“Only on paper,” I admit for the first time.
“Uno, you seem great. You’re handsome. I find you attractive and I feel something sparking between us, but I have been the other woman before. I’ve gone down that path and right now the timing isn’t right. I don’t know your situation or what you expect, or think is gonna happen, but if I am going to work here this can’t happen.”
I nod, because I know she’s right. I was completely out of line and I doubt Cocky would appreciate me using his sister like a damn side chick but fuck me if the thought isn’t tempting. Kissing her just now, damn, it felt fucking good. My cell phone rings. It’s Boogeyman. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell her as she gets in her car. “Sup,” I answer the call as Melissa drives off.
“Where you at?”
“Cherry Room.”
“On my way.”
I smile as I walk back in the club. Boogeyman must have something on the bitch.
Chapter 9
—Melissa
As I drive away from the Cherry Room, I can’t stop smiling. I got the job and Uno…I let out a sigh…he kissed me, and it was fucking magical. I can’t remember ever being kissed like that. It was a kiss like in the movies when a woman kicks her leg up. Then I ruined it by remembering that the man is married to a raging bitch who would probably kick my ass out of town if she found out that I was lip locking with her man and teasing him with one of my sexier dances. I knew what I was doing, making eyes at him the way that I was while I was on stage, but I need this job. I need to get out of that clubhouse and into my own place. I don’t like feeling dependent on anyone or like I have my hand stuck out for charity to Shawn every time my son or I need something. Shawn says that’s what he should do—help me, but I hate it. I don't like asking him for anything. I hated calling him to help me leave to begin with.
I make it to Sara and Hades’ house to pick up Jimmy. He’s asleep because it is so late, and Hades carries him out to the car for me. “Thanks, tell Sara I will repay the favor soon to give ya’ll some alone time before she pops.”
He shakes his head but acknowledges the offer with a chuckle. “I will hold you to it. CT is a little cock block.”
“All kids are,” I tell him with a small wave. Gently, he shuts the back-passenger door after getting Jimmy secured in the backseat. I drive back to the clubhouse and it is a struggle to get my little man out of the car and up the stairs. He is no longer my small boy that I could pack around anywhere on my hip. With some effort, I get him into bed. I grab some pajama clothes from the dresser and go into the private bathroom that is right off my room to brush my teeth.
My thoughts drift back to Uno and the way he looked at me when I was dancing. It was like it was only the two of us in the room. As I climb into bed and turn on my side, I can’t help but wonder how he got his road name. Most of the guys have obvious names but not him. He intrigues me. And again, there was that kiss and his powerful gaze, that told me he wanted me.
I’d be lying if I said part of me didn’t want him too. Closing my eyes, I try to push thoughts of him away. He’s married. My inner voice keeps chanting the words, but I can hear his somber voice that sounded so damn vulnerable when he said, “On paper only.” I’ve heard that line before. Jim was only married to Tasha on paper too. Been there. Done that. Got a child to prove it. Though Jimmy is a hell of a lot better than some cheesy t-shirt. I roll to my other side and watch him sleep.
My son is the one good thing I’ve got going for me. Nothing is more important to me than being his mom. Sleep eventually claims me, and I wonder how in the hell I am going to make my job at the Cherry Room work. Who will watch Jimmy for me?
—–
Cracking another egg over the bowl, I finish my current task. I’m in the kitchen at the clubhouse helping Carmen with breakfast. She’s a clubwhore. That means she is at the member’s mercy. Whatever they want…when they want it…she’s theirs. I try not to judge anyone considering my past and if she’s happy then that’s great. I have seen her eyeing my step-brother and don’t have the heart to tell her not t
o get attached. I love Shawn and though he has made mistakes he’s a good guy. He’s just not someone I’d tell my friends they should pursue a relationship with.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now that you are settling in?”
I soften my voice and lean toward her. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Yeah. Cross my heart. Stick a needle in my eye.” Her hands move making the motions to match her words and I laugh when Jimmy’s eyes get big.
“She doesn’t mean that really. It’s just an expression…a saying.” I pat his head and turn my attention back to Carmen who is waiting for me to continue. “I got a job, but its Thursday night through Sunday. Dancing nights at the Cherry Room. In a few weeks I can have enough to get me and Jimmy in our own place. The club has been great to me, but this isn’t a place to raise my son and live permanently. It’s just if Shawn finds out he’ll be pissed, and I don’t have anyone to watch Jimmy. It’s for five hours and I need the job, I just don’t know what to do.” I deflate feeling helpless. I can’t ask Sara to keep Jimmy that much. She’s pregnant with twins and has enough going on in her own household.
Carmen smirks at me, crumbling bacon into the egg batter. “Well it’s a good thing you’re here with all of us right now. I don’t do weekends at the clubhouse because I have my daughter. I share custody with her dad. She’s in tenth grade and could use some responsibility and spending money. I’ll be there to supervise, but I promise you he’ll be in good hands.”
“Are you for real?”
“That’s what we do around here. I know you are friends with some of the old ladies and they stick together but us club girls are okay too you know.” She winks, and I feel relief wash over me.
“Only if you are really sure.”
“Don’t sweat it.”
I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face. I am exploding with happiness right now because I have hope that things will work out for Jimmy and me. “You know you can’t use this to get brownie points with my step-brother. He can’t know I’m dancing.”
“My lips are sealed.” She puts her hands over Jimmy’s ears. “And hopefully sealed around that man’s cock in my mouth soon.”