He smiles at my choice of words and shakes his head at me, his dark brown hair flopping around his face, and his dark eyes dancing with amusement. He steps closer to me, and a gasp leaves my mouth as he grips me by the hips. “Is this okay?” he asks softly. Is it okay? I shouldn’t be here, yet I want to be, more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time.
“Yes,” I reply, nodding as I say it.
“Good, I’m glad you came,” he says softly.
So am I. I am really freaking happy I came tonight. I’m about to tell him so when he puts his index finger against my lips. He stares into my eyes, dark connecting with light, and leans forward slowly. Moving his finger away, he replaces it with his soft, full lips. My eyes flutter shut. The kiss is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. His lips move against mine, demanding yet gentle. His fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer to him. My own fingers find his muscled back, digging slightly. When he pulls back, I’m left feeling flustered. Off balance. I swallow hard and clear my throat. I can still taste him on my lips, leaving me wanting more. Grayson tilts his head, silently studying me. His eyes are warm, and I think I see a flash of puzzlement in them, masked almost instantly. He kisses me once more, this time on my forehead. “I promised you dinner.”
“You did,” I reply breathlessly.
He smiles, dimples out in full effect. “We better get to it then.”
I nod, feeling bereft when he moves away. “Okay.”
The steaks ended up a little burnt. Okay, maybe a lot burnt.
It was the best meal I’d ever had.
Chapter Six
Justin adjusts himself once more, clearly enjoying the show. I hate doing the private lap dances. Hate them. I’d rather be on stage. A private lap dance feels much more personal, and unlike when I’m on stage, I can see the person’s eyes on me.
Justin is a regular here; he comes in at least once a week. He pays me for a lap dance each time. I turn my back to him, an excuse not to look at him, and seductively swing my hips. I lift my hair off my neck, and then pull the string of my barely there halter top. I reach behind my back to pull off the last string holding my top on my body. It falls to the floor, my ni**les peaking due to the cool air. I inwardly wince and turn to face Justin. He licks his lips, his gaze stuck on my br**sts. You’d think he’s never seen a pair of them before. I continue to dance, moving to the beat of the music. It’s almost mechanical, each move done so many times before, I don’t even have to think about it. The song finishes, and my time in my private booth is over.
“Come home with me?” Justin asks, not for the first time. I shake my head, giving him a teasing smile to soften the blow of rejection. I walk out and nod to the bouncer, letting him know all is well.
“Hey, Snow,” Diamond says, smiling up at me as I walk into the change rooms. Diamond always has a smile on her face. She’s the opposite of me. She’s not embarrassed about what she does, and she has fun doing it. I envy her sometimes.
“Hey, how are you?” I ask her, sitting down next to her. I look in the mirror and gently remove my false lashes.
“I’m good baby girl, good tips tonight,” she says, smiling widely and pulling notes out of her top. ”You want to go out? Enjoy a night on the town?” she asks, raising a finely arched brow.
I shake my head. “Sorry, Diamond, how about I take a raincheck? I have class tomorrow morning,” I tell her honestly.
She pauses. “You’re a good girl, Paris,” she says, using my real name for the first time. She flashes me one more smile before walking out of the change room.
I change and catch a taxi home.
*****
I open my apartment door, surprised when I come face to face with Grayson. “Hey,” I mutter, wondering what he’s doing here. Dropping by unexpectedly could become a problem, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy to see him. Over the last few weeks, we’ve gotten to know each other. No matter how much I didn’t want to get involved with anyone, in the end I fell for his charm and easy demeanour. He really is a great guy. I learnt that quickly. Perfect guy, not so perfect timing.
“Hey, mind if I come in?” he says. I realise I’ve been standing there with my arms crossed, staring at him, lost in my thoughts.
“Sorry, of course,” I say, my face hot as I open the door. “Where did you go dressed like that?” I ask, taking in his black pants and white shirt. He looks professional and extremely sexy.
“Came here from work,” he says, smiling at me. “We had a meeting.” Right, the hotel job. He takes my hand and pulls me into his arms. “I missed you today.”
“Missed you too,” I say into his chest.
“How was work last night?” he asks, rubbing his hands down my back.
I stiffen a little at his mention of my work. “It was fine. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks,” he says, yawning. “Just wanted to drop in and see you.”
“You look tired,” I say, seeing the weary look in his eyes.
“Yeah, didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Come on then,” I say.
His brows furrow, so I take him by the hand and pull him into my bedroom and close the door. He makes himself at home, like he’s been in my room a million times. He takes off his shoes and climbs into my bed, lifting the purple leopard print sheets over him. He looks good in my bed. Too good.
“You going to join me?” he asks, his eyes closed.