Since Tim didn’t have classes on Friday, he usually stopped by the restaurant to see Crystal on his way home. Even though she had her own car now, he still liked to visit her there. He entered through the bar, as usual, and saw her sitting on a barstool, talking with Cliff.
“Hey, baby,” she said happily when he walked over and kissed her cheek.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he smiled. “How was your day?”
“Good. The lunch and dinner crowds weren’t that bad, and I even got some good tips.”
“Sweet,” he grinned, then looked over as Cliff approached. “Hey, Cliff.”
“Tim, what’s up, man?” Cliff said generously, then smiled maliciously at him.
It wasn’t like him to be so uncharacteristically friendly, and his superior shit-eating smirk made Tim’s hackles rise.
“I hear you’re going to be married to a dancer!” the big man continued, then shrugged and winked slyly at Crystal when she rounded on him in fury.
“I’m sorry, Tim,” she confessed, blushing. “I let it slip about tonight.”
“Hey, don’t worry,” Cliff cheerfully overrode Tim’s dismayed groan. “I won’t say anything. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Tim didn’t believe him for a second, but he was stuck. The secret was out.
Crystal shot the bartender a meaningful look. “You promised, remember?”
“I remember,” he agreed, then flashed another unpleasant smile in Tim’s direction. “Although I might need a lap dance or two to help me keep quiet.”
Adrenaline coursed through Tim’s body, and he took a step forward, fists clenched. Crystal saw the look in her husband’s eye, and jumped up to put a hand on his chest.
“Tim, he’s just joking,” she said quickly.
“I am?” Cliff asked sarcastically.
She whipped around, and stuck her finger in his face. “Yes, you are. Now stop being an asshole.”
Chuckling, he held up his hands, and backed up a pace. “Okay, okay. Tim, I was only kidding.”
The younger man shot him a single scathing glare, then turned to Crystal. “Are you ready to go?”
Meekly she nodded, and followed him out of the bar. “I’m sorry, baby,” she murmured when they reached their cars.
Tim gritted his teeth. It was bad enough that she’d be stripping tonight, but now… “You know he won’t keep this a secret,” he snapped, whirling to glare down at her. “The guy’s a total shithead, and a loser, and he’ll run to all his buddies and tell them.” Carefully he sucked in a deep breath, and tried to calm down. “I know he’s going to show up at the club and want you to dance for him.”
“It’s gonna be okay,” she assured him, then leaned up to kiss him. “You don’t know him as well as I do. I think he’ll keep our secret. And if he doesn’t,” she added, airily tossing her long hair over one shoulder, “I’ll talk to Rowdy and Shane.”
Tim blinked in confusion. “What do they have to do with Cliff?” he asked.
“He wants to join their motorcycle club,” she shrugged. “I guess Rowdy stopped by one night, and talked to him about it.
“You two have always disliked each other, and it brings out the worst in both of you. I know it’s because he was a total asshole whenever he got the chance,” she added before he could interject a biting retort. “But he only does it now because he’s jealous of you. So maybe it’s time you moved on, let it go.”
“What?” Stunned, he goggled down at her. “Jealous of me? Why?”
“Plenty of reasons,” she smiled, and ticked them off on her fingers. “You’ve got a good job, you’re going to college, and you have a bright future. You also have a wife who loves you.” Gently she stroked his cheek. “Cliff doesn’t have any of those things.”
A slow smile began to curve his lips, then blossomed into an adoring grin. “I love you so much,” he exclaimed, and twirled her in a giddy circle.
Crystal laughed like a schoolgirl until he finally set her down again. “Let’s go home,” she urged.
Several hours later, she was humming excitedly to herself as she methodically ran a straightener through her hair. Her favorite music was blasting from a little speaker attached to her iPod, and she was dancing in place. She’d been waiting for tonight her whole life, and finally it was here: tonight she’d finally get a chance to try stripping. And she’d even gotten Tim on board!
I wonder how much money I’ll make tonight. I hope there are some cute guys in the audience. I hope I don’t forget everything Raven taught me!
Rowdy and Shane were tagging along for moral support, and because they knew the club manager. When she thought about the two bikers, butterflies erupted in her stomach. They were such a study in contrasts! Shane was tall, dark, handsome, and covered with huge, rippling muscles. Rowdy was just as tall, but leaner, and he had blonde hair and striking blue eyes. The bear and the wolf, she decided, and she was running with both of them tonight.
When she was finally ready, she stared intently at her mirror. I’m so hot!
“I’m ready, boys!” she called out, then sauntered regally into the living room. Tim, Shane, and Rowdy welcomed her with shouts, whistles, and vigorous applause. Their avid response thrilled her; she felt like a high school cheerleader again. She’d always loved it when the guys had drooled over her.
“Thank you, thank you!” Playfully she mimicked a beauty pageant queen, and assumed her best ditzy airhead behavior. “I want world peace,” she gushed, waving to an imaginary crowd, “and big tippers!”
That made them all laugh.
Rowdy and Shane pulled on their leather jackets while Tim helped her into her coat. “We’re all ready?” he asked.
“Ready, Freddy!” she exclaimed with an eager nod.
“You riding with Tim?” Rowdy asked. “Or with one of us?”
Crystal stopped and glared at the lean biker. “If you think I’m going to ride on the back of a bike with a helmet on my head, and ruin all the work I put into my hair, buster, you’re crazy.”
He held up his fingers in a cross, and dramatically backed away.
“That’s right!” she continued. “I’m riding with my husband tonight.” She stuck her nose in the air, and walked sexily towards the door. Then she turned back and stuck her tongue out at them. “Come on, you pussies!”
The three men blinked at each other for a moment, then laughed and followed her.
Shane and Rowdy roared off into the night, and Tim followed them at a more legal speed limit. Crystal bubbled with excitement all the way there.
When they finally arrived, the club was crowded. A table in the downstairs VIP section was waiting for them, though, because Rowdy and Shane knew the manager, and Crystal was going to dance. The upstairs VIP section, Shane told him over the loud music, had its own private bartender; this one on the main level was for larger audiences.
He’d never been inside a strip club before, but he had to admit this one looked fairly nice. It was clean, and the employees all wore matching uniforms. Several bouncers were scattered around the room; he was relieved to see that the club had good security.
There were several stages, and each one was occupied by an attractive dancer. The music was just loud enough that they could talk amongst themselves, but not be overheard by another table. The lights and smoke gave it a dance club atmosphere. And he was relieved to see that all the customers looked decent; he didn’t see anyone who looked overtly dangerous.
He bought the first round of drinks, but sipped his slowly. He wanted to stay totally sober tonight. Crystal was leaning across the table to talk with Rowdy and Shane. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but based on her radiant smile, he guessed they were complimenting her.
Shane lifted his drink in a toast, and they all seconded it. But Crystal’s fingers shook a little when she clasped Tim’s hand. “I’m so nervous!” she confessed.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” he reassured her. “You’re absolutely gorgeous, and you’re a great dancer. You have nothing to be nervous about.”
“I love you!” she smiled, and kissed him. “Thanks!”
She was just leaning back when Tim’s jaw dropped, and his mouth went dry. An amazingly beautiful dancer was approaching their table. Her dress looked painted on her lush body, and her long, straight black hair gleamed under the lights. Cute dimples appeared when she smiled at Shane and Rowdy, then leaned down to kiss their cheeks. “Hi, guys!”
“Raven!” They both beamed at her, and made room when she pulled a chair over.
“I see you finally made it,” she said, smiling at Crystal.
“I’m so nervous!” Crystal admitted.
“You’ll do fine, honey.” Then she glanced at Tim, who was looking confused. “Who’s this?”
“Raven, this is my husband, Tim,” Crystal quickly introduced them.
The dancer offered him a plastic smile as she leaned forward to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said smoothly, then turned back to Crystal. “So tonight’s the big night? First time, right?”
Crystal nervously nodded.
Raven casually looked Crystal over from head to toe. “Did you bring an outfit?”
Sudden panic made her jolt a little. “Shit, I forgot! Can I wear this?”
“It’s okay, honey.” Raven laid a soothing hand on Crystal’s shoulder. “There’s a boutique over there.” Idly she motioned to the far corner of the club. “We can find you something to wear.”
Tim fished money from his wallet while Raven pulled Crystal to her feet. She kissed his cheek, then quickly followed the exotic dancer. Tim’s nervousness returned as he watched them walk away.
“Relax,” Shane advised from across the table. “She’ll be fine. Raven will watch out for her, I promise.”
Tim managed a weak nod. “Thanks. I’ve just never been to a strip club before.”
“You don’t say,” Rowdy chuckled, and Shane joined in.
He felt like an idiot, a fish out of water, and wished he could just leave…but that wasn’t an option. He could only muster a feeble smile.
Suddenly Shane grinned at someone behind him, and waved his hand. When Rowdy followed his gaze, his grin widened, too.
Oh shit, now what? Tim thought.
A soft hand descended on his shoulder, and Tim looked up to see another gorgeous dancer smiling down at him. Her scantily-clad body practically exploded with curves.
“Hi, baby,” she crooned in a low, inviting voice. “What’s your name?”
“Tim.”
“I’m Lauren,” she introduced herself. “Can I sit down?”
Before he could think of a polite way to decline, Rowdy interjected, “We’d be honored to have you at our table, Lauren.” And he gestured toward Crystal’s empty seat.
She gave him a mocking bow. “Why, thank you, Rowdy.”
Tim cocked an eyebrow at him. “Do you know all the dancers?”
“Only the pretty ones, dude. Only the pretty ones.”
Rowdy ordered her a drink while Tim tried not to gape at her generous curves. She smiled at him, and glided a hand over his arm.
“Lauren?” Shane called from across the table.
“What?” Her smile remained gentle even though her eyes flashed with mild annoyance.
“Tim’s never been to a strip club before,” he grinned, and took a long pull on his beer.
Pleased surprise warmed the woman’s eyes.
“I think he needs to experience one of your super-special lap dances,” he continued, and Rowdy burst out laughing. He slyly winked at Tim, then nodded to Lauren.
She stood up, and offered Tim her hand. “C’mon, baby,” she urged. “Let’s get you a lap dance.”
He felt trapped, and wanted nothing more than to run and hide. But then Rowdy would really think he was a spineless wimp, and Shane would tease him unmercifully. Crystal would be furious if he was rude to Lauren, too. So he let himself be pulled along until they reached a row of chairs right in front of a mirrored wall.
Gently Lauren eased him into an empty seat. The young kid was obviously nervous, and it touched her. He reminded her of her younger brother, and he seemed really sweet.
Why on earth was he hanging around with two tough bikers? Rumor was that their club was involved in some serious, most likely illegal, shit. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder; Rowdy and Shane were already watching another dancer.
Tim managed an uneasy smile. “What am I supposed to do?” he asked her.
“You just need to sit there, honey,” she explained, then touched his cheek and slid slowly onto his lap. “I’ll do all the work, but I want you to put your hands on the arm rests and leave them there, okay?” She motioned to the speaker. “This song just started, so I’ll start on the next one.”
“Sure thing,” he agreed, and ran his hands nervously over the armrests.
Lauren winked at him. “You’re cute,” she said, and cocked her head to the side. “What are you doing here with Shane and Rowdy?”
“My wife is dancing tonight, as an amateur,” he explained. “Shane and Rowdy came with us tonight as moral support.”
“Ahhh. I see,” she murmured. She smiled again, and ran her hand over his arm. “What’s your wife’s name?”
“Crystal.”
“So she’s only here for Amateur Night?”
He flushed a little, and shook his head. “She wants to become a stripper, but she’s not sure if she’s good enough.”
“I see,” she repeated. “Well, I’m sure she’ll be great.”
A new song started, and she stood up. “Are you ready for your first lap dance, honey?”
Tim nodded his head. “Yes, ma’am.”
She began to move sensually, and he was immediately mesmerized. A seductive smile played over her face as she danced slowly in front of him. His heart raced in his chest, and he took slow, deep breaths to keep himself calm. Then she leaned forward and ran her hands over his chest before turning around and slowly sliding her dress off. Tim’s mouth dropped open as it landed on the floor. She was left wearing a tiny bikini that clearly wasn’t designed to cover her ass. She slowly sat down on his lap, and leaned back until her back pressed against his chest.
No way! This is awesome! Then he realized, Shit! This is what Crystal’s going to be doing. Fuck!
Despite his sudden panic, he couldn’t help closing his eyes, and enjoying the feel of her body against his. The light smell of vanilla—Crystal’s favorite scent—filled his head, and he resisted the urge to run his hands over her body. She reached back and held his head close while she gently rubbed her ass against his crotch. He gasped as her attention caused waves of pleasure to roll through his body.
“Like that?” she asked playfully.
He had to swallow twice before managing, “Yes. It feels amazing.”
“I’m glad you like it, honey.”
She eased off him, and turned around to face him. Tim’s eyes widened as he gaped at her nearly-naked body. He hadn’t seen another naked woman since he’d gotten married, and he’d only seen a few before that. Lauren lowered herself onto him, and he felt her breasts push against his chest. Slowly she slid her body down until she knelt in front of him, running her hands slowly over his thighs.
“You okay?”
He gulped. “Yes.”
She stood up and repeated the process, but spent a lot more time grinding her ass against his crotch. He closed his eyes, and tried valiantly to focus on accounting to keep from losing control. Every seductive brush of Lauren’s exquisite body was nearly overcoming him with pleasure. He began to gasp for breath as she expertly massaged his groin.
Suddenly his eyes bugged, and his hands shot up to her waist. “Stop, stop!” he said frantically. Gently but firmly he moved her off his lap, then sucked in a deep breath as he fought to calm down and regain control of himself. He’d barely avoided climaxing, and embarrassment flooded through him.
“Shit. Shit! Shit!”
Lauren slipped her dress back on, looked down, and smiled. “It’s okay, baby,” she said gently, and rested her hand on his shoulder. “It’s supposed to turn you on.”
He managed to meet her compassionate gaze for an instant, then quickly ducked his head.
“Can I sit down again?”
“Sure,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
Lauren sat carefully on his lap, and ran her fingers through his hair. He couldn’t look at her, and again she felt a surge of sympathy. “Don’t be embarrassed,” she urged, and lightly tweaked his nose. “A lot of guys do exactly what you did, and believe me, I appreciate it.”
“Really?” he asked hopefully.
“Really.” She chuckled. “Unfortunately some guys don’t stop in time, and they make a mess.”
“No way.”
“Yep, happens all the time.” She made a rueful face. “Goes with the job.”
He wished she hadn’t told him that; now he felt even worse about Crystal dancing. When the song ended a few seconds later, he declined another lap dance. She refused payment, too, saying, “This one’s on the house, Tim.”
She escorted him back to the table. Shane and Rowdy greeted him with broad smiles. He flushed bright red, and refused to meet their amused smiles. Lauren ruffled Shane’s hair as she left, and tried to refuse when he pushed something into her hand. But he insisted, so she shrugged and accepted it.
Rowdy leaned close enough to half-yell over the music, “So how was it?”
Tim took a deep breath. “It was great. She was nice.”
The two bikers lifted their beers in a mocking salute. “To Tim’s first lap dance!”
He managed to follow suit, but he still felt uncomfortable. Shane and Rowdy were being friendly, but he sensed an undercurrent between them, as if this was more of a business meeting than a fun night out.
Crystal and Raven still hadn’t reappeared, so he sat back and cautiously sipped his beer. There were worse places to enjoy a drink, he had to admit. Strip clubs were full of friendly, scantily-clad women. Gradually he began to relax and enjoy himself.
Dancers came by regularly, but Tim declined any future dances or ‘conversations.’ He quickly understood that, at $20 a song, lap dances added up quickly.
Rowdy and Shane ordered tequila shots, and encouraged Tim to drink one. The face he made as it burned down his throat was apparently priceless, because they both laughed and slapped him on the back.
When the loudspeaker blared, announcing the start of amateur dancing, Tim craned his neck to look for Crystal. He didn’t see her, and started to stand up. Shane’s voice stopped him. “Tim, it’s okay. Sit down.”
“Where’s Crystal?”
“She’ll be out soon, and Raven’s taking care of her,” Rowdy answered. “Relax, dude.”
His advice was a terse command. Tim remembered Shane’s advice, several months ago, and decided to sit back down and wait.
The manager appeared on stage, and explained the process. Each amateur dancer would be followed by a regular dancer, but the customers wouldn’t know which was which. Normal tipping would apply and, of course, customers were asked to tip generously.
Shane and Rowdy adjusted their seats so that they sat next to Tim, facing the stage, as the music started. The first dancer came out on stage (Tim reminded himself for the millionth time to call them strippers), and she danced with the easy grace of an experienced stripper.
The clear plastic heels she wore had to be at least six inches, but she glided, pranced, and danced sensuously around the stage with practiced skill. Her top came off on the second song, and Tim’s heart leapt into his throat. Yes, her bust deserved a lot of attention, but he suddenly realized that Crystal would be removing her top, too. He cursed under his breath, because he’d mistakenly assumed that ‘amateur night’ meant the amateurs would keep their clothes on.
God, you are so fucking naïve, he thought disgustedly. It’s a strip club, dumbass! Their clothes are supposed to come off!
His fingers clenched into tight fists, and he barely resisted the urge to get up, find Crystal, and leave the club. Then he glanced over at Shane and Rowdy and changed his mind, because he remembered Rowdy mentioning that he’d spoken to the manager, and called in a favor for Crystal tonight. He wasn’t prepared to risk Rowdy’s anger…and he wasn’t sure she’d leave, anyway, now that her chance to try stripping had finally arrived.
The music finally ended, and the stripper bent to slowly, sensually collect the dollar bills that had been thrown or placed on stage. After she winked at the men lining the stage, she walked off. He realized that the dancing was only part of the show, and strippers used every opportunity to entice the men into giving up their money. Since the men were there to do just that, the arrangement worked for everyone.
The DJ took a few minutes to remind the crowd about the bar specials, which were mostly shots, before the music started again. Tim noticed that the dancer who’d just finished on stage was already giving another customer a lap dance.
“Give it up for Crystal!”
When her name blared over the loudspeakers, Tim’s head jerked back to the stage so hard that he felt a twinge of whiplash jolt his neck. Raven had clearly helped her find a dress and some clear plastic heels that really showed off her legs. She walked on stage gorgeous, confident, and smiling widely as she surveyed the crowd. Tim’s eyes locked on his wife. Rowdy and Shane gave a few loud whoops, and she flashed them a big smile as she started to dance.
Sweat broke out over Tim’s body as he watched her move. She was good…really good…surprisingly good…and he was shocked at how easily and sensually she glided around the stage.
What the fuck? Where did she learn to dance like that?
The men lining the stage picked up Rowdy and Shane’s whoops, and cheered loudly as Crystal danced. Dollar bills seemed to materialize from nowhere, and flew up on stage. She was still on the first song, and the stage was almost covered in dollar bills.
Tim took a long, slow deep breath because when the second song started, Crystal left her top on and continued to dance. Almost instantly the men around the stage started cheering, and encouraging her to strip. More dollar bills flew on stage, and she laughed aloud, clearly delighted by their reaction. She cupped her hand next to her ear, and the men cheered even louder.
Tim wiped the sweat off his brow, and focused on staying calm. Crystal had always loved to dance, but he’d had no idea she’d be this good at stripping. It was her first dance, and she was already working the crowd. Privately he’d hoped she’d trip and fall, or chicken out at the last second. It was petty and selfish, but he couldn’t help how he felt.
Wow. She’s good! And hard on the heels of that wondering thought, he realized, This isn’t going to be a one-night deal.
The cheering started to infect the overall club, and before long, all the men were cheering, and clapping for Crystal to show her tits. Finally she moved her hands up, and slowly started to pull her dress down. She paused for a second, and let her eyes roam over the crowd. All the men were anxiously waiting. Then she pulled hard on her dress, and freed her breasts.
The room went wild! She laughed, and waved to the crowd as she pushed her dress all the way down, then stepped out of it. She was wearing bikini bottoms that were skimpy, to say the least, but Tim consoled himself that at least she wasn’t wearing a thong.
Now that her breasts were on full display, customers came forward from tables in the very back to throw more dollar bills on stage.
Mercifully for Tim, the second song ended thirty seconds later, and she pulled her dress back on before collecting all the money. There seemed to be a competition between the men along the stage to see who got the first lap dance. Tim noticed Shane and Rowdy exchange a glance and a smile before Shane leaned closer to him. “Crystal’s great,” he said. “She really worked the crowd up there.”
He nodded, and replied, “Holy shit! I know, right? Where the fuck did she learn to strip?”
“I introduced her to Raven at one of the club barbeques. Raven gave her some tips, and she’s clearly been practicing,” Shane explained. He added that last part with a laugh, and clapped Tim on the shoulder.
Tim mustered a feeble smile, and nodded. It was the only response he could manage.
He sipped his drink slowly and tried to process what just happened, because three things were clear:
First, Crystal was going to be a stripper. That much was obvious.
Second, Crystal being a stripper was going to change both of their lives. Tim fervently hoped it would be for the better.
Finally, it wasn’t Rowdy, but Shane—his former friend—who was the motivating force behind Crystal’s amateur night performance.
Why would Shane want Crystal to be a stripper?