The Naked Truth Read online

  He was asked to pay a cover charge when he went through the door. He pulled his wallet out and slapped the twenty dollars in the bouncers hand, feeling disgusted with himself as he entered the rat hole. He made his way through the place, looking for the office where the owner might be.

  Then the loudspeaker announced they had a new act and his stomach went into knots. Abigail was about to come out on stage. Jealously tore through him knowing that all these men were going to be looking at her, fantasizing about her, or worse. He took his spot at the end of the stage. He wanted to be the first person she saw when she walked out.

  The music started and the men began to holler. The curtain moved a little and then she came through. Abigail was a sight. She wore a sexy sailor costume, her blond hair tightly curled, and her lips bright red. She slowly strutted down the stage and then froze when she caught his eyes. He could see the panic set in on her face and the next thing he heard were the men booing at her and yelling for her to strip.

  She spun around and marched off the stage. There was yelling backstage and then she came back through the curtain, tears running down her face. He reached his hand out to her, but she glared at him and he swore he could see smoke coming from them. She hopped off the stage, but then a scrawny man appeared, stopping her in her tracks.

  “Hey, what’s going on? I told you to get your pretty little ass up on that stage and strip,” a man demanded. “You’re making a fool of my club. If you don’t get up there and give the show promised, I’ll ruin you. Do you hear me?”

  “You’ll not talk to her that way.” Josh pushed her behind him. “I’ll have this place shut down by Monday.”

  The man laughed. “Yeah, right. I’d like to see you try.”

  “Let’s go.” Josh took Abigail’s hand and led her out of there. “I’ve got a cab.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you!” she yelled.

  “Why?”

  “I’ve now lost two jobs because of you. Go back to New York and leave me alone.” Abigail stormed off toward the parking lot.

  “Abigail,” he called after her but she kept walking. He wasn’t letting her out of his life again. He ran after her. “Dammit. Stop, please.”

  Finally at her car, she did. “Leave me alone. I’m fine if you want to be there for Hailey, but you can’t dictate my life. If you don’t like it, that’s fine. But I’m doing the best I can.”

  “Why do you have to strip though?”

  “It pays good. I can’t help it men think with the head between their legs and are willing to give money just to watch me dance. That’s them. But because of men like that, I’m able to pay my bills and have money set aside each month. I have a college fund started because of those types of men.”

  “But, I want to support you so you don’t have to.” Did she understand?

  “You can’t just waltz right in here and expect me to change my life. Don’t you get it? You can’t buy me like you do everything else.”

  Buy her? He wasn’t trying to buy her. He was trying to love her, but it wasn’t coming across that way to her. “I’m sorry,” he finally said. “I didn’t mean to disrupt your life, but you haven’t let me in.”

  “You’re right. I’ve been doing this alone all these years and it’s hard for me to have someone else wanting to help.”

  “And I do, want to help. I want you and Hailey.” Josh gazed at her. His heart rate sped up as he craved reaching out and touching her. He wanted to comfort her.

  “I don’t know if I’m ready for that just yet.” Her words ripped at his heart.

  “I understand. How about you fly back with me? We can spend some time together and I can show you around the city.”

  Abigail shook her head. “Hailey has school.”

  “It’s pre-school. But if you’re worried about her missing work, we’ll bring some with us.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Fair enough.” He could settle with that for now.

  “I need to get home.” Abigail’s eyes burned into his and he wondered if she was looking for an excuse not to.

  Josh stepped closer and she didn’t move away. Reaching out, he pulled her to him. “I’m here for you,” he whispered before placing his lips on her cheek.

  Her face slowly turned into his and her lips were inches away from his. Her eyes stared up at him, causing him to lose all focus. He had to have this woman. His hand wrapped around her neck, tilting it up, and his lips captured hers. Only this woman could fight with him and then heat him up.

  “Get the hell off my property!” a man’s voice shouted from behind them. Anger flooded him that his kiss with Abigail was ending much too quickly.

  Abigail pulled away first. Josh spun around to see the club owner coming their way with the bouncer.

  “I’m going to call the cops if you don’t leave this instant,” the owner ordered.

  “Get out of here,” Josh said, directing the command to Abigail.

  She didn’t argue. As soon as Abigail was out of the parking lot, he turned back to the men standing there watching him. He thought about saying something to them, but then changed his mind. These men weren’t worth the tongue lashing.

  Chapter Six

  Abigail and Hailey had been in New York for almost a week now. Abigail still couldn’t believe she was actually here. She had been back and forth about the decision, but every time she looked at Hailey, she was reminded of Josh. And as angry as she was, her heart still beat rapidly when he crossed her mind.

  Since arriving, they had been to more places than she could imagine visiting. Josh had taken them to the zoo, museums, parks, restaurants. All the places were kid-friendly and Hailey had loved it. He’d even hired a nanny for while they were there so Abigail could get a break as well. It had been wonderful.

  They had yet to tell Hailey that Josh was her father, but Abigail knew it would be soon. Hailey knew they were related but didn’t yet know how. And it wasn’t fair to keep this from her. Josh had made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. He also told Abigail daily that he wanted them both. And the more time Abigail was spending with him, the more she wanted it just as much as he did.

  She couldn’t help but wonder though if she had told him about Hailey years ago, would she be here in New York now? Would she have become that hotshot lawyer she’d always dreamed of being? Or even have her own firm? Would she have another child? And most importantly, would she be as happy as she had been these last few days?

  Abigail sighed loudly. It was getting to be too much with all the what ifs. Tonight Hailey was staying in with the nanny and Josh was taking her out. She couldn’t wait to spend the evening with just him, but knew they had to discuss telling Hailey he was her father and their return to North Carolina. Abigail would love to stay here but knew she couldn’t. It would be much too easy to be here and things had never been easy.

  Glancing in the mirror, she added her lipstick. Her hair was styled with big bouncy curls. She wore a simple red dress that Josh had delivered. He’d wanted to treat her all evening. She was positive he had spent more than she made in a week on this dress.

  She was satisfied with her appearance. In her room, she slipped on a pair of black heels and grabbed the matching clutch purse. After leaving her room, she went to the next door down and found Hailey with the nanny.

  “Mommy, you look beautiful.” Her daughter’s eyes lit up.

  “Aw, thank you sweetie. Come give me a hug. I don’t think I’ll be here when you go to bed tonight.”

  Hailey wrapped her arms around Abigail’s waist. “I love you, Mommy. Have fun.”

  “I will. And you have fun with Ms. Janet.” She winked at the older woman.

  “We’re going to have popcorn in bed and watch a movie.”

  Abigail laughed. “That sounds like the perfect evening.” She kissed the top of Hailey’s head. “Love you. Be good.”

  “Bye.” Hailey returned to the nanny.

  Abigail smiled, feeling at complete peace
and then headed for the stairs to see if Josh was ready. As she walked down the long, winding stairway, she caught a glimpse of Josh in his study. The door was open. He wore a dark suit, and sat on the side of his desk on the phone. As she stepped onto the tiled floor, her heels clicking, he looked in her direction and held a finger up, letting her know he’d be with her in a moment.

  She watched him, beside her self at the attraction she felt for this man. They’d shared a few kisses throughout the week, but she was craving more. Much more. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could go before she snuck into his bedroom at night and had her way with him.

  “What’s put that smile on your face?” Josh asked as he closed his office door.

  “You.”

  He offered his arm to her and she grabbed ahold of it. “I like seeing it. Let me know what I did so I can keep doing it.” He led her to the front door. “Ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Hailey going to be okay without you this evening?” His tone was laced with concern that melted her heart.

  “She’s going to be fine.”

  They stepped out front where a limo waited for them. She gazed up at him and couldn’t believe he’d gone to so much trouble for one evening. Her stomach fluttered and her heart beat fast. Was this what it was like to fall head-over-heels in love with someone?

  * * * *

  Josh sipped his wine as he stared across the table at the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. These last few days with her and Hailey had been perfect. He didn’t want them to leave, but he knew not to push Abigail. He’d already caused her to lose her job—twice. She wouldn’t take kindly to him taking her away from her home as well. But he couldn’t fathom being away from either of them.

  When he looked at Abigail, he saw his future. He could do so much for her. Get her back in school, put Hailey in another top-of-the-line school. And in return, she could do just as much for him. If she stayed and started a life with him, he’d finally be whole.

  “The last few days have been fun,” he said.

  “Hailey has loved it. She’s only been on small vacations before. I don’t think I can top this—ever. Well, maybe a Disney cruise.” She giggled.

  “We can do that this summer.”

  Abigail’s eyes widened and he worried she was about to get upset by him implying a future, but then he watched as she relaxed and a smile crept back on her face. “That might be fun.”

  “Do you mean it?” he asked.

  “Yes. Hailey loves you. I think it’s time we tell her.”

  The server arrived at their table and set plates of food in front of them. He asked if they needed anything else and Josh practically shooed him away to get back to his conversation with Abigail.

  “You’re ready to tell her?”

  “I think so. She’s accepted that you two are related and I can’t believe she hasn’t asked how yet.” She took a bite of her mashed potatoes. “I don’t think you’re going anywhere and that you want to be in her life. It’s only fair to both of you for her to know that you’re her father.”

  Holding his fork in his hand, Josh took several deep breaths to compose himself. He was so happy that she wanted him in Hailey’s life. But she hadn’t mentioned anything about them or a relationship.

  “Would you consider moving to New York?” he asked as he cut into his steak.

  “I don’t know.”

  “I won’t force you to do anything, but if you come here, not only will Hailey have more opportunities, but so will you.” He took a bite of his steak.

  “It’s something to think about.”

  He grinned. It was a step and that was all that mattered. “Do you believe that I want to be with you?”

  Abigail pressed her wine glass to her lips, but her dark eyes were locked on his. She set the glass down and then wiped her red lips with the napkin. “We need to take things slow.”

  “I can handle slow.”

  “As much as I want to stay here in New York—and believe me, I do—I think for now Hailey and I will return to our other home. But will visit often.”

  Josh didn’t want that. It was hard for him to accept this answer. He was used to being in control, but when it came to Abigail, that control went out the window. She called almost all the shots.

  He softly said, “I don’t want you to leave though.” He reached across the table and she met him halfway, taking his hand. “Apparently I haven’t proved to you yet that I want you.”

  “Josh, you have. But you have to understand that mine and Hailey’s life is somewhere else. We can’t just drop everything and live here with you.”

  “Why not?” His tone was almost demanding. “Why can’t you just give this a real shot?”

  “I am. But you’ve only been back in my life a short time. How can you expect me to pick up my entire life and move in with you?”

  “I’m just asking you to take a chance on us.”

  “Me taking a chance is one thing, but I have to think about Hailey too.”

  He groaned and shook his head. She was right—again. Abigail had a way of doing that. “I don’t want to argue this evening. I have special plans for us tonight.”

  “I don’t want to fight either.” She squeezed his hand that she still held. “I like you, a lot.”

  She wasn’t ready to hear how he felt about her. She’d run for sure. “I don’t want to discuss when you and Hailey plan to leave at the moment, but I would like to know when you think we should tell her about me.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Perfect.” He inhaled deeply. Tomorrow Hailey would learn he was her father. Would she be happy? Upset? What kind of questions would she have? He looked at Abigail and knew that she had most likely already had the conversation in her head and had the answers. He’d follow her lead and together they would get it right.

  * * * *

  Climbing out of the limo, Abigail hated that the evening came to to an end. After dinner, Josh had taken her to a show. He’d held her hand and even stolen a kiss or two. On the way home it had taken every ounce of her control not to ravish him. She wasn’t sure if the wine from dinner was having the effect on her or if her desire for him was getting so strong that she couldn’t hold off any longer.

  Inside the house, Abigail stopped at the bottom of the steps and looked back at Josh. He stood there, his jacket draped over one shoulder. She licked her lips and wondered if he was having as hard a time as she was.

  “What are your plans?” she asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  She walked toward him, her heels echoing on the tile floor. As she stood before him, he raised a hand up to stop her.

  “Only do this if you’re sure.”

  Abigail nodded. “You’re right.” She stared into his eyes. Every ounce of her told her not to hold back. Reaching out, she gripped his shirt in her hands. “I’m sure.”

  It was all either of them needed. Their lips connected in an instant. She was glad his arms were around her or she would’ve fallen from the force of the kiss alone. One leg lifted and his hand gripped her inner thigh, holding it up. His erection pressed into her center and she was eager to get hers and his clothes off.

  Breaking away from his kiss, she said, “We should take this upstairs.”

  Letting go of her leg, he chuckled. “You’re right. The sooner I have you naked in bed, the sooner I can taste and explore.”

  A shiver went down her spine. “What are we waiting for?”

  As they ascended the stairs, Abigail took a moment to make sure this was what she wanted. The man behind her was strong, powerful, rich, but also sweet, caring, and passionate. Oh, yes, this was what she wanted.

  She paused in front of Hailey’s door. It was open just a crack. She first glanced at Josh, who nodded at her. Next she peered in, seeing her daughter sound asleep. The nanny’s room was across the hall and Abigail knew that for tonight, if her daughter needed anything, Ms. Janet would be there. Abigail could fully enjoy her e
vening with Josh.

  She entered his room and then spun around to look at him. He was a sight and could steal her breath with a single smile. “Maybe I should ask you,” she began, “are you sure?”

  He walked closer to her and she stepped back, seeing the passion in his eyes. With his hands on her waist, he kept her walking backward until her back landed against the wall. “Touch me and you’ll know.”

  Her fingers ached, but with her gaze locked on his, she did as he asked. Her hand slowly made its way down his firm chest and abs, past his belt buckle, and finally to the very large muscle in his pants. Wrapping her hand around it, she pumped in a leisurely manner.

  Josh groaned and then wiggled himself from her grasp. “Not quite yet. I want to play with you.”

  Before she could say anything, his hand nudged her thighs apart. With one hand, he grabbed the one she’d been fondling him with and lifted it above her head, pinning it and her other arm against the wall. She gasped, but then with his free hand, he pushed her panties aside and slid his fingers into her folds. She gasped again, but in a different way.

  His lips claimed hers and she took his kiss as best she could. But his fingers dived into her, two at a time.

  “You’re so wet.”

  She couldn’t form any words to tell him that it was him, that he made her this way. She stood up on her tiptoes as he fingered her. Her back arched and she leaned her head against the wall. Josh took it as an opportunity to lick and nibble on her neck.

  Abigail wasn’t going to last. She squirmed as the pleasure built inside her. Coming so soon seemed so juvenile to her, but she couldn’t hold off.

  “Just let go,” Josh commanded.

  She nodded and as the waves tore through her, she cried out. Her hips gyrated with his fingers, bringing them deeper inside her. He still pinned her hands above her head. She felt absolutely wanton, but loved it. Opening her eyes, she stared right into his as she rode out her orgasm, panting the whole time.