Page 51 of The Story of Us
Eloise didn’t even want to think about how much it had cost to get these guys to put on a private show.
“And you need a shot!” Bianca pushed between them, offering Eloise a small smile. They’d even managed to have an almost nice conversation about the feedback Bianca’s editor had offered after reviewing her pitch for the profile on Nate and Kathleen’s Place.
The lighting changed, plunging the room into a hazy, smoky darkness.
“I do like a shot or two.” Sera giggled as a spotlight appeared over her. The bright beam hurt Eloise’s eyes, and she blinked, scooting to the far side of her bar stool.
“And someone special wants to give it to you.” Bianca pointed at the large shadow moving through the crowd.
A mountain of a man with legs like tree trunks and arms that could double as tugboats stopped in front of them. His long body moved sinuously to the beat.
“Who, me?” Sera purred as he helped her off her stool and escorted her to the stage, guiding her into the single chair in the middle of the spotlight.
The ass shaking resumed and frenzied excitement zipped around the room as the rest of the—revue? Troupe? What is a collection of strippers called? Probably not a fluffle—wound their way through the tables, dancing and grinding against women she’d known most of her life. People would be talking about this for years.
Alice squeezed into the empty space Sera had vacated. Her sequined dress sparkled under the flashing lights. “You look like you’re waiting to see the dentist,” Alice said.
The crowd roared as Sera licked a shot off Mr Mountain’s abs before he stood up and started thrusting his hips so aggressively Eloise was genuinely concerned Sera might end up with a black eye.
“This isn’t my idea of fun.”
“Rather be with someone else?” Alice asked over the rim of her wineglass.
“I’d rather be anywhere else.”
“I don’t think that’s true at all. Not when you see who’s just walked in.”
Eloise twisted in her seat, brightness spilling through the big double doors to the dining area. Charlie, Nate, Teddy and Owen were watching the room, bemused expressions on their faces.
“Oh no,” Eloise groaned.
“No? What’s with the face?”
Leaning closer, she raised her voice so Alice could hear her over the music. “I might’ve told Nate he wasn’t allowed to”—the speakers cut out, but Eloise wasn’t quick enough to adjust her volume to match the newly quiet room, so she yelled—“kiss me.”
“Yessssssssss,” slurred a loud voice. “Finally. Some girl-on-girl action! That’s what I’m talking about.”
Ryan pushed through the group of men who’d just arrived and attempted a weird body roll dance move before throwing up all over the polished wooden floors.
* * *
This was nothow Eloise thought her night was going to end.
Sitting outside in the cold evening air a few seats away from where Ryan was slumped over. Alice had volunteered to wait with her, but Eloise had needed space from all the enquiring eyes and she didn’t feel like answering questions—no matter how well intentioned they were—right now.
She buried her hands in her jacket pockets and wished she’d thought to bring a beanie with her. As soon as Ryan’s ride arrived, she was out of here. With any luck, she’d beat Nate home and be able to pretend to be asleep before he got back.
Her groan broke the stillness of the night.
“You okay?” Nate stepped out of the shadows. Had he been watching her the whole time?
“How long have you been there?”
“A few minutes. It looked like you were enjoying the quiet. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
She cast her gaze back towards the deserted street and burrowed her hands in her pockets as the chill of winter danced down High Street.
“But I didn’t want you out here with him on your own.”
