After the performance ends, the emcee announces that the dancers will be heading into the audience to do some on-the-spot lap dances.
Gage turns to me and quirks up his eyebrow. “Wanna pop your lap dance cherry?” There’s amusement in his gaze. I bite my lip and nod.
“Who wants one, ladies?” the announcer booms.
Gage waves his arm. “Right here!” he shouts, pointing at me.
Nerves and excitement crash inside of me.
My boyfriend is going to watch me get a lap dance.
This is something I never, ever thought I’d do, but I’m actually into it. The thought of Gage watching me while another man dances sexily over me is strange and wild—but it’s also kind of thrilling.
A burly dancer with wavy blond hair and golden scruff walks up to me. “You ready, darlin’?”
My heart pounds. Gage looks on from a few feet away, an amused smirk on his face.
“I think so.” I hate how my squeaky voice gives away just how nervous I feel.
The dancer winks at me. “Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you.”
He jerks my chair forward, stands over me, and grooves along to the beat of the music. He moves his hips closer and closer to me before stopping, and then he crouches down so we’re eye level. Then he grabs my hands and places them on his bare chest as he continues to gyrate to the song.
My jaw drops. Maya, Millie, and Millie’s friends laugh and cheer and tuck cash into the dancer’s belt. My face is on fire as I touch this guy’s sweaty, hot skin. I laugh. This is so freaking awkward. I look past his shoulder to Gage, who is chuckling softly as he watches.
“Hot, right?” he mouths to me.
I roll my eyes and laugh. Just then the dancer hauls me up in my chair against his chest.
“Oh, holy crap!” I yelp as I grip his pecs. I can hear everyone around me laughing and cheering.
He sets me down, and the song ends. “How was that, darlin’?”
“Memorable,” I squeak out before covering my face with both hands. “You’re extremely talented. And, um, strong. Very, very strong.”
I let out another nervous chuckle. He winks at me. When he turns around, Gage stuffs a wad of cash in his hand.
“Aww, Becca, you’re such a good sport!” Millie comes over and hugs me. Maya, Declan, Austin, and Millie’s friends offer similar praise.
“You handled that like a champ.” Tyler shoots me a thumbs-up.
Gage sits next to me, looking like he’s holding in a laugh. “So? How was it?”
I shove his shoulder, and he laughs. “So awkward. But also fun. I’m glad I tried it.”
“Want another?” he teases.
“Oh my god, don’t you dare.”
He bursts out laughing again before pulling me in for a kiss. I’ve never had this before, a feeling of total comfort with someone. No guy I’ve ever dated before would have been okay with me getting a lap dance from another man in front of them. Ben would have had a jealous meltdown, no question. But Gage was so cool and casual about it.
This is what it must be like to be with someone genuine and secure and confident.
As the final performance winds down, sparkly confetti rains down from the ceiling.
I scream in shock, which makes Gage howl in laughter.
“Oh my god, there’s glitter everywhere!” My arms and legs are covered in it. I make a face at Gage. “I’ve got dancer sweat and glitter all over me. I’m gonna need a shower ASAP.”
