Page 96 of Playing Flirty

“Big time,” Claire said, straightening her tan knee-length skirt. “I’ve asked Lincoln to record your performance since I can’t be there.”

I opened my mouth but she raised a hand. “Don’t worry. Lincoln will delete it the second it’s sent to me. I think having to record it is going to have him bursting out in hives.”

This sent us into a fit of giggles.

After a light sushi dinner where we met the rest of Neema’s friends and bid farewell to Claire, we made our way to the final round, VOX, where our names were on the guest list since I’d called ahead with details about our plan.

“A group of women offering to pole dance for free?” The owner’s voice had shook with excitement.

I’d explained the situation, and he’d let out a cheer.

“It’s going to be a busy night at the club,” he’d said. “There’s another bachelorette party, bachelor’s party too, and a surprise proposal. But with pole dancing involved, you get first preference for anything!”

With his level of creepy enthusiasm, I was glad the routine wasn’t sexy at all.

The opening band, Chaotic Sweet Dreams, started warming up the crowd, and Neema pulled me onto the colorfully lit dance floor.

VOX had high ceilings and dark wood furniture. The waitstaff wore whatever they wanted, but their hair and makeup were glamorous and added to the overall vibe of the club—somewhere in the middle of tacky and luxurious.

The boys arrived as the main band took the stage. Neema launched herself into Shaun’s arms, and he swung her around.

William’s gaze took its time greeting my entire body. When his eyes locked with mine, he motioned for me to twirl.

After entertaining his whims, I walked up to him and searched his dark eyes, which matched the rest of his clothing, black jeans and a well-fitted black T-shirt withNPCprinted on the front.

“Can we talk?” I asked.

He frowned but nodded. “We will. We have to.” The frown softened before he added, “But not here, and not while you’re wearing this. I won’t be able to make sense of any of my thoughts.”

His eyes settled on playfulness, and it woke up a part of me that enjoyed playing with him. Despite the chaos, I could always rely on William wanting to play.

“This dress is also against the rules,” he said.

“I’m breaking a few rules tonight, just you wait and see.” I bit down on my lip to stop myself from telling him all about it. Excitement boomed in my chest.

But my excitement was also fueled with white-hot nerves. What if I face-planted on stage in front of everyone? Granted, it wouldn’t be the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done, but it would probably place in the top three.

William pulled me closer and grazed my ear with his lips. “Tell me more.”

His hungry eyes made everything disappear. I was the center of his attention. As if I were the only woman here.

Liam, one of Shaun’s other friends, interrupted us with a drink. “Hey, Rose. Good to see you again. I got you a rosé.” He grinned. “Get it?”

William narrowed his eyes and gave him a menacing stare. “She doesn’t drink.”

“It’s true,” I told Liam and offered him a polite laugh.

His smile faltering, Liam gave an awkward nod and made a swift escape.

I smiled up at William and bit my lip. Jealous William was sexy. It was a turn-on I hadn’t known about since Patrick had never expressed jealousy—of course.

“Where were we?” William smiled down at me, refocused, and pulled me into the space only we shared.

“Wait and see. What did you do before this?”

I leaned in to hear him over the loud music, wishing we weren’t surrounded by people so I could lean in a bit more.

“Laser tag and dinner,” he said sheepishly. “I organized a private one so I could create the challenges for each round. I based it on his favorite shooter games. It was pretty cool.” A shy smile crept onto his beautiful mouth.

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