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“What’s it going to be, Jack? Do you want something with me or not? What’s going on here?”
This time, he at least parts his lips, and as I watch his neck, I see his vocal cords move. He’s getting ready to say something… But then he closes his mouth.
“Fine. I’m leaving. Do me a favor and don’t call me.”
“Mandy…” He pulls me to him. “I can’t let you leave. Not without…”
Hope ignites in me. “Without what?”
He pulls the blindfold out of his pocket. “Without this.”
…
One month later…
More than four weeks have passed since Jackson placed that blindfold over my eyes, led me back up to the bar, left his jacket on me, and put me in a cab.
I slept with his jacket that night, with his spicy scent enfolding me.
The next day? I threw it in the dumpster.
I’ve had work and Frankie’s wedding to keep me busy. Though every night I think of Jackson. Does he miss me as much as I miss him? At least I know he hasn’t been in the club. Before we’d left, the guard had said Jackson was suspended for a month after ripping off Ben’s mask.
Lily has had two releases in the last month, so work has kept me busy. Plus, I’ve been dealing with Isabella and Gigi and Frankie’s shower. They asked me to plan the shower since they were doing the bachelorette party and luncheon, and I couldn’t exactly refuse. I am the maid of honor, after all, and Frankie’s sister.
Tonight is the bachelorette party. Isabella and Gigi wanted to fly to Vegas, but Frankie said no. Surprised the heck out of me, but I’m just as glad. I don’t have the excess cash to fly anywhere right now.
Besides, the last time I was in Las Vegas was with Jack. He surprised me after I finished my master’s degree. Vegas would simply be another painful reminder that he and I haven’t spoken in a month—the longest we’ve ever gone. Sure, in the past we’ve gone weeks, even months, without seeing each other sometimes, but we’ve always talked every few days.
But here we are, both living in the same city, and more than a month has passed since we’ve spoken.
I miss him so much. Sometimes I feel like I’ve lost a limb. But damn it, I refuse to cry for that man.
I haven’t been back to the club, either. Going to the bar and soliciting someone to take me into the club was a huge mistake. Only now am I realizing how lucky I was that Zorro turned out to be Ben Black. What if it had been someone who wasn’t so nice? Wasn’t so respectful?
I let a strange man put a collar on me.
Maybe Jackson is right. Maybe Iamtoo innocent for that lifestyle.
At any rate, it’s time to get dressed for Frankie’s bachelorette party. We’re going to a male revue show featuring the Long Island Playboys, a Chippendales wannabe act.
And of course, I have nothing to wear.
Until—
I spy the black-and-blue lace corset in the back of my closet.
I took it with me to the dumpster the day after I last saw Jackson. I had been planning to throw it away along with Jack’s coat, but at the last minute, I chose to keep the corset. After all, I paid good money for it. In the end, I couldn’t bring myself to toss three hundred bucks in the trash.
Hiding it in the back of my closet isn’t a lot different from throwing it in a dumpster. I’ll wear it to Frankie’s bachelorette party. I’ll show Frankie, Isabella, and Gigi that they aren’t the only hotties in this circle. Plus, if I’m not going to get rid of it, maybe wearing it will help exorcise the memories of my sexy times with Jack from my mind.
I take a cab to the locale instead of the subway. Getting on the subway wearing the corset doesn’t feel right to me, but I’ve started watching my pennies. Having Jackson absent from my life made me realize just how many meals we share that he pays for. Consequently, I’ve been spending my cab money on food for the last month.
When I arrive at the club where the Long Island Playboys are performing, I pay the cabbie and hope I’ll be able to hitch a ride home with Frankie or one of the others.
Gigi and Isabella reserved a few tables up front. I walk toward them after telling the house that I’m with the bachelorette party.
“Mandy!” Frankie yells. “We weren’t sure you’d make it. The show’s about to start.”
