Hot at Last by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online

I’d think about it. Shows what you know,” Ken said.
    “Good. I’d rather work with you, and if she’s expanding, she’ll need someone she trusts.” Avery hugged him.
    Ken liked the contact but didn’t want Avery to think he had the upper hand. “I already heard her sales pitch. She said I could keep stripping when she’s in town. I don’t have to give it up.”
    “Okay. Best of both worlds. You have more skills and talents than you think, Ken. Why do you always sell yourself short?” Avery asked.
    “I don’t. I’ve learned whatever I know from Bev. I just wanted to be the talent, eye candy. It’s all I was ever good at.” Ken had things he’d never told people, as well. “Did you know Bev had a serious boyfriend who died while she was a stripper?”
    Avery looked down at Ken. “No. Never heard about anyone that serious. What happened?”
    “Drunk driver. Car crash. I always knew she was strong, but she’s superwoman. Not that it matters to the conversation. I don’t know why she really brought it up.” Ken ran his right hand over Avery’s chest. His shoulder was healing, but the urge to leave wasn’t strong.
    “Maybe, she thinks you’ll be fine alone and you don’t need a rich prince to show up and rescue you. That wouldn’t make you happy if you don’t like your life. You like Big D’s and Bev, so why not settle into a job you can do no matter what happens,” Avery said.
    Ken sat up. “You really think I’m waiting for some mythical prince?”
    “Just speculating why she brought up the love thing. Great love can go wrong or get taken away. Some people don’t get love, but they get great friends and a good career. Life isn’t fair, let alone a dream come true. You’re always longing for more. For something else.” Avery grabbed his bottle of water off the nightstand then took a drink.
    “That’s not true.” Ken lied.
    “Okay. Have it your way. You always do. You impact others more than you think, and you have more to offer than you’ll admit. If you don’t think you’re worth anything, no one else can convince you you’re wrong.” Avery got up and went into the bathroom.
    Ken glance across the room and caught his reflection in the big mirror on Avery’s dresser. He wasn’t getting younger. Exercise and good skin care could only do so much. He liked the idea of the job, but was it giving up on himself? He didn’t want to become depressed and bitter.
    A perfect man wouldn’t fix everything in Ken’s life, though. Avery was right about that. He hadn’t achieved the goals he’d wanted, and no other man could validate him. Not his father or the right romantic match. Nothing external could make it right. He knew that, but his life had been on hold. A fantasy life that wasn’t real.
    * * * *
    Avery spat mouthwash into the sink and turned on the water. Ken was getting better which meant they were getting on each other’s last nerves already. Vaguely talking about certain things made Avery nuts.
    When he went back into the bedroom, he found Ken sitting cross-legged on the bed, naked. He looked lost in thought.
    “What’s wrong with you?” Avery asked.
    “Nothing. If I’m special, why did you dump me instead of trying to work it out?” Ken asked.
    Avery folded his arms. “Direct conversation? Sure you want to do this?”
    “I know I cheated. I know I was wrong. But I was so upset and drunk. You were the one thing in my life that was stable and I could count on.” Ken looked Avery in the eye.
    “Yet you kept flirting with other men. I don’t mean at work as part of your job. You needed attention, and I wasn’t enough. When you cheated after that fight, I knew I’d never be enough. You’d always be one of those Vegas guys looking to trade in for a better model. Younger, hotter or whatever. I wanted you back, but I wasn’t going to have my heart broken over and over again.” Avery tried to figure out where Ken was going with this.
    “I loved you. It was the only