Chapter 16

Once back at my apartment, both Daniella and I were far too exhausted to discuss much of anything. The walk home had been magical. We’d both taken note while crossing the concrete river. Unlike that rainy night, seemingly so long ago, her curves were snug to me, and a slow kiss at the apex of the bridge left her panting and me trembling.

However, already late with a flight the next day, one look and we headed for separate showers. As I washed, memories continued flooding my mind.

First, Daniella’s dance, then she and Skyler together in the swanky strip club’s VIP room. Finally, what we’d all shared.

Plus, our parting. While the soft jazz continued to flood the dark room, I’d staggered from the chair to my feet. When I smiled, handing a wad of cash to the sexy blonde, she laughed.

“Here.” I winked. “I owe you.”

“You wanna fuck me, Tigh?” she murmured, taking the bills.

“Yeah,” I replied, smiling at both Daniella and her. “Yeah, I do.” With a chuckle, I zipped my well-drained, well-cleaned, softened flesh away. “But, um, not right now.”

They had giggled, then kissed, before both extended their arms, pulling me closer until my lips found theirs.

Yep, the ruining of my life continued to progress.

After the shower, I tumbled into bed. A little later, my wrecking ball appeared in the usual slinky top and panties. With a sigh, she slipped beneath the sheets and snuggled into me. The gentle draping of a sleek, toned leg over mine had us both hissing. Yet, the flash of her eyes told me she’d wait, and a shaky kiss sufficed before we drifted into slumberland.

Since the plane didn’t leave until midday, we could afford a late wake-up. However, that left only enough time for a shared swift brunch with that delicious Cuban coffee. Although we kept staring at each other, and a million questions about her blonde more-than-friend and our future swirled in my skull, we rushed to pack.

In the backseat of a rideshare, she stayed tight to me. One chirp of her phone had her glaring. She showed me the screen. No words needed, Arturo, again. But a second chirp had her biting ruby lips. Skyler had texted, wishing us a safe trip. She’d added a pair of hearts and two kissing lip emojis.

Once settled into a first-class seat on the plane, I studied her, and a soft sigh left me. The woman simply embodied loveliness. No other way to say it. Between low-cut bell bottoms of plush black velvet and a loose, cropped pink sweatshirt, the olive skin of her toned midriff gleamed. From the window spot, she gazed out at the drizzly airport. Yet, despite the wondrous view—of her, not the rainy world—the first question slipped free of my mind.

“How come you never mentioned Skyler?” I whispered.

“Sorry, mi amor. Um, I just didn’t want to scare you away.” When she turned to me, those deep brown eyes glimmering, the universe wobbled. “I never cheated on Arturo. Well, I guess other than with you. She’s not a man, but she’s special.”

“Special?” I lifted a pair of champagne flutes from a passing flight attendant’s tray. Nope, I wouldn’t probe her definition of “cheating.”

“We started at ‘Platinum’ together. Her boyfriend left soon after. Nice enough guy but was never comfortable with her dancing.” Gaze unfocused, she took a long drink. “Pobre Skyler was heartbroken and lonely. In the beginning, we only talked. She did really well in the VIP rooms. Made good money.”

“So, she, um, works the special stuff?” After taking a sip of the excellent champagne, I smacked my lips.

“Yes.” Daniella nodded. “She’s got a bunch of regulars. But the club takes a hefty chunk to keep the cops off our backs. So, she soon branched out. Makes a lot more escorting. Can afford a beautiful place. Not as big as yours, but it’s really comfortable.” After a cute snort, she took a smaller sip. “You’d hate it. Very girly.”

“Why ... After Arturo, why didn’t you go to her?”

“Really, mi amor?” She bit her lip and slid a hand onto my sleeve. “You need to ask that? I explained ... I wanted you.”