I need to be honest.
Not now, but soon.
Right now I have a job to do.
Taking in a deep breath, I look out at my dancers and smile. “So does everyone remember the dance?”
A few shrugs and shy looks from everyone except for Reese. She nods with confidence as Piper says, “I know it, but I think I’m gonna look dumb with this big ol’ gut!”
“Never! You aren’t even that big!” I say with a shake of my head. “It’s about being sexy, hot, just move with the confidence that you are the sexiest chick in the world and Erik is sitting in front of you, drooling.”
“It works. I actually did this for Phillip before,” Reese adds.
I make a sound of distress as a look of horror comes over my face. “Reese! Niece here!”
She laughs and waves me off. “Again, I know you’re having sex, so hush.”
I stick my tongue out at her and then say, “Okay, I’m gonna do it, and y’all just follow along on the first part, and then we’ll work on the middle together.”
I push play to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” filling the studio with the sexy, erotic beat, and then I’m off. I move up and down the pole, moving my body like I want a hundred-buck tip. The older guys are good for those. Holding on to the pole, I move my hips against it and drop to the ground, legs open before going back up. It’s a very easy routine. I’m not trying to hurt anybody, and while I know the ladies are getting a great workout, I want it to make them feel like they are sexy as hell. When I reach the end of what we’ve rehearsed before, I hit pause and then turn to look at everyone.
“Good?”
Elli raises her hand and says, “I didn’t do anything ’cause like always, I’m distracted at how good you are at this! It’s insane! Y’all are gonna make a killing with this class. It’s only been a month, and I want a pole. I bet Shea will love that!”
Everyone laughs and I just smile.
I am good at this.
Now I just hope that the two people I care most for will believe in me.
After a great class, I take a quick shower in Reese’s old bathroom and then quickly get ready. I only have forty minutes to get ready, and to my surprise, I manage to make it on time. Wearing my favorite red skirt and black-and-white striped shirt, I top off the outfit with a pair of nude high heels that I stole from Reese and pull my hair in a high, messy bun since my hair is still a tad bit wet. I hope that M
rs. Sinclair likes how I look, but most all of all, I hope it makes Jude drool a bit. Packing my bag, I make sure I have everything because after we get back to Jude’s, I have to go straight to the club for my shift tonight. Since I have asked for almost every weekend off, Ms. Prissy is making me work a lot of weeknights. Some would think that isn’t good money, but it’s surprising how many business guys come in after a long night at work and will drop a grand at a time on someone they like.
Heading downstairs, I step out and find that Reese and everyone haven’t left yet. They are standing in a circle talking, and my heart immediately speeds up.
They are going to see Jude. And probably talk to him.
Fuck. Me.
Glancing at the clock, I see that I have three minutes to get rid of them.
“Aw, Claire, you look gorgeous,” Elli says, and I smile.
“Thanks, why aren’t you guys gone yet?”
Reese laughs as she snakes her arm around me. “We were waiting for Jude to get here.”
“For the love of God,” I mutter, and right on time, I hear the roar of Jude’s bike and then see him as he pulls up next to Elli’s SUV.
Shit, shit, shit.
Standing, he pulls off his helmet, brushing his hair out of his face and then he grins up at us.
“Sweet baby Jesus,” Piper mutters.
“Good job, Claire,” Audrey says.