Page 16 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“So?”

“You’re trying too hard with him.”

“Stop.” He’d had enough and didn’t want to see his ex.So much for going to Club 51.“I’m not going out with Dorian as a date. We’re friends.”

“You wanted to date him.”

“I’m not taking the bait on this.” He gathered his jacket, ID, credit card and keys, then put on his boots. He filled Ollie’s food dish, then took Stan out for a quick walk and potty break. Before he left, he ensured Stan had his chew bone and access to the bedroom. Satisfied, Isaac walked out of the apartment and locked up before heading downstairs to his car.

“You could have me,” Jake said. “We’d have fun. Are you listening to me? Who are you with right now?”

“I put the dog out for a walk, then fed both him and the cat. I’m still listening to you.” He slid behind the wheel of his car. “I need to go. If we head there, I’ll see you.” This time, he hung up without giving Jake a chance to respond. He drove across town to Strausburg to pick up Dorian. He didn’t want to think about his exes or his workload. He refused to consider his crush.

Fifteen minutes later, he stopped in front of Dorian’s apartment building. Dorian strode out of the foyer.

“Hi.” Dorian settled on the seat. “Did you know where you wanted to go?” He adjusted his smoking jacket and ran his fingers through his hair. He’d muted his usually wild style and almost didn’t look like himself.

“I haven’t decided.” Club 51 was out. “Why? Do you have a suggestion?”

“How about the Cedarwood Gentlemen’s Club?” Dorian asked. He donned a set of black-rimmed glasses. “I want to find a rich boyfriend.”

“Isn’t that a strip club?” He drove back to Cedarwood. “I could swear it’s a strip joint.”

“No, it’s a place for men of high character and wealth,” Dorian said. “Hence, I toned myself down and am wanting to find a rich boyfriend.”

“Well, if that’s the kind of joint it is and we can get in, then I hope you do.” He drove through town to Country Club Drive. He’d passed the gentlemen’s club many times and wondered what the inside was like. Now, he’d know. He pulled into the parking lot and joined the line of cars. “Is there a valet or can I park myself?”

“Over here.” Dorian pointed to a nearly full lot. “It’s just a longer walk to the building.”

“I don’t care.” He found an empty space and pulled in. Dorian led the way to the door.

A tuxedo-clad man at the entry stopped them. “The fee to enter is forty dollars each, gentlemen.”

Isaac pulled out the required bills from his wallet. “I’ve got it. Thanks.” He’d agreed to pay the cover, but he hadn’t expected it to be quite so high.

“I’ll pay for drinks,” Dorian said and strolled into the club. “Let’s go.”

The doorman rolled his eyes, but stepped out of the way.

Isaac elbowed Dorian. “Where do we go? This is fancier than I thought it’d be.” He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but granite pillars, deep maroon carpet, drapery and candlelight wasn’t it. Should he whisper? Where was the throbbing music? The gyrating bodies? Shit, he was over his head.

“It’s a freeform kind of place.” Dorian squeezed Isaac’s arm. “You go where you want to.” He walked away from Isaac, leaving Isaac in the middle of the expansive room.

Isaac sighed. Compared to some of the men, he was underdressed. He ducked out of the throng of male bodies to the edge of the room. He’d become a doctor because he loved medicine—not the money. He wasn’t good in convention situations and only clubbed because he stood a chance to find a partner for the evening. He didn’t know what the hell he was going to find here.

Isaac spotted a hallway. According to Dorian, he had free rein in the building. The corridor offered less noise—no chamber music like in the main room. He noticed a door off to the side.Law Lounge.He scrubbed the back of his hand across his chin.Interesting.He’d never practiced law, but he’d watched a lot of crime shows during college.

Dorian sashayed up to him. “Where are you going? You’re not allowed in the Law Lounge.”

“Why not?” Other than the obvious—he wasn’t a lawyer.

“It’s boring and stuffy,” Dorian said. “That and you’re a doctor.”

“So? You’re not a lawyer.”

“No, but I was with Lewis, who is and he got me in.” Dorian shrugged. “Speaking of, I see him. I’ll be back.”

Dorian strolled away a second time, leaving Isaac to his own devices…again. Isaac ventured over to the bar and ordered a rum and cola.

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