Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,7
going fucking stir crazy. Without an outlet for all my pent-up energy, I feel like breaking walls and smashing windows. The slightest thing sets me off these days.
Which is what brings me to the quaint town of Green Valley, Tennessee.
As the dust from the gravel parking lot whips up with a gust of wind, I feel like I’m in one of those apocalyptic movies. Except for the blinking sign on the building in front of me and the few cars parked in the lot, this place feels like a ghost town compared to the big city life I’m used to.
“Cage Erickson.” A familiar voice brings my attention to a side door and Hank is standing there with a smirk on his face. “I wasn’t sure if you were gonna take me up on the offer.”
“Well, I wasn’t sure myself …” I tell him, walking toward where he’s standing, kicking up a little more dust as I go. A few hours back up the road, I was still deciding on whether or not I’d get here just to turn right back around and head back home, or if I’d actually stay. But something about the green trees and mountains and fresh air makes my mind up for me. “But a few miles back up the road, I decided it sounded like a good idea.”
His smile widens as he lets out a laugh. “Well then. Welcome to Green Valley.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, giving the building another once over. “So, this is your club?”
Hank sighs, stepping out of the doorway to peer up at the building. “Yeah, she’s a beaut, huh?”
Chuckling, I nod my head and toss one of my duffles over my good shoulder. “Not too shabby,” I agree, walking toward him. “How about a tour? And where can I find some food in this town? I’m starving.”
When Hank slaps my shoulder, I wince.
“Sorry, man.” He grimaces, giving me a hard look. “About everything, really.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“You’re a hell of a fighter, best I’ve seen.”
“Was,” I correct.
“Are,” he insists. “Which is why I hired you to be my bouncer. I need someone around here to keep everyone in line. My girls are too pretty to be harassed.”
As we walk into the building, he escorts me down a dimly-lit hallway and into the open expanse of the club. Surprisingly, it’s well-lit and well-furnished. I’m assuming it’s dark in here during the evening hours, but with the house lights up, everything is exposed, including a scantily dressed waitress walking our way.
“Hi, Hank,” she drawls in a sweet southern accent. “Who’s your friend?”
The blonde winks in my direction as she pushes her boobs together to bring them to my attention, which isn’t really necessary. They’re big. And her top is tiny. Along with the equally tiny shorts, she’s giving Hooters’ girls a run for their money.
“Cage Erickson,” I tell her, dropping my bags and offering her a handshake. If we’re going to be co-workers, we might as well get off on the right foot.
“Cage is our new bouncer,” Hank informs her. “He’s gonna help me get this place in order.”
She raises her eyebrows and places her dainty hand in mine. “Sarah,” she says with a seductive smile. “Nice muscles.”
“Thanks,” I deadpan.
She’s pretty enough, but I’m not interested. I’m here to do a job and I’m not looking to get involved. One-night stands have been my style the last few years, but that never goes over well in a place of employment. It’s been a while since I’ve worked a day job, but the rules never change.
“Well, let’s get you fed and then I’ll show you around,” Hank instructs, guiding me over to a table as he calls out to someone that he needs two burgers and fries.
“Thanks for this, man.”
“Don’t thank me,” Hank replies. “You’re doing me a favor. I really need some muscle around here. So, don’t act like I’m giving you a free ride.” He laughs and glances over his shoulder before turning back to face me. “Where are you planning on staying?”
I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “I don’t know. Haven’t really thought about it. Just packed up my shit and headed for Tennessee. All I knew was I had to get out of Dallas before I lost my damn mind.”
“Well, you came to the right place.”
Glancing around, I smirk, shaking my head. Never in a million years did I think the road would lead to a strip club in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. “It’s a change of pace, that’s