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“You can. You want me, too. I don’t know why you keep fighting me.”

“I like you, and there’s no doubt we have a strong physical attraction, but that’s all it is. You said yourself that you’re not into relationships and love. That’s what I need.”

“Love ain’t got shit to do with fucking.”

“I don’t want to fuck. I want to make love. I want love and a committed relationship.”

“I see.”

I really don’t, but what else can I say? I can’t give her what she wants.

“Good night, Gage. Thanks for tonight. I had a great time.”

I watch her as she climbs out of the car, shuts the door, and walks away. Once she’s safely inside, I drive off. She didn’t say it, but somehow, it felt like goodbye. I fucked up. I know I fucked up. I acted like a fucking caveman, and now she probably doesn’t want anything to do with me. I can’t say I blame her. I’m a dick.

I head out of town and toward the Kitty. I haven’t been there in a while. Maybe I should go check things out. When I arrive, it’s packed as usual. Put pussy and liquor together and men will show up. Kind of likeField of Dreams– build it and they’ll come. I do a visual check of the security, making sure they’re all where they’re supposed to be. The bartender waves at me as I pass by and I think of taking her to my office for a quickie, but then I meet Nita’s hard stare.

“Keep it in your pants, boy.”

“I am. I promise. How’s it going?”

“Good. I guess I don’t have to worry about you fucking this supplier. Or do I?”

“Should I be worried about you?”

“My man days are over, son.”

“Yeah, right.”

I kiss her cheek, and then make my way to the security room. I have two guys in there monitoring everything that goes on. They’re both diligently watching the screens.

“Everything good, boys?”

“Yes, sir,” they reply in unison.

“Good.”

I head back to the bar, get a beer, and watch Brandi, the girl on stage. She’s one of my best girls, a big money-maker. She climbs to the top of the pole, hangs upside down, and then slides to the bottom, stopping just before her head hits the floor. The crowd goes crazy.

“Hey, handsome.”

I turn to the voice and see two blondes smiling at me. Not really my type, but they’re pretty enough. “Hello.”

“We hear you’re the owner,” Blonde Number One says.

“One of them.”

“We just wanted to let you know that this place is great.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

Blonde Number Two smiles and moves closer to me.

“I’m glad Alex talked me into coming out tonight. Better than a night home alone.”

Home alone. The words ring in my ears. I need to talk to her. I need to make sure she’s okay.

“Excuse me.”