Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
“Probably,” I acknowledge. “Actually, it’s likely even worse than what you’re thinking. I was a hostess at an exclusive gentlemen’s club in the city called City Girls. And yes, I did that. I pleased men for money.”
Mason stares at me, putting his chicken wing down.
“You were an escort? Or a stripper?”
I nod, trying to look like it’s no big deal even though my heart’s racing.
“Kind of both. You see, City Girls has a number of revenue generating opportunities, so yes, I went out on dates with their male clientele. But they also put on private parties, and then sometimes, the girls would dance for the customers. So yes, you could even say that I was a stripper of sorts.”
I can see Mason’s brain working furiously as he stares at me.
“Holy shit,” he whispers. “So you quit City Girls because you were pregnant right? Guys didn’t want to pay for a pregnant woman?”
I shake my head.
“No, not exactly. Actually, a certain segment of City Girls’ clientele actually has a fetish for pregnant women so that’s a thing, if you will. It’s a sought-after kink, in fact, and guys pay a pretty penny to be with a pregnant escort. In fact, you’d probably be into it.”
The alpha male swallows hard before nodding.
“You’re right. I would be.”
I take a deep breath before looking Mason in the eye.
“But that’s not why I went on hiatus. I went on hiatus because I was pregnant about two years ago, but I lost the baby. So this time, I didn’t want to take any chances, and decided to stop working in an abundance of caution.”
“Oh shit,” he breathes, those blue eyes sympathetic. “I’m so sorry, honey. I had no idea. That must have been devastating.”
“Yes, it was devastating,” I say in a low voice, looking down at the table. “The miscarriage was difficult, and I wish things could have been different. But then I got pregnant again, and this time I want to do things right because this baby is my second chance. That’s why this child means so much to me, and that’s the reason I decided to take time off from work too. I wanted to be able to really enjoy and experience every moment of this pregnancy, and to savor the experience because it could go ‘poof’ at any time. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.”
Mason nods somberly, taking my small hand in his big one.
“That’s completely understandable,” he nods. “It makes sense, Chelsea.”
I manage a wan smile.
“And I hope you know how appreciative I am of your support because it’s nice having someone there for me while I go through all this. You know, accompanying me to doctor’s appointments, buying all my favorite foods, and waiting on me hand and foot. God knows, Elsa wouldn’t be able to deal.”
The handsome man nods slowly, sending me a small smile.
“It’s no problem, sweetheart, and I don’t mind at all because pregnant women turn me on. You turn me on. It’s just … well, I have so many questions about your career. I mean, an escort? How did you even get into the line of work? I mean, do you mind talking about it?” he asks hastily. “Just let me know either way. I’m totally fine if you’d rather not.”
I sigh a little and smile.
“No, it’s fine. I started working as an escort during college actually,” is my quiet admission. “You know I went to Baruch, which is a public school, but still, there are a lot of fees and tuition isn’t zero. A girl in my dorm said she knew a way to make cash by going to parties. So I went with her once, and it wasn’t bad. There were lots of women just like me: young, pretty, and trying to make ends meet. It went well, but I didn’t think it was a long-term thing. It was just something that was going to get me through school.”
Mason nods.
“And then?”
I sigh again.
“Well, after graduation, I had a lot of student loans, but no job. There aren’t that many positions out there for folks with art degrees, and I guess I should have known that going in. I guess I did know, but reality is always ten times more terrifying. So I signed up with City Girls,” I say with a shrug. “It was that, or food stamps and public assistance.”
Mason nods.
“Has it worked out for you?” he asks carefully. “Is it turning out the way you expected?”
I cock my head to the side while thinking.
“It is,” is my affirmative statement. “I don’t know if it makes me a slut, but the job’s really not bad. City Girls is a high-end agency, so they screen their clientele to make sure the men are wealthy and handsome, not to mention generous when it comes to tips.” Then I squint at him. “They do business in Jersey too. And you work in the city right? I’m surprised you’ve never heard of them.”