“So, I told you about me, and now it’s time to focus on you. How did you get into hostessing, sweetheart?”
She coughs like she’s choking, and I get up to clap her on the back a few times, but she waves her hand at me to sit back down and forces a smile. Then she wipes her mouth with a napkin, and takes a few large gulps of water.
“Agh. Sorry about that,” she apologizes. “I guess I didn’t cut that bite up small enough.”
“You okay, honey?”
“Yes,” she nods ruefully. “I guess you just caught me unawares.” Then she takes a deep breath and meets my eyes. “To answer your question, I actually started out as a stripper. I was a typical broke twenty-something, and finding a decent paying job when you’re young with no degree doesn’t leave many options. Stripping helped me pay my bills and then some. Plus, I really liked it. Is that wrong? I know I was basically showing my body for money.”
I shake my head.
“No, honey. It’s honest work, just like everything else. But how did you get in here, may I ask?”
She nods while taking another sip of wine.
“I was dancing at an upscale club called the Gold Club, and one of my regulars was a rich dude who also had a membership here. So he referred me to Club Z, and as they say, the rest is history. I auditioned, and within a week, I’d handed in my notice at Gold and started a new job here.”
I nod, chewing my beef.
“And how do you like it?”
She blushes then.
“I love it actually,” she says in a low voice. “Again, I know it’s so weird to say that because most men consider this demeaning work. But I love being naughty and sexy, and it’s great because it’s all in a private, discreet setting. Plus, the clients are more than generous, and I make a lot of money.”
I raise my glass.
“Cheers honey,” I say in a low voice. “I would never judge you for enjoying your job. In fact, it sounds like a great fit, and that’s all anyone can ask for in life. A meaningful career that pays well.”
She smiles and clinks her glass against mine, a bit relieved.
“Thanks,” Michelle murmurs while shooting a shy smile my way. “I’m glad you’re okay with it.”
I shrug.
“How can I not be okay with it? After all, I’m one of the beneficiaries of your beautiful body and sexy ways.”
She pauses and winks.
“And my flute-playing skills too.”
I nod, immediately stiffening.
“And that,” I growl. “Fuck, I never thought I’d enjoy the flute so much.”
She merely giggles.
“It’s always a thoroughly pleasurable show when I get to bring out my instrument.”
Groaning under my breath, I have to adjust my erection in my slacks so I don’t wind up with my circulation cut off. After all, just the memory of how talented Michelle is with that flute of hers is enough to make me want to shove the food to the side before fucking her senseless. But right. I’m here for business, and I have to keep that in mind. I take a few deep breaths, while picturing the Arctic tundra. Goddamn. It’s tough, but I’ve got to keep myself on an even keel.
Reaching over, I take her hand and run my thumb back and forth across her palm, enjoying the little goosebumps I see coming up along her arm.
“So honey, do you do private parties?”
She bites her bottom lip and her eyes grow hooded.
“What do you have in mind?”
I grin.
“I’m going to a private party in a few weeks. From what I’m told, the hosts are pulling out all the stops and it’s going to be the party of the year or some shit like that. It’s very discreet, and as you can imagine, the guest list is by invite only. Anyways, I’d love to bring you as my date. In fact, I think I’d enjoy it a hell of a lot more if you’re there with me.”
She pauses.
“Really? How so?”
I lean over and kiss her knuckles. “Because this kind of party isn’t for everyone, but I think you can handle it. It’s the kind where rich men bring their pets around, and I think you’d make the perfect pet.”
Immediately, realization dawns in her eyes.
“Would I be on my knees?”
I shake my head.
“Not the entire time, certainly. But you’d be completely nude, and I’d have to collar you, certainly. I’d probably add a leash too, albeit a diamond-studded one.”
Her breath catches as her eyes flare, and I can tell Michelle is into it.
“Where is this party again?”
“Long Island,” I say in a smooth tone. “As you can imagine, it’ll be very debauched. You’ll likely see things that go beyond even what Club Z does.”
Michelle’s breath catches.
“Goodness.”
I nod.
“Yeah, it’s like that. But I think you can handle it, sweetheart. With your banging bod, your sassy attitude, and your flute, I think you’ll be a great fit.” I drawl. “Yeah, you’ll definitely bring the party to its knees.”