Page 4 of Flag On The Play
Because the truth is, Nova Wilde turned me on in high school, and she sure as hell did again tonight. That slow, confident sway of her hips? That smug little smile? She’s a walking fantasy, and the worst part is, she knows it.
“Well, if you aren’t gonna do it, I am. You went to high school with her. I didn’t.” Jace stands, adjusting his shirt and glancing toward the back booths. “You’re cool with that, right?”
No. Fuck no. The thought of Nova grinding on him makes my jaw clench hard enough to crack a molar. The idea of his handson her body, of her laughing at his stupid jokes, or giving him the attention she never gave me makes something primal twist in my chest.
But I can’t say that.
Can’t admit that the girl who rejected me years ago still has a grip on me like no one else.
“Yeah, of course,” I lie. “Go for it.”
The words taste like acid.
Jace slaps my back and strolls off toward the private booths like he’s about to win the damn lottery.
“You really cool with it?” Theo asks, raising an eyebrow as he sips his beer. His always way too observant eyes watch me like he already knows the answer.
I shrug and grab the nearest shot. “Haven’t talked to her since high school. I don’t care what she does or what Jace does with her.”
Another lie.
I throw back the shot to wash down the lie and let it burn inside me like the alcohol.
“Good,” Theo says, setting his drink down. “Because I’m not here to watch you mope around at this table. First lap dance is on me.”
The idea of getting a lap dance right now feels about as exciting as taking a sack in the fourth quarter. But I force a grin and stand. “Let’s go.”
We get led to the back where the lights are lower, the music deeper, and the drinks stronger. Candy, a dancer with legs for days and a killer smile, slides into my lap like we’ve known each other for years.
She’s good. Real good.
Smooth moves, soft skin, and a practiced rhythm that earns her tips without even trying. Her tits brush against my face, herhips grinding perfectly to the beat. I know I’m supposed to be into this.
But all I can think about is Nova.
Her curves. Her eyes. The way she owned the stage without even trying. She didn’t dance like the others. She moved like she meant it. Like she was telling a story no one else could hear.
“You’re quiet,” Candy purrs, brushing her lips near my ear.
“Long day,” I murmur.
She chuckles, pulling back just enough to look at me. “You came to the wrong place to relax, then.”
I offer a tight smile. “You know the girl who danced earlier? Lux?”
Candy’s brows lift slightly. “Lux doesn’t usually talk to anyone.”
“Just wondering if she’s still here.”
Candy leans in again, her body still moving, her voice softer now. “Left right after her set. Doesn’t hang around.”
Relief washes over me, uninvited but undeniable. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I saw her up close again. Maybe something stupid.
As the song ends, Candy rises and smooths her hands over her thighs. “Anything else I can do for you, quarterback?”
So she knows who I am. Good.
I hesitate, then reach into my jacket and pull out the envelope that’s been burning a hole in my pocket since I left the hotel. I peel off two hundred in crisp bills and hand it to her.
