Strip for Me

by Coffman, Georgia

  Maybe then she can finally quit the shoe store, much to George’s dismay. He needs her southern sass like he needs his nightly cocktail. But quitting is something she’s looking forward to more than her birthday next week, and she loves celebrating her birthday.

  “What’re you doing?” Ty asks.

  I inhale deeply. “I’m ready.” I smooth my shirt down one last time, thinking we’re both in a good place, personally and professionally. This is the right time for us. “Let’s do this.”

  He hesitates, not convinced of my readiness. “We can stand out here some more. Nice view that’s perfect for a powwow, if you want. A touching heart-to-heart before you make the biggest mistake ever.” He grins widely, jokingly.

  He’s been with me through the hardest times, and now I have no doubt he’ll be there for me through the good. Making jokes the whole way because he doesn’t know anything else.

  “Happy for you, Seb.” He shakes my hand and pulls me in for a bro-hug, the gesture making me tear up.

  When we pull apart, I laugh lightly on an exhale. “Never thought I’d be doing this again.”

  His expression loses all humor. “You deserve to be happy. If I didn’t think Kendall would be the right one for you, I wouldn’t let you do this. Not this time.”

  I tilt my head in confusion, but he only shrugs and looks away. Guilt consumes his features, his lips forming a tight line.

  “Hey.” I pull on his arm. “What’re you talking about? Nothing was your fault.”

  “I should’ve stopped you. We all should’ve been there to stop you. We knew Joelle was wrong for you, not that we could’ve predicted her and your uncle Sid’s relationship. But we knew she was wrong. You didn’t have that energy about you like you used to. Until you met Kendall, anyway.”

  I’m surprised by his comment, and touched.

  “Look, I don’t mean to bring you down, man.” He grabs my shoulder. “I just want you to know that me and the guys? All we’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy. And you’re doing it, Seb. Your hotel. Your girl. You’re making a life for yourself, no matter the shit you went through. What your mom still puts you through.”

  I flinch at the mention of my mother. She and I have fallen back into a somewhat normal routine—whatever that means for us. But she still “couldn’t squeeze in” my life’s dream turning into a reality. Just for one night, she couldn’t make the necessary plans to be here, even though I told her months ago.

  “She’s proud of you, you know. Even if she doesn’t know how to show it.”

  I’m taken aback again at his comment, rarely getting this serious side of him. “You turned out all right, you know,” I say with tears in my eyes, so many unsaid admissions passing between us. So much tying us together as brothers. I gulp. “I know this time of year gets to you, and—”

  “You don’t have to do that. I’m trying not to bring you down, remember?”

  “Yeah, and I appreciate it. Thank you for so many things. For one, I’m glad you’re here, even though I know this month as a whole is tough on you.” He nods, squinting at the ocean, so many memories flashing before his eyes. Ty’s pain, heartache, helplessness—I can’t even imagine what he went through and still goes through. “Your sister would be proud of you.”

  He nods and pulls me in for a bear hug, foregoing the handshake. “Thanks.” He pulls back and stuffs his hands in his pockets. Smiling, he adds, “If only I could settle down, right? Then again, if my sister were still alive, she’d lose it if she knew there was actually a woman out there who could handle me.” Although it’s sad, he chuckles and kicks at the ground.

  I open my mouth to ask if he’s found someone, to suggest Emma for the hundredth time, but he pats me on the back, still smiling. “Go get your girl.”

  With him leading the way, we enter the hotel, the one I’ve dreamed about for years. I’m finally standing inside of it.

  She’s small but fierce, much like my Kendall.

  The light gray interior goes well with the white and red furniture in the small banquet room that’s more of a bar and lobby put together. Movie posters line the walls, and a red carpet is rolled out front. I went with a vintage Hollywood theme, each room different—mafia, boxing, even romance. Posters of Casino and Gangs of New York line the walls of this room, much to Kendall’s dismay. She wanted to add Freddie and Chuckie to the mix, but I had to kindly distract her with my lips to get her off that idea. I can’t go scaring guests with posters of Freddie’s bloody claws and wild eyes.

  She let up when we added a movie room with a projector and reclining seats. Kendall thinks it’ll be fun to have a weekly movie night for guests.

  We’re still growing and are eventually going to add that spa Kendall suggested. But those are plans for down the road, among many others.

  Once inside, I take it all in. The many hours poured into this place the last several months. It’s finally happening, with my friends gathered around—my family.

  Our investors and their guests are sprinkled among them as well, so I stand a little taller, but I don’t focus on them.

  Not once my eyes land on her.

  My angel with blond hair and an ass that kills.

  I lick my lips at her choice of attire for tonight. She’s wearing a romper that hangs off her shoulders with sleeves that reach her elbows. The light blush of it gives her a feminine look, but the way it exposes her shoulders and a hint of cleavage is sexy, especially paired with her tall wedges.

  As I walk up behind her, each step is one toward my future.

  Moving her low ponytail to the side, I kiss her shoulder, startling her, but she tilts her head to give me better access. Once I turn her around, Leo’s voice sounds throughout the room from the front. “If everyone can please turn their attention to the center of the room, we have a very important announcement from the man of the hour himself.”

  I can’t hear what else he’s saying with the blood rushing to my head from everyone’s eyes on me. I’ve been on stage countless times—naked, nonetheless—but this feels more vulnerable, more terrifying. My hand trembles as it reaches into my pocket and fingers the velvet box that’s been nestled there all night.

  Kendall steps away from me with her glass of champagne in one hand and her clutch in the other. She smiles at me, thinking I’m about to make a speech that doesn’t include her. Before she gets too far, I pull her toward me and give her champagne to Emma for safekeeping.

  She looks confused at first, scanning the crowd for answers. But I’m the one who needs an answer. Hopefully, one with three letters instead of two.

  “Kendall,” I start, taking her hand tentatively, “when I first met you, I was fascinated. You’re way funnier and prettier than anyone I’d ever met, and you definitely have the most attitude.”

  I chuckle as a tear falls down her cheek. I wipe it off and revel in her small smile. “You have the biggest heart and an infectious drive to show up every day and be better. You helped me take the leap and open The Martini Inn, my dream hotel.” I pause to take a deep breath. Here it comes. “I hope you’ll help me realize another dream too.”

  She gasps as I get down on one knee and hold out the ring for her. She covers her mouth with both hands and squeezes her eyes closed. More tears fall, but she’s smiling when she pulls her hands down.

  “Will you marry me?”

  Leaping at me, her arms wrapped around me, she whispers, “Fuck yeah.”

  Cheering surrounds us, but all I can hear are those two words. Those two words allow me to exhale, relieved that she wants to spend the rest of her life with me.

  I kiss my fiancée in front of our friends and family, pulling back in time for her parents to walk up. Her mother is crying into a napkin, but she’s smiling too. Her father trails behind her, unable to keep up.

  I’d invited them weeks ago, right after I asked them for permission. I knew she’d want me to ask her parents for her hand, but what I didn’t know was how thrilled they’d be.

 
; They might not have wanted her with a stripper, and I might not have made a good first impression, but Kendall and I have both tugged at them from all angles for acceptance.

  Lauren and Rhett likely put in a good word, as well.

  Kendall shrieks, “Mom? Dad?”

  “Sweetie!” her mother cries, her dad still behind her with his phone raised. “Congratulations, honey.” She smooths Kendall’s ponytail down and paws at her smudged lipstick, thanks to me.

  Kendall swats at her hands like she’s still ten and her mother’s getting her ready for her school pictures.

  Some things never change.

  I cover my smile with my hand, but Kendall still catches me and glowers.

  I hear more shrieking, but it sounds muffled. I look around. Emma and the guys are all huddled over here too but keeping their distance so Kendall can have her family time.

  Kendall grabs her dad’s phone after he gives her a hug. More like traps her in his large arms—the guy’s seven feet tall, if I had to guess. Crying into the phone, she holds her hand up with the sparkling diamond on her finger. Emma joins her, wrapping her arms around her waist and talking into the phone. “Our girl’s engaged!”

  She and Kendall laugh more at whoever’s on the phone, and the guys all congratulate me. Leo pulls me in for a hug. “Congrats, man. You deserve this. All of it.” He pulls back. “Proud of you, sailor.”

  I nod, at a loss for words, the moment too overwhelming with Leo, my friend and mentor, looking at me like he means it. He may only be four years older than me, but he’s wise beyond his years. I never had a mentor, not like him—one I could trust. His words reach deep inside me and warm my chest.

  Kendall bumps into me. “Check out my sexy fiancé!” She holds up the phone, Lauren’s face filling it.

  She screams at both of us in excitement, and I can’t get a word in. “Holy shit, Sebastian, the size of that rock! Oh my God, strippers do make good money. You sure you don’t want to do that part-time? You could—”

  Rhett appears then, taking the phone from her. Cringing at her screams, he nods at me. “Congratulations, you two. I think it’s bedtime for this new mama.” He winks at Lauren and ends the call.

  Kendall pulls me toward her friends and parents. With her bouncing about, I’m scared she’ll twist an ankle in those shoes, so I wrap an arm around her waist.

  Her dad shakes my hand, and her mom hugs me.

  This is better than I could’ve hoped for. I have the girl of my dreams, but her family welcomes me too. I gained a fiancée and a warm family.

  For the rest of the night, Kendall and I drink, dance, and laugh. We laugh a lot. Our friends stay until the very end, after yet another of my speeches thanking the investors for coming and for, well, making this all possible.

  At the end, I thank my fiancée for supporting me and believing in my dreams.

  For believing in me.

  My fiancée.

  I never thought I’d have another one. It just took the right girl to strip for me to make it happen.

  The End

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  Reviews have such a big impact on a book’s success, especially for a first-time author, so please take a moment to review Strip for Me. You can leave one on any site you like: Goodreads, Amazon, BookBub, Apple Books, etc. The best part? You don’t have to write a long, tedious review! It can even be one line, if you want. Anything to show how you feel about this book would be super helpful! And I’d forever be grateful. Thanks so much!

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  Acknowledgements

  Thank you, reader.

  Thank you for taking a chance on a first-time author and picking up this book. It’s one that I hold close to my heart. One that I poured myself into for almost two years. One that I’m proud of. I loved writing and sharing it with you, and I hope you enjoyed reading it!

  This has been such a rush.

  Publishing a book has always been a dream of mine. Up until last year, I thought it would be one of those things that was just out of my reach. Something that I wanted but wasn’t sure I was good or smart enough to make happen. But with a lot of hard work and persistence, it’s finally happened—I’ve published a book!

  I wouldn’t have realized this dream if it weren’t for all the people who helped along the way. Thanks to the ladies at Hot Tree Editing. You rocked it with the content and copy editing! A big thank you to Kari for working your cover design magic. Thanks so much for entertaining each of my crazy, nitpicky ideas and working with me to produce a final, amazing cover! Thanks to Marla for your proofreading expertise. I knew we were meant to be when we found out we share a wedding anniversary! Jill—you’re a rock star with all your formatting skills and the fantastic teaser designs. They brought my story and characters to life in a way I only dreamed of. Courtney, you’re a blurb-writing genius. Thanks so much for all your great feedback in writing a kickass blurb. It was my first time going through the whole process of writing a book, editing it, and putting it together for a finished product, and all you ladies made it so smooth and awesome.

  A big, huge, gargantuan thank you to this amazing book community who is so generous with your time and wisdom to help a newbie out. I appreciate all the authors I’ve met along my journey who helped get me started and offered their support as I navigated this publishing thing. I met so many amazing people at Inkers Con this year who gave me that final push through the publishing finish line. You guys have answered all my questions and offered words of comfort that I’m not alone in this crazy writing thing. There are so many of you whom I want to thank but would be too many to list! You have all been invaluable. You’ve been mentors to me throughout this whole process, even when you didn’t know it. Special thanks to Rachel who gave me my first big taste of the writing and publishing process. It has been a joy helping you with your work, and in turn, I’ve learned so much about my own projects and process.

  Thank you to bloggers, bookstagrammers, and readers who’ve helped spread the word about this book. A special thanks to Dani and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for all your promotional wisdom. Marketing this book has been a fear of mine since day one, but Dani—you gave some great advice and helped make this book a success. Couldn’t have gotten the word out without you!

  There are several—and I do mean, several—people who stuck by me from the beginning stages all the way to the end. You listened to me rant on the phone about writing but also the headache that is the Internet. When Facebook hated me, you all were there to laugh with me and push me. When I doubted my writing ability, you were there all the same. Thank you for reading all the terrible first drafts, the snippets of dialogue, the scenes I was unsure of. Thank you Jody, Meli, Prisda, Shelby, Heather, and Haley for all your constructive feedback and words of encouragement along the way. A special thanks to my Book Bitches—Crystal, Jessica, and Chelsi—for your support. Thank you all for not blacklisting me and changing your phone numbers. I’m so grateful for you all.

  These next two people will be difficult to thank. These words are not enough, but hopefully they will due for now. They’re in print, after all—that has to mean something! LOL. First, my mom. Where to begin. You were the one I first uttered the words to. When I was in the eighth grade, I followed you around as you filled the salad bar at the family restaurant, as I always did after school. But this was not an ordinary day. It was the first time I told anyone that I wanted to be an author one day. Right next to the baked chicken and green beans, my words were, “I want to go into authoring one day.” We laughed about it then, but it was the start o
f all this. And you’ve been with me ever since, encouraging me and helping me in any way possible, even if it was to walk around campus with me while I checked out a graduate school. You’re proud, and I can feel it in my bones every time you say it. That means the world to me.

  Next, my husband. My person. My forever. We like to joke a lot, but when it comes to this dream, I’ve never doubted how much you believe in me. How much you love me for going after this thing. When I first told you I wanted to quit my salary-paying job to pursue writing, you didn’t hesitate to push me to go for it. You smiled like it was your own dream. And you’ve been the same ever since. I love you for that and for so many other things. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve often stopped listening to you in order to listen to the characters in my head, but you’ve been supportive and patient with me, nonetheless. You’re my best friend. My rock. My own happily ever after, and I’m so thankful for you. I love you forever and always.

  About the Author

  Georgia Coffman is a romance author with a Master’s in Professional Writing and loves all the warm and fuzzy feels she gets after reading a love story. She’s obsessed with rompers and the TV show Friends. When she’s not reading or writing, she and her husband enjoy working out and playing with their two pups. Georgia loves to connect on social media or through email, so feel free to reach out with any questions, your fave book recommendations, or even a funny joke!

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  Also By Georgia Coffman

  Naked Heat Series

  Strip for Me

  Let Loose for Me