I rub and massage his leg while looking down at my small hand on his muscular thigh. It feels good under my touch; natural. It isn’t until we get back to the house that I feel his muscles fully relax.

When he stops the truck and pulls the key out the ignition, he looks over at me and then down at my hand. He’s silent for a moment, his body still.

“I need to get ready to go running. I think Cale has the day planned for just the two of you.” He lifts my hand off his knee and sets it on my own lap. “I’ll see you later.”

I nod my head as I watch him jump out of his truck and walk over to the door. Why is a part of me feeling down for him? Maybe it’s because I feel there’s something more to him than I thought. That maybe he is a real human being after all.

Hopefully Cale keeps my mind busy today. I think I need the distraction.

Chapter Nine

Aspen

It’s been two days since I let Slade go down on me in the rain and I’ve been working hard to avoid him. Well, besides yesterday morning at least. The only interaction between us has been heated stares from across the room. When I say heated, I mean hot enough to scorch me; to heat me straight to my core.

The thought alone is almost enough for me to get off. He’s so intense, I’m not sure I can handle being in the same room with him for longer than five minutes without getting wet; panties soaked kind of wetness. I’m not used to that kind of want and need. It scares me. Not to mention, I’m still a little shaken up from our diner experience. I can’t quite figure him out. It’s eating at me.

“. . . Aspen. Hey! Are you even listening?”

“Huh?” I look up from the pile of makeup in front of me to see Kayla hovering above me. I give her a forced smile and reach for the mascara. I’ve never had a problem with paying attention before. “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking.”

She leans over my shoulder and grabs for my red lipstick. “See. Now that’s your problem. You think too much. You better not be thinking about-”

“I’m not,” I cut her off. I don’t even want to think about it. I’ve been in Chicago for four days now and haven’t spoken to Jay since the first night. The only thing I’m missing back home right now is cutting people’s hair and interacting with my clients. Other than that, I don’t even want to think about my life back home. “I’m not worried about him. It’s something else,” I mutter. “Someone just makes me so angry and I don’t understand why I am letting it get to me so much.”

She gives me a knowing look and yanks my hair to the side. “Tell me all about it. Did you f**k someone? Was it Cale or that sexy hunk, Slade?” She drops down beside me and watches as I coat my lashes with mascara. “I want details before we get to the club. You’ve been spending a lot of time with Cale. Hell, you could melt butter off the both of them. If I was single I’d take both on at the same time.”

I roll my eyes at her and push her out of my space. “Neither one. I haven’t slept with anyone.” I look up at her and my eye starts twitching. My stupid nerves are getting to me and giving me away. “What?” I say as her eyes widen as if she’s just figured something out.

Shit.

“You may not have had sex, but you did something sexual.” She shoots to her feet and yells, “You, dirty little slut. You better start talking.”

I stand up and adjust my short red dress. The material is so thin, it makes me feel naked. It barely covers my br**sts and hangs just a few inches below my ass. I can’t even wear a bra with this dress. Kayla picked the dress out this afternoon when we went shopping. It’s the first real time we’ve had to spend together since I’ve been here. Her job and family life keep her too busy. I envy her. I want that in my life.

“Maybe I did,” I mumble embarrassed. “That’s all you’re getting because I’m not having you embarrass me tonight.” I look around Cale’s room until I spot my black, leather strapped stilettos. I grab them, buckle my feet in and head for the door. “Ready?”

She takes a bite of her jerky stick and grabs for her purse. “More than ever. Alex is letting me cut lose tonight. Don’t be surprised if you see my hands all over that biker looking stripper. Hot damn, he is fine. I swear he looks more like he belongs in a motorcycle club than a strip club. Lucky for us, he’s in the strip club. Now, let’s go.”

I must not have paid much attention last time I was there because I don’t remember seeing him. The only one that got my attention was Slade. My mind was too clouded that night and I was working hard to keep to myself. Well, not tonight, dammit. I’m out to have a little fun.

* * *

When we arrive at the club, it is jam packed. We literally have to squeeze our way through the door and over to the bar. I’ve never seen such a group of crazy women before. I can’t even see the guys because they’re buried somewhere in the way back behind screaming women. I’m already starting to sweat just from rubbing against bodies.

As soon as we get close enough inside, I see Sarah is tending the bar along with two other women I have never seen. They all seem to be enjoying themselves, despite the crowd - they have waiting on them for drinks. I admire them. I’d be freaking out right about now.

Sarah notices me when we get closer and gives me a smirk as if she remembers me from that first night. I’m surprised that out of a crowd of people, she would remember me. I’m definitely not one to stand out in a crowd. “Hey, gorgeous ladies,” she says with a wink. “What can I get you girls tonight?”

“Something strong,” Kayla yells out over the music. She smiles and leans over the bar. “For the both of us. Especially her.”

I nudge her in the side, causing her to yelp and move away from me. “Ignore her.” I smile and grab for my purse, pulling out some cash. “Just give me a Vodka and cranberry. Easy on the Vodka.”

Sarah smiles and reaches for two glasses, setting them down in front of her. I hadn’t noticed before, but she’s actually quite beautiful. Long amber hair and big blue eyes that make you feel comfortable and at ease. I’m sort of glad she’s here. “So, you ladies are back for more of the boys of Walk of Shame, huh. Well, I don’t blame you.” She scoops the glasses full of ice and starts reaching for the bottles of liquor. “I’m guessing you’re here for Slade.” She looks up at me and runs her tongue over her teeth as if she knows without a doubt, that she’s right. “Nice choice, honey.”