“One lesson my father taught me was that you never turn down an offer like this, so I’ll do it.” Lexi smiled and shook my hand.
“Oh, and it’s a Halloween event, so feel free to wear the sexist costume you can find—as long as it’s not pornographic.” I chuckled and nodded.
“I’m sure I can find something.” She winked and reached down to pick up my cell phone. “I’ll give you my number so you can text me the rest of the details.”
* * *
Charity Event - Hill Marketing
My plan was about as immature as it could be. I knew that. I just didn’t give a fuck. I shouldn’t have cared enough to go that far. My marriage was obviously over, and Melinda had moved on. I hadn’t met my ex-wife’s new boyfriend, but some of the people at the office that were still loyal to me were quick to let me know the minute they started dating. They described him as a frat boy in a suit that my wife hired shortly after I stepped down, and within a week, he was no longer sleeping in his own bed at night. If she was going to flaunt her twenty-five year old arm candy in my face, then I wasn’t pulling any punches. Lexi was twenty-two, drop-dead gorgeous, and she would turn every fucking head in the room when she walked in.
The event was filled with people that we did business with, and most of them were wearing some sort of costume. I scanned the room until I saw my ex-wife talking with one of our biggest clients. She was smiling so wide that I could see her fangs—literally. She appeared to be dressed as a vampire, with a slight trickle of blood on her bottom lip. I had to assume the man standing on her right was Ben. He had a bloody bite mark on his neck, and it looked like a poured a whole bottle of fake blood on his white shirt. My costume was pretty simple. I went with a pinstripe suit and a brimmed hat. It was enough to pass as a gangster if anyone asked. I wasn’t really in the mood for Halloween.
“Mr. Hill! It’s good to see you again.” Charles, one of the account managers, walked up and extended his hand.
“Don’t call me Mr. Hill.” I chuckled and shook his hand. “I’m not your boss anymore.”
“Sorry, old habit. Besides, you still have a seat on the board.” He turned towards the room as he spoke.
“I’m done with that.” I shook my head back and forth. “Melinda has my proxy vote and I trust her.”
If we were as good at marriage as we were at running Hill Marketing, we would probably still be together.
“Yeah, she’s a shark. I miss the way it used to be, though. You made things fun, even when we were working our ass off.” Charles sighed and shrugged. “Are you doing okay? I heard you started teaching at Oak Ridge University.”
“Yep, I’m teaching Marketing, which I guess I know a thing or two about.” I chuckled again and nodded.
“That’s for sure. Okay, I think it’s time for me to mingle because I see Melinda headed this way—with Ben.” Charles shook his head with a disgruntled sigh.
“It’s okay, man. Have fun, enjoy the event.” I smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Here we go. The inevitable moment when I meet the man Melinda replaced me with.
“I see you showed up on time, at least.” My ex-wife’s tone was fairly flat when she walked up.
“Responsibilities.” I shrugged exhaled sharply as I looked over her shoulder at the man behind her. “So, are you going to introduce me to your friend?”
“Hey, man.” He stepped forward with a shit-eating grin on his face and extended his hand. “I’m Ben James.”
“Brett.” I shook his hand and felt him try to squeeze harder than he should have, so I returned the courtesy until he winced. “Oh, and it would be rude of me not to introduce you to my date.”
“Your—date?” My wife blinked in surprise and her head went back slightly.
“Yes, she just walked in.” I smiled and pointed to the door.
The people gathered near the door partially blocked my view, but nothing could have kept me from noticing those silver-gray eyes peeking above the crowd. She scanned the room until she saw me and then started walking my way. When she stepped into view, my jaw nearly slammed into the tiled floor beneath my feet. Lexi’s costume barely had enough leather to keep her from walking into the room naked. She was wearing a thin black bra that did little more than cover her nipples, a short black leather skirt, and boots that came up to her knees. She definitely turned heads—and made eyes bulge out of their sockets.
“Hi, I’m Lexi. You must be Melinda.” She walked up with a purpose and grabbed my arm as she extended her hand.
“You’re… his date?” Melinda blinked in surprise before awkwardly shaking Lexi’s hand.
“Yep!” Lexi nodded quickly. “I just can’t get enough of this stud. Do you like my costume? Brett picked it out for me.”
Oh no, that’s too far. Melinda’ s never going to believe I asked my date to wear something like that.
“Interesting. Well, you two have fun.” Melinda latched onto Ben’s arm. “Some of us have to actually work tonight.”
“Lexi, what the fuck?” I pulled Lexi away from the crowd once Melinda walked away with Ben. “I told you to pick something that wasn’t pornographic.”
“You wanted her to be jealous—well, now she is.” Lexi smiled and leaned close to me. “I bet she’ll be eating out of your hand before the end of the night.”
Which is exactly what I thought I wanted.
I expected to feel my own jealousy rage when I met Ben. I thought I would take delight in watching Melinda squirm. Instead, I just felt apathetic. Melinda was no longer the woman I married. The glimmer in her eyes that once reflected passion and love for me was gone. Seeing me with someone else wasn’t going to bring that back. Even if we found our way back to each other, the damage was done long before we signed our divorce papers. It wasn’t something that could just be repaired—it was truly broken. It was time for me to accept that. She deserved to be happy, even if it wasn’t with me.
“I need a drink.” I sighed and looked towards the bar.
“Me too!” Lexi smiled and grabbed my hand. “I’ll sit on the end so everyone can see me, and you can put your hand on my thigh.”
“No.” I pulled away. “This was a bad idea. I’m sorry, Lexi. I thought this was what I wanted, but it isn’t.”
“What do you mean? She was obviously jealous.” Lexi followed behind me as I walked towards the bar.
“Who cares.” I shook my head and motioned to the bartender when I got close to the bar at the edge of the room. “Can I get a whiskey?”
“Right away, Mr. Hill.” The bartender nodded and put a glass in front of me.
“I thought that’s what this was about?” Lexi sat down on one of the stools and turned towards me. “What happened? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you played your part well—much better than I expected.” I sighed and lifted the whiskey once it was poured. “I’m just a fucking idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot.” Lexi sighed and turned to the bartender. “Could I get a glass of red wine, please?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The bartender turned and ran his fingers across the labels until he found a good one and started pouring.
“Look, I’ll admit that I thought this plan was a little crazy when you explained it to me, but I’ve had my heart broken before.” Lexi took the glass and sipped her wine.
“I bet you didn’t do anything this stupid.” I stared at my whiskey and took another gulp.
“No, I was too busy crying in my room.” Lexi grimaced and took another drink. “Something like this might have been a lot more therapeutic.”
“Maybe, but it was still a mistake. You don’t have to stay. I’m just going to get drunk and call a cab once I’ve been here long enough not to be missed.” I turned the glass up and immediately motioned for another one once it was empty.
“Are you sure?” Lexi put her hand on my arm. “I can stay if you want someone to talk to.”
“Nah, I’m okay. The only conversation I need to have is right
here in this glass.” I lifted my whiskey and forced a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll still pay your tuition like I promised.”
It’s an expensive lesson to learn, but it’s not her fault.
Lexi
I could see the pain in Professor Hill’s eyes, but they didn’t reflect heartbreak. The scars his ex-wife left behind weren’t the real source of his agony. He thought making her jealous would fix everything, but it wasn’t that easy. Somewhere along the way, he forgot who he was. He wasn’t the type of man that played petty games or paid college girls to pretend to go out with them to make his ex-wife jealous. I didn’t see the broken shell his ex-wife left behind. I saw a kind and generous man who deserved someone better than her. I wished he could see himself through my eyes.
I left him alone at the bar and walked out into the lobby of the hotel where the charity event was being held. I retrieved my coat and prepared to leave, but then I saw his ex-wife lingering near the door, talking to an older man with white hair. The door was at an angle and it hid me from their line of sight. It wasn’t my intention to eavesdrop, but it was impossible not hear what they were saying.
“Did you see that little slut he brought as his date?” Melinda laughed under her breath. “I bet she gets paid by the hour.”
“I think she’s younger than Ben, and you’re robbing the damn cradle as it is.” The older man chuckled.
“Hush your mouth. I deserve someone with stamina.” Melinda’s laugh turned into a giggle that was almost childish. “That doesn’t mean I don’t have time for you, though. Your cock is the only thing that got me through the last couple of years of my marriage.”
Wait, what the fuck?
“Keep your voice down. My wife is right over there!” His voice reflected concern and he lowered it considerably.
“So I shouldn’t tell you that I reserved our favorite room—and I’m not wearing any panties under this dress?” She giggled again.
“You fucking tease.” The older man grumbled under his breath. “Not tonight, Melinda. You’ll just have to settle for your new boy-toy instead of a real man.”
“Fine.” She sighed and her tone reflected disappointment. “I bet you’ll be thinking of me tonight—if you can convince the ice queen to spread her legs.”
I felt sick to my stomach after Melinda walked away from the door. Professor Hill had his ex-wife on a pedestal that she didn’t deserve. When he told me about the divorce, he was quick to let me know that neither of them cheated, and they simply fell out of love. He had no idea what was really going on. He was grasping at something that was beyond broken. I wanted to march back to the bar and tell him exactly what kind of cheating whore his ex-wife was, but I wasn’t sure that was a good idea if he was already drinking. I certainly wasn’t going to let him sit there like a miserable fool, though. I was going to make sure he had a good time, and make sure his cheating ex-wife saw every minute of it.
The gloves are off, bitch, and so is this jacket.
* * *
“Get up.” I walked up behind Professor Hill and nudged his shoulder.
“Lexi, why are you still here?” He turned around with a glass in his hand. “I told you to go home.”
“Sorry, I haven’t earned my money yet.” I took the glass from his hand and put it on the bar. “Come on, Professor—I mean, Brett. Let’s dance.”
“I don’t really dance.” He shook his head, but let me pull him off the stool.
“You do now.” I walked towards the dance floor with a purpose, ready to drag him if I had to.
The music wasn’t very loud, but there were a few people on the dance floor. I ran over to the band and asked them to pump up the volume—and give me a song with a beat. Brett looked at me with confusion when I returned, but he didn’t try to fight when I put his hands on my hips. I shifted with the tempo of the music, grinding against him and making sure the dance was as dirty as possible. His touch was awkward, but all I really needed him to do was stand there like a pole—I could do the rest. A smile crept across my face when I saw his ex-wife’s eyes burning a hole through the crowd.
I spun around and bent over, rubbing my ass against his crotch and then slowly lifting up to put my hand behind his neck. I was combining ballet moves with what I learned before I got on the stage, and trying to be as dirty as possible. My other hand went to his and brought it up my abdomen until it was against my breast. He started to pull away, but I saw a flash of desire in his eyes.
“Lexi, what the fuck are you doing?” Brett was confused, but I could feel his dick swelling as I rubbed against it.
“I’m earning my money, and if you don’t squeeze my tits like you mean it, my bra is coming off next.” I did another dip and rubbed against his cock. “I’ll do it too, just like I did at the strip club.”
“I know these people. Come on, Lexi. I just wanted you to be my date. This isn’t what I was asking for.” Brett was running through every denial he could think of, but I felt him swell again when his hands clasped on my breasts.
“Too bad.” I turned and licked my lips, sliding my tongue down his shirt until I was at his belt before springing back to my feet.
“Oh my god, you’re crazy.” He let out a confused gasp when our eyes met again.
“You’re about to see how crazy I can be if you don’t kiss me when this song ends—right about—now.” The music slowed to a stop and I licked my lips again.
I saw something change in Brett’s eyes. The turmoil evaporated. He hesitated for a moment, but then he reached out and grabbed me by the back of the neck. I wasn’t expecting that. He pulled me close and crushed my lips beneath his. It was so intense that I saw stars spinning in front of me, and I had no choice but to kiss him back. His lips forced mine apart and he ravaged my mouth with his tongue until my knees got weak. I had been kissed before—but never like that. It was intoxicating. His hands slid down my body and he squeezed my ass with both hands before finally breaking the seal that had formed between our lips. When he pulled back, I was gasping for air—and every eye in the room was directly on us.
Mission accomplished.
“I think it’s time for me to go.” Brett exhaled sharply as he noticed all of the attention.
“Good, I’m ready to get out of here too.” I took his hand and smiled, but felt a bit of concern when he squeezed a little harder than I expected.
Brett walked towards the door and I followed behind him. I didn’t expect to feel anything when Brett kissed me. I just wanted to end the dance with a bang. I got the bang, and a whole lot more. My thoughts were jumbled together as I tried to process what I was feeling. The crowd of people parted, and I regained my composure as he pulled me towards the exit. I looked around the room and saw Melinda still staring daggers at me. I should have left well enough alone at that point, but I couldn’t help myself. I pulled my free hand to my lips and blew her a kiss before Brett finally pulled me out into the hotel lobby. I didn’t see jealousy in her eyes, though. I saw rage. If her stare could have killed me, I would have dropped dead on the spot.
“What the fuck was that?” Brett spun me around and pushed me against the wall.
Oh shit, he’s really mad.
“You tell me.” I tilted my head to the side and stared into his sky blue eyes. “What was it to you?”
“It was fucking embarrassing!” His confused stare flashed a hint of fury. “Those are people I’ve done business with for years!”
I’m—an embarrassment? Fuck that.
“Sorry, I’m not the type of date that just stands around and looks pretty.” I pushed him away and started walking towards the hotel exit. “You got what you paid for. I think I’ve earned my money now, so I’m leaving.”
“Lexi, wait.” Brett followed behind me, but I was starting to get angry, so I just kept walking.
“Leave me alone! You said I’m an embarrassment, so I’ll stop humiliating you in front of your friends.” I threw a middle finger over my shoulder as I walked towards the bus stop.<
br />
“Hold on.” He picked up his pace and grabbed my arm. “I’m sorry, that came out wrong. You’re not an embarrassment. Fuck!”
“I just wanted to do something nice for you!” I looked up into his eyes, but continued to scowl. “You were just going to sit at the bar and get drunk. I thought you deserved better—maybe I went a little overboard, but you can’t deny that you liked it.”
“You’re fucking crazy.” His face twisted into a half-smile and then he started to laugh.
There’s the man I wanted to see—the one hidden behind all that pain.
“Crazy enough to let this bus leave me standing on the corner if you promise to drive me home.” I looked up at him and grinned.
Oh my god, did I just say that?
“I’m pretty sure that even the city bus has a dress code.” His eyes drifted down to my costume.
“Yeah, I was so mad I didn’t grab my jacket.” I pulled my hands up to my arms.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s expensive, so let me go get it for you.” He took my hand and we walked back to the hotel.
I had no idea what was going to happen if I let Brett drive me home. His kiss had lit a fuse inside me and it was still burning. It certainly didn’t help that I used to have a crush on him. I saw the desire in his eyes when the song was playing. I felt his body reacting to mine. It was supposed to be nothing more than a dirty dance to snap him out of his tumultuous despair, but it did more than that. If he wanted to kiss me again, I wasn’t going to say no. If he wanted more than just a kiss, I wasn’t sure I could say no. I watched through the window as he retrieved my jacket and started walking back towards the exit. There was so much determination in his step. All of the turmoil was gone from his eyes. I saw a glimpse of it after he kissed me on the dance floor, but it had been completely purged.
His Dirty Dancer: The Halloween Honeys Page 3
