Chapter 11
ELEVEN
Willow
“Is it weird that I find your brother ridiculously handsome?” I ask Anya the next morning while all the girls hang out in the back of the Trifecta kitchen, watching as February and Emma bake.
“Well, you’re dating him so I would hope you’d think that,” Anya says, wrapping a purple boa further around her neck.
Did I mention we’re sitting in the kitchen of the Trifecta? One of Vegas’ premier all-male revues. Like this place is a legend. Every time I’m watching TV and a commercial about this place comes on, I don’t fast forward through it.
Sure, the club is closed right now. It’s early, but still, we’ve already raided through the prop area, and Anya’s got a purple boa and a white cowboy hat on.
She’s not the only one sporting a cowboy hat. I’ve got on a brown one, and Hartford’s wearing a pink one.
We’ve also got boas, silks, and other props.
However, Anya’s mother, Carol is decked out with a black SWAT vest and matching black hat. She’s also been carrying a police baton in her hands, smacking our butts playfully every once in a while.
“So, men dance on stage wearing this?” Carol asks, and Anya’s green eyes grow wide and we all laugh.
“Yes, and tonight for the bachelorette party we’ve already got one of the private VIP rooms booked for you all,” Clara says with a wink. Her short brown hair falls around her shoulders, and she laughs after she sees Carol blush.
“Oh no, I can’t watch that,” Carol says with a wave of her hand.
“You have to,” I say, laughing along with the rest of the women in the kitchen.
“You’ll definitely see me there,” Hartford says. “As long as my cousins aren’t dancing.”
Shayne laughs. “I don’t think Ben, Axel, and Damien even remember any dance moves.”
Clara’s eyes shoot over at Shayne. “Speak for your own man. Ben gives me my own showing every night.”
Hartford covers her ears. “I seriously don’t want to hear about that.”
Emma laughs. “Yeah, Axel definitely still has the moves.”
Shayne shrugs. “Dang, I need to make Damien dance for me. Oh, I’m doing that tonight.”
“Oh my god. Stop please,” Hartford pleas with a laugh. “I can’t take it anymore.”
“Has Paxton ever stripped for you?” Emma asks Hartford.
Hartford’s cheeks turn bright pink as she drops her hands from her ears.
“No comment,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
The room falls silent for a split second before erupting into laughter.
Carol, standing beside her, looks mortified, her face a mix of embarrassment and amusement.
Hartford’s mother, Jackie, sensing the moment, wraps a comforting arm around Carol.
“Okay, ladies,” Jackie announces with a warm smile, “we’re going to go shopping and let you all finish up here.”
As Jackie and Carol leave the room, the rest of us break out into an enormous outrage of laughter, the sound echoing off the walls.
“Paxton and Hartford get into the kinky shit,” Felicity says, with a wink.
Hartford’s face is completely red, and she shakes her head. “Not that freaky, but just a little.”
I want to ask her for more details, but my mind travels to Brock. I wonder what he’s like in bed. Would he be into kinky shit?
The thought has me biting my lower lip, and I quickly survey the room.
“I’m more excited about tonight,” I say, changing the subject.
“We’ve got the VIP room stocked with everything you ladies could possibly want,” Clara says, her eyes shining with happiness.
We’re having Hartford’s bachelorette party here tonight, and the thought of watching men dance around on stage makes me giggle. I’ve never been very adventurous with sex, and Lake was a bore in the bedroom, so my imagination runs wild.
“Tonight is going to be fun. Too bad none of us are single,” Hartford says.
I am, but of course I can’t very well say that.
“Tonight we can act single,” Anya says with a laugh. “Just a little.”
“Well, we’ve got a surprise there too,” Clara says with a wink.
“What?” Hartford parks a hand on her hip. “What’s the surprise?”
Clara shakes her head. “Oh no, you’re not getting that out of me.”
Now we’re all curious.
“I think cake production is going to stop until we all know what the surprise is,” February says, holding up her hands in the air, like she doesn’t plan on continuing until Clara spills the tea.
“Okay, Ben convinced the guys to dance for you all tonight.”
Hartford’s face twists in confusion, and I have to agree, I’m pretty confused too.
“My cousins?” Hartford asks.
Clara shakes her head slowly. “All of them. Paxton, your cousins, Paxton’s brothers, everyone.”
My eyes widen, and I lock eyes with Anya.
“Wait, I have to watch my brothers strip?” She makes a gagging face, and we all laugh.
Clara holds up a hand. “I promise you, no one is getting naked. It’ll be tasteful, and just keep your eyes on Griffin, and you’ll be fine.”
“This is going to be fun,” says Emma.
“Yeah, you don’t have to watch your brothers up on stage.” Anya leans against the counter. “I’m going to need blinders or something so I can only see Griffin dance.”
Clara laughs harder. “You’ll enjoy it, and they’re only doing one little number.”
I try to imagine Brock up there. “Do they know about it yet?”
Clara gives a suspicious smile. “Ben and Paxton are talking everyone into it right now.”
“I can’t believe this,” Hartford says.
“I can’t either,” I say, wondering how I’ll feel watching Brock on stage with everyone else. Will Lake be dancing as well? I hope not.
I don’t know if I’m excited to watch Brock dance, or terrified to watch him dance.
All I know is I can’t wait to see him again.
After an hour, the cake is made and beautifully decorated, its intricate designs and vibrant colors a testament to our hard work. February and Emma carefully maneuver it into the walk-in to keep it fresh for the wedding.
“Should we go back to the hotel to get ready for tonight?” Hartford asks, and we all nod in agreement.
“Yeah, I want to ask Griffin if he’ll be dancing for me,” Anya says with a laugh. “Because if he says no, then I won’t be watching.”
Clara, ever the planner, chimes in, “We’ve got the normal dancers performing most of the night, but your men will put on a little five-minute dance for you ladies.” She locks up the Trifecta as we all head out, blending into the bustling energy of the Las Vegas Strip.
The weather is perfect for October—comfortably cool with a light breeze that carries the excitement of the evening ahead.
As we walk, I can’t help but think about which dress I’ll wear tonight.
I want to make an unforgettable impression on both Brock and Lake, but more than anything, I want Brock to be mesmerized when he sees me.
My nerves start to flutter, and my heart beats rapidly at the thought of Brock dancing for me tonight.
The very idea of watching him up on stage, moving just for me, sends a thrill through my body that I can’t quite explain.
But it’s there, a simmering anticipation that makes me eager for the night to begin.