Notorious Read Free

interview. I’ve been in places like this. I know how they expect the women to—”
    â€œDo you, now?”
    He released her arm as if her skin might burn him. “Damn it, Keely. You know what I’m talking about.”
    â€œI’m not sure I do. I’m still getting used to the concept of Noah Garfield in a topless bar. Did someone trick you into going in?”
    â€œNo!” The woman sure had a way of getting his goat. “I went in under my own steam. I’m not a saint.”
    A slow smile spread over those peach-colored lips. “Couldn’t prove it by me.”
    â€œLook, Keely, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye on things. Years ago you seemed determined to head in a certain direction, and you wouldn’t listen to anybody who tried to talk you out of it. But I’m asking you right here, right now, to reconsider. Maybe you met me on this street for a reason. Maybe it’s time to think about alternatives.”
    She folded her arms and looked at him. Mischief lurked in her eyes. “Let’s make sure I understand. Instead of going inside and getting a job wiggling my ta-tas for the customers, you want me to reform and go into a more respectable line of work. Is that the gist of it?”
    â€œYou’re making fun of me, but yes, that’s the gist of it.”
    The gleam of devilment grew brighter. “You want to save me from myself.”
    â€œAw, hell, Keely.” He figured she was going to roast him for this attempt to do the right thing. “It’s not that topless dancing is so terrible. I know you think I’m some sort of prude, but I’m not. And I understand that you’ve always wanted to kick the status quo in the butt. But isn’t this getting a little old? I should think you’d have moved on to something else by now.”
    â€œI’m not even thirty!”
    â€œDamn close.”
    â€œTen whole months away, buster.”
    â€œSee, it’s the perfect time to make a change.” He was thinking she looked years younger than thirty. Because they’d grown up together he knew exactly how old she was, but a stranger would think she was in her early twenties. No doubt her body would look good on stage for a long time to come, but he didn’t intend to say that. He didn’t even want to think that.
    â€œAnd what sort of job should I do?” she asked, tapping the toe of her sandal against the pavement.
    â€œI’m not sure.” He rubbed the back of his neck. Now that he’d jumped into this white-knight routine, he didn’t know how to proceed. “Maybe we could kick around some ideas.”
    â€œAnd when could we do that? You have a wedding to attend, as I recall, and I need to make a living.”
    And there was the heart of the matter. If she was looking for a job, she was probably short on cash. He couldn’t very well tell a woman like Keely to forget about the money she’d make dancing topless and take a job flipping burgers instead. She’d laugh in his face. He wasn’t going to convert her to a different lifestyle during one conversation on the street corner.
    He stalled, trying to think what to do. “How long have you been in Vegas?”
    â€œJust got here yesterday.”
    â€œOkay.” He thought quickly. One step at a time. “I understand the economic realities. You just came to town and you need a job, but could you hold off for the weekend so we could talk about it? I could cover your expenses for the next few days.”
    â€œYou mean, pay for my room and board? I don’t think so.”
    â€œThen how about this? Cancel your room reservation and move in with me for the weekend. Would that save you enough so you wouldn’t have to work right away?”
    â€œYou want me to share your hotel room?” She eyed him with interest.
    That look triggered a vivid memory. She’d kissed him with the passion of a woman that