Dirty Secret

The performers go through an acrobatic routine of positions and acts.

Him tying her.

Untying her.

Her tying him.

Then, the two of them, tied together, in a giant sash that reads matrimony.

It's hilarious and weird and super sexy too.

Then they finish. Take a bow. Blow kisses to their adoring audience.

My sister is laughing, but she's bright red. And Ty… I think he's blushing, but I can never tell.

"The champagne room is over there." I motion to the bedroom. "If you want a private dance."

The female dancer perks. She knows private dance means extra tips.

Indie starts to shake her head, but Ty whispers something in her ear.

And they…

Say yes.

"One dance," Indie says. "If you'll be so kind…" She motions to her restraints.

"Maybe we should make the suite the champagne room." Cam shoots his cousin a look. "So you two can enjoy it after."

Ty whispers something in Indie's ear.

She nods.

"Britney will untie you," Eve says. "If you treat her right."

The female dancer, Britney I guess, nods. "I'll be gentle. I promise." She smiles. Flicks her long blond hair behind her back.

She's pretty. Short and curvy, with the kind of hot girl next door look guys adore.

But then maybe I don't know anything about guys.

My sister couldn't be less girl next door if she tried. And Eve has a banging body, sure, but there's nothing low-maintenance or easy about her style.

And I…

Fuck, am I really the picture of "girl next door" here? I'm not an easygoing person, but I love sports, I wear sneakers everywhere, and I live in my ponytail.

How am I the normal one here?

I turn to my sister. "Can I trust you with the dancers?" I shoot her a look. It's okay if this is too much.

She gets it. Nods it's fine. "One set. Then I'm going to fuck my fiancé." She kisses Ty. Then she turns to the dancers. "If that works for you, Britney."

"You're going to fuck me?" Ty asks.

"You have a problem with that?" She laughs.

"I'm going to fuck you," he says.

"Yes, yes, you're very dominant and kinky. We saw the routine." I find my purse. Grab the half-full bottle of champagne. "See you Sunday, Indie." I blow my sister a kiss. "Take care of her Ty, okay?"

"Always," he says.

Cam and Ian exchange their own banter. Finish. Leave with us.

I try to keep a few feet between me and Cam, but, fuck, I want to touch him so badly.

"Can we trust them alone?" Cam asks.

"You really think Ty would share?" Ian asks.

"She wants someone to watch," Cam says.

"Even so." Ian pulls his girlfriend closer.

"Maybe he'll watch her and the dancer," Cam says.

"Or maybe the dancer will watch the two of them," Ian says.

"I don't think so," I say, though I don't really know. I hear a bit from Indie, but, of course, Ty only spills to his male friends.

"Britney is very persuasive." Eve laughs at a memory. "But I can't imagine Ty sharing." She looks at Ian. "Would you?"

"Fuck you in front of the dancer?" he asks. "I don't know. Beg me. See if you can convince me."

"I don't want to." She leads us into the elevator.

He shoots her one of those couple looks. I know you and I know that's bullshit.

"Not with someone I know. And not that close," she says. "You know… God, you're infuriating sometimes."

"Only sometimes?" He offers his hand.

She takes it.

"How can a thirty-seven-year-old man act so much like a seventeen-year-old?" Cam asks.

"Do you need tips on stamina?" Ian asks. "I'm sorry, Cam. It happens to everyone, eventually."

"Were you really more insatiable once upon a time?" Eve asks her boyfriend.

"Never more than when I'm with you," he says.

"Sweet talker," Cam says.

"It does sound like bullshit. Sweet. But bullshit," I say.

But they're already in their own world. Not making out, thankfully, but teasing each other as the elevator makes its way to the lobby.

God, Cam is so close.

Two feet.

Right there.

I want to touch him so badly, but Eve and Ian are also two feet away. I have to wait. How long could an elevator ride possibly take? There are only five floors to go.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

There. The doors open. I step out first. Then Cam. Then Eve and Ian.

Ian and Cam trade a few barbs about Ty.

"Should I walk you to your hotel?" Ian asks.

Cam shakes his head. "It's in the wrong direction. Go. Fuck each other."

Eve just barely blushes. "Thanks, Cam. I'll see you soon." She kisses him goodbye.

On the cheek. But it still makes my veins buzz with jealousy.

I hug them both goodbye. Watch them leave.

Then it's just me and Cam. And six blocks to my apartment.

I follow him outside.

It's a beautiful night. Cool air, soft blue sky, quiet streets.

"Are you cold?" he asks.

I shake my head.

But he still undoes the button of his suit jacket and slides the soft wool over my shoulders.

I slip my arms into the sleeves. "How do I look?"