Hitched (Hitched #1)(14)

His shy grin fills with joy. "I've been trying to. It takes some connections that I don't have, but Vi has been spreading the word about me, which has helped bring in a few gigs."

"You'd be a hit at a few bachelorette parties we're planning this summer. Give me your number, and let's see what we can do."

His eyes light up. "Thank you so much. Vi said you were amazing, and she was right."

"Vi is biased," I say, but I'm pleased at the compliment. I check my watch, and my heart ramps up again. "The guys will be here soon. We've got to get everything finished up."

Tate sets up speakers and puts on our standard playlist of popular music that keeps the energy high. Jasmine and Nicole both have their own music they dance to, but they'll stay in the bedroom until it's time for their dances.

When the first person knocks on the door, I'm just finishing up the food platters provided by the hotel. Everything looks perfect, and I smile, swipe my lips with Russian Red lipstick and open the door to our guests.

My heart stops, and I don't even acknowledge the groom and his other friends, because standing before me is Sebastian Donovan.





Chapter 8


Cigars and Strippers


My mouth falls open, but I quickly shut it, channeling all my professionalism as I pull my eyes from Sebastian to the groom, who is talking to me.

"So nice to meet you in person," Dan says, hand extended to shake.

I smile, grip his hand firmly and open the door for him and his friends. "Come in. Everything's ready for your big night."

His friends tumble into the room, filling it with testosterone. We've already dimmed the lights, turned up the music, and a few guys head straight to the bar, whether for drinks or to admire Vi, I'm not sure, but I can see her turning on the charm as she mixes and serves and flirts just enough to keep them coming back.

I expect to see Chad a bit jealous, but he's having just as much fun talking, laughing and serving drinks. My estimation of him increases as I turn my attention back to Dan.

"I hope you find everything as anticipated." I lead him to a special area where I've set up a smoking lounge with the finest Cuban cigars money (and a few well-placed connections) can buy. "As you requested. I think you'll find these to your liking."

He picks a cigar up and lifts it to his nose, inhaling deeply. "A 1989 Punch Punch. These are extremely hard to come by and one of the most coveted Cuban cigars around. I don't know how you managed this."

I laugh. "This is nothing. You should see what some clients have requested. It was my pleasure."

He's a handsome man with dark eyes, blond hair and a kind smile. He hasn’t even glanced at Vi, which doesn't surprise me. Contrary to Hollywood tropes, most grooms don't ogle other women during their bachelor party. Most of them spend the whole night talking about their bride, and I can tell he won't be any different.

"Janet, my fiancée, wanted to use you too, but since I found you first, I won."

"I hope she's having a good time," I say, meaning it. Some day I hope to grow our business enough that we can take on two parties in one night, just for this reason. But we're not quite there yet.

He checks his phone, smiles and texts something, and I know he's probably going to be texting her all night while his friends and her friends celebrate.

Dan settles in with a cigar, using a cigar cutter to nip off the end and then lighting it. The room begins to smell spicy with a hint of vanilla, and I don't mind it. Cigar smoke has a richer quality than cigarettes, which I can't stand, and I enjoy the sweet, smoky atmosphere it creates.

I'm doing my best to avoid looking in Sebastian's direction, a sick feeling forming in the pit of my stomach as I realize I'll have to spend the whole evening pretending we are nothing to each other.

The other men have settled into chairs we’ve arranged around the room, scattered with small tables for their food and drink. Tate turns down the music so I can introduce my staff and myself and give them a brief reminder of what the evening will include—and what it will not.

When I give my standard disclaimer about no sex, no touching, no propositioning the dancers, a surly looking man with a goatee and small dark eyes actually “boos” me.

"We didn't come here to look. We came here for some action. That's what these parties are supposed to be about."

"What's your name, sir?" I ask. Tate is walking over to my side to create an impression of "don't f*ck with us," I'm sure. I don't mind. He is the bouncer if things get too wild, which has only happened once.

"Henry," he says. And by his slurred words and clouded eyes, I can tell he's already been drinking. Great. Don't you just love a drunken man in a room full of still-sober people? Yeah, me neither.

"Henry," I keep a smile on my face and my voice conversational and light, "we made it clear to Dan when he chose us that we don't provide that particular service. If you're looking for companionship, there are other places on the Strip that will accommodate."

He frowns, his face sullen, but he doesn't argue, and I'm glad he's not making more of a scene. I give a look to my brother, and he nods. We'll both be keeping an eye on the guy.

Tate turns the music back up and puts on a set for our dancers.