“Not me, I could go all night,” Jenny announced, turning her eyes to Graham.
But Graham didn’t even notice her. He reached for his pants and pulled them up, and I couldn’t stop staring at him. I didn’t want him to cover up. I wanted to stare at those glorious muscles and inky black tattoos all night. He had a body like Chris Hemsworth – massive and hard. He could easily take over the role of Thor with his size and fit body.
His hair was dark but trimmed close to his head. A military haircut if I ever saw one. There were hints of grey in the trimmed beard on his face, but thankfully the beard didn’t cover up his face entirely. His jaw and cheekbones appeared to be chiseled from stone, much like his chest. His face might have looked too masculine, but his eyes were friendly and soft, which was exactly what drew me to him. I was a sucker for men with sweet eyes and a kind face.
He looked too good to be real. But he was a stripper, so of course he was supposed to look good. My expectations were definitely exceeded by him, however.
Graham didn’t bother putting on his shirt before walking over to me. I had paid beforehand, but I knew it was customary to tip strippers. I reached into my purse and pulled out the cash, ready to hand it to him.
“Whoa there, beautiful,” Graham said. He had a hint of a southern accent that drove me absolutely crazy. “No need to pay me.”
“It’s just a tip for a job well-done,” I explained, holding out the cash. “You did an amazing job, and the girls all look exhausted and happy, so thank you for making our night special.”
“I don’t need a tip,” he said, not reaching for the cash. I pushed my hand forward, trying to force it into his hand, but he wouldn’t budge. He nudged it back to me gently, raising his brow and giving me a serious look. “I mean it. I had as much fun as they did.”
“No, I insist on paying you for your performance,” I said, trying again unsuccessfully to put the money in his hand.
“If you insist on paying me, why don’t you do me a favor instead?”
“What kind of favor?” I asked warily.
“Just a drink,” he said, holding his hands up. “Nothing more than that. I’d just like to sit down with you and have a drink. Nothing more.”
“A drink?” My lips formed a smile of their own volition. “Nothing more?”
“I’m not the pushy type, darlin’, and if you’re not interested in anything else, I’ll settle for whatever you’re willing to give me.”
“Handsome and a gentleman too,” I commented, unable to stop myself from giggling. “Well, I might have to take you up on that. I just need to finish the party and maybe we can meet afterward?”
“I’d love that.”
“It might be late…”
“I’ll wait up.” I tried once more to give him the money, but he backed away from me, hands up. “I don’t need your money, Emmy. I just want to get to know you better.”
Graham grabbed his shirt and put it back on, and before he exited the bar, he slipped me a piece of paper with his phone number on it.
“Call me as soon as you’re done here,” he said with a wink.
Ooo000ooo
“Since we have to be up bright and early, I think we should call it a night,” Liv announced around eleven. She yawned into her hand. “It’s clear I’m too old for this, and I don’t want dark circles under my eyes tomorrow.”
None of our gang were big into partying. We’d played a few silly games, danced to some songs, but I could tell we were all ready to call it an evening.
“Get in, Emmy,” our designated driver, Carrie, said. “I’ll drop you off at the hotel before taking Liv home.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. I can walk,” I told her. “It’s right across the street.”
The rain had let up. It was still drizzling, but the downpour from earlier had blown over.
Carrie gave me a look. “Are you sure?”
“It’s literally right there,” I laughed and pointed. “And it’s in the opposite direction you’re going. It’s easier for me to walk. Besides, I could use some fresh air.”
“You’ll get soaked.”
I pulled an umbrella from my purse and held it up. That seemed to satisfy her, but she still gave me a look. I had no intention of calling it a night. I had a call to make. And I didn’t need curious bridesmaids asking questions.
As soon as the cars pulled away, I headed to my hotel. I reached into my purse and found the slip of paper with Graham’s phone number on it. I mulled over the decision in my head – I knew I shouldn’t, I wasn’t the type of girl to sleep with someone I just met, but he did offer to just grab a drink. I had no idea where we’d go now, since the bar was closed for the night. We’d rented it for the entire evening.
Still, Graham had sworn he only wanted a drink, and I liked him. He seemed like a nice enough guy, and I wasn’t tired yet, so why the hell not?
I pulled out the slip of paper along with my phone and dialed the number quickly before I could change my mind. He answered on the first ring.
“Graham?” I asked.
“Hello beautiful,” he murmured, that sweet southern drawl making me weak in the knees. “Whatcha up to?”
“Well, the party just ended, and I’m walking back to my hotel room. I’m right across the street from the bar. Thought I’d give you a call and see what you wanted to do.” I bit my lip. This was so unlike anything I’d ever done; I had no idea what to say. I felt like I couldn’t breathe as I waited for his response.
“I’m just down the street, didn’t want to go very far. I can come pick you up if you’d like. We can grab a bite to eat or—”
“I’d love that,” I interrupted, stopping him before he finished his sentence.
Not that I would come out and say it, but I wanted him in a way I’d never wanted anyone before. It was a pure, carnal need. If given the chance, I would let him have his way with me and enjoy every second of it. Just hearing his voice over the phone nearly caused my panties to melt right off my body.
“Meet you at your hotel,” he said and ended the call.
I walked into the hotel parking lot, which was mostly empty. I waited out front for him, enjoying the crisp, Utah air. I hadn’t lived in Liberty for many years. Ever since my dad packed us up and moved to Vegas when I was fourteen. But even though Vegas was technically my home, Liberty felt like where I belonged. Maybe one day I’d come back, settle down, and have my own family here.
A pickup truck pulled into the parking lot and parked near me. Graham stepped down from the massive beast of a vehicle and walked my way. My eyes moved over his body. I’d seen him mostly naked, sure, but his muscular form in those tight jeans and t-shirt was still a sight for sore eyes. He smiled at me, and my knees went weak.
“Well hello there, beautiful,” he said. “So did you have a good time at your party?”
“Sure did, though I have to admit, it would have been better if you’d stayed.” I flashed a flirty smile at him.
“I don’t know if men are allowed at bachelorette parties unless they’re taking their clothes off,” he joked.