Stripped Love (Guys Next Door #1) - Baylin Crow Page 0,63
leave since you didn't adhere to the requested dress code." One brow rose, and his lip curled in disapproval.
My mouth opened and then snapped shut. What? "I'm on the list?"
Phoenix must have added me after texting me, I decided. But I still didn't understand why he didn't just meet me outside or at least, let me know I should come inside.
"ID," the bouncer reminded me, and I quickly tugged my wallet from my pocket. After a quick skim of my photo, he unhooked the rope. "Have a good evening, Mr. West."
Still confused, I only nodded before I pushed open the door. I wasn't sure where to even start my search for Phoenix. After the door closed behind me, I checked my phone again and this time, wasn't surprised to find nothing from him.
Chewing on my lip, I scanned the sea of tables filled with guests and dodged the few gazes that briefly connected with mine.
It was obvious the night wasn't just a typical Friday for more reasons than I'd already observed. For one, there was a huge banner that crossed the stage, reading "Happy 50th Birthday!" Red and black balloons floated on strings and matching streamers hung in wide scoops from the balcony railing.
Dancers roamed the main floor in black shorts with cutouts that bared their cheeks, more revealing than the ones I'd seen before. My mind immediately jumped to whether or not Phoenix was dressed the same. My stomach cramped as I watched another dancer tease an older gentleman seated at a table with an up-close view of his exposed skin.
It was impossible not to picture Phoenix in the same position.
I puffed out a deep breath. Though it was only a small relief, at least I knew Phoenix was off already so I wouldn't have to witness it.
As I loitered at the mouth of the room, I skimmed over the faces crowding the room, but there was no sign of him.
We hadn't had a real fight yet, but I was making mental notes of how our first would likely go down. Finally, I gave up and headed toward the stairs in search of him, wondering if I should just ask someone if they'd seen him.
The entrance to the VIP was unguarded, and my stomach churned with nerves as I ascended the steps.
Once I reached the landing, I wasn't sure in which direction I should go, so I opted to stand there while openly curious gazes were flung my way.
Scanning the maze of tables, curtains and unfamiliar faces, one caught my attention. The dark-haired dancer that had interrupted my private dance with Phoenix was bent at the waist, whispering into the ear of a man who resembled a young Robert Redford.
I hesitantly approached him as he curled his fingers around the man's wrist with a smile meant to seduce.
"Um, hi," I started, and that seductive look flashed my way, causing my cheeks to heat in discomfort.
"I'm booked for the next half hour, love. But if you're around afterward, I'm all yours." He winked and his obsidian eyes raked over my body.
My hands grew clammy under his scrutiny. "Actually, I'm looking for…Nix." The nickname smarted on my tongue. "Have you seen him?"
"He's a favorite, and I believe he's tied up with a reserved party for the night." He licked his lips. "If I'm not your cup of tea, there's just about every flavor floating around in here."
I frowned up at him as my confusion climbed higher. "He's still working? Phoenix texted me to come get him because he's having car issues."
Dark eyebrows lowered, his forehead creased and he dropped the saucy smile. "Any chance your name is Archer?"
My brows shot high. "You know who I am?"
Instead of answering me, he cursed and then turned to the man he'd been talking to.
"Give me five minutes and I'll be back. Wait for me?" he purred.
The man snaked an arm around his waist and grabbed a handful of his exposed ass. I jerked my eyes away just before the sound of a solid swat landing on his flesh followed by a gasp reached my ears. And then I knew the true meaning of awkward.
"Archer." The dancer stood in front of me and lightly grabbed my arm. His dark eyes drilled into mine with his expression drawn in concern that he attempted to mask with a smile. I wasn't fooled. Something was wrong. I knew it and so did he. "Stay put, okay? Let me go see if I can find him real quick."