A dozen insecurities ran through my brain as I lay there and she examined my vagina, pulling over a lighted magnification glass for a closer look.

  Did it smell okay?

  Was it pretty? Or at least normal?

  Were the lips flapping at her like a sail from where I’d touched myself so much this week?

  “Are we going fully bare, or do you want a landing strip?”

  “Strip. I want a strip!”

  “Sure thing. How wide?”

  I don’t know. Wide enough to land a dick?

  “Um…” She held her fingers apart about an inch, and I nodded. “That’s perfect.”

  “Okay, just relax, and we’ll be done in a jiffy.”

  I closed my eyes as she spread the warm wax on one side. That actually felt really good. I was breathing calmly as she pressed something into the wax.

  Riiiiip!

  Holy mother of all things great and small!!!

  “Shhh… we have clients in the next room.”

  Jolie’s image wavered as I looked at her through watery eyes. “Huh?”

  “You screamed. Try to be quieter,” she said as she applied another layer of warm wax.

  “We’re not done?” There was panic in my voice. Panic in my heart. Panic in my…

  Riiiiip!

  Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. My lips hurt from pressing them together to muffle the scream. Sorry, baby Jesus. I shouldn’t be thinking about you right now.

  “I’m sorry,” I muttered to the little bitch, “was that too loud?”

  “Much better,” she chirped, and I wanted to strangle her. “Now it’s time to get the lips.”

  Lips? She doesn’t mean those lips, surely.

  “A-are you s-sure they need it?”

  “Do. They. Ever.” Jolie grabbed a mirror and centered it between my legs. “See? You’re lucky they’re light colored, or you’d be half gorilla.”

  Would a jury really find me guilty once they heard what she just said?

  Riiiiip!

  I growled this time, like a feral beast caught in a trap. Jolie looked at me warily as she applied wax to the other side.

  Riiiiip!

  This time, I could only whimper and wipe the tears from my eyes.

  “You should take some pain meds before you come back again,” Jolie said in a helpy helperton voice.

  Pain meds? It would have been just swell to have gotten that recommendation a couple of hours ago.

  My face hurt from the effort of not screaming or swearing like a sailor. I started singing songs in my head, trying to distract myself from what was happening below my navel.

  Twinkle twinkle little… Riiiip!... Son of a hell dwelling bastard.

  “We’re all done…”

  Oh, thank you, God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  “… with the front.”

  Front?

  What’s the ba…? Oh no. No. No. No.

  I sat up and squeezed my ass cheeks together hard. “I really don’t think that’s nec—”

  Jolie raised an eyebrow. “Do you really want me to bring out the mirror again?” A sob escaped my lips and her gaze softened. “I’m sorry. You must really hate me now, but you knew a Brazilian included… back there, right?”

  “No, I didn’t know,” I spat out. “For the last several years, I’ve been working hard in school, trying to make the best grades I could for vet school. All of my experiences with boys have totally sucked ass, so I’ve never gone online to find out about this magical waxing experience.”

  I inhaled a lung full of air and Jolie laid a soft hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. So why are you having it done today?”

  I thought of Kane. His dark hair and sexy smile. Those brilliant green eyes that seemed to see right through me.

  “I met this guy, and we’re going out Saturday night,” I confessed. “I…”

  She smiled. “You wanted everything to be special.”

  I nodded. “I had no idea it would hurt this bad.”

  “The first time is always the worst. If you get it done regularly, it gets to the point where you hardly feel it.”

  “I totally don’t believe you.”

  She laughed. “So… is he worth it?”

  Kane Steele.

  For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like with him. He didn’t seem to be a missionary only kind of guy. So, maybe standing up. Doggy style… where he’d be looking down at my hairy gorilla asshole.

  I groaned.

  “Okay, I’ll do it,” I told her before I ran away to be a nun. “But do it quick.”

  She smiled brightly. “Great. Now just turn over and get on all fours.”

  Sweat dripped from my forehead as I got into position.

  Riiiiiip!

  Sex with Kane had better be worth it!

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Kane

  Walking down the red carpet to the entrance of the gala, I noticed world-famous models and movie stars along with the political elite. Diamonds and silk of every color decorated the space around us.

  But I only had eyes for her.

  “You look beautiful,” I said for what must have been the millionth time since she opened her door some twenty minutes before. And she did. The blue of her gown was a perfect complement to her eyes, its material thin and gauzy with details embroidered over the places I wanted most to see.

  Her makeup was subtle, her lips glossy as she smiled up at me, her hair half up and half down. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  The past few days had been so much fun, considering I’d only connected with her over texts. She’d watched the games as promised, and she was really turning into my lucky charm. Not only had we blasted through our slump, we were on a winning streak.

  “How’re you feeling?” I darted my eyes down her body, staring with mock lasciviousness down there. Okay, maybe it wasn’t mock, but she shook her head as cameras flashed around us. “Seriously, are you okay?” The way she had described it by text, the experience had been horrible. And funny. I loved this girl’s sense of humor.

  When she looked up at me, my spirits sank. “It was seriously one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. My skin is raw. I’m sore and can barely walk. I’ll probably need to take a two-week raincheck on that sex thing. Is that alright?”

  Two weeks?

  I seriously to God thought I might cry.

  “Sure. I mean, yes, of course. Whatever you need.”

  She laughed and shoulder checked me so hard, I nearly fell sideways. “Just kidding.”

  Laughing too, I swept her up and swung her around, not giving a damn about the people or media on all sides. Lifting her until she was eye level, I asked, “So does that mean…?”

  Her face turned serious. “Nope. Will she, or won’t she? The question remains.”

  Setting her on her feet again, I feign disappointment. “Fickle females. The bane of my existence.”

  Inside, the ballroom was decorated in white and silver. Everywhere I looked was elegance — sparkling lights, pressed white tablecloths, white roses in silver vases. Waiters walked around the room holding gold trays filled with Dom Pérignon champagne and bite-sized appetizers. Eliana gasped, taking in everything at once.

  “I’m really proud that you’re with me tonight, Eliana.”

  She smiled, and her eyes sparkled in the lights. The pull between us grew, like gravity had changed direction and was pushing us together. I bent to take her lips, needing to see if she tasted as sweet as she looked.

  “Eliana, darling. You’re here.”

  Barbie’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard and Eliana jumped back, turning in her mother’s direction. I leaned down and whispered, “Remember, we’re a couple. I’ve got your back.”

  I felt her exhale as she leaned back into me. Circling my arms around her, I gave her my protection and an excuse to not be pulled into an awkward embrace. I shouldn’t have bothered. Barbie air kissed her from nearly a foot away.

  “Kane, so good to see you too,” Barbie said, her voice several decibels too loud. “I’ve heard the Beasts are doing well. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  The silence stretched as Barbie seemed to search for something to say. Her eyes lit up as she thought of it. “Darling, you look lovely. I’m not sure I would have selected that particular shade of blue, but—”

  I growled. “Her dress is perfect. Fresh and young, and different. It stands out from the typical boring black the elders wear.”

  Barbie’s hands twitched on the black skirt of her too-tight gown. She forced a smile. “So true. Are your parents here yet?”

  “They were running late. I’m sure they will be here shortly.”

  “Well, be sure to find me and make an introduction. I’m sure they’ll be relieved to know that their son is dating a good person and not some…” her eyes hardened, “porn star or something.”

  Eliana stiffened. “Mother!”

  “Excuse me, I see the Bradshaws, and I must…” She was gone before she’d said what she must do.

  “I’m sorry, Kane,” Eliana said, turning in my arms.

  I kissed the tip of her nose but was cursing under my breath. Barbie had clearly been doing her research. “Never apologize for that woman. Understand?”

  She brushed something from my lapel. “I think I’ve been doing that for a long time.”

  I scanned the room and noticed a couple over by the bar. Mom and Dad. Another scan located my grandmother. Dad looked rather dapper in his tuxedo, Mom very elegant in a shimmering silver gown that accentuated her dark coloring.

  “I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”

  I couldn’t have felt more proud than I did with Eliana at my side as we crossed the ballroom. Dad saw us approaching and started to wave, but I held a finger to my lips. He smiled broadly and let us approach.

  “Hey, gorgeous,” I said into my mother’s ear.

  She whipped around and launched herself at me. “Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting you tonight. What a wonderful, wonderful surprise.”

  A hand came down on my shoulder, and I got a side hug from Dad. “Looking good, son. Great hit the other night.” He peered over his glasses at Eliana. “Who’s this?”

  I turned, and Mom turned with me, still holding on tight. Meeting Eliana’s eyes, I took her hand and pulled her into the circle of my parents. She hesitated, and I pulled harder, tucking her into my side. “Mom, Dad, this is Eliana Anderson. Eliana, my parents, Milton and Marsha Steele.”

  Just as I expected, Mom wrapped Eliana in her arms, giving her the warmest of welcomes. “It’s so very good to meet you, dear. It’s not often I get the opportunity to meet one of Kane’s…” she looked up at me for assistance.

  “Girlfriend. Eliana is my girlfriend.”

  Mom looked stunned for a second, then blinked and returned to her normal warm self. “Look, Milton, Kane has a girlfriend.”

  Dad chortled. “I can see that. Very good to meet you, Eliana. Will you be coming for brunch tomorrow as well? I’d love to get to know you outside of this boisterous place.”

  She looked up at me, a question in her eyes. I nodded, and she grinned. “Yes, Mr. Steele. I’d be happy to join you.”

  “Call me Milton. I insist.”

  “And I’m Marsha,” Mom piped in, finally letting her go and stepping back. “Such a lovely dress. Almost as lovely as you.”

  Eliana blushed as expected, then something else happened. Her nose turned pink, and her eyes grew shiny. Was she about to cry?

  “Are you alright, dear?” Mom asked, lifting her hand to Eliana’s forehead.

  A flood of love hit me as I realized how lucky I was. I had a wonderful dad, a terrific mother. A Nana who might be a little pushy but only wanted the best for me. I knew in my heart that if I didn’t want to give up baseball in five years, they would understand and love me anyway. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

  Eliana had none of that, and to be embraced by such a loving family had to be overwhelming.

  “Kane Bartholomew, you sly devil. Turn around here and give your nana a hug.”

  Leaving my girl to the care of my mom, I was soon embraced by Chanel No. 5. The scent was comforting and familiar, like the tiny woman grinning up at me.

  “Hi, Nana. Surprised?”

  “Delighted.” She peered past me. “And who is this?” She lowered her voice, but just a tad. “It isn’t the har—?”

  “Nana,” I interjected quickly and pulled her off to the side. “No, she’s not the you know who.”

  “Then who is she?”

  “Eliana is my girlfriend.”

  “If you have a girlfriend, why are you boinking ladies of the night?”

  Oh. Dear. God.

  “Nana, that picture was a mistake,” I said, feeling terrible for getting ready to lie. “She was a fan who happened to jump on my lap when that picture was taken.”

  Nana’s face was blank. “Do you consider me a fool, Kane Bartholomew?”

  My shoulders sagged. “Nana, can we just forget that other part? I really like this girl. I mean really really like her. As in, if I was searching for the one, she would probably be it. But we’ve only known each other a short while, and it’s way too soon to be putting labels on anything.”

  “Well, she won’t stick around for you to get to know her better if you keep having porn stars ‘jump on your lap.’” She air quoted the last part. Watching her bejeweled, wrinkled fingers do something so modern made me smile

  “I know. Like I said, we just met, and—”

  “Alright, I’ll stay out of it, for now.”

  I shot her a look. “Really?”

  She smiled. “Of course not. And that leads me to something I was going to do tomorrow. Take me outside to the balcony. I have something I want to give you.”

  “Now?”

  Nana gave me another blank look and said nothing.

  Blowing out a breath, I stepped over to where my girl and parents were. She was smiling and seemed really happy as they chatted. “I’m going to take Nana outside for some air. You okay here?”

  “Very.”

  I gave her a wink, and she winked back. God, she was beautiful.

  Nana cleared her throat. “Coming, dear?”

  I tore my eyes away from Eliana and offered my grandmother my elbow. She chuckled and took it, and we walked at a snail’s pace to the doors.

  Outside, I shrugged off my jacket and placed it over her shoulders as the evenings were beginning to grow cooler. “Thank you, dear. Now, the reason I wanted to speak with you privately is because I have something heavy sitting on my heart and it’s best said sooner rather than later.”

  My gut twisted. What is this all about?

  “As you know, I’ll be eighty-four soon, and I’ve just about used up my usefulness on this earth.”

  “Nana, you’re—”

  “Don’t interrupt me, Kane Bartholomew.”

  It didn’t matter how rich or powerful a person grew to be, a grandparent knew exactly how to take them down a notch or two. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sick, Kane, and the doctor has given me only a few months to live. I’ll probably be gone before Christmas.”

  My world teetered, and I reached for the railing to steady myself. Nana. The strong matriarch of my powerful family was dying. This couldn’t be real.

  “Are you sure? Is there nothing that can be done?”

  She patted my hand. “No, dear. They’ve checked and double-checked, but the tumor is in the wrong place for surgery or any other intervention. I wouldn’t tell you such a thing if it wasn’t confirmed. But I’m not here to be maudlin. I’m here because there’s something I want to give you while I’m still able to think straight.” She opened her clutch and pulled out a small box. “This is the ring your grandfather gave me many years ago.”

  She placed the box in my hand. I didn’t have to open it to know a spectacular bezel-set Asscher cut diamond surrounded by a halo of baguettes would twinkle up at me in their nearly five-carat glory.

  “One day, when you find the right one, you can give this to her if you wish.”

  “Nana, are you sure?”

  “I’m very sure. I wouldn’t have brought it all this way if I wasn’t. And Kane… I know I have given you much grief over joining the family business, and I do wholeheartedly wish for that to happen someday. But…” she patted my hand, “you do what you want to do. Follow your heart, my sweet boy. The rest will fall into place.” She cleared her throat. “Except sex workers. Please don’t follow your heart there.”

  I laughed, just enough to feel the shock of her announcement loosen its grip on me.

  “I love you, Nana.”

  “I know, sweet boy. I love you too. Now, let’s go find your girl. Take her around the dance floor and let me judge if all those dance classes your mother forced you into were worth it.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Eliana

  I was dazzled.

  Not only by the beautiful surroundings but by the beautiful people surrounding me. After Kane went to take his grandmother for some air, his parents firmly tucked me under their wing, telling me tales about their son as a boy and introducing me to everyone who came our way.

  Kane looked most like his father, although he had his mother’s green eyes, albeit hers had soft laugh lines around them. I guessed her to be in her mid-to-late forties. Her dark hair had threads of gold that a talented hair stylist had clearly woven in for her. She was lovely and elegant. And warm. So very warm.

  It was wonderful, and I felt the glow of their acceptance. I felt included. I felt like I was listened to and that what I said mattered. Other couples joined us. Some I recognized from the society pages or in the business section of the New York Times. The funny thing was, I didn’t feel intimidated. Not even when I shared my plans of attending veterinarian school next year. Most everyone loved animals and told me how wonderful my career choice was.

  Emotion wanted to clog my throat on several occasions, but I forced it back down, not letting sadness or longing for my own mother’s acceptance to tarnish what I was experiencing here.