Page 14 of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
Chapter Seven
Ryan offered up a silentprayer of thanks that the back lot of Bait was across the street from the back lot of Betty’s business, Sassy Buns Bakery. That made for a relatively short walk on stilettos or, as she was going to call them from now on,death stilts.
She stared up at the huge commercial building, unimpressed. It certainly didn’tlooklike the area’s hottest nightclub. It looked like a massive, industrial-sized barn-slash-factory made of an eclectic combination of wood, brick, and steel. The parking lot was packed, which Ryan found surprising for a Tuesday night. The heavy thump of bass was just barely audible outside, like a vague heartbeat.
“Are you sure this is the right place?”
Betty laughed. “Yes, I’m sure. Wait until you see the inside.”
They joined a steady stream of people moving from the lot through the alleyway to the public entrance at the front. After seeing some of the outfits, or lack thereof, Ryan didn’t feel quite as self-conscious. When it came to clubbing, less was apparently more.
Energy built in the air around them, becoming more palpable with each step. By the time they reached the entrance, her heart was pounding and her anxious energy had intensified. This was so not her scene. She would much rather be lounging in yoga pants with a glass of wine, ice cream, and cake—in that order—while binge-watching anX-Filesmarathon. Then she took one look at the happy excitement on Betty’s face and pasted a supportive smile on her face.
The front of the club looked slightly better than the back. Massive double doors of black glass were flanked on either side by beefy biker types in suits, wearing shades and earpieces. Huge “hooks” hung downward from decorative fishing poles higher up, silently inviting lots of selfies while people waited in line for admission. Neon lights in blues and greens reflected and moved against the building, giving it a wave-like appearance and making her slightly nauseous.
Ryan suppressed a groan when she searched for the end of the line and saw that it extended down into the next block. It didn’t look as if her aching feet were going to get a respite anytime soon.
“Chill, girlfriend. We’re not waiting in that.” Betty grabbed her hand and tugged her forward, all the way to the front of the queue. “Follow my lead.”
Betty cocked her hip, thrust out her boobs, and offered the doorman-slash-bouncer a megawatt smile as she held out her driver’s license. “Hey, handsome. It’s my birthday. Can you get us in?”
The big guy glanced at her license then looked them both up and down. Ryan was sure he was going to send them to the back of the line when he nodded slightly and unclasped the heavy mariner’s rope gating the entrance. “Enjoy your evening, ladies,” he said in a deep, raspy voice.
Walking into Bait was like entering another world. A sea of writhing bodies covered the floor. Loud techno music with a primitive beat reverberated through her back teeth. Rich scents of money, liquor, and sex assaulted her nostrils. It was instant sensory overload. Ryan paused to get her bearings.
There were three levels, each wrapping around a central atrium that went all the way up to the roof. The top level was enclosed in mirror-tinted glass, which she found particularly interesting. The detective in her couldn’t help wondering what went on up there, then she realized she probably didn’t want to know, not unless she wanted to ruin Betty’s night by making a couple of arrests.
The second level had red velvet ropes blocking off its entrances, so it was safe to assume that was a VIP area. Railed balconies stretched out toward the center and boasted couches, chairs, and tables, all occupied. Farther back, she caught a glimpse of what looked like rooms. Some had heavy velvet curtains drawn. Others appeared to be public viewing areas, but she couldn’t see exactly what was drawing the small crowds. Given the rumors and the sexy vibes of the club, she thought she had a pretty good idea.
Ryan turned her attention back downward before she saw something blatantly illegal and was duty-bound to do something about it.
The bottom floor, where they were, was packed and standing room only from the dance floor all the way to the long bar that took up the far wall. Like outside, deep blue and green neon lights lit up the building, giving the impression of being underwater. Some of that could be attributed to the huge fish tanks lining the walls on either side of the bar, filled with colorful plants and sea creatures.
Panic began to arise within her, her fear of water making itself known. Her chest grew tight and taking a full breath became difficult.You’re not in the water. Don’t make a fool of yourself. You’re not in the water. It’s just an illusion.
Ryan closed her eyes and repeated the chant, taking deep breaths. She concentrated on the music and the people, on all the things that reminded her that she was safe and on dry land.
Unaware of her inner struggle—Ryan liked to keep her weaknesses to herself—Betty tugged at her wrist, pulling her forward into the pulsing throng. Part of her wished now that she had confided her fear to her friend, because Betty would never have brought her to a place like this if she had known.
Suck it up. You got this, Winslet.
Making their way forward, they weaved in and out of the dancers until they reached the bar. That, too, was packed with people ordering drinks and socializing. Surprisingly, they didn’t have to wait long before one of the bartenders, a muscular blond sporting low-slung leather pants and a puffy shirt unbuttoned down to the top of his happy trail, came by to take their order.
“What’s your pleasure, ladies?”
“Mm,” Betty hummed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the sexy swashbuckler. “It’s my birthday, so I’m going to have a Sex with the Captain.”
He winked and gave her a panty-melting smile. “Excellent choice. And you?”
“Club soda with lime, please.”
Betty pursed her lips. “Sorry, bestie, I’m invoking the birthday girl override.”
“That’s not a thing.”
“It is now.” She turned back to the bartender. “She needs an Island Affair.”
“One Sex and one Affair coming right up.”
