Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83970 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83970 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“Any idea what you’d rather do?” He asks.
I remain quiet for a few moments, really thinking about the possibilities. “I’ve always wanted to work with small children.”
“Like a teacher?”
“Sort of, but young kids and babies. I think being able to influence them and watch as they grow and learn in the first couple of years of their lives would be very rewarding.” I smile thinking about it.
“Then,” he says softly, “when all of this is over we make sure you’re doing that.”
That simple. I want something, and he’s going to find a way to make sure it happens. Who knew that men who were happy when their lover was happy even existed? I sure as hell didn’t until Diego Anderson walked into Drifter’s Bar.
***
“Here, Ollie,” I say leaning over to give him a small piece of chicken from the salad we are making. There are dozens of people in the clubhouse, and now I know why there are so many tables and chairs in the dining area. I‘ve never seen it so full, not even when Diego brought me back, and a party was in full effect. I’ve even seen a couple of kids running around, and that makes me happy.
From the way everyone is acting this isn’t the first time they’ve all been sequestered, but you can tell it doesn’t happen often because the women are all grouped together talking about what they think they should do when the isolation is lifted.
“Look at that little fella!” Rose says with a smile. “He’s doing really well.”
I smile back at her as Ollie takes the tiny piece of chicken from my hand. “He gets a little excited sometimes and doesn’t listen, but he’s gotten a few commands down. The best part is he hasn’t had to use the puppy pad in two days. So I’m hoping we’re fully housebroken now.”
I scratch behind his ears as he sits not so patiently. His tail, which includes his whole back end, is sweeping feverishly across the floor in anticipation of another little piece of food.
“Go lay down Ollie.” I snap my finger and point to a safe place in the corner for him to go. He looks at me absently and hangs his tongue out of his mouth. “And to think I was just bragging on you.”
A couple of the kids come in and ask if they can play with him. I agree, and they lead him out of the room. He’s going to sleep like a champ tonight after playing with these kids all day.
“What do you think, Emmalyn?” One of the girls at the closest table asks.
I head to the sink to wash Ollie off my hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.”
I dry my hands and walk closer to them, noticing Kid heading to the fridge.
“Have you ever been to a strip club?”
I grin. I want to tell them I couldn’t listen to music without getting slapped in the face, much less heading out and watching people take off their clothes.
“I haven’t,” I answer honestly.
“We were thinking,” Snapper says leaning closer in after darting her eyes toward Kid who is bent over looking in the fridge but no doubt is listening to every word we say. “When the seclusion is lifted we should all get together and head over to Bull’s.”
I’ve heard of the little club. I know it’s across town. I tilt my head in confusion. “That’s a gentleman’s club. I’m not a prude, but I don’t want to go watch women strip.”
Rose laughs, and I see Kid tilt his head to hear better.
“On Wednesday,” Gypsy interrupts, “it's ladies night, and they bring in male dancers from Albuquerque.” She rubs her hands together conspiratorially.
The way they’re whispering, and acting sneaky makes me second guess even talking about it. I don’t imagine the men of the club would be very happy about the girls going and watching another group of men get naked. I’m almost ready to tell them no, not wanting to cause problems with Diego, but I also kind of want to go. I’ve grown to really like some of these women and a night out with the girls, which I’ve never done before in my life, is something I honestly want to do.
I look over to Rose and see her grinning. She knows exactly what I’m struggling with, but her nonchalant demeanor makes me think going won’t be so bad. It doesn’t appear to be a deal breaker. I wouldn’t do anything to compromise my relationship with Diego, but I also don’t want to be in another situation where I can’t make decisions about my own life either.
“I’m in,” I say loudly and wince as the other girls cut their eyes to Kid who is standing across the room with his arms crossed over his chest.
He raises an eyebrow at me, and I know instantly that he heard what we were talking about, and he doesn’t approve. I narrow my eyes at him.