“Nah, I just speak truths always.”
She nods thoughtfully, then places her small hand in mine, giving it a firm shake. “My name’s Addy.”
I turn her hand over and lightly kiss her knuckles, catching the scent of cherries again. Fuck me. She smells divine. I’ll never be able to smell cherries again without getting a hard-on.
“Pleasure to meet you, Addy.”
She slowly pulls her hand away, a dazed look on her face. “Likewise… I think.”
I lead her to one of the many seating areas. She sits on the edge of her seat, stiff as a board. I cover her hands with mine when they start wringing together on her lap.
“It’s okay, doll. I don’t bite. We are just talking.”
The tightness slowly leaves her shoulders. “Sorry. I’ve never done this before.”
“Done what?”
She waves her hands in front of her. “This. All of it. Online dating, which turns out, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Coming to a sex club to meet a stranger I met online. Talking to strange men at a sex club that I haven’t even spent three weeks getting to know like online…”
“So you’re brand new to the club?” I ask, guiding her away from the whole other man thing.
“I signed up a couple months ago, but this is the first time I’ve been.”
“Why haven’t you come before now?”
She shrugs and glances away. “No reason.”
There is definitely a story there, but I don’t want to push. She’s not ready to open up. I get the feeling she needs a softer touch… to be eased into things. Not my usual M.O., but I can adjust my bull in a china shop approach.
“What is it that you want out of your membership?” I ask instead.
“Well, honestly? I’m just trying to dip my toes back into the lifestyle… I thought online dating would be the easiest choice, then I would meet him here where I know it’s safe. You know how that worked out.” She lets out a little self-deprecating laugh.
“Worked out pretty damn good for me,” I say with a grin. “In fact, I’m feeling so lucky I should buy a lotto ticket.”
She smirks at my teasing. Score one for me. She’s loosening up.
I continue to flirt and tease, getting her to relax more and more with every second. She’s not very talkative, but that’s okay. She’s allowed to be shy. I’m outgoing enough for the two of us.
“Hey, fucker. Get back to work,” Aiden says, sounding grumpier than usual. “I’m not paying you to get your dick wet.”
Addy’s eyes go wide, and she looks like she’s about to jump and run.
“You got it, boss,” I say with a little salute. I quickly stand from my seat, grab her hand, and tug her along with me to the bar. I know I'll never see her again if I let her get away now.
CHAPTERTHREE
Addy
What am I doing?
I was just ghosted by a man I’ve been getting to know for weeks. Hell, it took me weeks to find the courage and confidence to agree to a meetup. Now I’m sitting at the bar of The Playground, flirting with arguably the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.
A flash of guilt courses through me at that admission. I have to remind myself yet again that it’s okay to find a man attractive. William is gone and would want me to be happy. Right now, flirting with Axel is making me very happy.
“What can I get you to drink?” he asks.
“Sparkling water if you have it.”