Page 46 of Firecracker

“It’s fine. Now I’m living here again, Emma and I will have lots of time to get together. Hey, Jamie—Mila, Emma, and I are going to take pole dancing lessons.”

Arden felt Tyler’s heated gaze land on her. “Pole dancing?”

“Yeah. Isn’t that fun?”

“Jesus.” He rubbed his mouth. “Okay.”

“Is there a recital at the end of the class we can come watch?” Jamie asked, which was met with laughter.

“No way you’re watching,” Arden said.

“I can pole dance,” Danny spoke up. “I’m pretty good at it, actually.”

Arden smiled at the man. He was around their age, mid-twenties, not as tall as Jamie and Tyler, probably about five-eight, with a slim build. His features indicated an Asian background, his dark hair cut very short. Small gold hoops glinted in each ear, and he wore jeans, a T-shirt, and multiple leather bracelets on both wrists.

“Oh yeah,” Mila said. “Danny is who Jamie went out on a date with last week.”

Emma’s eyebrows lifted.

Danny grinned.

Arden bit her lip. “Oh. Right. I forgot about that. Do you perform, Danny?”

“I do, yeah. At the Firefly Lounge and Supper Club.”

“Danny’s a drag queen,” Mila explained to Emma, whose expression changed to one of interest. “We should go see you perform sometime!” Mila clapped her hands together. “That would be so fun!”

“Sure.” Danny smiled. He was cute. “I’m Honey Deville.”

“We are totally planning a night out when everyone can go. I’ll arrange it.”

Arden hoped her job didn’t interfere with the plans. She was super curious about the Firefly Lounge and Supper Club. Between watching the Kardashians, pole dancing lessons, and now this, her social life was filling up.

She checked out the other guys in the room to see how they were reacting to Danny’s talk about pole dancing and being a female impersonator. Jamie obviously must have been okay with it, or he wouldn’t have invited Danny over again. Tyler seemed unfazed, and Asher, who she didn’t know at all, wasn’t bothered by it either.

Cool.

“This dip is amazing.” Mila picked up another cracker. “Jamie, you did good letting Arden stay here.” She paused. “But don’t think we just love you for your food, Arden. We like you too.”

“Gee, thanks.” Arden met Mila’s teasing eyes and melted a little inside.

“I’m expecting waffles this weekend,” Tyler reminded her. “Saturday, though. I have to work Sunday morning.”

“I can do that.” She’d have to make sure she had time to go shopping again before then. Crap—had she packed her waffle iron? She didn’t remember seeing it…but she was pretty sure she had.

“Perfect,” Mila said. “Saturday morning waffles. Should I bring the butter?”

Arden laughed. “Um, maybe. Tyler pointed out that you wouldn’t approve of my use of margarine.”

“Hell no!” Mila’s face contorted.

“I actually prefer butter too,” Arden assured her. “Don’t worry, I’ll get some.”

“I certainly hope so.”

Arden had to laugh. “Emma, you want to come for waffles on Saturday?”

Emma looked bemused by all this banter. “Um, sure. Sounds good.”

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