_______________________

“So…” McKenzie turned to her friend as they walked out to their cars after having gotten off work from the job they both worked at the mall. “Whatcha gonna do for your birthday tonight, Jade?” Wicked smile in place; McKenzie teased Jaden unmercifully for what seemed to be the thousandth time that day.

Jaden turned and glared at McKenzie. “Nothing,” She stated firmly, not liking the look in her friend’s eyes. She knew McKenzie well enough to know when she was up to something and right then, she was up to something. “I have to work in the morning. Just as well as you do.”

“The mall doesn’t open until ten o’ clock, Jade, and even if you did have to work tomorrow, which you don’t…thanks to me, you would still be going out tonight. You-“

“What the hell do you mean ‘thanks to you, I don’t have to work tomorrow’? What did you do this time, Kenzie?” This wasn’t the first time that McKenzie had gotten Jaden or herself out of working when she was planning something. And as hard as she tried, there was no way Jaden could ever be angry with McKenzie for pulling those little stunts. She always ended up having the best time when she and McKenzie were out on the town.

“Well,” McKenzie paused, letting the suspense build.

“What?” Jaden yelled in exasperation before McKenzie could finish.

“Well, I talked Lucas into covering for you, which wasn’t hard at all. That boy has got it bad for you. And I just told Mrs. Tingle that I needed to be off for a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. And so here we are. Neither you or I have to work tomorrow.” McKenzie finished, her violet eyes shining as she felt rather proud of herself for her accomplishments.

“No way! That old bat actually fell for you having a doctor appointment? Tomorrow is Saturday! She must be as senile as we think she is!” Jaden exclaimed with a laugh.

“So, don’t you want to know where we’re going tonight for your birthday?” McKenzie asked, that wicked smile curving her lips again as she flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder and looked at Jaden.

“I don’t know…Do I?” Jaden teased although on the inside she was dying to know what McKenzie had in mind.

“We are going to Guilty Pleasures… My treat.” McKenzie stated and waited for Jaden’s reaction.

Jaden’s eyes grew huge as she swallowed hard. She knew well what kind of place Guilty Pleasures was, although she’d never been there herself. Just thinking about it had a hot blush quickly rising into her cheeks.

“Well? Whatta ya think? Sounds fun, doesn’t it?” McKenzie could barely contain her excitement. She’d never been there before either and nothing was going to stop her now that’s she’d set her mind to it. And there was no way she was going to let Jaden get out of going either.

Before she even knew she was answering, the words were out of Jaden’s mouth. “Fun? I’ll say!” As she realized what she said, she blushed again and looked down at the ground. “What time are we going?” She asked softly.

“I’ll pick you up at seven o’ clock. Be ready or else!” McKenzie jokingly warned as they reached her car. She unlocked the door and got in.

“Okay,” Jaden called over her shoulder as she walked over to her car. “I’ll be ready!”

“Ooohhh! Happy Birthday to me indeed!” Jaden said to herself, a huge smile on her face as she rubbed her hands together in excited anticipation. Then starting her own car, she drove home as fast as possible without killing her or anyone else and started getting ready for the night out.

*****

By the time McKenzie arrived to pick up Jaden, both girls were nearly beside themselves with excitement and impatience to get to the club. This was a first time for both of them, and neither Jaden nor McKenzie could wait to get there. During the drive there, they talked nonstop, rambling mostly about nothing. Once they arrived there however, both McKenzie and Jaden fell silent. Jaden’s aqua colored eyes grew wide as she stared through the car window up at the neon sign that flashed the silhouette of a man and the words 'Guilty Pleasures'. Her heart started pounding furiously. Glancing over at McKenzie, she saw her friend was in about the same shape that she was. Finally after several minutes, both girls snapped out of their daze at exactly the same time.

“We didn’t come here to sit in the car all night, did we?” Jaden teased as she quickly opened the car door and got out. McKenzie let out an excited squeal as she followed.

“No, Jade…Put your money away! It’s your birthday. This night is on me.” McKenzie insisted as they stepped up to pay the cover charge once they’d entered the building.

“Are you sure?” Jaden questioned, knowing that the cover charge alone was at least fifteen dollars, and that was much, much more than Jaden expected from McKenzie for her birthday.

“You deserve it, Jade.” Was McKenzie’s reply as she stepped ahead of Jaden and paid both of their cover charges.

They’d arrived at the club fairly early so the place wasn’t too crowed yet so McKenzie and Jaden were able to snag a table right in front of the stage. The waiter, who was very good-looking had just set down their first drinks when the first of the dancers came out.

”These” are amateurs?” Jaden exclaimed as she picked up her White Russian and then took a swallow of it. She closed her eyes as the liquid burned down her throat and warmed her stomach, making her feel more relaxed than she’d been in awhile.

“Uh huh…”McKenzie murmured and then paused to take a sip of her Long Island Ice Tea. “The program says that the first hour is strictly amateurs.”

“Well…They’re good…really good!” Much like McKenzie she was unable to drag her eyes from the good-looking, well-built…naked… men that were strutting their stuff just inches in front of them.

“And just think…It’s only going to get better.” McKenzie replied with a smile.

***

“Oh my fucking God…” Jaden whispered softly at the guy who came out first after a brief intermission an hour and a half later. He was absolutely the most gorgeous man she’d ever had the privilege to lay her eyes on. Her eyes raked hungrily over the beautiful perfection of his body. He had to be at least six foot nine. Every inch of that was rock hard muscle. His beautiful, yet odd blue/green eyes were made even more brilliant by the thick, long, black eyelashes that surrounded his eyes and the hair that framed his face and hung down to the bottom of his neck in shiny black waves. His face was stunningly handsome. His jaw square and strong, with a faint hint of stubble. His lips were full and Jaden found herself feeling more than willing to do anything for just one chance to kiss those lips and run her hands over the perfectly defined muscles that adorned his chest and stomach.

Jaden’s eyes grew wide, her mouth running dry with desire as he ripped off the thong that was the only thing left covering him. To say that he was well endowed was an understatement to say the least. He was huge…definitely all man.

Seeing Jaden’s reaction, McKenzie signaled him over to their table once he was done with his routine.

“What are you doing?” Jaden gasped as he walked closer to their table. Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure it would burst right through her chest at any moment. Her hands trembled so badly, she was unable to pick up her drink and take a sip in hopes that it would calm her.

“You like him, don’t you?” McKenzie questioned quickly, although she knew full well what Jaden’s answer was.

“Well, yes, but-“ McKenzie cut her off before she was able to finish.

“Then,” McKenzie turned to Jaden, her eyes shining brightly as a smile curved her lips. “The rest of my birthday present to you…A private dance…with him.”

______________

Chapter Two

__________________

It took a moment to McKenzie’s words to sink in, and when they did, Jaden’s mouth fell open as she stared, wide eyed at her friend. “A what?” she barely managed to get out.

McKenzie smiled knowingly at her. “You’ll be fine,” she whispered as the gorgeous man came closer. “And don’t forget to breathe.”

“Ladies.” He greeted smiling at them both, as he sat down, allowing his gaze to linger on Jaden a few seconds longer.

McKenzie looked over at Jaden, who was staring at her hands, unable to look the man in the eyes.

“I’m Logan,” he continued when he didn’t get any response. “And you are…?” he asked, looking again at Jaden.

Jaden continued to stare at her hands, until finally McKenzie decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She kicked Jaden’s leg, under the table, startling her and nearly causing her to spill her drink.

“Ouch!” Jaden exclaimed, glaring at McKenzie. Then she realized the man of her dreams was still waiting for her to answer.

“Oh, um…m-my birthday.” She stuttered, her cheeks turning red.

Logan looked at her confused, then looked at her friend, who just shrugged. “I’m sorry, what?” he asked.

“We’re here for my birthday.” Jaden stated. Logan still looked a little confused, and Jaden wracked her brain, trying to remember the question he had asked her. Hadn’t he asked her why she was there? Those damn stomach muscles and chest were just too much of a distraction.

Logan laughed softly as he leaned closer to her. “Well, Happy Birthday. But that still doesn’t tell me your name.”

“Oh!” Jaden flushed even redder, looking to McKenzie for help. McKenzie was turning red herself, but from the effort to keep from laughing. She’d never seen Jaden so flustered.

Jaden turned back to Logan, her eyes meeting his and holding. Her body felt warm all over, and she had the nearly undeniable urge to just jump the man sitting next to her. She took a deep calming breath, and once she felt like she had regained her composure, she again met his eyes and smiled for the first time.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know where my mind it right now.” She said. “I’m…” she cut herself off, only kick McKenzie who had not been able to hold back the snicker that broke through. “I’m Jaden.”

“Jaden.” Logan repeated, sending chills down her spine at the way her name sounded in his deep voice. “That is a beautiful name. It suits you.” He grinned as he reached over and took her hand.

What little composure Jaden had been able to muster up, was immediately gone. Her mind went blank and she prayed that she wasn’t trembling like she knew she really was.

“McKenzie.” She blurted out, but it actually only came out barely more than a whisper. Again the confused look crossed Logan’s face.

“What?” Now he was thoroughly confused.

Jaden pointed to her friend. “That’s McKenzie.”

“Oh,” Logan nodded, it dawning on him what she meant. He turned his head and smiled at McKenzie, who was rather enjoying sitting back and watching the show, and she wasn’t even thinking about what was happening on stage.

“Nice to meet you McKenzie.”

“You too.” McKenzie smiled. “Listen, since it’s Jaden’s birthday, and also our first time here, do you think you could give her, her very own, personal dance? You know, something to remember you by?” She asked, grinning wider when she saw Jaden turn even redder.

“I would love too.” Logan smiled, turning his full attention back to Jaden. He glanced back when he saw McKenzie pulling money out. “No,” he stopped her. “Consider this my birthday present to Jaden.”

“Okay, but before you do that, I have one question,” McKenzie stated. “Are you gay?”

“MCKENZIE!” Jaden exclaimed, completely mortified.

“What? I’m sorry, but I’ve heard that a lot of guys who…do…what you do are gay, and I just wanted to know before hand if you were or were not gay. I’m sorry if I offended you.” McKenzie apologized, thinking she should have rephrased that or asked with a little more discrete…oh well, no one had ever accused her of beating around the bush.

Logan laughed and shrugged. “I’m not offended at all. And no, I’m not gay.” He answered with absolute certainly as he met and held Jaden’s gaze.

Jaden knew that if she died right then and there, she would be a happy woman. She was the one who looked at him confused when he stood up and offered her his hand.

“You get a private dance…in a private room.” He said huskily as he took her hand and pulled her to her feet and led her out of the main area, and into the back.

______________

Chapter Three

_____________________

“So today is your birthday?” Logan commented in an attempt to calm Jaden’s nervousness as he searched through the CD’s that were kept in the private room until he found exactly the one that he was looking for.

Jaden slowly let out the breath that she’d been unaware of holding until then as Logan turned around, his eyes meeting hers. Jaden looked away as a hot blush climbed into her cheeks at the way he was looking at her. She glanced around the room, but wasn’t able to see much as the lights were dimmed and the only other light was from the glow of the many candles placed all around. Jaden turned her attention back to Logan when the music started playing and he began walking over to where she stood.

Jaden felt her pulse speed up considerably and then her knees went weak. If it hadn’t been for Logan’s quick reflexes, she would have ended up flat on her face on the floor. Instead she found herself being held within a pair of very capable arms.

Logan stared down into her eyes, seeing that all of the nervousness previously seen there had bled away to reveal the burning desire that was coursing through her like a wildfire.

Jaden’s head was spinning. She felt like she was drunk or high…”High on him,” She thought to herself with a small smile. And that thought was about accurate. Just being in his presence was intoxicating. Jaden reminded herself to remember to thank McKenzie for this before she turned her full attention back to Logan.

Still holding her in his arms, Logan took shameless full advantage as Jaden tipped her head back to look up at him. Her breath caught sharply when she felt his lips brush lightly along the line of her throat. Unable to put it off any longer, Jaden reached up to run her hands along his beautifully muscled chest but before she was able to touch him, Logan stepped just out of her reach. He never let his dances get as personal as he was with her and tried to stick to that rule. But was it his rule or his sudden nervousness at what she was making him feel that made him pull back the way he did. Logan knew the answer to that question without even having to think about it. In his line of work, he was around women a lot. He’d learned from experience that it wasn’t the best idea to get involved with the women who came to the club. He’d built a wall around his heart to prevent himself from any possible feeling that he might have for those women. But Jaden was tearing through those barriers that he’d put up without any real effort on her part. And quite frankly, that scared him just a little…But not quite enough

Jaden gasped at not feeling his body against his anymore. She quickly recovered though when Logan suddenly pulled her back to him when he suddenly realized how well and right she felt next to him. “I think I could get used to having you in my arms.” Logan leaned forward and whispered against her lips.

Yet again, if it weren’t for Logan holding on to her, Jaden would have been on the floor…and probably melted into nothing more than a puddle of goo. The sound of his voice surrounded her. So deep, so rough, yet so gentle at the same time. But Jaden also knew that what he was doing was just all part of his work. It was his job to make the women feel wanted and sexy. All so that they would keep coming back to the club. And although she did feel a slight sense of disappointment at that thought, it didn’t stop her from becoming completely lost and enjoying him while she had the chance. It wasn’t everyday that she was alone in a private room with the man of her dreams and she was going to make the most of it.

Logan was caught off guard for a moment when Jaden moved closer and closed the very slight distance that remained between their lips. But he quickly gained his senses back and deepened the kiss as he pulled her tight against the long, muscular length of his body.

Suddenly realizing what she was doing, Jaden moved back with startled gasp. “I’m s-sorry,” Jaden stuttered, barely able to get her voice to cooperate with her. Her lips still tingled from that delicious kiss, not to mention the effect that he was having on other parts of her body. “I’m usually not that forward.” The second the words were out of her mouth, Jaden felt like kicking herself. God, what the hell was she apologizing for? Hell, she’d very much enjoyed that kiss and quite honestly wouldn’t mind more. “Um…how about that dance you were going to give me?”

Logan smiled down at her as he stepped up close to her again and brushed a long finger across her cheek. “I’m not dancing unless you dance with me.”

*****

McKenzie turned her attention back to the action taking place on the stage after she watched Jaden disappear with Logan. Several minutes later she nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt someone tap her on her shoulder from behind. McKenzie quickly turned around and came close to falling out of the chair that she was sitting in when her eyes touched on the incredibly good looking man standing there.

McKenzie guessed him to be about six foot eight. His dark hair was cut in a crewcut that had her wondering if he was a part of the Army, or perhaps the Navy. Thick dark lashes that only served to add to their allure framed his amazing gray eyes. McKenzie felt her mouth fall open as her eyes unconsciously ran over his body from top to bottom and she knew that she’d never seen a more purely sexy man.

“Hi, I’m Stone Hollister,” He began with a smile as he leaned closer so that McKenzie would be able to hear him over the noise of the music. “I’m looking for Logan and I’m told that he was last seen at your table. I locked myself out of the house so I need to get his keys from him.” He explained.

McKenzie was mesmerized by the sound of his voice. It reminded her of velvet; rough, yet soft. Deep and accompanied by a hint of a southern drawl made it all the more inviting.

“Logan?” McKenzie questioned, completely forgetting about Jaden and Logan and everything else around her. Her attention was completely focused on this gorgeous man.

“Hmmm…Maybe I got the wrong table,” Stone paused as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I could have sworn Louie said that he was at this table though. I’m sorry to bother you.” He apologized as he straightened up and turned to leave.

McKenzie suddenly snapped out of her daze. “Wait!” She exclaimed as she bolted up and took of his arm, turning him back around. “I’m sorry. Yes, Logan was here, but he’s…uh…busy right now.”

“Not a problem,” Stone replied as he sat down in the chair beside McKenzie. “If you don’t mind, I’ll wait right here.”

__________

Chapter Four

_____________

McKenzie smiled as she sat down. "I don't mind at all." She stated, unable to take her eyes off him. Damn was she glad she had brought Jaden here.

She couldn't stop herself from raking her eyes over his perfect body. The way his T-shirt clung to every rippling muscle was nearly driving her mad. Her mouth watered just thinking about how he would look without the shirt.

"Huh?" she asked, tearing her eyes away from his body when she heard his voice, but didn't catch what he'd said.

"I'm getting as bad as Jade!" she thought to herself with a smile.

"I asked your name." Stone repeated, not missing the way she was looking at him.

"McKenzie." She answered. "So, uh, you live with Logan?" she asked, trying to think of anything to get her mind off what was beneath his clothes.

"Actually, I'm just staying with him for a few weeks. I'm on leave." He clarified.

"I thought you were in the military, or one of those branches." She exclaimed. Her luck was getting better and better. She loved a man in uniform.

"Hair kind of gave it away, huh?" He grinned.

"That and other things." She mumbled under her breath, her mind going back to the muscles.

"What?"

"Nothing." She said quickly, blushing as she turned away, looking at the stage, but not really seeing what was going on.

Stone watched her silently. She was breath taking, and he privately hoped Logan took his time, giving him more time to talk with her.

"Do you come here often?" he asked.

McKenzie turned back around and burst out laughing. "That was a line, if I've ever heard one."

Stone grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, didn't mean for that to come that way."

"Actually this is my first time here. It's, interesting." McKenzie grinned. Stone sucked in his breath, thinking how he could get completely lost in those violet eyes.

"Do you come here often?" McKenzie teased.

"Uh, no, first time for me too." Stone laughed, glancing at the stage and quickly looked away as the blood rushed to his face. That was something he never needed to see again. "And definitely the last!"

"Would you rather go over and sit at the bar?" she offered, looking in the direction of the back of the club, far away from the center stage.

"Yes!" Stone answered immediately, jumping to his feet before the words were out of his mouth. He held out his hand to help her too her feet, and the moment her hand touched his, they both stopped, neither moving as the electricity flowed through their bodies.

***

Jaden sighed softly as their bodies swayed slowly to the music playing around them. This was not the kind of dancing she thought he had in mind, but she was more than happy to have his body pressed tightly against her.

She shivered slightly as his hand freely roamed her back. God she wanted to feel his hands elsewhere. She wanted to feel him touch her all over, and to have the freedom to touch him.

She had never wanted a man as badly as she wanted him. She didn't know if it was the adrenaline, this sexy man she was dancing with, or the fact that she had drank her White Russian down way too quickly, but she suddenly felt very brave.

This was her night her birthday, and she was going to have some fun. Throwing caution to the wind, she tipped her head back and smiled up at him. Logan nearly lost it then and there when he saw the burning passion in her eyes.

"So," he started huskily as his eyes lingered on her full lips. "Did you get everything you wished for your birthday?"

"Not yet," she answered softly, her heart pounding. "There is only one thing that will make my birthday absolutely perfect."

"What's that?" Logan asked, although he hoped he already knew the answer. To hell with his rules. This woman was turning him inside out, and he wasn't going to fight it. It felt too right.

"You." She stated simply as she pulled back out of his embrace, her hands going to the buttons on her shirt. "I want you."

She started unbuttoning her shirt slowly, not taking her eyes off him as she did so. His face gave nothing away, and she was startled when his hands came up and stopped hers.

"No." he said gruffly. "You can't do that."

Jaden stared wide-eyed at him. Had she read the signs so wrong? Impossible. She knew he felt the same way she did. She had felt his desire when they had been dancing together just seconds before.

"But," she was cut off when he laid his finger on her lips.

"You can't do that because I want too," he whispered in her ear as own hands finished unbuttoning her blouse and slipped it off her shoulders, letting it fall in a pool around her feet.

Jaden moaned softly as his lips came down on hers in a demanding kiss, filled with promises of what was to come.

_________________

Chapter Five

_______________

Jaden was instantly lost the moment she felt his mouth on hers. His lips moving suggestively as they were against hers was nearly enough all by itself to push her to the edge.

Pulling back slightly, Logan slid his hands between their bodies and unhooked the tiny clasps on her bra. He quickly discarded it by tossing it across the room, barely missing it landing on one of the candles. Dropping to his knees Logan pulled her a bit closer, but not close enough for her to be able to touch him yet. Circling his hands around her waist, he undid the zipper on the back of the short skirt that she was wearing. As he pushed it down over her hips, Logan sucked in a breath, his mouth running dry with desire at the sight that greeted him. The black thong that she was wearing definitely suited her….as did everything about her.

“God, you are beautiful.” Logan groaned against her skin. Breathing deeply, he nearly lost it right then as her scent assaulted his senses. Groaning thickly, he slid his hands down her down her legs, pushing her skirt the rest of the way down until she was able to step out of it. Then leaning down further, he unhooked the straps on her sandals and slipped them off her feet as well.

As he slowly straightened back up, Logan ran his hands along the length of her legs, his mouth following behind in a fiery trail of kisses. Jaden gasped in surprise and then with desire when Logan suddenly rose to his full height and pulled her tight against his body.

Her body shuddered against his and his lips brushed along the line of her throat. Dipping his head further, he found the spot on the back of her neck that had her going limp in his arms. He nuzzled his with his lips and nipped at with his teeth until she begged him to stop.

Pulling Jaden back tight against him, Logan claimed her lips in a kiss that had her reeling. The feel of his skin against hers was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. Each touch had currents of electricity flowing through her, heightening her desire until she was breathless and shaking against him. Each time she tried to move away, the need for more contact pulled her back. And as if that wasn’t enough, with each ragged breath she took, her nipples brushed against his skin until they were hard and aching for more attention. And Logan was more than willing to oblige.

Bending her back over his arms slightly, Logan leaned forward until his mouth closed around one of the rosy peaks. Jaden moaned passionately as she bent back to even further deepen the already erotically appealing sensation. In seconds Logan had her gasping with pleasure and writhing around within his arms. He moved over to her other breast, relentlessly continuing his sweet, torturing assault.

Barely able to take anymore, Jaden lifted her body back up. She moved back a bit from Logan, breaking all contact with him as she took a moment to catch her breath before she literally attacked him. Which was exactly what she wanted to do, but at the same time, she wanted to slow down a bit and enjoy him while he was all hers. If it was even possible to slow down. Jaden had her doubts as she looked up at him and met his eyes, seeing every emotion that she was feeling mirrored there.

Without really realizing that she was doing so, Jaden stepped back towards him. Her arms went up around his neck, gently urging his head down to hers again. Both of them knew that there was no denying each other…no slowing down. Not this time. Their passion was too great to be put off any longer.

Logan quickly discarded what little he and she had been left wearing before he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his hips. He walked a few steps to the wall that was in front of them and held her against it. Jaden shifted her position slightly and held her breath as she took all of him inside her. She bit her lips to keep from crying out first in pain, and then pleasure as he filled her completely.

Jaden ran her hands up his chest, burying her face against Logan’s neck as each thrust brought her closer and closer to the release that she was quickly climbing towards, but wasn’t quite able to reach in that position. Unable to take anymore of the torture, she pushed against his chest, urging him down to the floor.

Moving away from the wall, Logan held on tight to her as he dropped down to the floor, bringing her down on top of him. His deep groan echoed throughout the room as he became buried even deeper inside her in this better spot on the floor. He gritted his teeth, trying to hold back as he listened to her passionate whimpers. But when her body began shaking, her inner muscles clenching tight around him, he was lost.

As Jaden threw her head back, Logan grasped her hips firmly in his hands as his own raised to meet her now frenzied movements. Seconds later, their cries of pleasure filled the room as they found release.

Logan held his arms out, easily catching Jaden as she collapsed against him, completely worn out. They lay there for a few moments until their breathing and heartbeats returned to normal.

Lifting his head to look at her, Logan hooked a finger around her chin and tipped her face up to him. “Happy birthday, Jaden.” He whispered, his voice deep and rough with passion as he rolled over until she was on her back and his body completely covered hers. As he began moving again, slowly this time, his lips found hers in a gentle kiss.

*****

Glancing down at her watch, McKenzie was surprised to see that nearly three hours had gone by since Jaden had left with Logan. ”Damn, that must be some dance he’s giving her.” She thought to herself as a wicked grin curved her lips. Her mind began to wonder as she began to think of Stone doing something like that for her.

“What’s this for?” Stone asked as his fingers lightly brushed her lips

“What?” McKenzie questioned, suddenly startled out of her thoughts.

“That wicked grin of yours…I was wondering what brought that about.”

"I was just thinking about-" McKenzie barely stopped herself from blurting out the nasty little thoughts that were racing through her mind about him. Taking a deep breath she tried again. "My friend, Jaden. She’s with Logan. They’ve been gone a while now." McKenzie paused as a slight shiver of fear climbed up her spine as she realized that she’d sent Jaden away with a man that neither of them didn’t even know. But then again, Jaden hadn’t put up much of a fight either. She went quite willingly with Logan.

Stone read her thoughts easily. “Don’t worry. Logan is a great guy. He’d never do anything to hurt anyone.”

No sooner than the words were out of his mouth did McKenzie spot Jaden and Logan walking towards them. She was unable to stop the small sigh of relief that escaped her when she saw that Jaden was fine. ”In fact,” McKenzie thought to herself as she saw the smile of satisfaction on Jaden’s face. ”She looks more than fine!” McKenzie knew without even having to ask, what had happened between Jaden and Logan.

_________________

Chapter Six

___________________

Jaden immediately saw the knowing smile that crossed McKenzie’s face. She sent her a silent plea not to say anything. Jaden then noticed the handsome man sitting next to McKenzie.

“Hmmm…looks like I wasn’t the only lucky one.” Jaden thought to herself, as she took in how close they were sitting.

“Stone!” Logan exclaimed, more than surprised to see his friend there. This was most definitely not his kind of place. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I locked myself out of the house, so I came to get your keys. But that was hours ago. Do private dances always take that long?” Stone teased, having known full well what had gone on, just by the looks on both their faces.

“No,” Logan smiled, looking at Jaden. “Just this one.”

Jaden smiled broadly, all her questions answered with that one statement. After getting dressed, she had gotten quiet, wondering if he gave all his ‘customers’ this kind of treatment. She didn’t think so, and hoped not, but still, she really didn’t know him. Who the hell was she kidding? She didn’t know him at all. But she wanted too.

“Sorry to make you wait so long.” Logan apologized, trying not to laugh at the thought of Stone being stuck at a male strip club.

“Not a problem,” Stone replied, his gaze going to McKenzie. “Not a problem at all.” He repeated huskily.

“So, that must have been a hell of a dance.” McKenzie blurted out, unable to stand it any longer. If she didn’t say something soon she was going to burst. Keeping quiet was not her style and this was eating her.

“Uh…it was…amazing.” Jaden answered softly, never taking her eyes from Logan. That was the biggest understatement of the year.

“I’ll bet.” McKenzie chuckled.

Jaden glanced down at her watched, shocked to see it was after midnight. “I didn’t realize it was so late.” She stated.

“Yeah…dancing can really make you loose track of time.” Stone said. McKenzie laughed out loud as both Jaden and Logan’s faces flamed.

“Well, I just need to gather my stuff from the back, and then I’m ready to leave. Could we interest you girls in something to eat?” Logan offered, not wanting to be away from Jaden yet. He could tell from the look in Stone’s eyes that he was more than willing to spend more time with McKenzie.

“Umm, actually Kenzie and I have to get going.” Jaden said abruptly, catching McKenzie off guard, who was more than ready to accept the invitation.

“Huh?” McKenzie whipped her head around to look at her friend, confusion etching her features.

“We have to work tomorrow, remember?” Jaden said, shooting her friend a look.

“But…” Jaden cut her off quickly by grabbing her arm and pulling her off the barstool. She then turned and looked at Logan.

“Thank you so much…for everything. I’ll never forget it.” She said softly as she stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips lightly across his cheek. She then spun around, grabbed McKenzie and pulled her towards the exit.

“Bye!” was all McKenzie was able to get out before they disappeared through the door, leaving Logan and Stone staring after them speechless.

McKenzie kept trying to get Jaden to talk to her, but it wasn’t until they were in the car heading home that Jaden finally answered.

“What the hell was that all about?” McKenzie demanded.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me, but I just had to get out of there.” Jaden sighed, covering her hands with her face. “I can’t believe I did that.”

“Neither can I! Talk about an abrupt way of leaving!”

“No, I’m not talking about the way we left. I’m talking about what happened…in the back room.” Jaden whispered.

“Oh Jesus! You had fun right?” McKenzie questioned.

“Of course, but you know me! I’m not like that. He probably thinks I’m the biggest slut on the face of the earth.” Jaden cried, again burying her face, blinking back the tears that were stinging her eyes.

“Oh please! You obviously didn’t see the way he was looking at you.” McKenzie smiled. “The man couldn’t take his eyes off you, even before you went to the back room. I bet he was going to get your number too.”

“Actually, he already has it.” Jaden grinned wickedly. “He just doesn’t know it.”

“And how did you do that?” McKenzie questioned.

“I slipped it in his back pocket as we were kissing before we left the room.” Jaden said, feeling better, and then feeling bad about leaving. She had panicked and hadn’t known what to do, so she’d fled.

“What about Stone? He was quite sexy!” Jaden asked.

“I’ll say! I was as bad as you were all night after meeting him. Tripping all over my tongue!” McKenzie laughed. “I couldn’t get my mind off his body!”

“Looked like the feelings were mutual.” Jaden observed. “Did you give him your number?”

“No, we left too quickly.” McKenzie glared at her.

“Oooh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think…all I could think about was getting out of there! I’m such an idiot!”

“You won’t hear me disagreeing there.” McKenzie grinned. “But hey, maybe it’s not as bad as you think. I bet when Logan finds your number, he’ll be calling. And Stone’s staying with him for a couple weeks, so when he calls you, you can give Stone my number.” McKenzie silently prayed that Logan found the number…and soon!

“What if he doesn’t call?” Jaden asked quietly.

“Then we go back to Guilty Pleasures.”

__________________

Chapter Seven

______________________

The rest of the weekend passed uneventfully and by time McKenzie and Jaden arrived at work Monday morning, Logan still had not called Jaden. McKenzie knew that Jade was upset about him not calling in light of what happened between them.

“He’s probably just really busy with work and with Stone being there. I bet he calls tonight though.” McKenzie tried to convince Jaden after they finished helping a customer find a certain CD at the music store that they both worked at. McKenzie had to admit that she was disappointed in Logan not calling Jade because that meant she hadn’t been able to talk to Stone either.

“No,” Jaden shook her head, covering her face with her hands as a soft, misery filled moan escaped her. “He thinks I’m the biggest Ho in Las Vegas and now he wants nothing to do with me. God, how could I have been so stupid?!?!”

McKenzie placed a hand on Jaden’s arm in an attempt to comfort her. “No he doesn’t, Jade-” She was cut off before she could finish her sentence.

“Then why hasn’t he called yet?” Jaden fairly yelled, ignoring the curious stares that she was getting from the customers and other employees in the store.

McKenzie sighed as she made the decision for both Jaden and herself. “Well, tonight after work, we’ll just find out.” They needed to go back to Guilty Pleasures, not just for Jaden’s sake, but for her own as well. She needed to see Stone again, and she needed to see him soon!

*****

Being a Monday night, the place wasn’t real packed allowing Jaden and McKenzie to grab the table that they’d been at the first time they’d been there. Jaden was as nervous as she’d been the first time she had gone to the club, but after she and McKenzie were seated and ordered their drinks, she began to relax again.

That was until Logan suddenly appeared on the stage before her. Just seeing him again and remembering what he’d done to her and what she’d done to him had her mouth running dry with desire. Her heart pounded furiously as her eyes raked hungrily over every inch of his body. She knew the instant that he saw her. He stopped dead right in the middle of his routine and stared at her for a few moments. A smile curved his full, sensuous lips before he snapped out of his daze and got on with his dance. But his timing was off through out the whole thing and every time he just barely glanced at her, he nearly tripped over his feet.

“There, now are you convinced?” McKenzie asked with a laugh as she motioned to Logan and the effect that Jaden was having on her.

“Yes.” Jaden answered softly as she looked down at her hands, ashamed that she’d even questioned it in the first place.

Looking back up, she was disappointed to see Logan gone from the stage. As she looked around for him, her eyes met his as he headed quickly in her direction. As he stepped up to her, Jaden didn’t even have a chance to say anything before he took a hold of her hand, pulled her to her feet and led her away.

“Great!” McKenzie mumbled under her breath as she watched them disappear. “Stuck here waiting again.” God, she wished Stone were there. Or she knew how to get a hold of him…or something!

Not more than a few minutes later, she felt a hand tenderly caress her shoulder. Feeling the sparks of electricity from the touch, McKenzie knew immediately who it was. Turning her head slowly, her breath caught as her eyes met his.

“I was on my way back to Logan’s and I saw your car in the parking lot. I knew it was yours because after you left so abruptly the other night, Logan and I followed you two out and saw you drive away in it.” Stone explained as held his hand out to her. “You wanna get out of here?” He asked, already feeling uncomfortable being in the club.

McKenzie slipped her hand into his without hesitation.

__________________

Chapter Eight

________________

Logan didn’t stop until he’d reached the back. Once there he gathered all his belongings together, took hold of Jaden’s hand again and lead her back out to the front.

“Louie!” he called to the man behind the bar. Louie turned and smiled when he saw who was calling his name and walked over. “Where’s Eric, I want to let him know I’m leaving for the night.”

“I also have to let McKenzie know I’m leaving.” Jaden spoke up for the first time.

“Oh she already left.” Louie answered, then looked at Logan. “She left with you’re friend Stone.” He informed them, looking disappointed.

“Have you said anything to him about working here?” Louie asked. Jaden had to cover her hand with her mouth to keep the smile hidden. McKenzie had been correct when she’d heard some of the men who worked this job were gay. It was obvious Louis was one of them.

“Louie, man, I already told you, this is not Stone’s thing, and there is no way in hell he would ever work here. Besides he’s only here for a couple weeks, then he’s going back to base in California.”

Louie pouted. “That’s a damn shame. He’s such a sweetie.”

“Sweetie?” Jaden choked out, desperately trying to keep her laughter in. She pictured Stone in her mind. She’d give him sexy, rouged and 100% pure male, but one word that did not come to mind when she thought of him was ‘sweetie’.

“Oh well, I’ll let Eric know you’re leaving. Have fun tonight you two.” Louie told them. “Oh hey Logan!” he called, stopping them at the door.

Logan turned back and waited. “Tell Stone I said hi.”

That was it, Jaden couldn’t take it anymore; she burst out laughing as they walked out side.

“If Stone felt uncomfortable being there before, if he knew Louie was interested in him, he’d never go back.” She giggled, seeing Logan was laughing also.

“Nah, he’s used to it. He’s in the Navy, and not all of them are…straight.” He smiled.

“Then why would this place bother him so much?” Jaden asked.

“Well, for one thing, he’s not gay…and although the guys go around in the showers and all, they aren’t ‘flaunting’ it like we are on stage. Besides, like Stone says, on base they know who is off limits and stick to that. Here, it’s hard to tell.” Logan stated. Jaden nodded as she could see Stone’s point. “I would however love to see is reaction if Louie were to say something to him.”

“Do you think he will?”

“I wouldn’t put it past Louie.” Jaden definitely wanted to be there for that one.

They reached his car, and he unlocked the doors throwing his stuff in the back. Once they were settled in, Logan turned to her.

“Enough about Stone and Louie. You and I need to talk.”

Jaden bit her lip and looked away from him before taking a deep breath and meeting his gaze.

“You’re right. I-.” she started but he stopped her by pressing his lips to hers in a quick but undeniably hot kiss.

“We’ll go to my house, then we can talk, okay?” he asked, pleading with his eyes for her to agree. The look in his eyes made her forget how to speak, so she nodded her head. Right then, she would have gladly flown to the mood if he’d asked her too.

***

Within twenty minutes they were at Logan’s house. Jaden couldn’t help but be impressed. The house was bigger and more extravagant than anything thing she would have imagined.

“Wow.” She whispered as she climbed out of the car. “Nice house.”

“It’s my parents. When they died they left it too me.” Logan said.

“I’m sorry.” She herself had lost her father a year ago and knew what it was like to loose a parent. She couldn’t imagine loosing her mother as well.

“It was a long time ago. Anyway, I’m thinking of selling it, but just can’t seem to make myself let it go. It’s way too much for me. Maybe one day…” his voice trailed off. “Come on in.”

He led her to the spacious living room that was bigger than her whole house, and sat down on the couch.

“Drink?” he offered.

“No, thank you.” She replied, although she felt she could really use one to calm her nerves. She knew it was time to have their ‘talk’, and she felt sick.

“Logan, I’m sorry about the other night. I shouldn’t have left that way. I just…I don’t know…I just panicked. I’ve never ever done anything like that in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret it in the least, I just didn’t know what to do afterwards.” Jaden exclaimed, her words coming out in a rush, afraid that if she didn’t say them right then, she wouldn’t.

“Jaden,” Logan said softly, hooking his finger under her chin, tilting her head back until their eyes met. “I understand how you felt. Do you think I do that kind of thing with every woman? Hell no! I’ve always prided myself in my rules, and rule number one is never to get involved. Rule number two is never let the woman touch me.”

“With you, I broke these rules, and very quickly. And not once have I regretted it. I thought about you all weekend. I couldn’t get my mind off you.” He continued.

“Then why didn’t you call?” Jaden asked.

“How could I? I don’t have your number.” He said confused.

“Yes you do! I put in your back pocket before we left the back room Friday night.”

“You did?” Logan asked, then got up and walked out of the room. He came back a moment later with the paper in his hand. “Jade, I’m sorry. When I took them off that night, I threw them across the room and didn’t even thing about them again. I usually always check my pockets before taking my pants off, but you were the only thing on my mind, and I was a little distracted.”

Jaden smiled as she stood up and walked over to him. He immediately pulled her into his warm embrace, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. She sighed contently as she laid her head on his chest.

His voice rumbled in his chest against her ear as he spoke. “Stay with me tonight.”

Jaden tilted her head back. “Yes.” She said while her heart sighed “Forever.”

______________________

Chapter Nine

________________________

Logan pulled back from their embrace, his beautiful eyes shining as she gazed down into hers. “Let’s go outside to the pool.” He said finally. He always liked to swim a few laps in the pool after work to unwind.

“I don’t have a bathing suit.” Jaden replied with out even stopping to think about it.

“That’s okay,” Logan commented as he began walking toward the door in the back of the house that led to the pool. He paused for a moment and looked back over his shoulder at Jaden. “Your birthday suit will work just fine.” He continued on his way then, stripping off his T-shirt and jeans as he went.

Jaden swallowed hard, her eyes widening, and her heart pounding furiously as she moved to follow him. She stepped out onto the veranda and looked around the private fenced in area, seeing the pool and the hot tub that was located off to the left, but there was no sign of Logan.

An instant later, Jaden screamed in surprise when she was grabbed from behind and turned around. A second scream died on her lips before it had a chance to be born when his mouth came down on hers in a hungry kiss that left them both breathless when it ended.

“How did you get behind me?” Jaden questioned, unable to figured it out when she'd followed him out.

Logan smiled down at her. “I didn’t come directly out here. I darted off to the wine cellar before you even came through the kitchen so you didn’t see me.” Logan explained as he popped the cork on the bottle of champagne that he held in his hand. After pouring some into the glasses that he’d also brought out with him, he handed one of them to Jaden.

“Cheers,” Jaden’s eyes never left his as she raised her glass to him before bringing to her lips, drinking it all down at once.

Still holding her eyes Logan took the glass from her hand and set it down on the patio table before he captured her face between his hands and leaned forward until his lips gently brushed hers. Then pulling away, he turned and walked toward the pool. When he reached the end, he dove expertly into the deep end.

As Logan came back up from underneath the water, Jaden slowly walking over there, removing her clothes as she went. Before she got there, Logan jumped out of the water and scooped her up in his arms, causing a delighted scream to escape her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Grinning wickedly, he walked back over to the edge of the pool and moved like he was going to set her back down on her feet, but at the last second, he pulled back and tossed her into the water. Then Logan suddenly realized that Jaden might not know how to swim. He jumped in after her and grabbed her into his arms, bring her back to the surface.

“I’m sorry Jade,” Logan apologized as his eyes searched hers, needing to make sure that she was all right. “I should have never thrown you in like that.”

“What?” Jaden asked, thoroughly confused at what he was so worried about.

“I didn’t know if you could swim or not. I shouldn’t have thrown you into twelve feet of water like I just did with out knowing.”

Jaden smiled, finally understanding what he’d been so concerned for. “My Dad taught me how to swim when I was four by doing the very same thing. Except it was in a lake.” A wave of sadness washed over her and tears stung her eyes as Jaden spoke of her Dad. She still missed him so much.

“He threw me off of the end of the dock, not knowing that there was a drop off right there and the water was thirty feet deep. Of course, I didn’t know how to swim then so when I didn’t surface after a few seconds, he got scared and jumped in after me. But he didn’t think that the water there was more than five or six feet deep so when it took him a little bit longer to reach me, he really panicked. He said that I gave him the first of many gray hairs that day.” Jaden finished with a soft smile as memories flashed through her mind.

“It sounds like you and your Dad are very close.” Logan smiled, remembering the close bond that he’d had with his own father.

“We are…or were. He was killed last year.” Jaden’s voice wavered as a tear slid down her cheek.

“Jade…I’m so sorry.” Logan tenderly brushed her tears away. Genuinely knowing the pain that she felt, his heart ached for her.

“His band was doing a reunion concert during OzFest here in Vegas. He was killed when a drunken person threw a whiskey bottle at the stage and it hit him in the head.”

“Jeb Copeland is your Dad? The lead singer of Ivory Star?” Logan was amazed. He remembered his parents always listening to that band when he was growing up and even after the band broke up, the radio station that he listened to played their music on a regular basis. Ivory Star was a very popular band during their prime years having sold millions of records and being named rock band of the year four consecutive years. “I remember hearing about it on the radio and then watching the memorial service when it was aired on TV. I’m so sorry, Jade.” Logan pulled her into his arms, holding her tight against his body.

Jaden let out a trembling sigh as she pulled back and stared into his eyes. Other than McKenzie, she’d never talked about her father, who he was, or how he died. Most people didn’t believe that she was Jeb Copeland’s daughter, they didn’t care, or didn’t understand. Logan was so easy to talk to. He listened to everything she said with out question. He truly cared and understood.

“Well you know how it is…some days are better than others. It was really, really hard at first because I was on stage singing with him at his side when it happened. The bottle would have hit me instead if he hadn’t jumped in front of me. I was well on my way to following in his footsteps with my own music career, but I haven’t been able to sing since that day. I had just begun recording some song for a CD the day before, but after that it never got finished. I wanted to, I just couldn’t. Maybe someday…” Jaden trailed off with a sigh. She wanted to sing again, she really did. Her Dad had been so proud of her and now she felt like she was letting him down. But every time she tried, she ended up breaking down.

Logan knew that any words he might say to her were meaningless. The only thing that would heal her pain was time and even then, the pain was never completely gone, just dulled. Instead he drew her tight into his embrace again, letting her draw off of his strength and warmth. After several minutes, Jaden pulled back and wiped her tears away. She looked up at him, giving him a shaky smile. “I’m sorry to drop all of that on you. Once I got talking about it, I couldn’t stop.”

Logan smiled softly as he tenderly brushed a finger across her cheek. “Jade...” He paused for a moment as his own voice wavered slightly. “Anytime you ever need to talk about your Dad, or anything else, I want to hear it. Anything…anytime. And if singing was what you really want to do, you will again. I know you will when you are ready.”

Jaden sighed contently as Logan wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Closing her eyes, she laid her head against his chest, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart. She knew, regardless of how he felt for her, that she was already falling for him hard. Not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Reaching down to where his arms were wrapped around her waist, Jaden took hold of Logan’s hand and led him to the steps at the end of the pool. “Come on,” Jaden said softly and smiled.

“Where?”

“No where. Just to the hot tub. I forgot how chilly its gets when the sun goes down and I’m freezing!” Jaden exclaimed as she stepped put of the pool and ran over to the hot tub. “We can talk more in here where it’s warmer. Now it’s your turn to do some talking.” Moaning softly, Jaden closed her eyes as she slipped her body down until she neck deep in the warm hot tub water.

"Sorry about that. The heater for the pool went out last week. The one that it needs is on back order and is supposed to in next week." Logan asked as he slid in beside her. "What do you want to know?"

Jaden snuggled closer to him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Um…” She thought about it for a moment. “What is your last name?”

Logan smiled down in to her eyes, feeling himself drown instantly in the shimmering aqua pools.

“Well?” Jaden asked when he didn’t answer after several minutes.

Logan finally snapped out of his daze. “Sorry,” He apologized as he brushed a finger across her cheek, still captivated by her beauty. “Its Brooks.”

“Logan Brooks.” Jaden said softly, liking the way it sounded. “Have you lived in Las Vegas all your life?” She asked next.

“No, just the last three years. Prior to that I lived in Reno. That’s where I grew up.” Logan saw the confusion in Jaden’s eyes and continued, knowing what she was thinking.

“I lived and grew up in Reno, but my parents also owned this home in Vegas. They came here often on business and vacation and decided to just purchase a house after a while. After they died, I continued to live in Reno with my grandparents until I finished school. I moved into my own place in Reno and stayed there until both of my grandparents were gone. After that I decided to make a new start here in Vegas since I already had this home and I couldn’t bear to let it sit empty.”

“What about you? Have you lived in Vegas all your life?” Logan questioned before Jaden had a chance to say anything.

“Hey,” Jaden said lightly as she punched his arm. “I’m the one asking the questions here.” She teased.

Logan grabbed her into his arms and pulled onto his lap until she was sitting astride him. “Awa, come on Jade,” He pouted and Jaden quickly found herself melting as she stared into the beautiful blue/green eyes. “I want to know everything about you too.” His lips twitched into a sexy smile as he playfully tormented her.

“Ohhhh, Okay!” Jaden exclaimed in faked exasperation as she leaned forward to place a quick kiss on his lips. But when she tried to pull back to answer his question, Logan held on tight and deepened the kiss. He ravished her lips with his before he gently urged her mouth open. He hungrily explored the warm, welcoming interior of her mouth before entwining his tongue with her in a passionate dance.

Groaning deep into her open mouth, Logan grasped Jaden by her hips and lifted her up slightly. Jaden slid her hand down until her fingers settled around the hard, length of his arousal. She eagerly guided him to the entrance of her willing body. As he slid in, Jaden ran her hands up his chest, her fingernails raking his skin as he buried himself deep and completely.

Jaden moaned softly with pleasure, leaning her body back to give Logan better access as he dipped his head until his mouth surrounded the hard peak of her breast. He teased and tormented her unmercifully with his lips, tongue and teeth. The combined effects of his mouth, his hands, and the sensation of his hard length buried deep inside her were quickly driving her straight out of her mind with desire and the need for release. But Logan wasn’t about to let her off so easily. So many times just as she was ready to fly over the edge, he’d take hold of her hips and lift her up until he was completely withdrawn from her body. Then he’d start all over with her again. Pushing her to the edge and then pulling her back just as she was ready to fall. Finally Jaden could take no more of his sweet, torturing assault.

“Oh God,” She gasped breathlessly as she felt herself soaring quickly upwards once again. She knew that if he denied her release one more time she’d go insane. "Logan, please!” Jaden begged as she dug her fingernails into his shoulders in an effort to keep him from moving away again.

Logan’s answer was to grab her hips firmly so that she was unable to move as he lifted his own, his thrusts harder and deeper than before. And that was all it took for Jaden. She was gone. Throwing her head back, a scream formed on her lips as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through her body. An instant later, Logan’s deep, rumbling groan told that his own need for release had been met.

Weak with exhaustion, Jaden laid her forehead against Logan’s with a content sigh. He pulled her closer, gently stroking her sweat dampened hair as their breathing and heartbeats gradually returned to normal.

Jaden lifted her head from his chest and stared into his eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she was able to get any words out, Logan covered her lips with his in a tender, passionate kiss.

_________________

Chapter Ten

__________________

“You know, you never did answer my question.” Logan commented after they’d gone back into the house and taken a shower. Jaden sat on the couch while Logan fixed them a cup of hot chocolate in the kitchen.

“What’s that?” Jaden asked, looking up into his eyes in confusion as he sat back down beside her and handed her one of the mugs that he held in his hands.

“If you’ve lived in Vegas all your life.” Logan replied, a smile teasing the corners of his full lips.

Jaden’s lips curved into a smile of her own. “Well, you did sort of distract me there and didn’t exactly give me the chance to answer.” Jaden said as she snuggled closer and deeper into his warm embrace. ”Not that I minded one bit.” Jaden thought to herself, her smile turning from innocent to fairly wicked at that thought.

Logan knew exactly what she was thinking. As memories of what had just taken place in the hot tub and then in the shower played through his mind, desire coursed through his veins…again. God, the effect that she had on him was incredible. And not just the physical effect, but the emotional effect as well. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. Or so quickly.

“But, in answer to your question,” Jaden began, breaking Logan out of his thoughts at the sound of her voice. “Yes, I have lived in Vegas forever. Although we weren’t here very much, we always called Vegas ‘home’. It was here that we always came to when my Dad had a break from the tour even though we didn’t have a house here. When my Dad was still with his band, my Mom and I traveled with him all of the time so they decided that it would be easier to just sell our house rather than having to count on someone looking after it and all when we weren’t there. Since I was the only child, and my Mom had been a teacher before she met and married my Dad, it was easy for her to be able to school me while we were on the road.” Jaden paused for a moment and took a sip of her hot chocolate before continuing.

“I was probably around ten when the band broke up. It was immediately decided that Las Vegas would be our place of residence and it has been since then.” Jaden smiled seeing the look of utter amazement on Logan’s face. “I know it sound like a crazy, chaotic sort of life we had, being on tour all the time and all, but it was great. I had seen practically every major city in the US before I was five.” Jaden commented with a laugh. “But more importantly, my Dad could have the career that he loved and not be away from his family three hundred days out of the year."

“Wow,” Was the only word that would come out of Logan’s mouth.

“So,” Jaden began, not able to hold the question back any longer. She’d been dying to ask him, but the time was never right or she just felt too embarrassed to ask it. “How long have you worked at Guilty Pleasures?” Jaden asked in a rush, her voice barely a whisper. She didn’t know why she was embarrassed talking about the club, but nonetheless, she was.

“Practically since I moved here. I was in need of a job and none of the places that I applied to had gotten back to me. After I few weeks, I got pretty desperate. I was hired on the spot when I applied at Guilty Pleasures.” Logan paused for a moment as he thought back to when he’d first gotten the job there. “I really had no intentions of working there this long, but the money is good and I’ve made some great friends there. And most important, if I hadn’t still been working there, I’d have never met you.” Logan brushed a finger along her cheek as he gazed into her eyes.

Jaden looked away as a blush instantly rose into her cheeks. After a moment she turned back to him. “That is true.” She whispered softly.

“Someday I hope to get into a different line of work. Doing that night after night gets long and it just really wears me out sometimes. And it’s not exactly the safest job to have. I’ve been stalked at least four times that I can think of right off hand. I’ve been attacked on stage by women. Or sometimes husbands who come into the club thinking that their wives are sleeping around with us. I’ve been attacked by moral activists on the street as I go to or leave work. They picket sometimes at the front and the back entrance that us guys use.”

“Wow,” Jaden breathed in surprise. She hadn’t really realized the dangers that went along with his job. She had always thought it was all glamour. “I guess I won’t be becoming a stripper any time soon then.” She teased, missing at first the look that entered his eyes.

“No Jade…Trust me you really don’t want to do that.” Logan said, his tone serious. As bad as it was for guys, it was ten times worse for women. “But,” Hooking a finger under her chin, he tilted her face up until their eyes met. He smiled, he mood lightening again. “That doesn’t mean that you can can’t dance for me sometime.”

Jaden immediately picked up on his not so subtle hint. She looked down at her hands, hiding her face behind her hair as another hot blush burned her cheeks. She was blushing not only from his suggestion, but mostly from the fact that she was seriously considering doing it for him.