gorgeous ocean blue eyes were staring at me, with a sexy grin to match. I swallowed hard and continued on as if nothing had changed. I could feel his eyes on me. I tried to stay calm as I took everyone’s drink order, saving him for last. “What can I get for you sir?” I bit my lower lip between my teeth, waiting for his response. I tried to keep my breathing level and calm.

  He was watching me closely, “I think I’ll just have coffee.” When I looked back at him he ran his tongue along his lower lip; a smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. I excused myself to get their drinks and attempted to calm my racing pulse. I had to make it through this next hour. I had to stay calm. What are the chances of this? I have never crossed paths with him before, and then I’m confronted by him twice in the last twelve hours. He was probably just in town for the business convention, and would be leaving in the next couple of days. The thought gave me both relief and regret. What the hell was I thinking? I’m still married!

  I tried to avoid eye contact with him as I delivered their drinks, and took their food orders. Every time he spoke, I would feel the chills run down my neck and back. His voice was deep and sexy, but soothing. It sounded so inviting. It must be due to being on a dry streak and extremely sexually frustrated why my body responded so favorably to his voice. He was gorgeous, daring and sexy. I felt an extreme physical attraction burning through me in his presence.

  When I placed the checks on the table, I thanked them and walked toward the front. I heard the foot steps behind me, and tried to ignore the knowledge he was following me. I attempted to busy myself organizing the menus on a few tables. “So your real name is Kylie,” he whispered behind me.

  I debated on playing dumb like he had me confused with someone else, but I knew he had figured me out. I turned to face him, “Yeah…um listen very few people know about that part of my life.”

  A grin spread across his, “Your secret’s safe with me, ‘Kitty’.” He winked and I almost melted. This man really was extremely attractive. He towered over me and his masculine smell engulfed me.

  “Listen about last night…I’m really sorry if I offended you. You’re right, I don’t know you, but I’d like to.” He handed me a business card and his fingers grazed mine as I took it from him. I pulled my eyes from his to look down at the card in my hand.

  Evan M. Pearson

  Pearson Global Oil Inc.

  (555)802-7399

  I looked up at him, “Pearson…you own Pearson Oil?”

  He nodded his head, “My father and I, yes.” He watched me closely, “So what do you say, can I take you to dinner?” His smile was amazing, and it did things to me that shouldn’t be happening. He made my knees weak, and my stomach flutter. His presence made my pulse race
and my chest tighten. I couldn’t do this…it wasn’t right.

  “Sorry I can’t, but thank you for the offer. Have a nice day Evan.” I turned away quickly and walked to the back, still holding his business card in my hand.

  Why did I feel so guilty that another man besides Brad made me feel this way? I actually felt like I was somehow cheating on my husband. How long was I supposed to hold out? I hadn’t seen him in over a year. I have no idea how to reach him, or what exactly he’s been up to all this time…and I actually feel guilty. I blew out a deep breath and finished the last fifteen minutes of my shift before going home to Emma.

  ~Four~

  (Evan)

  Ever since I first laid eyes upon her, I couldn’t stop thinking about her intriguing smile. Her eyes were beautiful and I wanted the chance to see them again. She had this strange appeal to me, one I’ve never experienced before. She was gorgeous and sexy as hell, with long flowing blond waves rolling off her shoulders. Keeping my hands off of her while she danced over me at the club was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure. I wanted to touch her, to trace the curve of her neck with my finger and kiss her sweet lips.

  Seeing her at the Café was a shock…Kylie. The beautiful girl now has a name. It has been four days since spotting her at the café. I fought the urge daily to go back and see her. Not wanting to appear as a stalker or some crazy guy, I kept my distance. I hated the thought of her in that club and those men watching her body move to the rhythm of the music. The thought of her dancing close to other men was driving me insane. I didn’t know anything about this girl but damn if she wasn’t permanently floating around in my daily thoughts.

  “Knock, Knock”. As I looked up to the door I found Alexis leaning against the door frame. “Hey handsome, you feel like lunch?” I cursed my father for hiring her. It really made avoiding her more difficult.

  “No actually I think I’ll pass. I have a meeting at three and I have some paperwork to catch up on before I leave.” She took a step further into the office.

  “Anything I can help you with?” I looked down toward my desk avoiding any further eye contact with her.

  “No Alex, I’m good. Have a nice lunch.” I could smell her floral scent and fought the urge to gag.

  “If you change your mind, I’ll have my cell on.” With that she turned and walked away.

  I shook my head running my hands up through my hair. I rested my elbows onto my knees and found Kylie’s sweet smile floating back into my mind. I picked up my phone and dialed information.

  After I got the number to the café I called to ask if she was working. I hung up the phone in frustration when discovering she had already left for the day. I felt crazed with the need to see her again and convince her to go to dinner with me. I wanted just one chance to “wow” her. A girl like her needs to be taken care of and know she’s special.

  I coasted through the rest of my day uneventfully and went home to my empty condo. I felt like I walked into a hotel room every time I came home; it just felt cold and lonely there. I grabbed a beer from the fridge and walked out onto the back deck. More and more everyday like my life felt as though something important was missing. I have been so determined to be who my parents wanted me to be; focusing solely on work and appearances because that’s what they think are important aspects of life. Every day to find my smile slipping away and only a shell of who I am is left in its place.

  ~Five~

  2 weeks later

  (Kylie)

  “Emma…we have to go baby girl. We’re late already,” I scooped her up and locked the door behind us. We had an appointment at a local daycare to enroll Emma on the days I was scheduled to work at the Café. June helped out, but with her health, I felt taking care of an almost two year old was too much to ask her to do. I have to admit I was nervous about placing her in daycare.

  When we arrived she took right up with the other kids. It was amazing to see her interact and play. The teachers and staff were so reassuring and kind; making me feel a little less guilty. I hated that I couldn’t spend more time with her each day. She was growing up so fast I felt; I missing out on her life.

  After I watched her play for a couple hours, I enrolled her for three days a week. When I turned the key to my beat up heap of junk, after leaving the daycare, nothing happened. Not a tick or a chug…nothing. “God Damn it!” I smacked the steering wheel in frustration. “Sorry baby…don’t listen to mommy, bad mommy.” I took a deep breath to calm myself.

  Another unexpected expense and I silently cursed Brad. Since it had only been two months since my last trip down “Car Trouble Lane’”, I knew where to take it. I called the local mechanic to have my car towed. I only lived about five blocks from the daycare; five very long blocks, but it wouldn’t be the first time I had to walk. I got Emma’s stroller out of the trunk and we started for home.

  I felt like crying or screaming, but I held it together. I could feel the tears building in my eyes as I thought about everything I needed to pay for, and now on top of it all, my car need to be fixed too. That damn car has been on its’ last leg for a while, I’m surprised it’s lasted this long.

  I was so lost in thought that I hadn’t noticed the car pull up next to us. I was standing along the side of the road allowing Emma to watch a squirrel near a tree.

  “Why do you look so sad beautiful girl?” I turned to see Evan sitting in a little black sports car along the curb. He was leaning out of the driver’s window, watching us. I tried to blink back the tears before they spilled over, but one escaped, and I quickly wiped it away.

  “Hi…Evan,” he watched me with a concerned expression. I saw him place his car in park and slowly climb out. What was he doing?

  He walked toward me, reaching out to trace the wetness from my cheek. “Are you okay?”

  I brushed it off, “Oh this…yeah, I’m fine.” I laughed trying to lighten the moment.

  He looked into the stroller and back at me, “Let me guess your third job is babysitting.” He smiled and lightly laughed pointing to the stroller. I bent down next to Emma, giving a sip cup to her.

  When I turned back to face him he was watching me closely, “This is Emma, she’s my daughter.” I waited for him to bolt, to run. I expected him to jump in his car and drive away fast. Instead he bent down next to the stroller, and brushed the small curl from Emma’s cheek.

  He looked at me and then back to Emma, “I’m not sure how I missed that, she’s just as beautiful as you are.” He smiled sweetly and I found myself watching his lips closely.

  We both stood back up, and I could hear his phone ringing from inside the car, “Are you going to answer that?”

  He wrinkled his nose and shook his head, “No. It isn’t anything important, and besides, I would much rather talk to you.”

  What did this man want from me? I’m a twenty year old waitress and stripper. I lived in a tiny apartment with barely enough to get by. Maybe I should just tell him to leave, but for some reason I couldn’t, deep down I didn’t want him to go.

  “You live around here?”

  I looked up from my moment of dreaming, “Um…yeah a few blocks from here. My car actually had to be towed away because it broke again, so we have to walk home from the daycare up the road.” I was rambling, when a simple yes would have answered his question. I took a calming breath; his intense stare made me nervous.

  “Do you have any idea what’s wrong with it?” I just shook my head; I had told him enough already. He looked back to his car and then turned again to face me, “I could give you a ride, but I don’t have a car seat.”

  I replied quickly, “No, don’t worry about it, we’re fine, really, it’s not that far to walk.”

  He smiled, “How are you getting to work?”

  I sighed, “I’ll figure that out too. You don’t need to worry about me Evan. You’re sweet really, but we’ll be fine. Walt will call, tell me what’s wrong, and when it’s fixed, I’ll pick up my car. Until then, I’ll carpool.
It’s fine. Not a big deal.” I could feel the knot forming in my chest, and the tears burning my eyes.

  I took another calming breath, “I need to get home though; it’s Emma’s nap time. It was nice seeing you again, Evan.” I told Emma to say “Bye-Bye” and she waved her little hand toward Evan.

  “Bye sweet angel, take care of your mommy.” I smiled and quickly walked away, as the tears began to fall down my cheeks. This time I allowed them to continue. I could use a good cry.

  I spent the next three days catching rides with co-workers, and even took a cab to work a couple of times. I was hoping my car would be ready soon.

  Walt told me it needed some maintenance done, some parts needed to be ordered, and it should only be another day or two. It was looking like the thousand dollars I made for my one and only private dance would come in handy. “Thank you Evan Pearson”, it was worth every penny. That specific event has been in my dreams a lot lately, even though the end is a little more exciting; in my dreams, I allow him to touch me.

  ~Six~

  (Kylie)

  “What do you mean it’s been taking care of? How’s that possible?” I stood at the counter of Walt’s garage to pick up my car, and my bill had already been paid. The girl handed me the invoice and I about fainted…eighteen hundred and seventy two dollars. What the hell, he told me it would be around five hundred to fix my car. I scrolled over the sheet to view the bill. I found not only did they replace my battery, and complete the maintenance needed, but they also did so much more. I scanned down the page quickly finding the words that jumped out spark plugs, tires, alignment…they fixed my air conditioning.

  “Who authorized all of this? Who paid for this?” I asked the girl as she watched me. She turned to the computer and scanned the screen, “It was paid by credit card this morning…um let me see. Oh here it is, Mr. Pearson. Walt spoke with him the day the car came into the shop. He said he wanted to take care of all the expenses and to fix everything that wasn’t working.” I felt the air had rush from my lungs, and I couldn’t swallow the thickness in my throat. I thanked the girl behind the counter, and went outside to wait for my car.