Daniella sat on the top of the granite countertop, eating a bowl of frosted flakes. With Angela’s help, she had managed to go grocery shopping the night before, stocking up her cupboards with enough food to last a month.

A stop at Walmart and she had pots and pans, a toaster, mixer, Keurig machine, and a dinner set for eight. A new set of bathroom towels had been washed and placed in the linen closet upstairs, along with a variety of cleaning products and toiletries. She bought a vacuum, a broom and mop, and more than fifty hangers for the photos she brought with her.

She found a beautiful black wall shelf and hung it up in her bedroom with a small pink tool kit, then unpacked her trunk. Her awards and memorabilia from high school and college were assembled on the shelf, and her clothes were hung in the closet on the new hangers. She took the photo of her Aunt Millie to Walmart’s photo department and had them blow it up, cropping out the rest of the family. She placed it in a beautiful Native American designed frame and hung it above the fireplace.

Daniella was beginning to feel like a real adult. She bought an iron and ironing board, along with a steamer so she wouldn’t have to wear wrinkled clothes to go job hunting. She had a lot more shopping to do, but at least she managed to purchase a small round card table and four folding chairs, along with a queen-sized, blow-up camping mattress. She made it up with a new set of crisp white sheets, an electric blanket, two pillows, and a burgundy satin comforter from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Angela asked if she wanted a roommate, and a part of her didn’t want to be alone, but she felt the need to have a little privacy, at least for now. Perhaps in a few weeks, she’d get sick of the silence and would accept her friend’s offer, but for now, she was happy just being by herself.

The distant sound of hammering next door startled her, and Daniella turned her head quickly towards the wall that divided her kitchen from the neighbor. Mr. Wong told her the unit had been sold on Monday morning, but she didn’t think anyone would be moving in so soon. She should have expected it though, after all, she couldn’t wait to get settled in on her half of the double unit. Soon there would be a lot more neighbors, and more opportunities to make new friends – perhaps even meet some eligible men her own age.

A part of her felt like taking a peace offering to the neighbor, but she pushed the idea aside. She wasn’t in the mood to be that friendly just yet. She had far too much to do, and couldn’t waste even a few minutes of idle conversation, or the time to prepare a gift basket or a platter of treats. The only thing she did know about the neighbor was that he was a single man, though that didn’t mean he wasn’t involved or engaged.

She took the list she had made last night off the top of the fridge and ran through everything she planned to do that day. She was going to take her resume to the school districts nearby, then stop at the mall for a few more clothes. After that, she would go to the furniture store and begin her task of filling her condo. She was looking forward to having a bed to sleep in again.

Daniella washed her bowl and dried it, before placing it back in the cupboard with the rest of her new dishes. She hurried upstairs and quickly changed into one of the dresses she’d bought while shopping with Angela. She pulled the flatiron through her hair and applied just enough makeup to bring out the color of her eyes and accent her tanned face.

She stepped back into her closet and looked at the reflection in the full-length mirror. Somehow, she thought she looked a bit more mature than her twenty-five years, which was probably a good thing. If she looked older, the superintendent of the schools might not take her for a rookie and give her a chance.

Daniella couldn’t help but feel encouraged. She felt certain today would prove successful. She was going to get the job she wanted, and she was going to knock the socks off the superintendents. How could she fail? She graduated on the Dean’s list, the top student of her class, with honors, and had four recommendations from the schools where she taught during the summers, as well as her professors. Besides that, she looked amazing.

The burgundy dress settled a few inches above her knees in a pleated fashion, with a matching belt around her waist. The sleeves were folded with a cuff above her elbow, with a rhinestone button on each cuff for decoration. The collar laid against her shoulders, falling into a V neck that revealed just a hint of cleavage of her firm breasts. Her long slender legs were bare of nylons, and she wore a pair of black mule pumps. Her waist-length hair was pulled back from her face with two large side combs, decorated with small red roses. She wore a simple pair of diamond stud earrings her father had given her for her sixteenth birthday, and a matching, single stone, diamond necklace rested at the base of her throat.

With a satisfied smile, she grabbed her new Prada purse and left the closet, taking her umbrella with her. The clouds outside looked heavy with rain, but it did little to discourage her good mood. Even the music coming from the adjoining condo couldn’t deflate her disposition.

She filled a tall purple plastic drink bottle with the iced tea she had made earlier that morning and walked into the garage. It would be her first official drive in her new SUV, and she was excited. This whole day seemed filled with the electricity of adventure, and she was happy to begin the first day of her adult life.

Daniella started the engine of her BMW and pressed the small box on the ceiling, watching as the door to her garage slid upwards. The rain was coming down in a thick sheet as she drove out of the garage, and onto the street. With the wipers cleaning the moisture from the windshield, she switched on the radio and headed toward her first stop.

Plymouth had over twelve schools in the district. She was certain there would be at least one opening that she could fill. With her grades, her degrees, her recommendations, and her positive attitude, she was a shoo-in.

Daniella found a parking spot in the second row and pulled her car into the stall. She could feel the jump of excitement grip her stomach as she drew a deep breath. She took a drink from the plastic container, then flipped down the visor mirror. She made a quick check of her makeup and hair, then opened the door.

With the umbrella sheltering her from the storm, she made her way up the stairs of the large brick building. The sound of thunder crashing above her echoed through the stillness of the morning. Daniella drew a steady breath and went into the building, carefully closing her umbrella, and wiping her feet on the long narrow rug that ran down the center of the foyer, toward a set of stairs.

She smiled at the woman who sat at the front desk and found herself drawing another deep breath. She told the woman she was there to submit her resume and was instructed to proceed to the second floor.

Daniella walked steadily down the hall of the upper level, checking the numbers of the doors as she passed. Nearly halfway down was room 217. On the outside of the closed door was a plaque that read Superintendent. Adjusting her umbrella over her arm, she opened the door and walked in.

The room was large with eight black leather chairs lining two walls, and a wooden desk in the middle. An elderly woman with white hair and small wire glasses perched on the tip of her nose looked up and Daniella nearly laughed. This was the exact image she thought her teachers would look like, every year when she started a new grade.

“May I help you?” the woman asked, and Daniella glanced at the name plaque on her desk. Mrs. S. Baker, Administration.

“Yes, ma’am,” Daniella answered in a firm voice. “I’m here to submit my resume. I was told you would be the person I needed to speak with.”

“What position are you looking for?”

“I’m a history major, with a degree in physical fitness.”

“Well, I’m not sure we’re hiring any new teachers, at this moment,” the woman said, reaching into the top drawer to her left. “I know of two teachers who will be taking maternity leave next spring, and we’re always looking for substitute teachers. Fill this out, and I’ll see if Mr. Banning can speak with you when he arrives.”

Daniella took the paper and clipboard the woman handed her and walked to a nearby chair. She sat down with all the dignity her mother had taught her and began filling out the application.

Ten minutes later, the door opened again, and a tall, heavyset man walked in. His long gray coat was dripping wet, and he stomped his feet on the carpet, before taking his coat off. He quickly shook the water off it, splattering it across Daniella’s arm and clipboard she had in her lap.

The man turned his eyes to Daniella as she gasped, watching her wipe the moisture off her application. He removed a white handkerchief from his pocket and began blotting the rainwater off his bald head.

“I beg your pardon,” the man said in a gruff voice, then turned back to the elderly woman. “I swear, I just saw a large ship filled with animals float down Main Street.”

“Yes, Sir,” the elderly woman said with a smile. “Mr. Banning, this young woman is here to submit her application.”

Daniella stood and watched the man turn around and look at her. For a moment, she felt very uncomfortable as he looked her up and down, a single eyebrow rising above his steel-gray eyes.

“Yes, of course,” he said, reaching out his hand. “Sorry again about getting you wet, Miss…”

“Jefferson. Daniella Jefferson.”

“Well, Miss Jefferson, shall we go into my office?” he waved a hand toward a door at the back of the room and allowed Daniella to proceed ahead of him.

“Will you get us some coffee please, Susan,” he asked the woman at the desk. “I’m near freezing.”

“Yes, Sir,” the older woman answered.

Daniella glanced behind her, watching the woman stand from her seat and move to a small open closet beside her. Mr. Banning walked toward Daniella, and she again felt uncomfortable. He had a crooked smile that seemed to almost sneer at her.

He opened the door and stepped aside, allowing her to enter ahead of him, then stepped in and closed the door. He walked around the desk and sat down, waving Daniella to a seat across from him.

“So, what position is it that you like to start in?” Mr. Banning asked, making Daniella shift awkwardly in her seat.

She had never felt so out of place, as she did just then. The man had a way of making a person feel like they were literally under the microscope. He stared at her as though he’d stripped her of her clothing. Her first impression of a person was usually accurate, and this man was not making a very good one.

“Mr. Banning, my name is Daniella Jefferson,” she said again. “I’m a recent graduate from UCLA, and I’ve just moved back to Edgartown, where my family lives.”

“I see,” he said, accepting the damp paper she handed him.

“I have degrees in history and physical fitness,” she continued, reaching into her new purse, and pulling out one of the dozen packets she had tucked inside. “I was the top of my class and graduated with honors. I was Magna Cum Laude, and have references from the Dean, as well as the schools where I taught during the summers, and six of my professors.”

“Impressive,” the man said, accepting the papers she handed him. “Unfortunately, we are not hiring for the upcoming school year, though there are three teachers who will be retiring at the end of this term. What grade would you prefer teaching?”

“I can teach any grade, but I’d like to stay in the elementary ages.”

“Your application is very impressive, and I’m sure we can use you someplace,” the man said as the door opened, and Mrs. Baker stepped in with a small tray with two cups of coffee. “Would you be interested in substituting?”

“I’d like a permanent position, but if it helps me get my foot in the door, then I’ll take anything you have.”

“Excellent,” the man said, taking one of the two cups from the tray. “Susan, will you get a new hire packet for Miss Jefferson, please?”

“Yes Sir,” the older woman said, looking to Daniella with a disapproving expression.

“Well, then, shall we toast to your new position?” Mr. Banning said, raising his cup in the air.

“Thank you, but I have to go,” Daniella said quickly. “I have several other places to apply before the day is over. Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Banning. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

She turned around and walked as casually as possible toward the door, hoping to get away from the man who stared at her with a hungry expression.

In the outer office, Daniella paused and drew a deep breath. She could put up with just about anything to get a job, but not if it meant she’d be a daily item on the menu.

Mrs. Baker handed her a packet of papers, and she quickly breezed through them, then turned it in and thanked the older woman for her time. Daniella glanced behind her as she opened the door to the hallway. She saw the handle to the Superintendent’s office turn. She wasn’t very eager to be subjected to the dessert cart again, so she stepped into the hallway and quickly closed the door.

Daniella could hear her mother’s insistence that she walk like a lady as she nearly ran down the hallway. She was tucked under her umbrella as she stepped out to the sidewalk and hurried back to her car.

She drew a long breath once she was behind the wheel of her BMW. She was used to the way men looked at her, but that one was particularly disturbing. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Mr. Banning was about to ask her for an old-fashioned couch interview.

The next six hours were spent traveling from Plymouth to Somerset, to New Bedford, and back up to South Duxbury. She placed her resume in the hands of Superintendents in six school districts, with nothing more than the promise to be placed on the list for Substitute Teachers.

She left her resume and references in the hands of men who looked old enough to be her father – two who looked old enough to be her grandfather – who asked every personal question they legally could, except her measurements. The two female Superintendents she thought she’d feel more comfortable with, looked down their noses to her as if she were nothing better than the puddles they had jumped across to get to work.

Daniella was tired, her head ached, and her cheeks were sore from forcing herself to smile. She felt like she had been stripped naked in front of lecherous school leaders, torn to shreds – visually at least – by more secretaries and administrators than she could remember, and glared at by nearly every woman in every building she walked into. For the first time in her life, she found herself regretting the fact she was attractive.

In her living room, Daniella sat on the floor, her shoes beside her as she rubbed her sore feet. She wasn’t feeling as enthused about life, as when she left earlier that morning. She was discouraged and disappointed, neither feeling was very comfortable.

Slowly, she took her shoes and purse upstairs and into her bedroom. She tossed her shoes carelessly into her closet, and let her purse fall to the floor beside the door, then plopped herself down on the blow-up mattress. If she wasn’t so determined to prove to everyone that she was an adult, she’d curl up beneath the layer of blankets and cry.

The sound of her phone ringing from inside her purse began with a muffled, cheerful tinkle. With a heavy sigh, she sat up, crawling the short distance to her bag. She took the file with her resumes out of her purse and tossed it across the carpet, watching it slide into the wall as she pressed the green button on her cell.

“Dani,” Angela said cheerfully. “How’d things go? Did you get a job?”

“No,” she answered in a sad voice. “Nobody is hiring, but I was promised to be placed on the Substitute Teacher lists in every district from here to Virginia. I even applied for two jobs for online teachers and faxed my resume to a private school in Boston.”

“Well don’t give up,” Angela said, and Daniella could practically see the smile on her face. “Come meet me for supper. I’ll go with you to shop for furniture.”

“I don’t think I want to go anywhere,” she whimpered. “I’m tired and my feet are killing me.”

“Oh, come on. It will do you good to have a relaxing supper. And you love shopping. That should cheer you up. I won’t take no for an answer. Meet me at The Yankee Pub in twenty minutes. Love ya.”

The phone call ended before Daniella could object further. Reluctantly, she tossed her phone back in her bag and stood up from the carpet. She changed into a pair of her new skinny jeans and a button blouse that hugged her torso like a glove.

She slipped her feet back into her heels and grabbed her purse. Daniella glanced behind her, seeing her resumes strung across the floor and sighed. It wasn’t the papers’ fault she couldn’t find a job. And she had worked extremely hard to compile the information in a presentable format. She gathered the remaining papers together and placed them back in the file, then slipped them into her bag. Maybe she would submit them with an application to Dairy Queen.

Daniella sat between Angela and Takeko Li, Angela’s friend from Springfield College. The two were chatting cheerfully, but Daniella really wasn’t listening. She was dwelling in her own self-pity and doubt, wondering if she had made a mistake by coming back home.

In California, she had opportunities, many of them. She had been offered a job at a high school two blocks from her condo, and two more offers from San Diego. With all the schools in Orange County, she could practically take her pick. Here, the best she could hope for was the occasional fill-in job when someone was ill or having a baby.

“Cheer up,” Angela said, nudging her friend’s elbow. “I hate seeing you so down.”

“I’m sorry,” Daniella answered. “I guess I’m not very good company right now.”

“We’ll change that. We’re going to take you to the mall and help you spend an obscene amount of money on clothes, then we’re going to help you find a bed to sleep in.”

“I’m really not in the mood, Angela,” Daniella said, stirring the ice in her tea with the straw. “Besides, I have to start saving my money in case I can’t find a job. I have no idea how long I’ll be unemployed, and I won’t ask my dad for help.”

“You can always come work at the club,” Takeko said as she sipped her Diet Pepsi. “The owner is always looking for beautiful girls, and you’re gorgeous. The wages are better than anywhere I’ve worked before, and the tips are phenomenal.”

“I thought you were an accountant?” Daniella asked with a frown. “Didn’t you graduate with a master’s degree?”

“Yeah, but I could never make as much money doing people’s income taxes, as I do waiting tables at Bourne Again. Besides, the hours are great. I work three twelve-hour shifts and have four days off. Occasionally, I’ll work at a special party or event, which pays double what I normally make. And if I decide to start dancing, my wages will increase even more.”

“Dance?”

“Yeah,” Takeko said with a wide smile. “There’s a house we’ve had our eyes on for some time now, and it just came up for sale. It’s a great place to start a family, but we won’t be able to afford it, even as great as my wages are unless we can come up with a substantial down payment. My husband’s been trying to talk me into it, anyway. I mean, I don’t have the body for it, like the other girls. Now take you. You have an amazing figure, and with your looks, you’d make bank.”

“You’re talking about stripping, aren’t you?” Daniella asked with a frown.

“It’s called exotic dancing,” Angela said with an amused smile. “I’ve been thinking about trying out for the job as well. I could always use some extra cash, and I love flirting with men, especially when they’re stuffing twenty-dollar bills in my clothes.”

“You’re crazy. What would your family think? What would Max say?”

“Max is the one who told me about the job,” Angela told her with a wide-eyed expression. “And I’m not a Jefferson. I don’t really give a damn what people think. My mom and her new husband live in Jersey, and they have never objected to anything I’ve wanted to do, and I know my dad will support me. Especially if I make enough for him to borrow.”

“That’s insane,” Daniella said with a frown. “I would never be able to do anything like that. You might have the support of your family, but mine would die if they ever found out I was taking my clothes off for money. My mother would be humiliated beyond words. She’d never be able to hold her head up in public again.”

“Heaven forbid if the great Alice Jefferson couldn’t look down her nose at people again,” Angela said with a soft snort.

“I know she’s a snob, but she’s my mother and I love her. I also respect my parents too much to embarrass them.”

“So, don’t dance,” Takeko said. “Just wait on the tables. You’ll still make great money. And it’s work until a teaching job opens up.”

“I don’t know,” Daniella said pushing her drink aside. “I need a job, but I’m not sure if I’m that desperate.”

“Just talk to the owner,” Angela said. “It won’t do any harm to see what he has to say.”

“I’ll take you over to the club and introduce you,” Takeko said. “It’s Tuesday, and the club isn’t very busy and he’s really a great guy. And he’s not bad looking, either.”

“That’s settled then,” Angela said with a wide smile. “Let’s go find an outfit that will knock his socks off, and we’ll go talk to him.”

“Angela, I really don’t think…” Daniella began.

“Keep it that way,” her friend interrupted. “You need a job and there’s one available to you. All you have to do is smile pretty and bat your beautiful green eyes, and you’ll have him kissing your feet.”

“With what luck, I’ve had today,” Daniella began as the other two stood up from their chairs, “I’ll probably step on his tongue.”

Daniella walked toward the front door of the Bourne Again Nightclub with Takeko and Angela. She felt awkward and nervous, but at least she wasn’t alone. They had spent the entire afternoon at the mall, shopping for the perfect outfit for her would-be interview. As she passed the black windows, Daniella caught a glimpse of her reflection and gasped in surprise.

She wore a short, form-fitting black sleeveless dress with a deep square neck that showed off the swell of her full breasts above the sequined trim. Her long firm legs were bare, and she wore a pair of high black stiletto heels. The diamond earrings she’d worn all day had been replaced with a pair of dangling strands of rhinestones and around her neck was a black choker, accented with rhinestone studs. A matching bracelet was strapped to her right wrist, and a simple black leather watch hung on her left wrist.

Her hair was left down and loose about her face, resting on her hips. She had exchanged her Prada purse for a small black beaded clutch that hung from her shoulder. Her makeup had been touched up and made darker, accenting her beauty even more than it had earlier that day.

Fortunately, she had the figure and the face to carry off the look of sophisticated seduction. But somehow, she felt certain, if her mother saw her right now, she’d die of humiliation. She looked more like a hooker than someone applying for a job.

Takeko paused by the main entrance and kissed the cheek of the large black man who stood guard, introducing him as Carl Whitmore. She explained the reason they were there on a weeknight, then escorted her guests down a long narrow passageway that opened into the dark club.

Daniella felt very uncomfortable as two men standing guard at the end of the passageway turned and stared at her. She swore she could hear their thoughts as they examined her intently, looking from her head to her feet, then back up again. The way they silently watched her walk past them, was enough to make Daniella’s cheeks burn with embarrassment.

The main room of the club wasn’t much different than it had been the night she was here with Max and Angela. The music was loud with a thumping that vibrated the walls and floor. The lights were dim as a spotlight swirled around the dancefloor, but instead of a crowd gathered around to enjoy the music, a very attractive young blonde woman danced alone on the stage.

Daniella paused for a moment to watch her. She moved with ease to the tune blaring from the speakers. Her slender figure seemed to caress the silver pole as if she were making love to it. Her breasts were hidden behind a small pink belly shirt, her firm hips bare around a tiny black thong. She wore a pair of shiny black six-inch platform heels that made her legs look longer than they were, and her long hair had been pulled into a ponytail at the back of her head. Daniella estimated the girl to be around her own age, maybe a little younger, but with the heavy makeup, she looked much older.

Takeko walked up to the dark-haired man at the bar and leaned close to talk to him. Daniella watched as the man nodded, and the girl turned to signal for her and Angela to join them. They walked toward the bar casually, and Daniella found herself fighting the urge to run away.

Angela looked relaxed and comfortable in her tight mini dress of deep red. A similar style to the one Daniella wore, with a sequined trim that sparkled in the flashing lights of the club. Her long legs were in a pair of dark red heels, and her hair was braided over her shoulder.

In a way, Daniella envied her friend. Angela was so different than she could ever hope to be. She was free and enjoying the life of a single young woman, while Daniella worried daily about what people might think of her. She blamed her social loving mother for her inhibitions and scolded her dignity to stay quiet long enough for her to get the job.

“Angela can talk to the boss first,” Takeko said in a voice loud enough that they could hear her. “Daniella, why don’t you wait here. Have a drink. It’s on me.”

Daniella watched her friend walk away with the slender Oriental woman, before sitting down on a barstool. She tried to look relaxed but found the attempt more difficult than she had hoped.

“What will you have?” the bartender asked with a grin that assured her he hadn’t missed a single detail of her attire.

“Just a coke, please,” she answered, turning her attention back to the woman on the stage.

The blonde was dancing in the center of the stage, her top had been removed and she was caressing her bare torso with her hands as the dozen, or so, men watched on. The room wasn’t nearly as full as it had been on Sunday, but each table had one or more men sitting at them, drinking from their colored glasses, a stack of money nearby.

Daniella was amazed at how quiet the room was. She remembered going to a bar in Los Angeles with her friend, Caroline Marcus, to see the Chippendale Dancers. The noise of the women shouting, and whistling was deafening, but the silence of the men was almost…reverent. It was not exactly what she expected when she thought of Takeko or Angela dancing.

The blonde smiled, her tongue licking her lips as her hands moved down her thighs, she turned around and caressed her buttocks before kneeling on the floor. As she approached a table beside a wide walkway that attached to the stage, she leaned closer to the two men. One held up a paper bill, though Daniella couldn’t tell how much it was. The blonde knelt in front of him as he slipped it inside the elastic waistband of her thong. The second man took a bill that seemed to sparkle in the light, and Daniella would have sworn it was a new hundred-dollar bill. He slipped it into the fabric covering her crotch and slid it down, so it rested between her legs.

She continued to crawl toward the rest of the men who eagerly held up money. By the time the music ended, her thong was filled with paper bills. The men had even placed the bills through the back string hidden between her buttocks. The blonde took her clothes from the stage and left, as the music ended and a dark-skinned woman in a tailored sailor’s suit walked on the stage. The music again started, and the woman began dancing.

“Here you go, Honey,” the bartender said, setting a clear glass on the counter.

Daniella thanked the man, turning her back on him again as she sipped her drink. The way he stared at her, made her feel more uncomfortable than she had a few moments ago. It was a very unsettling feeling, and she was beginning to think twice about staying here. She couldn’t help but think of Brian Hancock. If she worked here, did that mean she’d see the man again, and if she did, would he kiss her?

The thought of the man from a few nights ago came crashing back, and she felt the urge to leave. Just as she was about to stand up, Angela and Takeko came out from behind a black curtain at the other end of the bar. They both smiled, and Angela was laughing at something her friend said. They looked much happier than Daniella felt.

“Your turn,” Angela said with a wide grin.

“How’d things go for you?” Daniella asked nervously.

“I’m going to start as a server and work on learning a few dance routines. When I’m ready, he’ll audition me.”

“Congratulations,” she said, glancing around the room, watching the men begin to stuff money into the dancer’s clothes. “I think.”

Daniella saw a green sign above the passageway they had entered through that read Exit. Another sign was positioned above a large metal door at the far end of the room, with a red bar across the middle and a sign that said Emergency Exit Only. Either way, there were too many people around for her to make an inconspicuous departure.

“Go on,” Angela told her friend, accepting the drink the bartender handed her. “He won’t bite. He’s really nice and simply gorgeous.”

“I’m not sure about this,” Daniella said glancing at the bartender who walked to the end of the bar where a man sat watching the three girls.

“Come on,” Angela said with a reassuring smile. “You need a job, and this one pays better than my day job ever will.”

Reluctantly, Daniella stood and smoothed her dress across her hips. She was nervous and a bit frightened. Unfortunately, it showed in the way she walked toward the black curtain. The man at the end of the counter winked at her as she passed, but even that didn’t seem to penetrate the bubble of anxiety that surrounded her.

Daniella opened the curtain and took two steps into a dark hallway. She paused for a moment, drawing a deep breath to steady her nerves. Once again, she smoothed her hands down her dress, then up to her hair. She wet her lips and took another step forward.

One after the other, her feet slowly moved toward the light that shone around a closed wooden door with a sign that read, Private. She could never remember feeling so nervous. Even her college interview couldn’t compare to the way she felt at that moment.

Summoning all her courage, Daniella reached forward and knocked lightly on the door. She began counting. Once she reached ten, she was turning around and leaving – as quickly as her stiletto heels would take her.

One, two, three…

“Come in,” a voice said on the other side of the door.

Daniella reached out and wrapped her sweaty palm around the cold metal knob and turned it. Quietly she pushed the door opened and stepped in.

The room was much lighter than the hallway, or the club for that matter, and she found herself blinking repeatedly to adjust her eyes. Once she could see clearly, she found herself standing in a very luxuriously decorated office. It was nothing like what she’d expected to find, though she hadn’t considered much as she waited for Angela and Takeko to return.

It was a large room, roughly the size of her parents’ formal living room. The walls were painted a warm beige and the floor was carpeted in a soft, dark terracotta. There was a leather sofa in seal brown against one wall, with two matching leather chairs on each end, facing each other. At either end of the sofa was a mahogany wood end table with a glass lamp. Across the room were a leather-clad bar and three bar stools upholstered in leather that matched the furniture.

At the far end of the room, directly ahead of her, was a large mahogany desk. On it sat a computer, and behind it sat the man she had secretly dreamt of for the past two days.

Brian Hancock leaned back in the leather chair, staring at Daniella with interest. She knew he was inspecting her attire, as much as everyone had since she walked out of the mall bathroom. She felt very uncomfortable as she stood there staring at the man.

“I didn’t expect to see you again, Daniella,” Brian said with a deep, soft voice. “How have you been?”

“Fine, great, thanks,” she answered in a quick, almost rambling voice.

“Please, have a seat,” he told her waving to the sofa as he stood and walked to the bar. “Care for a drink?”

“No…thank you,” she hesitated as she moved to one of the chairs, tugging the hem of the dress down her hips as she sat.

“So, what can I do for you?”

“I…Takeko said…do you have a job…I mean…” she drew a deep breath and swallowed as he raised a single eyebrow to her. “What I mean to say; is Takeko said you may be looking for servers.”

“I’m always open to attractive women, who are willing to work. But I’m not sure if you’re the right type for the club.”

“I’m a hard worker,” she said. “And I learn quickly. I have a photographic memory, so I can remember a large amount of information at once.”

“Did you tell your parents the truth about where you were Sunday?” he asked her, shocking her out of her temporary state of confusion.

“What happens between my parents and me, is none of your business,” she assured him sternly.

“So, you didn’t tell them.”

“For your information, I did tell them.”

“Really?” he asked with a suspicious expression as he walked around the bar, leaning against the edge of the desk in front of her.

“What did they say?” he asked her.

“Why do you want to know?” Daniella narrowed her eyes to the man.

The feeling of anger and irritation quickly replaced the uncomfortable feeling of nerves that had been dancing inside her veins over the past hour.

“I told you. I have no room in my life for liars.”

“What makes you think I want to be in your life?”

“Why are you here, Daniella?”

“I heard you might have a job available, but I suppose I was told wrong. I don’t think this is the sort of place I really want to work.”

“Aren’t there any schools hiring new teachers?” he asked as she stood up and took a step toward the door.

“How did you know I was a teacher?” she asked then turned back to him with a narrow expression.

“You must have told me when we met,” he answered, folding his arms across his chest.

“No, I didn’t,” she said firmly. “I have a photographic memory. I remember everything we said that night.”

“What difference does it make where I heard it? I’m not the one in the spotlight right now. You are.”

“The spotlight? Are you serious? Exactly who do you think you are?”

“Somehow, Daniella, I don’t see you as a server. I don’t think your mommy and daddy would approve of your choice of employment.”

“Fine. I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”

Daniella turned and walked to the door, ignoring the feeling of eyes on her backside. She reached out and grabbed hold of the metal knob and was about to pull the door open when she paused. She saw her condo in her mind, heard the rejection of the Superintendents echoing around her. She knew she had no other choice. She needed this job.

Removing her hand from the knob, she turned and drew a deep breath to steady her emotions. She squared her shoulders and walked slowly back to the center of the room. Looking at the arrogant man who watched her intently gave her the courage she needed to continue.

“Look,” she said firmly, “I need a job, and all the teaching positions are filled. The best I can hope for is substituting, which might not happen for several weeks or even months. In the meantime, I have a car payment and bills to pay. I am a quick learner, and I’m a hard worker. I never call in sick, and I’m not afraid of long hours.”

Brian set his glass down on the desk beside him. He walked toward her, his eyes locking with hers. For a moment, Daniella wasn’t sure if she was breathing or not. Slowly, he walked around her, his eyes taking in every inch of her beautiful body. He stopped behind her, his hands itching to touch her bottom.

“You are a very beautiful woman,” he whispered, causing goosebumps to rise across her skin.

A strange tingle traveled down her spine like warm chocolate dripping across her. It wrapped around her like wild vines, until it settled in that one place that hadn’t felt the heat of desire in a very long time.

“Men will want you,” he continued in a hushed tone as he leaned a little closer to her. “It will be your job to make certain they are satisfied while they’re here. They will want to touch you and grope you. You will have your ass pinched and caressed by more hands than you’ve ever had before.”

Daniella gasped as his hand moved to her bottom, caressing her through the dress that seemed much thinner than when she bought it. He leaned closer to her, his breath against her cheek and neck and she nearly moaned as he lowered his voice, speaking very softly next to her ear.

“You will be expected to take their flirtatious acts with a smile and thank them for the money they slip in your pants, or in your bra. Your beautiful body will be nothing more than an object for the appraisal of every man who walks through that door. They will ask you for favors you’ve never imagined possible.”

He slowly moved his hand down her bottom to the back of her thigh as he moved to stand in front of her again, his voice a low, soft whisper that made her heart skip a beat.

“My guards are there to protect you, Daniella, but you will be expected to be polite to my guests. No man will go any further than caressing your tight ass or copping a feel of those firm, beautiful breasts. If they try to touch you in any other way, my men will put a stop to it. The club is closed to members on Mondays and Wednesdays when it is booked for…private parties. Occasionally, I will expect you to work these parties or events, but not until your training is complete, and I’m comfortable with your behavior. During those times, the men become much more aggressive, and I will allow more physical contact with you than any other night, but nothing that will cause you bodily harm. Do you understand?”

“Do you expect me to…have sex…with your customers?” she asked with a frown, watching a dark emotion dilate his pupils.

“No,” he whispered. “But the private parties are privy to much more than a typical night. They pay extremely well, and you will make double your normal wages. The tips you make could be in the thousands. When you’re trained, and if I think you’ll provide a satisfactory performance, I will allow the members of the private parties to hire you for a lap dance. You will be taught how to tease these men until they are so horny, they will pay what they are asked.”

Brian deliberately allowed his eyes to travel down her chest, resting on the swell of her breasts, watching the heartbeat at the side of her neck.

“You are a very beautiful woman, Daniella,” he said in a deep, husky voice as he slowly reached up, caressing the top portion of her breasts with a warm finger, causing chills to travel down her spine.

Daniella’s breath caught in her throat and she nearly moaned at the man’s touch. She felt his finger move slowly to her chin, tipping it so he could look her in the eyes.

“Do you understand what I want you to do?” he asked in a soft, husky voice.

“You…want me to tease them…into buying more drinks,” she said with a breathless voice.

“Exactly,” he answered, then took a step back and cleared his throat.

“The more the member buys, the more I make, and the more you’re paid,” he continued as he turned his back on the woman and walked to his desk. He lifted his drink to his lips, praying to regain composure of his senses.

“The job starts at twenty-five dollars an hour. You’ll work three twelve-hour shifts, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. If you are called to fill in for another server, you will be paid double time. All tips you make are yours, and you will be responsible for reporting them to the IRS. You will not wear your uniform out of the building, and you will not leave the building without an escort.”

“Are you saying…I have the job?” she asked with a hesitant voice, trying to figure out what had just happened.

“Against my better judgment, yes,” he added, then turned back to look at her. “But if you screw up even once, I’ll kick your ass out of here so fast, you’ll have concrete imbedded in your crack.”

“When do I start?” she asked with a stern expression.

“Be here tomorrow afternoon at four. You and your friend will start your training together. I have a private party scheduled, but it will not be a very large one. It will be the perfect day to break you in. Since you’ll be in training, you’ll wear the usual uniform, but your attire changes with the price the members pay for the party. I’ll give you two weeks. If you can’t make it, then you’re out. We’ll see if you have the determination to do what the job demands.”

Daniella didn’t say another word, she simply turned and walked toward the door.

“Daniella,” Brian began, preventing her from leaving the room. She turned and looked at him across her shoulder, watching as he moved to his desk and took out a stapled stack of papers. “Read these and sign them. Bring them back tomorrow. That is if you have the guts to show up.”

Daniella walked across the room and took the papers from his hand. She stared at the man momentarily, wondering if she should turn him down before it was too late. But there was something in his eyes that made her blood boil. She turned and walked back toward the door and as her hand touched the knob once more, she paused.

“I’ll be here,” she told him boldly. “And as far as my parents' go...my mother was disappointed that I broke the Sabbath, but I am an adult, and she knows there is nothing she can do to stop me from making up my own mind.”

Brian watched the woman walk out the door, closing it behind her. He smiled as he pushed the button on his computer, shutting it off. He knew he was going to regret hiring that little minx, but until then, he was going to enjoy making her squirm.