Page 34 of Dauntless

“When I said that, what I meant was that having sex is a big part of being with me,” Elliott said. “I always had a high sex drive. Sex was like any workout routine for me; I didn’t think about it, that was why cases like this, where I had to be a part of the sex industry, worked. Working sex crimes and going undercover was bound to burn me out like it had for most of my friends…. Going to sex clubs feels like work to me. And I don’t want it to be a part of my private life anymore. When this case is done, I’m done. I don’t know if that makes sense to you.”

“It does,” I said. “I can understand being tired of doing something. I had campaigned and engaged in fundraisers for Patrick’s elections for years. When my friend, Astrid, asked for help with her husband’s campaign after my divorce, I struggled. I didn’t want to go back there. I wanted to move on.”

“Yeah,” Elliott said. “It’s like that, but sex is different. You’ve just started trying something different.”

“Yes,” I said and sighed. “I wasn’t having any sex before you and Dane came along. I had promised myself I’d be more sexually adventurous after my divorce since I hadn’t dated much before I married. We can both agree my venture hadn’t gone as I planned.”

“Don’t let me discourage you,” Elliott said. “I don’t want to stop you if that’s what you want.”

“No sex clubs are off my list,” I said definitively. “I’d be happy just sitting around talking somewhere or shopping. New York has endless amounts of small shops to explore. I love it. If we do go out. I need to shop. I didn’t pack anything to wear for going out. I had thought I’d just stay at the house,” I said and smirked as we passed Bloomingdales.

He groaned. “Does that mean what I think that means?”

I grinned. “Nope. I can go on my own.”

“Not a chance,” he replied and called out to Tove to park. “I can pick up a few things too.”

I had thought it would be odd shopping with Elliott. Patrick wouldn’t last ten minutes without complaining about everything and wanting to leave. However, Elliott was patient with a great sense of style. I was impressed. Of course, what he thought was perfect for the night wouldn’t have been my first choice. However, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and took his pick of too-short, mini, sparkly dress and too-high platform heels for our evening out. When we returned to Dane’s house and walked through the front door, we found Dane dressed in his coat.

“What’s going on?” Elliott asked.

“Nella asked that I come over to help Angel adjust,” Dane said. “I agreed to dinner.”

“How was she?” I asked.

“Better in some ways, but still not herself,” Dane said and blew out his breath. “We can’t get her to engage with Melinda at all. We don’t know what to make of it, but we have a psychiatric nurse on call to help. She says not to push her, to give her time.” The struggle on his face stopped any feelings of disappointment. Now wasn’t a time to be selfish. Angel had been through a lot, and Melinda needed him. In fact, they were going to be a part of his life as much as I would if we were going to be together. “Sorry I won’t be joining you.”

“I’ll be fine,” I waved my hand. “Don’t worry.”

He glanced between us. “I’m sure you will. I’ll be back tonight. See you both later.” A quick kiss on my cheek and he was out the door.

I turned to Elliott. “What would you like to do? I’ve got a new dress and nowhere to go.”

“The night isn’t a bust,” Elliott said. “We’ll go out.”

I scrunched up my face. “To the adult club?”

“No,” he said. “What do you think of jazz music?”

I bit my bottom lip. “To be honest, I never really listen to jazz, but I wanted to have fun more than stay in. So, let’s go.”

“That another thing I like about you,” he said and winked at me.

My chest fluttered, and I laughed. There were many things I liked about him.

After a quick meal, we separated to change. My salon styled hair still held up after a shower. I looked and felt good. And the look on Elliott’s face when I met him downstairs gave me an extra confidence lift, though I wasn’t the only one dressed up. Elliott had on a black suit and dark blue shirt. His hair was gelled and styled back. He had a dark shadow on his jaw. He was gorgeous, true, but there was a lot more to it. There was this natural ease about him that attracted me. His steady gaze also made my pulse quicken. A thrill went through me as he took my hand in his and led us out for the night.

No Dane or Tove. It was only the two of us. A date.

After a short ride in a cab, we were in Midtown at the club. There were wall-to-wall people, and they all not only knew Elliott, but he also got the celebrity greeting. We were immediately escorted to a VIP table near the raised platform. The ensemble included an organ, bass, saxophone, and drums. Together they married beautifully. Although I didn’t recognize the songs, it didn’t matter. The live music along with the crowd’s enthusiasm had me swaying and clapping during the performance. At times a sensational female blues singer joined in. If I wasn’t a fan at first, I was one quick. The best part was Elliott’s passion. I was sold.

Then the unthinkable happened: “Will Elliott Carmichael get his sexy ass up here and play?” the saxophone player said into his microphone. The crowd cheered.

My eyes widened, and my jaw dropped. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Elliott said with a broad grin. “Be right back.”

My eyes widened as he walked out and came back with a small case, which he placed on a stool. The crowd energy swelled when he lifted his trumpet.

---