Billionaire's Stripper novel Chapter 6

"The girls had a bet going to see just how many nights you'd keep coming into the club."

"Oh, yeah?"

"I figured you could have kept it going for another two nights before you were done. You look tired."

I smirked. "You felt sorry for me?"

"Just a little."

Her blonde hair was pulled up into a ponytail. She wore a pink and white sweat shirt that read 'Sassy Southern Girl' across the front, tight jeans, and UGG boots. Her large gold hoop earrings brushed against her shoulders. My eyes were glued to her hot pink matte lips. I wanted to suck on them for the rest of the night.

A waitress approached our table.

"Scrumptious, how are you doing tonight?"

"I'm doing well, Betty," she smiled brightly.

"I'd like you to meet Hayden Gaster."

I shook her hand.

She looked me up and down. "Nice to meet you handsome."

"Scrumptious, why are you out with a man at three thirty in the morning?"

"It's ok. Take a picture of his license plate. That way, if something happens to me, you'll know who killed me. It's the red Ferrari."

My jaw clenched. "There's nothing to worry about. Yeah, take a picture of my license plate, Betty. I want Lydia to feel safe with me," I stated, staring into Lydia's eyes.

She blushed.

HAYDEN

"I took the picture. Let me know when you are ready to order Hayden. I already know what Scrumptious wants to order."

"Ok, let me glance at the menu for just a second."

I felt Lydia's eyes on me while I ordered.

"Your meals will be up soon." Betty walked behind the counter.

"Let's get the formalities out of the way."

"What's your full name?"

"Lydia Rena Carmichael."

"How long do you plan to strip?"

"Probably for a year or two. Honestly, a job after college wouldn't allow me to pay for my lifestyle. I want to find something that could pay my car payment and rent. I'll happily live off Ramen noodles." she laughed.

I laughed out loud with her, but I wasn't laughing inside. If I told her I wanted to take care of her, she'd say I was trying to own her or some bullshit. Why did women always think that?

Her gray eyes stared into mine. "What are you thinking?"

I sipped my water. "Nothing. I'm listening to you."

"Hayden, bullshit."

I stretched my arms across the top of the wooden bench. "What I have to say will only piss you off."

"Hayden, just say it."

"Now that you and I are talking, you should let me help you financially."

"No."

"Ok." I placed my hands up.

"Just a question. If you were my girlfriend, would you let me help?"

"That would lead you to ask me to stop stripping."

I laughed. "Of course."

She leaned in. "You want me to be your private dancer."

"No. I want us to get to know each other. And hopefully you'll become my woman."

"Hayden, that's not going to ever happen. Close your eyes."

She stopped mid chew and her eyebrows scrunched together. "I didn't."

"You, said you would give us a chance. That's not what you're doing. You're trying to convince yourself not to fall in love with me. I can see it's not working."

Her face turned bright red as she ran her hand along the back of her neck.

"It doesn't matter. I can't fall in love with some rich playboy who will only rip my heart from my chest. No, I can't." Lydia tore her eyes from mine.

I abandoned my meal and slipped beside her. "Sex will come, but right now, I want to spend time getting to know you."

She continued staring out the window.

"I know you hear me, Lydia."

"Please take me home," she bit out.

"But first excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."

I stood watching her slide out of the booth, rushing into the bathroom.

Fuck.

I paid the check while I waited for Lydia to return.

"I'm ready."

I turned, glancing down at her. She appeared shorter in her boots.

"Good night, Betty," I said.

Lydia hugged Betty. "I'll see you next time."

"Alright, be safe."

I threaded our fingers and walked out of the restaurant.

~

"Sorry, I kept you out until six thirty."