You and I Forever

by Melissa Toppen

“Hey.” I say, stepping up next to Bentley who snakes his arm around my waist the moment I approach.

  “Logan?” The older gentleman questions, cocking his head to the side. “I thought that was you. How are you doing dear?” He asks, reaching for my hand and laying a kiss to the back of it.

  “I'm well. How are you?” I ask, feeling suddenly uneasy because for the life of me I can't remember his name.

  “Mr. Matthews does a lot of business in Seattle.” Bentley chimes in, thankfully dropping the man's name in the process.

  “But don't worry. I still live in Chicago.” He tacks on, like I really care one way or another. “Will you be dancing for us tonight?” He asks, smiling a toothy grin in my direction.

  “No. I am just a guest tonight.” I say, trying to be as polite as possible.

  “Now Bentley. You can't name a club after one of your finest dancers and not have that dancer grace us with a song or two.” The man clasps his hand down on Bentley's shoulder and laughs lightly.

  “My apologies Mr. Matthews.” Bentley shakes his head at me, silently telling me not to worry about it.

  “What do you say Logan?” The man turns his attention back to me.

  “That's up to Mr. Reed, I'm afraid.” I say, smiling apologetically at Bentley but not really sure what else to say.

  “Do it.” Andrea chimes in next to me, grabbing my forearm. “I am dying to see you dance. Please....” She stretches out, hitting me with her biggest puppy dog eyes.

  “Mr. Matthews, would you excuse us for a moment?” Bentley says, clearly not wanting to have this conversation in front of a client. He nods and takes a sip of his drink as Bentley guides me and Andrea towards the middle of the room.

  The moment he stops, I can tell immediately that he's not a fan of the idea but I also know him well enough to know that he will let me if it makes sense from a business stand point, which it kind of does. As much as I don't want to dance tonight, especially given that my knee is still a bit weak, I also have to admit that Mr. Matthews does have a point.

  “It's up to you.” He says.

  “One dance.” I say, throwing him an apologetic look. “What time is the first dancer scheduled to go on?” I ask, feeling suddenly very nervous.

  “Seven-thirty.” I catch sight of Shira just as her voice washes over me.

  “Shira.” I half squeal, pulling her into a hug the moment she squeezes in next to me.

  “Boy am I glad to see you here.” She pulls back and hits me with a dazzling smile. Like always, she looks amazing.

  While me and Andrea are dressed in short tight dresses, Shira is all business. A black pant suit and cream colored silk top partnered with matching heels. Her hair is pinned back on the sides and her makeup is flawless. Though I have come to expect nothing less of Bentley's half sister.

  “Well then, I guess I had better get ready. Take care of this one would you?” I semi shove Andrea towards Bentley. “Do you mind helping me?” I turn towards Shira who beams at me, throwing a nod to the other two before linking her arm with mine and leading me backstage.

  It isn't until I am standing behind the deep purple curtain, listening to the rumble of the crowd in the main room, that regret hits me full force. I could be out there with Bentley, with Andrea. I could be enjoying the show instead of standing back here in barely any clothing with a flurry of butterflies flapping in my stomach.

  I don't get nervous often, at least not like this. But I know this is not just any other night at Allure and it is also not my usual crowd. This is opening night and it is likely that most of the members who have already joined will be here this evening to help celebrate the club's opening.

  “You ready?” Shira steps up next to me and straightens my white corset, tying up the strings in the back. I take a deep breath and one last look in the mirror to my left. Unlike Allure, this club has two long mirrors that sit to each side of the stage so the dancers can get a full view of themselves before their set begins. I plan to request these be installed at Allure the moment we get home.

  “I think so.” I say, making a last minute adjustment to my white bikini underwear before turning my attention forward.

  A man's voice comes through the speakers within seconds, welcoming everyone to the opening night of the club. I am so nervous that I barely process anything that he says until I clearly hear my name, followed by the sexy beat of “Bad Wolf” by Awolnation.

  The moment my red heels click against the marble stage, my dance instinct kicks in. I don't look for Andrea or Bentley as I cross the stage, knowing that seeing them will only distract me. I'm already not as prepared as I would like to be, I can't afford for anything to pull my attention.

  I open the number by grabbing the pole and pulling myself up into a straddle, leaning my head back as I use my weight to slowly spin myself before sliding to the floor in a split. I use the pole more than I normally would, not wanting to push my knee too hard but also try to utilize the majority of the stage as well.

  It isn't until about the last minute of the song that I make my way to the very end of the catwalk. Sliding into a straddle, I lay my torso flat on the floor before pushing back and rolling myself over and up onto my knees.

  Looking out over my audience, it's very clear that this is the largest crowd that I have ever danced for. There has to be at least a hundred people in attendance which is nearly double what a busy night at Allure looks like. Even still, I keep my composure and manage to end the dance on a sexy slide to the end of the stage where I reach out and trail my hand seductively along the cheek of a man sitting at the very edge.

  Whipping my hair around, I pull my hand back and smile just as the lights die around me. But not before I catch sight of Bentley at the bar with Andrea. And while she seems ecstatic and is waving at me like a lunatic, he seems the exact opposite. His nostrils flare slightly as he glares in my direction and I can tell without a doubt, that he is the furthest thing from happy about my performance.

  Chapter Four

  “What the fuck was that?” Bentley storms inside the dressing room just moments later. “What the fuck were you doing out there?”

  “I was dancing.” I say, like it should be pretty obvious.

  “That wasn't just dancing Anna. You were toying with them, teasing them.” He says, closing the distance between us as he steps directly in front of me.

  “And?” I question, confused by his reaction.

  “And?” He spits, my nonchalant attitude clearly just making the situation worse.

  “I dance in front of a room full of men, wearing this.” I say, gesturing to my outfit. “Of course I am teasing them. That's part of my job.” I say, shaking my head like I can't even believe we are having this conversation.

  “Not anymore it's not.” He bites, falling silent the moment the door swings open and Andrea and Shira filter in.

  “Oh my god girl. You were amazing up there.” Andrea practically sings, pulling me into a brief hug.

  “I'll let you get dressed.” Bentley says, barely meeting my eyes. “I will see you ladies out there.” He clips, backing out of the room without looking in my direction again.

  “What's up his ass?” Shira blurts the moment the door latches, causing all three of us to burst into laughter.

  “Apparently I was too sexy.” I say mockingly.

  “Shit yes you were.” Andrea laughs, clearly having enjoyed my dance a hell of a lot more than Bentley.

  Within a few minutes, I am back in my gray tube dress and lounging casually at the bar next to Andrea, thoroughly enjoying being on the other side of the stage at the moment. It's interesting to watch the girls. Especially knowing that tonight is their first night. Of course, they have all been through training. Bentley would never put girls on the stage that weren't the epitome of everything his clubs embody; sex, money, perfection.

  I still remember my first day at Allure. Even though I was one hundred percent confident on stage, I was still terrified that first time. I would compare i
t very closely to how I felt dancing tonight. But that's most of the fun of dancing. The thrill of it. The knowledge that all eyes are on you, watching your every move. It's the one thing that makes me feel alive. Well, one of the the things. Bentley seems to hold the same power over me as dance.

  I jump slightly when two hands close over my upper arms from behind but then relax immediately when Bentley drops his chin to my shoulder and nuzzles his face against mine.

  “I'm sorry.” He says, his voice low enough that only I can hear. Turning my face inward, I press my lips gently to his. My way of telling him that all is forgiven. I know it can't be easy on him; watching me on stage like that. He immediately relaxes when he sees that I'm not upset. Sliding into the stool next to mine, he picks up my hand from the bar and kisses the back of it. “Are you ladies having fun?”

  “Hell yeah!” Andrea exclaims from her seat next to me. “This place is amazing. I want to work here.” She raises her eyebrows at Bentley, clearly hoping that he will just offer her a job right here and now.

  “Shut up Andrea.” I laugh, nudging her with my shoulder. “Don't listen to her. She may be nice to look at but I doubt anyone would actually want to watch her dance.” I laugh when she gasps next to me.

  “I am not that bad.” She thinks on it for a moment. “Okay. I am.” She agrees. “But I still want to work for you. This club is unreal.”

  “Scotch on the rocks.” Bentley turns his attention to the bartender, who nods immediately and walks away to retrieve his drink. “If you still feel that way when we are back in Chicago, let me know and I will see what I can arrange.” He says, nodding at the bartender when he reappears moments later with Bentley's drink.

  Pinning my eyes on him, I give him a look that clearly tells him to be careful what he says. He smiles widely and then winks, obviously doubting that Andrea would actually be willing to work at Allure. And while I have a hard time believing that as well, Andrea has been known to surprise me from time to time.

  “I have a few people to talk to. Are you ladies okay here?” He asks, waiting for our nods before laying a gentle kiss to my forehead and walking away.

  Andrea lets out a loud sigh and slumps forward in her seat. “You are so lucky.” She says, turning her body slightly to be able to look at Bentley, who has made his way to a table not far from us and is currently talking to an older gentleman.

  “I am.” I agree, following her line of sight. Bentley catches us staring and nods slightly before turning his attention back to the man.

  “Where can I get me one of those?” Andrea whines, turning back towards the bar.

  “What about Collin?” I ask, turning away from Bentley to face her.

  “Collin is... Well, Collin.” She shrugs indifferently. “I mean, he's sweet and really good in bed.” She lets out a long exhale.

  “And really cute.” I tack on, trying to get her to continue.

  “Okay, yeah he's pretty hot.” She laughs. “But he's no Bentley.” She hits me with her dark eyes, an almost apologetic look on her face.

  “Girl. No one is like Bentley.” I say and we both start laughing.

  “That's true. But even still, what I wouldn't give for a man with his looks and his money. My god girl. You hit the lottery of all lotteries.” She laughs.

  “Yeah, but it's not about the money.” I say, flicking my eyes to Bentley for a brief moment before looking back to Andrea. “I would love him the same if he didn't have a dime to his name. I mean, obviously the initial attraction was based somewhat on his power and obvious wealth, but beyond our first encounter, it really didn't play a factor.”

  “Yeah, but it still must be nice knowing he can provide for you beyond what you ever dreamed. I mean come on, the man is building you a house for God's sake. A freaking house Anna!” She shakes her head and takes a long gulp of her drink before turning her eyes back to me.

  “I know.” I shake my head, still having trouble wrapping my mind around that fact. “Doesn't it seem weird to you though?”

  “What?” She asks, clearly not understanding my question.

  “That he would build a house for us when we have spent so little actual time together? Ninety-five percent of our relationship has been spent in separate states. What if he realizes that he doesn't like me?” I speak the real reason why I am having such an issue with this.

  It's not because I am afraid to live with him or that I am afraid to commit to him so completely. It's that, at the end of the day, I really don't know how this is going to work. For all I know, two months in he could decide that we aren't right for each other and then where will I be; heartbroken and homeless?

  “Are you kidding me right now Anna? That man worships the ground you walk on. And why wouldn't he? You are incredible. If nothing else, spending the extra time with you, living with you, it's only going to make him fall that much more in love with you.” She smiles at me sweetly and pats my hand.

  “I love you, you know that?” I smile at my best friend, so grateful to have her in my life.

  “And I love you.” She wiggles her nose adorably and then takes another long drink, emptying her glass. Holding it up slightly, the bartender nods and immediately begins making her another.

  “I'm gonna run to the ladies. Do you need to go?” I ask, sliding off of my bar stool.

  “No, I'm good.” She says, smiling at the cute bartender as he hands her another drink.

  Shaking my head, I hand her my purse to hold and then make my way quickly across the main floor of the club, crossing through a door that leads to the dancer's dressing rooms. I don't know why but I prefer to use the restroom away from the members of the club. I guess it just stems from the fact that I work at Allure and that's just how I am used to doing things.

  The young bouncer guarding the door only nods when I pass through, clearly recognizing me considering he barely glances in my direction before turning his attention back to his phone. Not really sure where the bathrooms are, I turn right and decide to look in the same place that they are at Allure. Sure enough, there is a door in the same area.

  Assuming it is the bathroom, as there is no other signage indicating otherwise, I push my way inside, immediately freezing when I see two people in a passionate embrace. “Oh sorry.” I blurt when the couple jumps apart.

  It isn't until that moment that I register the woman. “Shira?” I question, flipping my eyes to the man she was kissing. “Ethan?” I cough, completely caught off guard. I had no idea they were a thing.

  “Anna. Oh God. I'm sorry.” She says, covering her swollen lips with her hand like that will somehow take away my knowledge of what was just happening.

  “No, no. I'm sorry.” I say, starting to back out of the room. “I thought this was the bathroom.” I say, clearly realizing that it most definitely is not.

  “Anna wait.” Shira calls after me the moment I step back out into the hallway. Following me out of the room, she grabs my forearm and drags me into the next room over, shutting the door behind us.

  “You can't tell Bentley.” She immediately blurts the moment the door latches.

  “What?” I question, still confused by everything taking place.

  “Ethan is the head of Bentley's security team. I practically act as Bentley's left arm. He would never be okay with this simply over the concern of what would happen if it didn't work out. Trust me, he is all about how things affect his business. This is not something he will take lightly.” She says, clearly freaking out a bit.

  “Shira. I won't say anything.” I reassure her, not wanting to see her get so worked up.

  “Thank you.” She breathes, leaning against the door. “I'm in love with him Anna. I don't even know if he knows it, but I am.” She admits, hitting me with tear glazed eyes.

  “How long has this been going on?” I ask, just out of pure curiosity.

  “Not long. I mean, I have had feelings for him for a while now but it wasn't until more recently that I acted on them. It was the night of Bentley's birthd
ay dinner.” She admits, apology lining her face. Though I am not really sure why she feels like she should be apologetic.

  “We were both staying at The Luminous Hotel. The one where Bentley stays.” She tacks on. “Anyways, he walked me to my room and he was just standing there in the hallway all hot and sexy and I had wanted him for so long. I don't know what came over me. I grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him into my room. Things have only heated up since then.” She admits.

  “Shira, I don't pretend to know how Bentley would react to something like this. But have you ever thought about just telling him how you feel and seeing?” I ask.

  “I can't risk it Anna. If he doesn't agree, it will be Ethan that goes. He would never put him over me, I know that. If it was my job on the line then yes, I would risk it. But I can't put Ethan in the position to lose his job.” She shakes her head.

  “I won't tell him. I promise.” I say, taking a step towards her. “But you know as well as I, that he will find out eventually and it will only be that much worse when he does because you weren't upfront about it. Trust me, I know.” I laugh to myself.

  “And I think it's awesome.” I tack on, pulling her into a hug. “I think you two are perfect for each other.” I say, releasing her and taking a step back. “I have always thought that you two would make an awesome couple.”

  “Thank you Anna.” She blinks rapidly, clearly trying to hold in her emotion. I can tell that this has been eating at her. I mean, I couldn't before. But now that I know, I can see how badly she just needed to tell someone.

  “And I meant what I said; your secret is safe with me. But I really think you should consider telling Bentley. I think you would be surprised by how he would take it if he knew how strongly you felt about Ethan.” I give her a smile.

  “Speaking of Bentley, you should probably get back out there before he comes looking for you.” She takes a deep breath and pulls herself together. “I'm going to go fill Ethan in on our conversation. He's probably going out of his mind right now.” She laughs lightly to herself.