“What can I say?” I shrug. “Fate works in mysterious ways.”
Her reply comes lightning fast. “I don’t believe in fate.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’ve got enough faith for the both of us.”
Clearly, I’m going to need it.
Mai leads the class through a series of stretches and though I’m not what you’d call limber, I manage. Most of the class seems to have forgotten my presence, but I can feel Piper’s gaze on me as Mai demonstrates the proper technique for gripping the pole.
The demonstration is entirely for my benefit and I try to pay attention, but it’s hard to concentrate with Piper mere feet away, the sweet scent of her floral perfume overtaking my senses.
“Okay,” Mai says, grabbing the pole at head height. “We’re going to start off today with a simple wrap-around move. Remember to keep your wrists straight ladies and gentleman.”
I press the palm of my right hand into the pole and curl my fingers around the cool metal.
The pole is bolted to the floor and feels sturdy, but I’m still not convinced it can hold my weight. Apprehension must show on my face, because Piper murmurs a warning.
“I don’t know why you’re here, but if you’re not serious about pole, you should leave now. This class is no joke, Brady.”
Brady.
The sound of my name on her lips is music to my ears. I couldn’t leave now, even if I wanted to.
Which I don’t.
“Don’t worry about me, darlin’. I’m as serious as a heart attack.”
If I have to make a fool of myself to get this woman’s attention, so be it. My pride is a small price to pay for the pleasure of her company.
“Suit yourself.” She spins effortlessly around the pole and I watch in awe as she ends the graceful move with a deep arch of her back. Her ponytail sweeps the floor and in one fluid motion, she returns to an upright position. Her eyes meet mine and she throws out one final warning. “Just try to keep up.”
5
PIPER
What the actualhell is Brady Vaughn doing in my pole class?
Forget about the fact that he just called me darlin’ in that seductive rasp of his. It can’t be a coincidence, and, real talk, there isn’t a single thing about him that screams pole life.
Pole is for everyone.
Okay, yes. That’s true. Our class is comprised of college students and mothers and even one grandma, but still…
Jenna, who’s stationed to my left, shoots me a look that clearly asks,Is that Uber guy?
I nod and leave it at that, because what can I possibly say?
I’m sure as hell not going to admit I’ve been fantasizing about Brady since my birthday, or reveal that when I need a little stress relief, it’s fantasy Brady who delivers the Big O.
Jenna wouldn’t understand.
Hell, she’d tell me to go for it. But how can I when even the simple act of dating puts me at risk of exposure, puts everything I’ve worked so hard for on the line?
No, the only way I can safely be with Brady is in my head. That’s just how it has to be.
Mai leads us through a series of simple moves designed to warm up our bodies, and I do my best to focus on my movements and not on the man beside me.
Mai does a four count, and I roll my hips, dropping it low. I bring it back up and rotate around the pole, so it’s behind my left arm as I execute two body rolls, hips moving suggestively. Then I spin around onto my knees, spread them wide, and do two more body rolls, this time thrusting my hips toward the pole.
