Free Destined for Love by Diane Thorne Page B

customers from vehicles. Sam waited at the stop light for traffic to pass then turned onto the street leading to the small line of cars. After he reached the kerb, he shifted the gear. “I’m not about to try to find a parking spot.”
    Terri grinned and patted his cheek. “I warned you it would be crowded.”
    “Yeah, yeah.”
    Attendants opened Terri’s and Val’s doors. Fast, thumping music from behind the walls of the club greeted them as they stepped onto the sidewalk. They stood together while Sam tipped the man and handed over his keys. Enjoying the beat of the tunes, Val tapped her hand on her hip.
    “Excited?” Terri asked.
    “Um, yeah.”
    She had nothing to lose unless her ankle twisted and she fell flat on her face. Maybe she should’ve made a wish for stronger bones to ensure she wouldn’t embarrass herself.
    Sam strode up to Terri’s side and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Ready, ladies?”
    Terri planted a kiss on his cheek. “We’re ready.”
    Val walked next to Terri as they headed around the building, towards the main entrance. Warm night air caressed her skin while her curls bounced slightly on her shoulders with each step. Although she was eager to mingle and have fun, she longed to share such adventures with her two genies.
    The large, bald bouncer dressed in black, opened the door for them as they reached the entrance. “Evening, ladies and gentlemen.” He gave a polite nod.
    Val stepped inside and came to a halt near the ticket booth. Behind a glass barrier, a dark-haired woman wearing a white button-down shirt smiled at them. Several feet away, a man wearing the same attire as the doorman was sitting on a stool near another set of doors.
    “How many are in your party tonight?” the woman behind the glass asked.
    Sam moved to the counter while he dug inside his pocket. “Three.”
    Val watched him hand three large bills to the woman. Using a marker, she slashed a line across the corner then held up the money to examine it. After she confirmed they were real, she placed the bills in a drawer.
    “Can I see your left hand, please?” she asked as she lifted her stamp.
    Terri slid her arm across the counter. After the woman had pressed the stamp onto the back of Terri’s hand, she repeated the process with Val and Sam.
    “Enjoy your night at The Hideaway,” she said with a smile.
    Sam moved close behind Terri and Val. “Okay, ladies, first drink is on me.”
    The bouncer on the stool rose and opened the door for them. “Welcome to The Hideaway.”
    Val thanked the gentleman then stepped into the club first. She stopped a few feet past the door as her eyes adjusted to the dark lights. Her initial glance took her by surprise. The club was huge with two long bars on both sides and a wide dance floor in the centre.
    “Welcome to The Hideaway.” A tall man dressed like the other employees stood beside her. He smiled at Val. “Have you been here before?”
    She couldn’t help but notice his large muscular arms. Her cheeks warmed as images of James’ and Mark’s handsome and strong bodies filled her mind. “No, I haven’t.”
    “Well, I hope you enjoy your visit. My name is Jeff, and if there’s anything you need, please let me know.” He lifted his arm and pointed straight ahead. “In case you hadn’t noticed yet, past the dance floor there are two doors, one on each side—”
    Val lifted her head to peer beyond the crowd dancing. “Oh, I see them now, with the red curtains.”
    “Yes. It’s another area of the club with comfortable seating and tables. Most women need a break from dancing in heels, so it’s a great place to relax and mingle.”
    Val gave him a lighthearted grin. “Sounds perfect for me.”
    A flirty grin spread across his face. “I like to think we are aware of the needs of our customers, and want to keep them happy. And, if you don’t mind me saying this, you look beautiful this evening. I hope you enjoy your visit and decide to come