Thunder (Big D Escort Service Book 1)

by Summers, Willow

  Colton dropped his hand on the counter and lowered his head. “How much did she ask to be billed for?”

  “Full after-hours treatment. She suggested an amendment for duties performed in addition to her original assessment of the job at hand—this is her language, not mine.”

  “I figured that,” Colton said, drinking it all in. Every syllable. In his head he could hear her feminine hum in each word. See the firm set to her shoulders as she talked business.

  She was so incredibly smart and beautiful. So quirky and full of life. The longing he felt wouldn’t be denied for much longer. He’d have to ante up and text her. Or email her. Something.

  He wasn’t going to find another girl like her.

  “You got a hearing problem?” Dick knocked on the counter.

  “Go ahead,” Colton said.

  “She also commented that if the payer gives the payee oral sex, it really should cancel out any reciprocation. In a follow-up email, she owned that if it was the payer’s choice, then it would negate her previous assertion. I also got a detailed analysis on the illegalities of our operation, including the fact that we have pricing on the website, regardless of the fact that it’s in code. Had I asked, I have the feeling she would’ve followed all this up with a business plan of some sort.” Dick huffed out a laugh.

  “Don’t let her pay a dime. She’ll probably email you with a demand to pay her fair share, but ignore her. Not a dime. I’ll pay your percentage on the full amount, out of pocket.”

  “Message received.”

  Without anything else to say, Colton slunk past the divider, his gut still churning. She thought he’d spent the night with her in a professional capacity. She felt obligated to pay for his services.

  No wonder she hadn’t called him.

  He nodded at Dave as he set his stuff down. Noah, another of the guys in the Big Dick camp, finished a bicep curl before putting down his weight and nodding his hello.

  “Heard your gig from Saturday is giving Dick hell,” Dave said as he wiped off his face. “Do we need to blacklist her?”

  Colton hesitated in preparing for his workout. “What did Dick say?”

  Dave shrugged and stood next to the bench press. “That she was too smart for her own good and giving him hell. He said you sure know how to pick ’em. You piss her off, or what? I didn’t see any scathing comments on the website.”

  Dick knew the score, not that it surprised Colton. He knew Colton had broken his rules not because Madison was hot or sexy, but because there was more there. She had him hooked. Dick had also chosen to keep his secret. He was a good man. Insightful.

  Colton hesitated in answering. He didn’t want to share his notes on this one, because none of these guys would ever touch her. He’d make sure of that.

  “She’s a high-powered exec and works with contracts all the time—she probably reviewed the agreement and didn’t like the wording or something. Not my job.” Colton pointed at the bench. “Do you need a spot, or what?”

  Dave analyzed him for a moment. Noah did, too, both of them staring for a silent beat. Finally, Dave shrugged and, without a word, added weight to the bar. Noah turned away silently.

  As Colton started his workout, Madison’s face popped into his mind. Her expression of wonder after he’d kissed her. Her complete satisfaction after they’d made love.

  Cold shivers shook him. This was the first time he’d ever thought of sex as making love. One night with Madison had changed his definition.

  An hour and a half later, Colton toweled off his face and wiped down his arms. Blood flowed through his muscles. He thought about hitting the locker room for a quick shower, since he was supposed to go for beers with Dave and Noah, but he found himself grabbing his duffel from the open locker beside the weights and heading to the front. He wasn’t in the mood to go out.

  He needed to think about how he was going to attack the Madison problem. Not seeing her again wasn’t an option. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Throughout the workout, he’d caught himself pausing randomly to chuckle at something she’d said. Dave and Noah asked what was up the first few times, but his continued lack of response had finally quieted them.

  As he made his way to the front, the sweetest sound drifted across the divider separating the check-in desk from the rest of the gym.

  Madison. It was like his memories had miraculously fleshed out.

  “I need to speak with the owner of the…” She cleared her throat. “I realize this is a gym, but this address is also listed for a company called— Um. A sort of dating service. I need to speak to the owner of that.”

  Adrenaline flooded him.

  Colton grinned in disbelief as he stopped on the far side of the divider. He could hear her embarrassment and uncertainty. He fought the impulse to walk out toward her. To wrap his arm around her shoulder until she felt confident again.

  He needed to figure out where she stood on all this. She was probably there about the refunded payment, clearly not above leaving work in the middle of the day to force the issue, but he had to acknowledge a possibility he’d been trying to discount. It was possible she wasn’t as hooked as he was. That maybe it had all been sexual for her, and the event was what had put her in the mood, not him.

  “How’d you get this address?” Dick asked.

  Noah came into view, towel in hand, and leaned on the far side of the check-in counter, just within Colton’s line of sight. He still couldn’t see Dick or Madison.

  “I traced your IP address. Listen—”

  Colton jumped as a hand slapped down on his shoulder.

  “Hey,” Dave said, coming up beside him. Noah glanced over, eyebrows winging up.

  Colton shoved Dave toward the desk and put a finger to his mouth.

  “What’s up?” Dave boomed, staggering out toward Noah. “Buddy.” He slapped Noah on the back.

  Noah shrugged him off. “Get lost, bro.”

  “How you doin’, there?” Dave nodded in what must’ve been Madison’s direction before swaggering that way. It was his “pretty girl” swagger. When he saw something he liked.

  A flash of rage stole Colton’s breath. He braced his hand on the divider, willing himself to be calm. Dave wouldn’t piss on Colton’s parade like that, but for some reason the very idea brought out a possessive quality he had a hard time controlling. It felt raw and primal, and it didn’t respond very well to logic.

  “Fine. Thanks,” Madison said flatly, annoyance creeping into her voice. Noah cracked a smile. She must’ve given Dave a look. “As I said, I would like to speak to the owner of the aforementioned business.”

  “Big Dick Escort Service, you mean?” Dick asked. His chair squeaked.

  The door swished, someone coming in. Dick’s chair squeaked again, the check-in beep sounded, and Colton moved off a little so the person wouldn’t be startled by his presence when they came around the divider.

  “I…um…” The scuffing sound of shoes said Madison was moving. Her face was probably a bright shade of red. The impulse to saunter out there and set her at ease pounded inside him, but he didn’t do it. He needed to see this play out. That, and he had the distinct impression he would spook her into running away. She sounded like a flight risk.

  A vaguely familiar younger guy came around the divider and nodded at Colton. He returned the gesture as Madison murmured something in the front. He crept farther back.

  “You can talk to me,” Dick said.

  “Thank you, mister…”

  “Dick.”

  “Cute,” she said. Noah’s smile spread. Clearly she didn’t believe that Dick was his real name. “Are you the person I have been corresponding with?”

  “Yes. I handle reservations and payment for Big Dick Escort Service. I don’t own the company. I do own this gym.”

  “Wait,” Madison said. “You own this gym?”

  “Yeah.” Dick paused. “Why?”

  “You work in plain sight of your customers?” Her voice was flat. The b
usiness hat was back on.

  “Yeah. Why?” Dick asked again.

  Noah was shaking with laugher. Dave came back into view, sliding down the counter until he was in Colton’s line of sight. He looked over and met Colton’s eyes, a lopsided grin on his face.

  “You aren’t exactly a walking billboard for your clientele,” Madison said. “I think a fit, pretty attendant would really serve you well.”

  Noah and Dave burst out laughing, both of them sagging against the counter.

  “Get off the counter,” Dick yelled. “You’re smearing sweat all over the place.”

  “Anyway, sir,” Madison said, “is there someplace private that we can go over matters?”

  “You call me sir again, and I’ll start looking for my father. Call me Dick.”

  “I’d really rather not. I’m sure you can see why that might be unsettling for me.”

  Dave beat his hand against the counter and lowered his head onto his arm, shaking with laughter. Noah wiped away tears.

  “Yes, we all find this amusing,” she said over the din. “Joke is on me, but in all seriousness, I would like to take care of this so I can get back to work.”

  Something slapped against the counter. “Here is my license. Richard Kromeski. Dick is short for Richard. Call me Dick.”

  “Oh.” Fingers drummed against the counter—hers, Colton could tell. His buddies were both staring Madison’s way with huge smiles. “Yes, I see. Pardon me. You can understand my confusion. I didn’t realize that the ‘Dick’ was possessive.”

  “Possessive?” Dick asked.

  “Big Dick Escort Service. As in, you are big Dick. I assume it was named after you?” She paused. “Am I way off base here? I feel like this logic isn’t computing for you.”

  Dave collapsed against the counter. Noah turned until he was staring at Colton, humorous disbelief on his face. Colton urgently signaled him to turn around.

  “That’s the second time you’ve alluded to me being overweight,” Dick said in a dry voice.

  “I didn’t realize it would be a surprise,” she said. The guys started guffawing again. “I apologize.” She raised her voice to be heard. People in the gym were looking toward the front now. “It was rude to laugh, but the others were and I couldn’t help it. You must see the humor in all this.”

  “Not really, no,” Dick replied.

  “He does,” Noah said, wiping his eyes again. “He’s just refusing to go along with it. You don’t have to be worried about us—we are part of BD.”

  “Oh. Right.” Madison sounded uncomfortable again, the humor fading from her voice. “Of course. Well, I recently employed your services and I wish to settle up.”

  “Your money is no good here,” Dick said.

  “I don’t think you understood me. You accidentally refunded the initial payment, so that needs to be re-charged.” She cleared her throat. “As for the bonus services, I understand that we may not have filed paperwork, but surely my actions declare intent—”

  “What bonus services?” Dave asked.

  Colton started forward. This had gone on long enough. He wasn’t getting anything from her, and it wouldn’t be fair to make her tally up the fee in front of the guys. He’d be as embarrassed as she’d be.

  Noah and Dave both straightened up as he came around the divider. Madison stood at the counter in front of Dick, her back straight and her eyes hard.

  Colton’s stomach dropped out and a fresh sheen of sweat covered his face. All thoughts fled.

  She wore a crisp pinstriped pantsuit ending in shiny black flats. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail and her face was bare of makeup. Power and prestige radiated from her, as well as the confidence of a woman who knew who she was and where she was going. A goddess.

  She was definitely out of his league.

  “Maddie,” he said, wondering if he was still allowed to use that nickname.

  Her head snapped toward him and fear crossed her face. That melted off immediately, replaced with delight. Fire kindled in her eyes and a little smile graced her plump lips. Back to fear, though, dulling her sparkle.

  “Oh my God, I’m not stalking you, I swear.” She took a step back. “I didn’t know this was your gym. Or that it was a gym. Or that you were at the gym right now. The coincidence is a little far-fetched, I grant you, but I swear to you, I did not stalk you. I stalked the business because he”—she jabbed a finger at Dick—“mistakenly refunded your payment. I tried to email him, but he wouldn’t answer. He won’t re-charge the payment. Or the”—she glanced at the other guys—“other…stuff. You should get paid for that. You put in the time. Janie said I probably didn’t have to pay because I could easily find a loophole, but I’m not that kind of girl. You know that. I didn’t want to screw you out of your money.” Her face flushed. “That pun was not intended.”

  “Maddie, relax. It’s fine. I told him to refund your money. After the job ended on Saturday, the job ended. I was off-duty. That was my choice. If I’d known you before all this, the whole night would’ve been my choice. Keep your money. I don’t want a contract hanging over Saturday.”

  Realization dawned—she clearly recognized he was talking about her aversion to contracts in emotional matters. A beautiful smile crossed her face, relief smoothing away the tightness around her eyes.

  “Are you sure?” she asked quietly, reaching out to grab the edge of the counter.

  “Yes. Very. It was a pleasure.”

  The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped Colton out of his single-minded focus. Madison jolted ramrod straight, glancing around like a frightened rabbit.

  “Right.” She took a step toward the door. “Cool. I don’t like not paying you, but…okay.” She nodded, now clutching the strap of her handbag. “So thank you, again. Sorry I just showed up. I honestly had no idea what this place was. I should’ve checked. I’m an idiot. Sorry to bother you. See ya, Dick. Sorry about the stern words. Bye, guys.”

  She half ran for the door, nearly bowling over the older man with sweatbands on his head and wrists who was making his way inside.

  Colton stood there like an idiot with his mouth hanging open, the rejection stinging. He hadn’t seen it coming. He’d thought she felt it, too. A rekindled flame—no, forest fire—from the other night.

  “She’s a looker,” Dave said, and leaned against the counter.

  “She just shut you down, bro.” Noah grinned. “How’s that taste?”

  “Why wouldn’t she? He declined her gig.” Dick jabbed the keys of his computer.

  “I didn’t decline her gig. I gave it to her free.” Colton threw his towel onto the counter.

  Dick looked up, frowning. He pointed at the towel. “Is that where used towels go?”

  Someone came in and handed over a key card. As the guy slipped behind the barrier, Dick gestured at his retreating back. “Now he thinks this place is a shithole.”

  “Everyone thinks this place is a shithole,” Dave said. “We’re not here for the shoddy equipment or the cheap price; we’re here for your charming personality.”

  “Get some new equipment, and you’ll get more members.” Noah snatched up Colton’s towel, combined it with his own, and threw them both into the designated bin at the back wall. “Or get a new attendant to sit out front.” He laughed. “That girl was funny, man. That’s the most fun I’ve had in a while.”

  “Get out more,” Dave replied.

  “You’re just pissed because she puts your jokes to shame,” Noah said.

  “I got enough gym subscriptions to keep the business manageable.” Dick leaned back in his chair. “Any more and I’d have to try harder.”

  “Try period, don’t you mean?” Dave asked.

  Dick’s gaze hit Colton. “You let her have gig one, yes. Then you had me cancel her request for gig two. What did you expect from her, hugs and smiles?”

  “He got smiles. That chick was into him.” Noah leaned against the counter, but straightened up when Dick shot him another war
ning look. “Canceling her gig, though. Not a good move, bro, unless you got something up your sleeve. I didn’t think you were this dense.”

  A cold chill crept down Colton’s spine. “What do you mean I had you cancel gig two? When did you bring that up?”

  Dick leaned an elbow against the counter toward Colton, his eyebrows rising. “Am I losing my mind, or did you not come in here earlier and tell me that you’re out, and I should cancel all your requests? Because I distinctly heard both of those things. I do my job. I took care of it. You’re welcome.” Dick leaned back again, his lips pressed tightly together. “You got your head up your ass, and that girl clearly knows it.”

  “You’re out, bro?” Noah asked.

  Colton ignored Noah, zeroing in on Dick. “Why didn’t you tell me she’d made a request? What was it for?”

  “Don’t you check your requests?” Dave asked.

  “He doesn’t, so I email him his summary daily.” Dick paused to check in a newcomer and nod at someone who was leaving. “I put Madison Erickson at the top, figuring he might want that one. She was front and center. Couldn’t miss her.”

  “I haven’t looked at those emails in weeks. You know I haven’t been interested,” Colton said, gripping the edge of the counter.

  “But did I know you weren’t reading your emails?” Dick asked. “No, I did not. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have bothered going through all the trouble of sending them.”

  Noah scrubbed his fingers through his hair. “This ain’t good, bro. That must have been embarrassing for her—coming in here, running into you after you told her to fuck off.”

  “What was the reservation for?” Colton asked, in front of the computer. “Can you still look it up?”

  “Or you could just read the email that I spent fifteen minutes compiling for your royal highness,” Dick groused, jabbing at his computer like it had mortally offended him. He braced a hand on his thigh while the other guys drifted closer. “The location is her house. Under ‘activities,’ she wrote, ‘With the express understanding that it will be littered with the relics of a dingleberry. Mr. Lionel Thunder God should not mind the mess. We will cackle on the broken ashes of my douche ex and hope a maid appears out of the blue to’…and then it stops.”