hapter 59 Paradise
**Mia’s POV**
The email from Nate’s office arrived just as I was reviewing the construction timeline. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the payment notification – the second installment for the children’s center design was more than I’d expected.
“Mrs. Branson?” Sarah appeared in my office doorway. “The construction team is ready for the final site review.”
“Coming.” I gathered my tablet, still processing the number in my account. Part of me wanted to refuse it – it seemed too generous. But I knew my designs were good. For once, I wasn’t going to downplay my worth.
The autumn air was crisp as we walked the site. Yellow safety tape marked where my vision would soon become reality. My phone buzzed with Scarlett’s distinctive tone – the special ringtone she’d programmed herself months ago.
“Please tell me you’re not bailing on my birthday!” she said before I could even say hello.
“Would I do that to you?” I smiled, watching the construction team mark foundation points.
“You would if you knew where we’re going.” Her voice held that mischievous note I’d learned to both love and fear. “Promise you won’t back out?”
“Scarlett…”
“Promise!”
“Fine, I promise.” I signed off on the final placement markers. “Though I’m slightly terrified now.”
“You should be.” She laughed. “Wear something sexy. And I mean actually sexy, not your idea of sexy. No turtlenecks!”
Before I could protest, she hung up.
The boutique was quiet as I collected Scarlett’s gift – a rare Birkin in her signature red, acquired through connections I didn’t know I had until recently. The price made me wince, but the second installment had come at the perfect time.
“Special occasion?” the saleswoman asked, carefully wrapping the box.
I thought about everything Scarlett had done for me this year. “Very special.”
The restaurant she’d chosen was pure Scarlett – all modern elegance and ambient lighting. She was already there when I arrived, looking stunning in a black dress.
“Finally!” She jumped up, drawing attention from nearby tables.
was starting to think you’d changed your mind.”
I handed over the distinctive orange box. “Never.”
Her eyes widened as she opened it. “Mia!!”
“Happy birthday.” I said.
She hugged me tight enough to make breathing difficult. “I love it! Now for your surprise.” She grinned wickedly. “We’re going to Paradise.”
“Another restaurant?”
“The gentleman’s club.”
My wine went down the wrong way. “The what?”
“Don’t panic! It’s very upscale. And I got us the best seats in the house.”
“Scarlett…”
“You promised!” She pouted. “Come on, live a little! When’s the last time you did something just for fun?”
Paradise lived up to its name. The building rose sleek and modern against the night sky, all black glass and subtle lighting Inside, the air thrummed with bass notes that vibrated through my heels. The scent of expensive cologne mingled with something darker, more primal. Bodies moved in the shadows of private alcoves, the deep blue lighting turning everything slightly surreal.
“Welcome to heaven,” Scarlett whispered, squeezing my hand. She looked completely in her element, prowling past the velvet ropes in her skin–tight dress. Every head turned as we passed – wonen envious, men appreciative. A dancer in nothing but gold body glitter and strategically placed rhinestones slid past, his abs rippling in the shifting lights.
“Oh my,” I breathed, suddenly very aware of how sheltered I’d been.
“Just wait,” Scarlett grinned wickedly. “VIP gets the real show.”
The hostess who greeted us wore what appeared to be liquid metal painted onto skin. “Birthday girl? Follow me. We’ve got your private platform ready – best view in the house.”
Our “best seats” turned out to be a raised platform directly beside the stage, complete with its own dedicated waiter and bottle service. Crystal glasses caught the light as champagne appeared seemingly from nowhere.
“To new experiences!” Scarlett clinked her glass against mine, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And to you finally letting loose!”
Our VIP platform gave us an unobstructed view as the first dancers took the stage. “Ladies, are we having fun yet?” The tallest dancer, his dark skin gleaming under the lights, worked the edge of the stage. His hips moved in ways that should probably be illegal in several states.
“God yes,” Scarlett breathed, slipping a fifty into his waistband. He rewarded her with a wink and a body roll that had the whole crowd screaming.
The music shifted to something slower, more seductive. Three new dancers emerged. The one in the middle – built like a Greek god with honey–colored hair – locked eyes with me as he loosened his tie.
“Birthday girl special!” The MC announced. “Scarlett, you and your gorgeous friend, front and center!”
“I can’t-” I started, but Scarlett was already dragging me toward the stage.
“Yes, you can!” She pushed me onto one of two chairs that had appeared center stage.
The dancers surrounded us, their movements pure sin in human form. The one who’d caught my eye earlier prowled toward me, his shirt now hanging open to reveal abs you could grate cheese on He moved behind my chair, strong hands sliding down my
arms.
Scarlett was having the time of her life with her dancer, whooping as he performed moves that defied several laws of physics. Her joy was infectious, and I found myself actually relaxing, enjoying the pure absurdity of the situation.
“See?” she yelled over the music. “This is living!”
“Relax,” the dancer whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “Just enjoy the show.”
His body rolled against the back of my chair in perfect time with the music. I felt the heat radiating off his skin, s cologne that probably cost more than my car. His hands never quite crossed any lines, but they promised everything.
That’s when I recognized him.
Those warm brown eyes, that artfully tousled hair… “Daniel?” I gasped.
lled a
The café guy who’d hit on me months ago grinned. “Small world, huh? Promise I won’t ask for your number this time.” A laugh bubbled up before I could stop it. The whole situation was so absurd. “I hope not. That would be unprofessional.” “Very unprofessional.” His eyes twinkled.
He started his routine, movements smooth and practiced. “Now, usually this is where I’d ask if you want a dance, but given our
Chapter 59 Paradise
history…”
“Oh, what the hell.” Maybe it was the wine, or maybe just the freedom of doing something completely unexpected. I pulled out a hundred. “Consider it an apology for turning you down at the café.
His laugh was genuine as I tucked the bill into his waistband. “Apology accepted. Though I have to say, this is a first – giving a private dance to someone who’s seen me in a business suit.”
“Trust me, this is a first for me too.”
