*Author's Note*
I know the storyline may not be obvious, but remember, this is just the beginning. It's about friendships and the lengths friends will go for each other. Not all the characters are similar to the original ones, and some readers may not like my versions, but also remember in my description, some information is based on real experiences. I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide what you think is fact or fiction. This is new to me and I'm trying to keep my thoughts concise and in a logical order while reliving some memories. Some things may not be everyone's 'cup of tea' but I hope they are welcomed with open and non-judgmental minds. I've responded to some reviews, if you've reviewed and wonder about a response, look in your PM folder. Thank you for reading!
In the Thunder From Down Under Showroom….
Rhi POV
When we got to the showroom, Alex met us at the front desk, and he let us into the show early. The way he looks at me, under his long dark eyelashes, is so … I'm not sure how to describe it. Sexy? Shy? A mixture of both? When he touched my back and his hand lingered it felt different than when we first met. Gentle, soft, and not sexual. He's so much taller than me I don't think he could've reached my ass discreetly unless he bent down. I smile to myself.
The room is sent with blue lights and a spotlight here and there. There are tables set up in three rows with a break in the middle. There's a front row table that runs parallel to the stage, where all the others are at a perpendicular angle. We follow him to the front row table where there are lace handkerchiefs and single long-stemmed roses with baby's breath and a champagne glass at each place setting, with a bottle of Cristal in a bucket of ice chilling.
Alex looks at us, smiling, and says, "Here you go ladies, your seats for the night." He holds out our chairs for us to sit down. "Would you like something to drink?" He asks.
Kate, Ana and I nod, and he motions for the waiter to come over and pour the drinks.
Out walk Jack, Nick and Collin. The four of them are wearing jeans, t-shirts and boots. Definitely mouth-drooling yummy. They smile when they see us and walk over.
"Hello ladies! It's good to see you came to the show. How do you like your seats?" Jack asks sitting on the end of the stage.
Kate and Ana are just staring at them in awe, so I answer, "The seats are wonderful, but we would've been satisfied with the somewhere in the middle. I'm sure there's someone that would like to sit here that's more deserving."
I look around at the empty tables.
Alex looks at me with a gleam in his eye. "We certainly want you more than satisfied this evening, which is why we have you in the front. You deserve to be satisfied and to enjoy the evening. We just wanted to welcome you to the show and get you comfortable before the other patrons come in. We have to go get ready but don't worry, we will be back. Remember, you agreed to have a drink with us afterwards." Alex walks toward me and kisses me on the cheek.
"Oh my, is it getting hot in here or is it just me?" I murmur, fanning myself, giving him a heated look.
"Oh, I think it's definitely you that's hot. Hopefully it stays that way too." He says and winks with a sexy smile.
The four of them walk away and Alex looks back over his shoulder at me.
"Wow, I couldn't miss that innuendo if I tried. Whew he's intense!" Ana exclaims. "He's really got eyes for you Rhi, I think you need to take him up on his unspoken offer. If you get my drift." She laughs elbowing me in the side. "You can definitely feel the attraction between you two. You know the saying, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
Kate looks at us and laughs. "Yeah Rhi, if you need one of the rooms, just say so. Ana and I can share a room." Kate winks with a smile. "Seriously though, he does seem to have eyes for you. We're not trying to push you into anything so please don't take it that way."
I look at them, thinking I really shouldn't just jump into something, but I'd like to talk to him a little bit to see who he really is.
"Yes, there's definitely an attraction between the two of us. But I'm sure he hooks up with plenty of women on a nightly basis. I'm not going to be just another notch on his bedpost. You guys know me, that's just not how I roll. Besides, just because he's super-hot doesn't mean he's good in bed." I wink and laugh loudly. I look at the Cristal in our glasses. "Ok ladies, I propose a toast." I raise my glass saying, "To us! May we always be true to ourselves and each other and I love you guys, you're my family. Cheers!"
"To us!" Ana says.
"Here, here!" Kate agrees. We clink our glasses and take a drink.
"Mmmm this is amazing!" We say in unison.
It's 7 pm and the doors open, and women are filing in looking for a place to sit. They eye us sitting in front with some of them giving us dirty looks and others just smiling. I don't think they realize that just because you're in the back doesn't mean you won't see anything. If they're like the Chippendales, then whole room will be used, to include the tables to which we sit at. I relate the male strip club to be similar to dancing except clothes come off during the dance and it's full of innuendos. To be honest, I don't really think that the dancers sleep around, they pride themselves too much to risk the reputation of the show and themselves. Though I could be wrong.
Suddenly, the lights go out and a deep baseline starts to rumble in the room. A didgeridoo soon joins in giving the room the sounds of the outback Australia. Kate and Ana clap their hands and get all excited. I forget they've never seen a show like this. Maybe after this I'll be able to get them to go to a gentlemen's club back home. I laugh watching them.
"What's so funny Rhi?" Ana asks.
"I was just thinking, after you guys see this if I could get you to go to a gentlemen's club back home?" I tell her. The look on her face makes me laugh harder. Her eyebrows shoot up, her eyes get big, and her mouth drops open and her face reddens.
"What?! There's no way in hell you'd catch me in one of those places! They're so dirty!" She exclaims.
I roll my eyes and respond, "Actually, you just have to know which ones to go to. Yes, there are some skanky dives but there are actually some quite tasteful places too. Don't knock it till you try it. You guys really should go out with me sometime. It's a blast." I give her a huge grin. "Ok, here we go guys! Enjoy!"
The music starts into a hip hop style and the guys come on doing their acrobatics and singing and gyrating to the music. Eight of them come out and start dancing. There's an emcee, it appears to be jack!
"Oh my god Kate! It's jack! He's so hot! I could listen to him talk forever and he's got a great sense of humor." He's standing on the stage in front of our table in his jeans, boots and a button up shirt open with his naked oiled chest and abs showing. "Oh, my heaven's, I could totally run my hands up and down that chest!" Ana exclaims.
I think he hears her, I'm not sure how over the music, but he looks down and smirks at her, winking.
"There's no hiding Ana so you might as well enjoy it while you can!" I laugh at her because she's slinking down in her seat blushing. This is awesome to see them enjoy themselves. They're not used to getting out and doing some wild things like I have. They've only heard the stories, and of course, seen the fallout.
There's a change of music and theme and Jack starts talking about the different personalities the guys have and the possibilities of meeting those personalities.
Kate leans over and says, "Hey Rhi, wouldn't it be something if one came out dressed as a firefighter? You know how you love those firefighters!"
"Shh… it's not the firefighters I like so much as it's the trucks!" I laugh.
There's another change of music and Jack leaves the stage, looking back at our table with a smile. Nick and Collin come out with three other guys and do another routine, old school break dancing. So talented! During all the dancing, the guys come down into the audience and engage with the ladies. Climbing on the tables and stripping down to a G-string.
"Oh, my dear god! That is like, whoa! Super-hot!" Kate yells, a little too loud.
Ana blushes as Nick and Collin come over and start dancing, one right in front of her and the other behind her. She looks mortified at first but then suddenly it's like a switch flipped and she starts getting into the groove. I've never seen her so happy; it makes me feel good to see it. Slowly, the guys make their way back to the stage.
Jack comes out and starts talking and engaging the audience. He smiles, looks down at me, winks and continues, "Ok ladies, we've saved the best for last! It's hot in here and we need to have the fire put out!"
And with that, the room gets dark, a red light starts flashing and a siren goes off. Ginuwine's Pony starts playing and the stage lights up with flames on the back wall. Suddenly, from the ceiling a ladder comes down and there is Alex, holding on to a firehose in a firefighter costume. Kate and Ana look at me, mouths open and eyes wide. They are clapping and cheering.
"Rhi! It's just for you! I just know it is!" They both exclaim.
There I sit, Ana in the middle of Kate and me, and I don't know what to do. I just sit there, mouth open, eyes wide, and heat building throughout my body. The ladder slowly spins stopping gently on the stage and Alex steps off. Sliding to the music, he's got a firehose slung over his shoulder, drops it, spins around and opens his fireman's coat revealing his bare chest and pants being held up with suspenders and his boots.
"Oh my god" is all I can mutter.
He looks down at the audience, women screaming and dancing, going crazy. Slowly, he turns his gaze to the center table, making eye contact with me, smiling a sexy smile and takes off his jacket. He motions to someone and Jack, Collin, Nick and the other guys all come out from the sides of the stage. They are just wearing shorts and boots and run out into the audience jumping on the tables and dancing in front of the screaming women. I'm frozen in my seat. Green eyes to dark brown staring intently at each other, I can't pull my eyes away. He winks, and suddenly my chair is lifting off the ground and I'm being carried up onto the stage!
"What the fuck?!" Slips out of my mouth uncontrolled.
The chair is placed center stage, I look at Jack and he has a huge grin on his face, pointing to my left. I turn my head to look and there's Alex, in his suspenders and pants, no shirt and firefighter boots coming towards me gyrating his hips and rubbing his oiled body. His eyes never leave mine, he smiles, winks and slowly drops the suspenders, pulls off the pants revealing his shorts. Oh my, it's definitely getting hot in here. This time, I'm quite aware the heat is coming from me. I finally am able to react, I blink and look out at the table where Ana and Kate sit, dancing and cheering him on. Jack comes from the side of the stage carrying a bottle of water and hands it to Alex, who then proceeds to drop to the floor bucking his hips like he's fucking and slides up to me, whispers in my ear "You're looking a little flushed. Perhaps a drink of water will help?" Slowly and sexy he stands up in front of me, I'm sitting there with my thighs together, trying to maintain some control. He gently spreads my legs apart with his knee to get closer to me, he grabs the water bottle, takes a drink, and looks down at me. My god, those eyes! He reaches out with his hand, caressing my lips with his thumb, takes another drink bends down and kisses me, letting the cool water drip into my mouth. I moan, and it must have been loud enough for him to hear because he looks at me and winks. It's the most erotic thing I've ever experienced in my life, and I almost lose control.
The audience is going crazy, the song winds down and Jack reappears from the side of the stage. I'm handed a piece of paper and a marker.
Jack clears his throat and explains the paper. "Someone earlier today said that they've seen the Chippendales but had never seen our show." He looks at me and smiles. "If my memory serves me right, I believe they said their money was on our show being better because the Chippendales are overrated. We'd like to see what grade we will be given and if we've proven to be the better of the two. On this piece of paper, I'd like to see the grade you would give us after your experience. What do you say ladies? What grade should she give us?" He looks at me, smirks and winks with a huge smile.
The audience is going crazy, shouts of "Give them an A" and "100%" ring through the room.
I look at Alex who has an expectant look. He winks at me and nods a "Go ahead" to me gesturing to the paper.
I look again at Jack, smile and write my grade on the paper and hand it to him.
"Ladies? I do believe we have a final grade!" He holds up the paper, turns it to the guys on stage so they can see, and then turns it toward the audience. There is a large 'A' written on it. The crowd screams and claps. Alex holds out his hand to me and I take it. I stand up and he leads me off the stage behind the curtain. The house lights come up signaling the show is over.
"I have to go out and do the whole picture thing. Will you wait here?" He asks.
I nod and finally find my voice. "I need to get back to my friends." I say.
He smiles and steps to the side, turning me around where I see Kate and Ana coming up the steps giggling and running toward me. "You mean those friends?" Alex asks, laughing.
"Why yes, those would be the friends I'm referring to." I laugh back.
"Ok, wait here. I'll be right back as soon as I can. He walks away to take photos, looks back at me and smiles.
"Rhi! That was so cool! How did you feel about him bringing you up on stage like that? God that was so fucking hot!" Kate shouts.
I just look at her, speechless. "I'm not sure how I feel. I feel hot for one thing, I may just have gotten a bit wet, if you know what I mean." I wink at them and have a huge smile, "My god he's fucking sexy, and it almost felt like it were just the two of us in the room. Whew! I need a drink!" I respond, fanning myself and laughing.
"Rhi, why don't you go have him give you a drink again…." Ana snickers.
I look at her and laugh. "So, what did you think about your first time at a strip show?" I ask them both.
Ana and Kate look at each other, then at me, and shriek "Oh my god it was amazing!"
I laugh and look behind them to see the guys looking over at us, smiling. "I think they heard you," I say laughing.
Almost an hour later the ladies in the audience have been cleared and we're sitting at our table finishing our Cristal. We're just chatting about what we're going to do next and tomorrow.
"Well, I would really like to go to the pool and catch some sun, maybe swim a little since it's so warm it would be a fun way to cool off. What do you think?" Kate asks.
"I'm good with the pool. We can do that first thing when it opens so we don't waste time getting beautified twice in a day." Ana laughs.
"Beautified? I'm not sure that's even a word!" I point out laughing. "I could use that pool to cool off right now, but I'm sure it's closed." I wink and smile. "But, you do have a good point. I think that's a good place to start."
Jack, Nick, Collin and Alex walk over to us and sit on the edge of the stage. "Are you ladies ready to join us for a drink over at The Lounge? You promised, remember?" Jack asks.
Kate and Ana exclaim, "Yes" and they look at me, "Rhi? You ready?"
I'm lost in thought, actually trying to cool off my body after that experience. "Huh? What? Oh yes, most definitely we'll join you. A promise is a promise." I say with a smirk and look at Alex with a heated glance. "But wait, how do we get our photos with you guys? I mean, isn't that part of the whole package deal?" I ask, smiling.
"I'll go get the rest of the guys and the photographer. Hang on." And Nick heads off.
He comes back and we are summoned to go back on stage. There's three chairs and Jack, Collin and Alex take a seat on them. The rest of the guys stand behind the chairs.
"Um, where should we stand?" I ask, confused a little. I just assumed we would be sitting on the chairs, and they'd stand around us.
"You ladies will sit here, on our laps. Unless…?" Jack says, questioning our decision.
"Oh sure, not a problem! That sounds like a great idea!" Ana says.
"Ladies? If you will follow me." The photographer motions us toward the chairs.
Alex is sitting between Jack and Collin. Kate sits on Jack's lap, legs to the side, like she's riding a horse side saddle. Ana is sitting on Collin's lap facing Kate in the same pose. Alex grabs my hand and tugs gently, so I am facing him. He picks me up and sits me on his lap, so I am straddling him.
"Oh my!" I exclaim. My eyes wide, looking up at him surprised.
He looks down at me with a sly smile and a twinkle in his eyes, "You smell amazing," he whispers.
I hear the photographer's voice interject, "When I say so, I want you to lean back and look at the camera. One, two, three! Lean back and don't forget to smile!"
He takes a few photos then looks at the camera to check the photo and satisfied, he says he'll get copies printed out. Kate and Ana stand up, looking at each other and smiling huge grins. I try to get up, but I can't because I'm in an awkward position. Alex stands up and slides me down his body until my feet touch the ground. I look at the girls and smile a wicked smile, winking at them. I can see the confusion on their faces. They realize too late of what my intentions are, "Well, it's a good thing I was wearing a panties tonight!" I say, laughing, pulling down my dress to cover my ass.
Ana's eyes get huge, and she turns bright pink and Kate stands there laughing hysterically. The looks on the guys' faces are priceless.
"Oh my god Rhi! What the hell?" Ana says, exasperated.
Kate is still laughing and I'm just standing there grinning. I can feel eyes on me and see Alex looking at me out of the corner of my eye. We're actually almost the same height except I'm standing and he's sitting. I feel so little since I'm the shortest one of the group.
"So, who all is going for drinks?" I ask looking around.
Alex, Jack, Nick and Collin speak up and say it's just the four of them and us three.
"Ok, well, let's get going," I say. I really need to get some distance between myself and Alex. The heat is getting stifling in here.
We walk across the stage to the stairs and slowly descend to the floor. I follow Alex down the stairs, he turns around and holds out his hand to help keep our balance. He drops his hand and turns to head to the exit. I'm behind him and he reaches back and gently touches my hand, almost as if asking for permission to hold it. It's a strange feeling but it's nice and I allow him to. His hand swallows mine and I feel like a child holding its parents' hand. He seems so tender and gentle, definitely not what I expected. Not exactly shy, considering he just plopped me down on his lap straddling him. I smile to myself.
"Well, what did you think of the show? Honestly?" Jack asks in general.
"Ana? Kate? What are your thoughts?" I prompt. I want to see what they think before I respond.
"Wow guys! Just wow! That was super fun and I really enjoyed it." Kate says smiling.
"Guys, that was so much fun! I didn't know what to expect and I really enjoyed it. You guys are all so talented! Thank you for inviting us!" Ana says, excitedly.
They all look at me. "Well, Rhi? You're the expert among the three of us, what's your verdict? How do they measure up to the Chippendales?"
I think for a minute, then smile slyly. "I definitely think they exceeded expectations and definitely are better than the Chippendales. They measure up quite nicely!" I grin widely.
The guys chuckle and Kate and Ana roll their eyes and groan.
We walk out the door into the casino and the guys lead us to a bar called The Lounge. As we're walking away, I can't help the feeling that we're being watched again. I look around and see no one that stands out.
"What's wrong Rhi?" Kate and Ana ask at the same time.
I look at them and say "I just keep getting this feeling we're being watched. Maybe it's all the other ladies that were at the show watching us leave with you guys." That sounds like a legitimate reason. I shrug. "Anyway, let's move on and get a drink." I look at Alex, "After you, sir." I laugh.
He tugs my hand and leads us into The Lounge to a private room. In the room, it's dark intimate lighting with low overstuffed couches, loveseats and chairs. The tables are dark mahogany colored wood with a fireplace lit along the back wall. It's quite lovely and intimate. We sit down, Kate and Ana choose to sit on the couch, Jack sits in the chair next to Ana, Nick sits next to Kate on the couch and Collin sits on the chair next to Nick. I chose one of the love seats across from the girls.
I'm sitting close to the arm rest and Alex comes and stands in front of me. "Is it ok if I sit here? He asks looking at me, expectantly.
"Oh yes, sure, sit wherever you want. It's your room." I say. He sits down next to me and because of his weight and the slick leather I'm sliding down the slope and bump into him.
"Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to slide into you. Slippery leather will do that." I laugh and start to move back over to my side of the loveseat.
He reaches out his hand and gently places it on my arm. "It's ok, you don't have to move, unless you feel more comfortable over there." He whispers with a smile.
I'm fighting an inner battle trying to decide what I want to do. I'm confused and to be honest, a little freaked out by what's happening. I'm not used to this and don't know how to react. I don't really like to be touched at times but I don't want to offend him. I look at Kate and Ana for some guidance. Kate smiles a knowing smile and gives a slight nod. Ana has the same look, but she gives a slight motion with her head silently saying, "It's ok." So, I stay where I'm at. The heat from his body touching mine is comforting, in a sense. Definitely not what I was expecting.
"Do you guys make a habit of bringing girls from your shows here nightly?" I ask. "I'm just wondering if you're regulars here because you have a private room."
Jack responds, "Yes we're regulars and no we don't make a habit of bringing girls after the shows here. This is a first. There was something about you ladies that caught our attention and we wanted to hang out with you, if that's ok?" He smiles at us quizzically.
"That's quite fine. It's been a great night and we truly enjoyed the show. Really, thank you for inviting us." I say to him.
He nods and responds with a smile, "Of course. We're glad you enjoyed the show. Even though you were grading our performances. That was definitely a first for us." He laughs.
The waitress comes up to the table and smiles. "How was the show tonight guys?" She inquires.
Nick replies, "It was great. One of the best crowds we've had in a long time. Lots of participation. It was really fun." He smiles.
"That's good to hear. What can I get you?" She asks.
We order our drinks, Ana a Sex on the Beach, Kate a Screwdriver and I a Rum and Coke. The guys order beer, Victoria Bitter from Australia. The waitress walks away to give the bartender our order. I usually have Rum and Coke when I go out, it's just my preference. Ana looks at me with raised eyebrows, "What, no fruity drink Rhi? That's what you insisted on earlier today."
I look at her, and feel I need to explain my choice a little. "Well, I like something cold and icy during the day when I'm walking around in the heat like here in Vegas in 90+ degree heat. It's like drinking my favorite drink, a banana Slurpee, back home, just with alcohol. In the evenings, when I go out, I usually have a Rum and Coke because I know my limit and what I can and can't mix together. Besides, I've got a fantastic bartender I only go to, and I swear I've put her through college. If you do it right, you get your money's worth. Let's see how the bartender here does and I'll let you know." I wink at her and laugh.
The waitress comes in with her tray of drinks and passes them out. I eye my drink which is a lighter shade of coke and wonder how it is. I give it a mix with the cocktail straw and take a sip. The drink is deceptively cold, but the liquid is on fire. My taste buds are in heaven!
Ana and Kate look at me expectantly. "Well?" They ask in unison.
"I will definitely give the bartender a thumbs up! This is absolutely delicious." I reply with a smile and take another drink. I lean forward and put my drink on the table napkin and attempt to stand up. I feel like a turtle stuck on its shell when I can't pull myself up and fall back laughing. I'm sure that looked classy!
Ana and Kate start laughing hysterically. "Having a little trouble Rhi? Maybe we should get you a pillow or booster seat?"
"Hey! I'm not that short! It's the couch's fault it practically swallows me up!" I start laughing.
The guys start to laugh along with them and soon we all are. I'm sure we can be heard throughout the bar. Alex, still laughing, stands up and hold out his hands to help me up off the loveseat.
I look up at him and smile. "Thank you. I'll be right back."
I adjust my dress, which has lifted up a little higher and I walk away. I stop at the doorway and pause looking back at everyone for a moment, then turn and walk out of the room and look for the bar. It's in the middle of the lounge and spotting the two bartenders, I walk up and ask who made the drinks for us.
The gentleman nearest me replies, "He did over there. Was there something wrong with the drinks?" He smiles at me, truly concerned.
I shake my head "No" and ask to speak with him.
"Roger! There's a customer for you." He hollers, drawing attention to me.
Roger walks over to me and asks, "Is everything ok?"
I look at him and smile, "I understand you made the drinks for the room over there?" I say, pointing to the private room.
He glances over and nods, "Yes, I did. What can I do for you?" He asks.
I smile and say, "I just wanted to compliment you on the amazing Rum and Coke. It's one of the best I have had." I thank him and hand him a $20 and turn to walk away.
He looks at the money, slightly shocked and looks at me, "Thank you but the tips are handled by the waitress. I'll pass it on to her." He says.
I frown and look at him, holding up my hand. "No, please, this is for you. You made the drinks and I truly appreciate it. This is a show of appreciation for your talent and your attention to making the customer happy. Bartending is a skill, an art. I always take care of my bartenders. And don't worry, the waitress will be taken care of too" I say and walk away. I look back and see him look at the bill, looks at me, then waves in appreciation.
There's that feeling again. What the fuck is going on? Is there someone out there watching us? Watching me? Certainly, it can't just be the bartender waving. Looking around nothing seems out of the ordinary, just tables with people sitting at them having a drink. A few guys at the bar watching the tv, and a smattering of people sitting on the couches chatting. It doesn't look like anyone is specifically looking in my direction. I continue on back to the room, eager to feel safe again not out in the open. I mean, I can handle myself, but I'm not exactly dressed for a confrontation.
I enter the room and linger in the doorway briefly, I see everyone sitting and chatting, comfortable with each other's company. The girls are laughing and seem to be enjoying themselves. I walk further into the room and they stop and look at me.
"Hey! There she is! Where'd you go?" Kate asks, winking at the guys with a grin.
"I just went to talk to the bartender and thank him for the awesome drink." I reply. "Why, did you miss me?" I laugh.
"Of course, we did!" Kate and Ana laugh.
Alex stands up and reaches for my hand. "We most definitely missed you. Come, sit down and enjoy your drink." He says with a smile. Wow, he really is a nice-looking guy and seems super sweet. I think to myself and smile, taking his hand.
Ana POV
As we watch Rhi leave the room, I can tell that underneath the poise and confidence she's displaying, she's struggling with something. Maybe it's the way Alex keeps being a gentleman being attentive? I notice she stiffens at times and I don't think she trusts him yet, let alone anyone else. Guys have always been attracted to her, but none really interested in her, just her body. I guess that's probably a good thing at times though.
Alex watches as she leaves the room and turns to look at us with a puzzled look. "So, where do you reckon she's headed off to?" He asks, curiously.
I Kate and I laugh, "I can almost guarantee she went to talk to the bartender about the drinks. She's like that. She's appreciative of people who have a talent and work hard for what they want and have. She also wasn't lying when she said she probably put her bartender through college, she drinks a lot and she tips very well. Her philosophy is if you take care of her, she'll take care of you."
"What's with the hesitation at the door? She seemed unsure of something. Is she ok?" He asks.
I look at Kate and sigh. Oh boy. It was only a matter of time before this question came up. I think to myself and from the look on Kate's face, I know she's thinking the same thing. She nods and motions with her hand to explain a little, but not divulge anything they don't need to know.
"Don't take it personally. I can tell she likes you a lot but she has a history that's not been, shall we say, the best and she has trust issues. She doesn't know how to react to you being a gentleman and wonders what your true intentions are. To be honest, we wonder the same thing. She's fought for everything she has and doesn't accept things well." I look at Kate and she nods her approval.
I watch Alex to see his reaction. He seems to be thinking things over and looks at Jack, who nods at him. "So, how do I let her know that my intentions are true and honorable? I fell for her the minute I saw her, and the playfulness and intense moments we've had just make her more attractive to me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't physically attracted to her, but I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable or run away. She's different, in a good way, and I need some guidance. I've talked to the guys and they helped, but you know her so you're a better source of information." He chuckles and smiles.
So far he seems legit but it's not even been 24 hours so it's hard to tell.
I look at Kate who says, "Just keep doing what you're doing. I can tell she's very attracted to you but let her do things on her terms. Show her you're interested but don't be aggressive, otherwise, she'll shut down and you've lost your chance. She had some guy grab her today, albeit we almost fell into the street, but when he grabbed her, she snapped. It was ugly. Fair warning, she's not your typical beautiful face, in any aspect."
"Good to know. Thank you ladies. She really seems like someone special, and I'd like to get to know her better. I know we're strippers, but Jack was telling the truth that this was a first, bringing anyone from the show here. We keep our distance and don't play that game. It's too dangerous these days." He smiles. "You seem to really care about her."
Kate laughs, "We're like family, like sisters. We've known each other since we were kids. We care about each other more than anyone would ever know. And I can guarantee, like I told you earlier, we won't let anyone hurt her."
You could tell the tone of her voice and the message Kate was trying to convey was received and kind of took the other guys by surprise.
I don't think they realize just how true that statement is. Hopefully they will never have to find out the lengths we'll go for her.