Page 76 of Best Man Speaking

Marcus:Do you think I’d make a good stripper?

I text Hallie even though she sits across from me on the circular-shaped couch we’ve ended up on. There are enough people between us for it to go unnoticed. Our ranks have joined forces again after splitting up after dinner. The groom and groomsmen had hit up a strip show, and the bride and her bridesmaids had done the same.

Hallie:I’m having a great night, thanks. How are you?

Marcus:No, really, do you think I’d make a good stripper?

The music is loud, and the caged go-go dancers make excellent distractions for those who aren’t engaged in drinking and dancing themselves.

I glance over at Hallie. The glow of her phone lights up the small smile that’s gracing her face.

Hallie:I don’t think you’re going to like my answer.

Marcus:You’re telling me I wouldn’t make a hot and sexy stripper?

Hallie:Well…generally speaking, the stripping is being done for an audience or customer, it’s business. It’s not really about YOU.

Marcus:What are you trying to say here, Hal?

I let my gaze follow her for a few moments as she heads to the bar with Katie and Rhianna, Erica’s other bridesmaids. She sways to the music, and I have to look away, grateful when her reply finally comes through.

Hallie:I’m trying to say that if you kept your mouth closed and there weren’t any reflective surfaces in sight…well, then and only then, you might make a good stripper.

Marcus:Wow. Personally, I’d thought my mouth was the selling point.

Hallie:I told you you wouldn’t like my answer. Picture my smiling face with a halo above it, the emoji really doesn’t give the full effect. It also doesn’t come with a raised middle finger.

Marcus:Charming. You’d think you’d be nicer to the man who had you moaning on a plane not that long ago.

Hallie:Shut up.

Marcus:I’d love to shut you up ;)

Hallie:Put your money where your mouth is.

Marcus:I’ll put something else where your mouth is.

Hallie:Disgusting.

Marcus:No, but really… you ready to sneak off soon?

Hallie:I think I could be up for it.

Marcus:Message me when you’re back at your hotel?

Hallie:I will, but you better be worth it.

Marcus:On it. I’m practicing my moves right now. You’ll be calling me Magic Marcus by the end of the night.

Hallie:I’ll remember to bring a bunch of cash then.

Marcus:$5 bills or higher, please.

I put my phone in my pocket, giving my full attention to Jules and Erica, who’ve just taken their seats, and I know then that I’m not going to be able to get away with following Hallie onto the dance floor. I wouldn’t be able to be near her and not look at her, and I’d struggle not to touch her. It’d be even worse if I had towatch her move that closely with anyone else. Not because she can’t or shouldn’t, but because…

It’s a me problem. And so I keep my ass exactly where it is and count the time until I can excuse myself for the night with ease.

Chapter Twenty-Three

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