11
Sam
One month later.
I can’t but smile nervously as I wait in the wings impatiently. Randy’s about to make his stage debut, and it’s going to be incredible. I know my boyfriend’s going to do great, and I’m beyond excited to see him dance.
After all, our lives have taken a one-eighty. After the playing card scandal, Randy was sure that he’d never be hired again. What fire station would want him? He literally thought that he’d be jobless forever and forced to live out on the street collecting welfare.
But life is strange, and when one door shuts, a window opens elsewhere. Within a week or two of the cards coming out, we got a call from the manager of the Las Palmas resort in Vegas, and they invited him to try out for their upcoming male revue. It turns out that the Las Palmas has its own all-male dance troupe called “Thunder Strike,” and after seeing Randy’s photo, they thought he might be a fit. Even better, the Las Palmas just so-happened to have a slot open for a firefighter of all things, so my boyfriend’s particular background was well-suited for the position.
Anyway, Randy considered their offer and decided to give it a try. We flew out to Vegas, he danced, and he was hired on the spot. I was so proud, even though my man was a little hesitant.
“What are people going to say?” he growled. “I mean, from upstanding firefighter to nude male dancer? What the hell?”
I merely pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“It doesn’t matter what people say. Besides, you’re not nude exactly. Sure, you’re in Speedos doing raunchy things but it’s not like your staff will be visible. Besides, that manager loved you, and it sounds like he’s recruiting for a reality show featuring the Las Palmas dancers, so you might even get on that.”
Randy snorted because he’s not exactly a fan of reality TV, but in the end, he accepted the Thunder Strike offer. The money is fantastic, and we rented a small condo in Vegas. Of course, there was no question that I was coming with him, and we live together now. It’s been a lot of change in a short amount of time, but it’s all good change. I was sick of going nowhere in community college, and have decided to become Randy’s manager instead. It’s going to be awesome.
Finally, the lights dim and the music goes up. The crowd (which is mostly female from what I can tell) hushes in anticipation and then bursts out in excited screams when the spotlight finally flares to life, showcasing about a dozen men in chaps, leather vests, and cowboy hats. I can see Randy right in the center of the stage, grinning and swinging his hips as he dances to the music.
They’re all handsome, but I can’t keep my eyes off my boyfriend. His chest is huge and muscular, and his vest comes off to reveal rock hard abs as well as a v-shape cut delineating those masculine hips. He’s a regular Magic Mike, if I do say so myself, and my mouth waters as he swivels around the stage. In fact, as the show continues, it gets hard for me to keep myself from squirming around. My cheeks heat up and I feel myself getting wet as I watch my boyfriend strip even further, revealing muscular thighs and strong calves. The bulge at his crotch is enticing, and my mouth waters. Wow, I can’t wait to get back home later tonight, because I’ll be able to handle that bulge with my hands in the best way possible. Literally, there’s drool at the corner of my mouth at the moment that I try to discreetly wipe away.
Finally, the performance ends and Randy appears backstage. He sees me and picks me up in a spin before putting me back down on my feet and giving me a deep kiss. I moan a little as he nibbles on my bottom lip and presses his tongue against mine, but just as I begin to get into the liplock, he pulls away, causing me to pout.
He chuckles as he gives me one last peck on the lips. “So how was it?” he asks. “Entertaining?”
“I loved it,” I nod happily. “You were so amazing up there, and let’s just say you know how to strut your stuff, mister. Then again, that’s nothing new,” I wink. “You’ve always been really coordinated and rhythmic. I’m really proud of you, babe. You seriously lit the stage up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re a featured dancer soon.”
“Thank you,” he chuckles fondly. “Yeah, I was a little nervous when the curtains came up, but then I got into it. The energy of the crowd was amazing and they really got me going.” But then his expression goes serious and he takes my hands in his, that blue gaze piercing. “Sam, honey, I really appreciate you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You followed me here, leaving your home in Jersey, and that’s huge. I love you, sweetheart, and without you, I don’t know if any of this would have happened.”
I melt a little.
“No, it’s fine, Randy,” I say in a soft voice. “I’m happy to be here, and I would do it all over again too. You know that. Life is strange. I mean, did you ever think that you’d end up with the girl you took behind a dumpster?” I giggle. “Remember that?”
My boyfriend pulls me close so that I’m plastered against that hard frame.
“No, but maybe we should invest in a dumpster to put in our living room. Then we can re-create that scene again and again, whenever we feel like it.”
I slap his chest playfully, squealing.
“OMG, you wouldn’t! A dumpster in our living room? Who does that?”
Randy merely chuckles, his blue eyes flashing. But then he grows serious again.
“I’m going to apply myself to this new job, sweetheart. We won’t live in a small condo forever because you deserve the best. I’m going to become a premier male dancer here in Vegas, and I’m taking you along for the ride.”
I melt against him, looking up at his strong features with adoration.
“I know you will, Mr. Sterling. And you know I don’t care about material things or where we live. As long as we stick together, we’ll be alright.”
With that, our lips meet, and everyone else in the noisy backstage area disappears because all that matters to me is this man. We’ve already been through a lot, from rescuing my cat on the roof to a bout of incredible sex right there in the sunshine, but you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. We may live in Vegas now, but this man’s arms are the place I truly call home.