Page 45 of Phoenix

It’s sexual in nature, yes, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a show. Like Broadway.

I’m entranced by them and their aura. It’s intoxicating and having Case by my side only intensifies it.

All the skin, the sequins, the music, the dancing, the singing.

I look over to Case and he’s not watching the show, he’s watching me. His eyes on me make me feel alive. Like I could overcome anything. Like I could run into a roaring fire and come out unscathed. That’s a scary feeling.

I move my gaze off of his, and finish the last of my vodka soda, releasing a deep breath. I’m getting swept up in this. I’m away from the stress of work and essentially on vacation with a hot as sin man. Of course I’m getting swept up and it’s okay.

It’s okay to have fun.

Okay to feel something.

Have fun. Unwind. That’s why I’m here. Right?

The show rolls to a close and I stand, giving them the round of applause they deserve.

“What did you think?” he asks.

“It was fucking incredible! I can’t believe you wanted to come see this,” I admit.

“Andre is a friend and his girlfriend owns the place. I like to support when I can, and I had a feeling you’d really enjoy yourself.”

New music starts moving through the speakers and the crowds at the tables scatter, some back to the bar, some over to the small dance floor.

“I really did. Thank you for bringing me.”

“The night is still young. Are you sure you don’t want another drink? I’ve heard through the grapevine, they have a pretty amazing cheesecake here, too. It’s the only food they serve.”

“Actually, that sounds incredible.”

“I swear. This woman walked right out of her house, stark fucking naked and shouted ‘You’ll never take me alive’ before diving into her pool,” Case says, very animatedly, and I cannot stop laughing.

“You can’t be serious. Case, that sounds fake.”

“Swear. It happened.”

I don’t know where the hours have gone. We have sat at this table in Erotique, sharing cheesecake, and just talking like we did the first time I was in Savannah before everything fell apart.

“Tell me about work. How’s it really been going for you?” he asks, finishing his water.

I sit back in my chair and sigh. “It’s been...work. I don’t really know how to answer honestly.”

“You aren’t happy anymore?”

“It’s not that. I like helping people—but nursing—it’s just not what excites me anymore. Does that make sense?”

“Perfect sense.”

“Some days are harder than others. I manage.”

“You shouldn’t just manage, Nora. You should do what excites you. What makes you tick and keeps your heart racing.” He talks with his hands. I love it.

“Is that what being a cop does for you?”

“Every day.”

I shake my head in response. “I couldn’t do it, and I couldn’t be the loved one of someone who puts their life on the line every day like that.”

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