With two more guys coming along, I felt less likely to kill my brother when he decided to follow me. My only hope was that there would be a slew of hot chicks so I could hook up with one, or maybe a few, right in front of his jealous face.

  In all honestly Jake was too good of a guy to be jealous. He didn’t need to be on the lookout for something else, not when he already had the perfect woman at home. The thought made my skin crawl.

  “So where are we going?” Jake asked as I came out of the bathroom, following a very hot shower.

  “Out. Does it matter?”

  “No. I was just wondering. Should I eat now, or will there be food?”

  I raised my brow, dropped my towel and began doing stretches. It was something I did to annoy him when we used to room together. Jake turned around quickly. “Dude, seriously? You’re still doing that stupid shit? I figured you’d grow out of it.”

  “I happen to enjoy looking at myself. My nipples are so cute,” I said in a sexy female voice.

  My brother didn’t laugh, not that I expected him to. He had a thing about being serious when I acted too immature. Some things never change. “So seriously, where are we going?”

  I turned around and saw him sending a message on his phone. Annoyed, I rolled my eyes and looked away. He was texting her while sitting in the room with me. Did he have no compassion? “Really? You can’t go without talking for one night?”

  Jake tossed his phone across the bed. “See for yourself. I haven’t sent Reese a message since I arrived. She’s off to visit her family this weekend, and won’t even get off of a plane until tonight. The message was from Christian. She wanted to know if she could come along, or is it just for guys? To be honest, I’d like to spend time with her while I’m here, but you’re making the plans.”

  “No one invited you to go with us tonight, Jake. You could stay back and hang out with Chris. I’m sure she’d be happy to see you, unlike how I’m feeling about you barging in on my weekend like you did.”

  “Chill the fuck out, bro.” I hated hearing him call me that. Yes, we were brothers, always and forever, born on the same day, sharing the same DNA, but I didn’t have to like it, not anymore. That part of my life was done. Going back would only bring me pain. Jake brought me pain, and I wished he’d get that through his head and leave, before I got drunk and made this situation even worse. “I told you why I’m here. I’m not leaving until we work this out.”

  “Well tonight I’m going out and getting some pussy. If you care to tag along so be it, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing Chris along. Noah would just get pissed and be overprotective. You know how he is, especially after what happened.” My cousin being sexually assaulted had changed more than just the way she lived her life. It had us all on high-alert, especially where she was concerned.

  “Yeah. I get it. I just didn’t want to leave her out. I mean, I’m sure Ethan and Noah aren’t interested in picking up chicks.”

  “That means that I get my choice of the tacos. Maybe I’ll go on a fucking smorgasbord. You better prepare yourself. There’s no telling how many chicks are coming home with me tonight.”

  To be honest, I didn’t know why I was talking so much shit. If anyone could tell I was lying it was Jake. What pissed me off the most was that he didn’t even mind. It seemed like he was actually pleased about my optimism. Could this guy be any more ridiculous?

  “If it gets too crowded there’s plenty of other beds I can sleep in around the ranch. I just hope they’re gone by morning. I was thinking we could take the four-wheelers out and go mudding. Ethan told me that you all had some new trails you’ve been using. Since it rained last week the ground’s perfect.”

  After pulling the shirt over my head, I replied to my brother. “Look, I get that you’re trying, but I’m not interested in spending the day bonding. This shit ain’t going to work, Jake. Get it through your head.”

  Jake stood up and walked to the doorway. I could see the conflict in his eyes. I’d finally hit a nerve. As relieved as I was, a part of me hated that I was pushing him away. He’d been the only person I could count on. Through thick and thin we’d been a team.

  How had life gotten so screwed up? Oh yeah, not only did he sleep with my girlfriend, but he stole her right out from under me. So what if I had to keep pushing that memory into my head. I couldn’t let myself forget, because I’d be the guy that everyone looked at as pathetic. I wouldn’t let my life come to that. I wouldn’t be weak, not even if it cost me my only brother.

  “I’m still not leaving. Go ahead and push my buttons, Jax. If you think I haven’t prepared for this you’re mistaken. Since the day you pulled down that lane and moved away I’ve known I’m the only one that can bring you back. Fight me if you must, but things are going to change, not only because I want them to, but because deep down somewhere in that thick skull of yours, you want that too. So go on and fight me. Tell me everything you think will break me down. Make me feel like shit for falling in love with Reese. Do whatever you need to do to get it out of your system. I’m staying, for as long as it takes. Hell or high water, you’re coming home where you belong. You’re my best friend and we belong together.”

  I could sit around being disgruntled, or I could go on with my night and show my brother that I was fine in Kentucky. If he wanted a battle, I was going to make it impossible for him to win. I’d be the happiest fucking guy he ever laid eyes on, and when his precious girlfriend requested his presence at home he’d be forced to run right back to her.

  There was only one problem with my idea; following through with it. Since moving I hadn’t exactly wanted to go out anywhere. Hopefully his visit would get me out of my shell. I had something to prove, and I’d be damned if I didn’t have fun while I was at it.

  Chapter 3

  Jax

  “So where are we going?” My brother asked after we’d all piled into Noah’s truck.

  “Yeah, I want to know too. It’s not every night that I get a pass to hang out with the guys,” Ethan added.

  Noah peered over at me in the passenger seat, and then back to my brother and Ethan. “I need to know where I’m drivin’ to.”

  “Let’s head out to where the campus is. I’m going to find me some Kentucky State pussy.”

  Noah shook his head but proceeded down the lane to exit the ranch. “I don’t know why I agreed to this.” With a pregnant wife at home I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t want to go out and sample the grass. I mean, it’s got to get boring being held up on the same property day after day. Since they’d been traveling the year before because of Shalan’s music career, I figured he’d be itching. Besides, she was gaining weight. Why not go out and at least look around? Even when I was with Reese it was okay as long as I didn’t touch.

  “Don’t be such a pussy. Take your man card back and live a little.”

  Noah took offense. “I’ll have you know my man card has always been in my possession. When you’ve got the perfect woman at home, you won’t need to go out to be satisfied. I’ve got everything I need waitin’ in my bed at night, and now there’s a little one on the way. Nothin’s better than that.”

  Ethan and Jake were mumbling in the back, probably running their mouths, agreeing with Noah. “Y’all are pussies. For real.”

  Forty minutes later we were sitting outside of a pub frequented by University students. It wasn’t on the campus, or even near it, but apparently still popular. As eager as I was to get inside, I saw a sign flashing in the distance, and recognized what it implied right away. A fluorescent glow of the silhouette of a woman caught my attention. “Um, is that a strip club?”

  “Yeah,” Ethan replied. “I’ve been there a couple times.”

  “Damn. Do they have a good selection?” My mouth was already watering, while I secretly peeked back at the expression on my brother’s face. “You three little bitches can hang out in this bar, so you won’t have to beg your women for forgiveness. I’m going down the road, because I answer to no one.”

  I figured my pussy whipped brother would be the first to like my idea, but I was very wrong.

  “Hey, don’t count me out. I’m up for the strip club.”

  “Yeah right. Reese would cut your balls off.”

  Noah and Ethan laughed while Jake crossed his arms and cocked his brow. “Reese trusts me. She knows I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our relationship. You’re going to need to work harder if you’re thinking that will keep me away, bro.”

  I rolled my eyes and got out of the truck, feeling defeated again. “Whatever. Let’s get going then.”

  Noah and Ethan followed behind, while Jake kept up with me. I think he could tell I was eager to see some beaver, but he didn’t say much about it. In fact, I preferred it that way since he’d once again brought up his perfect fucking girlfriend.

  After paying the cover-charge, I narrowed in on the stage, determined to get a front and center position. I wanted to be close enough where I could see the beads of sweat dripping down her titties while she danced.

  When I turned back to look for Jake I saw him at the bar, ordering us beers. After checking my wallet for singles, I found a booth seat and sat back just as one dancer was finishing her routine.

  The music changed, and so did the atmosphere. The crowd became rowdy, whistling and carrying on for the next girl to come out. I looked to my left and saw a guy calling something out. He leaned toward me. “Have you seen this next girl yet?”

  I shook my head. “No. She seems popular, though.”

  “Let me tell you something. I’ve been around the block a time or two, and this chick has it all and then some. I come here to see her. Every Friday night I’m in this seat, forking over enough to get her to smile at me. She’s that good.”

  “Damn,” the music began to get louder, and I knew she’d soon be out on the stage. My brother slid a beer over and climbed into the booth next to me, followed by Noah and Ethan. While I was enthusiastic about the upcoming performance, I watched my brother pull out his phone and look down at it. I could tell from his grimace that he was either reading a message or sending one. Just to be a dick I took mine out of my pocket and shot Reese a message.

  I can’t believe you’re okay with your boyfriend being in a strip club, especially with the cowgirls they have in this state. Don’t worry. If he hooks up with one of them I’ll be sure to let you know. – J

  I slipped it back in my pocket before he’d even noticed what I’d done.

  Only seconds later I saw him react to another message. I waited for him to acknowledge me, while holding the shit-eating grin on my face. Jake was annoyed, and I had to admit that it made me happy. I’d succeeded in pissing him off. He wasn’t unbreakable. If I kept at it he’d leave.

  While Jake continued trying to talk his way out of the predicament with his girlfriend, I turned my attention back to the stage. The lights started changing colors and then I saw her for the first time.

  She was wearing a corset that almost forced her tits out of the top. Her short skirt left little to the imagination, and I couldn’t wait to see what she was hiding behind the masquerade mask that covered her whole face. One of her first moves brought her leg up straight to rest against the pole. Right away my dirty mind caught onto that flexibility and what else she’d be able to do with it. Her head flew back, only to come up sporadically. Her leg lowered and she twirled around on the brass pole, tying one leg onto it and spinning. After swinging until she was free, she crept toward the front of the stage, stood up, and swayed her thick hips side to side. The stripper’s arms lifted above her head before her hands came down tracing over her breasts.

  She dipped down and pulled on the front string, loosening the top. Only inches of black leather kept me from seeing whether her nipples were worth a quarter, or a whole silver dollar. No matter what, I knew they were real.

  The dancer swayed her body and then fell down to the stage floor, rolling around and raising her sexy long legs up toward the ceiling. She spread them out, displaying another position I’d like to get her in. Quickly, she spun around and shot back up on her feet, twirling while freeing her tits from that corset. Her manicured fingers covered her nipples. I licked my lips in anticipation. She was teasing everyone in the room, but I was taking it personal. In this moment I wasn’t in a club full of horny men. It was me and this faceless chick.

  Finally I saw them; the most perfect set of double-D’s to ever exist. With the pull of her arm the skirt flung off, leaving her in only a G-string. I turned to make sure all the guys were catching this fantastic show, but noticed right away that Jake was still on his phone while Ethan and Noah were leaning over talking to each other.

  I shoved my brother in the side. “Dude, are you catching this?”

  He kept typing. “Yeah, she’s great.”

  “Whatever. You don’t even know what color hair she has. Fucking whipped ass.”

  I wasn’t going to waste another second on those fools, not when this woman, who was absolutely going to be in all of my dreams, was dancing in front of me.

  The next thing I noticed had me even more intrigued. She danced closer to the edge of the stage, crouching down right in front of me and shaking her boobs all around. If it were permitted I would have liked to lean forward and give her a motorboat. That’s how awesome her rack was.

  For the second song in her performance the music slowed down. She tiptoed over to the pole and spun around slowly. Then, with her back against it, she started playing with herself, reaching her hand down into that little G-string. “Holy fuck,” I said loudly.

  The guy who’d warned me of this performance pushed me in the arm. He pointed in her direction. “What’d I tell ya?”

  I stuck my thumb up, making sure to turn my focus back to the chick.

  The next time she crawled to the edge of the stage I was already feeling the bulge in my pants coming to life. Her eyes were fixed on mine, and a half-smile formed across her face as she licked her plump lips.

  While she was close I got a good look at her smooth skin. She’d oiled it up so it glistened against the lights. Just as it was getting good, right when I felt like I had her attention, the music ended. The stripper gathered her things, collected her tips and exited the stage to prepare for the next act.

  The thing was that I didn’t want to see anyone else dance. That first chick had me fully turned on, and I knew what I had to do next.

  I pulled my wallet out of my pocket and started counting my money. When I realized I only had two twenties, I realized it wouldn’t be enough. I wanted a lap dance, and this chick deserved a good tip, so long as she let me stick it in those thin panties.

  I nudged my brother. “Give me some cash.”

  “What? I’m not a fucking bank.”

  “Dude, give me a damn twenty.”

  “That was the first dancer. You can’t spend it all at once,” he argued.

  Then I saw her out of the corner of my eye. She was coming out into the crowd. While her mask was still on, I could tell her eyes were bright blue. I stared at the way she greeted everyone she passed, accepting tips on her hip. Then our eyes met, and that bright smile came back. I knew I wasn’t mistaken after it’d happened for a second time. With her index finger she motioned for me to follow her. I looked over at my brother, who still wasn’t paying attention, and then decided to slide out the other side.

  I heard my cousin asking where I was going as I sauntered away from the table. Wouldn’t he like to know?

  She led me to a back room, where little booths were set up with cushioned flat seating. I knew the rules. Touching wasn’t allowed, so I kept the money low on my lap. She stepped in my direction and spoke before doing anything else. What she said shocked the hell out of me. “Are you Jake or Jax?”

  “Come again?” Did she really just say my name? This couldn’t be happening. It had to be a wet dream. Soon I’d wake up and have to change my sheets like in middle school. Thank God I lived alone, so I wouldn’t have to explain why I immediately needed new bedding to my parents, especially my dad, who never let up about it.

  “You don’t remember me? It’s only been a couple months.”

  Now, I’d like to say that I was paying close attention to her words, trying to figure out who she was, but her tits were up in my face, and if I opened my mouth the only thing that would come out would be drool.

  She looked down at what I was obviously staring at. “Oh, hang on.” The chick walked away, only to come back with a boa covering her small bikini top, just enough for me to stop staring. “Is this better? Sometimes I forget it’s a little weird for people I know.” Then she took off the mask and it all made sense. I did know this girl. I’d met her when I was with Reese, at the hotel for the championship football game, the night I’d caught her with my brother. This chick was Jake’s supposed date.

  “Holy shit.”

  She giggled. “I’m guessing you’re Jax.”

  I was so flabbergasted I didn’t know what to say. “Yeah, that’s my name.”

  “I’m Amber, if you don’t remember.”

  “I do, remember that is. I never forget someone who looks like you,” I lied. “So does this mean I don’t get a dance?”

  She ripped the boa off and wrapped it around my neck, pulling me closer to her chest. Her lips were so close to mine. “I’m working, and my boss is pretty strict, so if you’re paying, you get what you came for.”

  I forked over the money, like a kid paying for a first kiss. “Show me what you got.”

  She took her stiletto and drug it over my groin. “Baby, you can’t handle all I’ve got. Sit on those hands and I’ll get started.”

  While I leaned back on my elbows and began watching my private dance, I suddenly realized that for at least ten minutes I hadn’t thought about Reese, or even my brother. Maybe it was the tits. Whatever the case, I could have paid her to dance for me all night, and enjoyed every minute of sitting on my hands.