He frowned, jaw ticking. “So, why a nightclub? Why not work at another dance studio? His can’t be the only one.”
“He didn’t like that I quit and moved out.” He snorted. “So, he spread word in the industry how difficult I was to work with.” Among other things. “No one would hire me.”
“And he thought you’d have no choice but to come back to him?” I nodded. “Fuck,” Killian muttered under his breath. “How long has it been?”
“Six months.”
He nodded, head bowed, eyes on the floor as if he were contemplating something. I was about to get up when he looked at me.
“I have a proposition for you.”
“Does it involve getting the job?”
“Yes. But with one condition.”
I nervously laughed. “What? Personal lap dances?”
A mild smirk emerged. “Would you like that, Savvy?”
“Of course not.” But the image barreled into me of sitting on Killian’s lap, his mouth on my nipples while I rode him. “So, what’s the condition?”
“You’ll date me for a month.”
Whoa. Of all things for him to say, that was the furthest from my mind. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No. I’d pay you, of course. Just name your price.”
I stood. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. You’re a rock star and can date any girl you want. Why would you pay me to date you? God, that’s crazy. I’d be your what… call girl?”
He shook his head. “The dating would be for appearances only, Savvy. And the reasoning is simple. I can’t stop you from dancing in another nightclub, so I give you the job here, but everyone knows you’re dating me and off limits. You won’t take my money to help you out, so this way you can work for it.”
“By dating you?”
“I didn’t say it would be easy.”
I found that hard to believe. “What about the club rule?” And the fact that he just kissed me and I had a hard time resisting him. “And the fact that you don’t date.”
He frowned. “Club rule?”
“No fraternizing with the other staff.”
He grinned. “Do I look like staff?”
No. He looked like a sexy, hot, pierced rock star who I’d had a crush on since I was fifteen. And he wanted me to date him, but not really date him. This was insane. “And what about the Kite who doesn’t date?”
He shrugged. “My publicist will be happy I’m dating as it will be good for my reputation. The added bonus is you know me. You know my past. Not many do. It makes things easier.”
I can’t believe I was even having this discussion and actually contemplating it. “I’m not fake dating you.”
“Orchid.”
God, he purposely used my nickname, and like the flower, I bloomed a little inside every time he called me that. “I dated my boss already and look what happened.”
“We’re not really dating. There’s a difference. And I’m a silent partner at the club.”
“No. Thanks, but I’ll find something else.” I stood and headed for the door.
Dating him was dangerous, but with each step, the weight grew heavier. Could I really walk away from this? Could I afford to? Did I want to waitress? Would I end up like my mom?
Now knowing Killian’s father owned the other two clubs that had go-go dancers, there was no chance I was working there, despite what I’d said to Killian.
I stopped, my hand on the door handle. I then released it and turned to face him. He remained leaning up against the desk, looking totally delectable.
“Why me, Killian?”
He casually strode toward me. Predatory. A lion stalking his prey and I wanted to run, but instead, like I’d done as a teenager, I froze. He stopped an inch away, towering over me and I stopped breathing.
His finger came under my chin, and he tilted my head up so our eyes met and held. “Breathe.”
It was said quietly, a graveled whisper that caused a tightness in my lower belly.
“I’m protective of those I care about, Savvy. And you had an impact on me in high school. This helps us both.”
Oh, God. I exhaled and my heart slammed into my chest. Killian cared about me? I impacted him? How was that even possible? He didn’t even know me. Not really. But I found myself saying, “What does fake dating you involve?”
“Being seen with me.” He paused. “And obviously no dating other men.”
“Would that go both ways?”
His hand slipped away from my chin and he grinned. “Savvy, I don’t date, so it isn’t an issue for me.”
“But you… uh, sleep with women.”
“That wouldn’t happen.”
“How much?”
“What do you think is fair, Savvy?”
“One month dating you?”
He nodded.
“Six thousand.” I smiled, knowing it was far too much for a few dates.
“How about twelve. And you make yourself available to me seven days a week.”
Holy shit. Twelve thousand. For appearing in public with a hot guy like Killian?
I bit my lower lip as my mind whirled. Date Killian Kane. Okay, it was fake dating, and I’d be able to get my dance studio sooner rather than later with the extra money. And dating him might help repair the reputation that David smeared.