She blew out a breath and smiled at the guy taking money at the door. He winked and waved away her money. The gesture seemed more kindly than suggestive considering he looked old enough to collect Social Security.
“Women don’t pay, silly,” Alana whispered.
“Oh.”
Kelly gave the door guy a hesitant smile and followed her friend inside. A medley of scents greeted her. Smoke—cigarette and otherwise—cologne, perfume, liquor. A light overlay of sweat too, probably some her own. She was practically incinerating. And it wasn’t all fear. Most of it was. But there was excitement too.
The lights were low but she had no trouble finding the neon-lit bar. “Want a drink?” she asked. “My treat.”
She didn’t think anything of it when Alana didn’t answer right away. Her best friend didn’t have much of an attention span to begin with and a place like this could fray anyone’s focus. But when Kelly glanced over her shoulder, she saw she was now very much alone.
“Thanks, Lan,” she muttered, taking the last empty stool. “So much for sticking close.”
People pressed all around her, laughing, talking, kissing. But she tuned everyone out as she focused on the beaming bartender who would be her savior tonight. “Midori Sour, please. Actually, make it two.”
“Two’s the limit for newbies, you know.”
“Huh?”
“Of drinks. No more than two alcoholic beverages for new patrons.” His lips parted in a lecherous grin. “We want everyone to be alert and aware.”
She shrugged. This beggar couldn’t afford to be choosy. “Fine. Whatever.”
“You got ID, pretty lady?”
“Sure. I already flashed it at the door.”
She dug it out and waited as he studied her photo, surreptitiously checking out the men at the bar. She didn’t see anyone with wavy blond hair and she definitely didn’t see any fancy suits. Had he gone up to the infamous lounge? Or maybe he’d headed right for the steam room.
Imagining Spencer naked and sweaty was not what she needed at the moment. She pressed her thighs together and hoped they didn’t squish.
“You have a great mouth,” the bartender offered as he returned her ID. “Bet you know what to do with it too.”
She managed not to blush. Dear Lord, she was not prepared for this place. “Haven’t gotten any complaints yet.”
“I’m sure you haven’t.” He grinned and served her both drinks, cheerfully adorned with two fat cherries each. Then he stamped her hand, which apparently declared to any other bartenders she’d reached her limit of booze for the evening. “You meeting someone here? Don’t think I’ve seen you before, Kelly.”
“Uh, no. Not meeting anyone. I’m solo.”
“You won’t be for long. Guaranteed.” He tapped the back of her hand, which she realized was his way of encouraging her to pay. Apparently running a tab wasn’t cool at Kink.
“Hey, you pay attention to faces, right?”
“Sure do.” He grinned again. “The attractive ones especially.”
“How about guys? If I described one to you, maybe you could give me a heads-up where he might be.”
He leaned against the bar, folding his forearms very close to her drinks. “It’s a big club, but I’ll give it a shot.”
“Average height, good build. Big shoulders, nice ass.” God, did she just say that? Two slurps and already her tongue felt thick. “You loaded up my drink, didn’t you?”
“You looked as if you could use a little buzz, sweetheart.” He rubbed his chin. “Hair color, eye color? I might’ve seen the ass but that would help to narrow it down.”
“Blond and brown. Although the brown’s really dark, almost black. Weird with blond hair, but I think he spends time on the beach. Sun highlights,” she explained.
Her new friend, “Jack” according to his nametag, nodded. “Anything else?”
“Oh and he dresses well. All the time. I’ve never seen him with his hair wet or wearing a T-shirt.”