The following weeks were sigh-worthy. When they weren’t at the club, they were spending every afternoon together. After Kit got off work from teaching at the university, his heart swelled knowing Seth would be outside by his car waiting for him. He always looked so damned gorgeous whether he was wearing a snug fitting T-shirt, loose cargo shorts, and Vans, or a flowy summer button down shirt with linen pants, and flip-flops. He was beautiful, and he was all Kit’s.

They’d have lunch together then go to either Kit’s place or Seth’s and do terribly naughty things to each other before spending time together out and about or on the couch. They got to know each other better and learned all kinds of surprising things about one another, like that Seth was the middle child of five siblings, all boys, how he secretly loved baking shows, and enjoyed singing in the shower.

At the club, it was a different story. They couldn’t do anything that would arouse suspicion. Acting like they were just coworkers was eating away at them, especially when their instincts were to seek each other out in a room. When Seth was close, it killed Kit not being able to touch him. He was starting to get grumpy and moody.

Ruby waved a hand in front of Kit’s face, and to his horror, he realized he’d spaced out again. “Hello. That bleach starting to mess with your brain?”

Kit swatted his friend’s hand away. “Shut up. I don’t bleach my hair.”

“Whatevs. I’ve been talking to you about man meat for the last twenty minutes, and you’ve been staring off into space like you suddenly became a vegetarian or something.” His eyes went huge, and he gasped dramatically, a hand flying to his chest. When he spoke, it was in a pained whisper. “Oh, honey, please tell me you haven’t swapped sausage for tacos.”

Kit grimaced. “First of all, thanks for that image. Let’s never refer to lady bits as tacos again. Second of all, no. I have not gone off sausage.” He finished tying his shoelaces when Ruby narrowed his eyes.

“Or maybe these days you’ve limited your diet to one sausage in particular.”

“Can we please not with the sausage?” Were his cheeks turning pink? Fuck, he hoped not.

“Oh!” Ruby gasped before clapping excitedly. “Sex Kitten’s got herself a new man.” He plopped down onto the couch and draped himself dramatically over Kit’s lap, batting his long fake lashes. “So, who is he?”

“No one,” Kit muttered, averting his gaze.

Ruby rolled his eyes. “Bitch, please. You’ve been walking around here for week’s like you’ve got a big juicy cock up your ass, blinding people with your smile and shit.” Something dawned on Ruby, and he jumped so bad he fell off Kit’s lap with a flail. He quickly scrambled to his knees and sat back on his heels, his hands on Kit’s knees. His eyes were huge and filled with concern. “Honey, please tell me it’s not one of Frank’s beefcakes.”

“He doesn’t belong to Frank,” Kit growled without thinking.

“No, but he’s employed by me,” came Frank’s response.

“Holy shit!” Kit jumped, and Ruby scrambled up onto the couch, both of them gripping each other as they stared at Frank. He stood taking up the doorway, and Kit had to wonder yet again how a man as big and wide as Frank moved without making any noise. Like he just materialized out of thin air to scare the ever-loving shit out of people.

“My office.”

Without another word, Frank turned and left.

“I’m so sorry, babes,” Ruby said, patting Kit’s arm sympathetically. “Can I have your locker?”

Kit dropped his face into his hands with a groan. This was it. Well, it was time to put up or shut up. He stood, grabbed a T-shirt, and marched off to face his fate. He’d thought long and hard about this day. Granted, he hadn’t expected it to come so quickly, but then they were dealing with Frank.

The moment he stepped into Frank’s office, he knew the jig was up. Seth sat on the couch, his fingers tapping nervously on his thighs. When he saw Kit, he jumped to his feet. Kit shook his head, and with a sigh, Seth resumed his seat.

“Close the door,” Frank instructed.

Kit did as asked before taking a seat beside Seth, his body pressed to Seth’s in the hopes of offering some comfort.

“Kit, I’m letting you go.”

No matter how prepared he thought he’d been to hear those words, he wasn’t. At all.

“I’m sorry I let you down, Frank,” Kit replied quietly, tears filling his eyes. He pressed his lips together in the hopes of keeping his emotions at bay. He really didn’t want to start sobbing in front of Frank.

Seth jumped to his feet. “Frank, please. It wasn’t just Kit’s fault. We started this together. It’s not just a fling. Kit means a lot to me. We’re dating, and—”

“I wasn’t finished,” Frank said sternly.

With a nod, Seth sank back onto the couch, and Kit couldn’t help his smile at Seth taking Kit’s hand in his and lacing their fingers together.

“As I was saying. Kit, I’m letting you go. As per your contract, it’s against Sapphire Sands policy for dancers to become involved with staff. However,” Frank glanced over at Seth as if daring him to interrupt, and when Seth didn’t say a word, Frank continued, “with Sapphire Sands hosting so many charity events, as well as the new shows I have planned for the coming year, it makes financial sense for me to have a professional dance instructor on staff. I could use someone with your talent and training ability to teach the dancers all the new routines. Would you consider coming to work for Sapphire Sands as our dance instructor and choreographer? The employment package would be quite generous and compensate for your loss of tips.”

Kit’s heart was hammering so loud, he was surprised no one else heard it. Not wanting to get his hopes up just yet, he cleared his throat. “And um, what’s the policy on dating staff?”

Frank didn’t so much as blink. “I don’t want my dance instructor becoming involved with any of the dancers. If you were to become involved with any of the floor staff, I would simply require professionalism on both your parts. No hanky-panky in my club. If you’re interested, I’ll have your contract drawn up.”

Kit jumped from the couch. “Yes!” Frank stared at him, and Kit quickly sat. “I’m sorry. Did I shout that? I mean, yes, Frank. I’m very interested.”

“Okay then.” Frank nodded then motioned to the door. “You two think you can keep your hands to yourself until the new contract is signed?”

“Yes, Sir.” They replied.

Frank rolled his eyes, and they quickly darted from the room like it was on fire. As they walked quickly down the hall, Seth leaned in to whisper hoarsely.

“Did Frank actually say the words hanky-panky?”

“Be quiet,” Kit hissed, ducking into the empty employee lounge. “The man has hearing like a bat. I don’t want him changing his mind.” He closed the door then spun around to fall back against it. “Oh my God, that was terrifying.”

Seth brought Kit into his arms, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

Kit wrapped his arm around Seth’s neck, and stood on his toes to brush his lips over Seth’s. “Even without the job, this would still be what I want. You’re what I want.”

Seth’s kiss stole Kit’s breath away, and his heart filled with joy. He’d taken a risk, the odds stacked against him, and not only had he won the perfect job—bringing him one step closer to his dream—but he’d also got to keep the man he hoped would be a part of his future for a long, long time.