Page 45 of The Heartbreaker

“I don’t know,” I said softly.

Because I really didn’t.

Was drinking really the best decision tonight? Ridge was dangerous enough to be around sober; my attraction to him was so intense, and I didn’t want to lose my senses by adding a buzz into the mix.

But one glass? I could certainly handle that.

“You have rosé?” I asked.

“It’s what you drink, so I picked some up after work.”

“That’s so thoughtful of you.” And it was that thoughtfulness that added to this breathless feeling that wouldn’t, no matter what, go away. “Thank you. I would love some.”

He went to the wine fridge and grabbed the bottle, which he opened and poured into a glass. Once it was in my hand, he said, “Why don’t we talk in here?” and he took his martini into the living room.

I sat on the opposite side of the couch, putting plenty of space between us, squeezing the glass with both hands. “Let me start.”

I’d been focused on my lap, and I slowly looked up at him. Even his gaze was lethal. The kind of stare that could probably earn him whatever he wanted with anyone he wanted.

“I’m sorry I didn’t reach out to you. To just be totally honest with you?—”

“The truth is all I want to hear, Addy. Let’s cut any bullshit and just lay it all out there.”

I nodded. I wanted that, too, but that admission didn’t make the words come out any faster. “The truth is, I set up my classroom on Saturday, worked at the club on Saturday night; worked from home on Sunday, getting the rest of my lesson plans done, and Monday—today—was school, where I saw you.”

He lowered his hat, giving me even less of his gaze—I felt it; I just couldn’t see it.

“But did you want to talk to me? That’s the real question.”

I let that inquiry simmer. I let it build. And then I said, “I thought about it. A lot.”

“And you decided against it?”

I shook my head. “I just wasn’t ready.”

“Because?”

“I’m working at a strip club, Ridge. It’s not something I’m ashamed of; it’s also not something I’m proud of. But it wouldn’t feel right going on a date with you while I’m dancing for other men, putting my boobs in their faces, straddling their laps, pretending to ride them for money.” My stomach started to turn. Not from my responsibilities—I’d accepted those—but at the thought of going out with Ridge while doing all of that at work.

“I don’t have a problem with it.” He rested his hand over the visor of his hat. “Not at this moment anyway.”

“I’ve heard stories from the girls at the club. Dating nightmares. They told me that once a stripper gets into a relationship, they end up quitting because their boyfriend doesn’t like them dancing. I can’t be in a situation like that—I need the money.”

“Who said I’d give you that ultimatum?”

“I just assumed?—”

“Exactly.” He took a drink and then set the empty martini glass on the table beside the couch. “Once you have the money, what does life look like then?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know. Different, I hope.”

Everything would be different once I sent my sister the remainder of what I’d promised. I could then just focus on the balance of my student loans and outstanding bills, which I’d probably be paying off for the rest of my life.

“But there’s a whole other angle of this that we haven’t discussed, and that’s Daisy.” I folded my legs, holding the glass in front of my feet. “I’m her teacher.”

“I know.”

“And I take that job more seriously than anything.” I felt my head drop, my eyes close. “I’m in a situation where I don’t know what to do. Technically, I should probably go to the principal and discuss this with her because it puts?—”