Hot for Charity (3 page)

“Work for free? Give up your tips too? Most of those guys can’t afford that.” Ken folded his arms and stared at Avery.

“We can make that optional. Guys who can afford it and want to can. If they need pay, fine. They’re still performing for a benefit and bringing in customers. Bev will give a cut of the door and bar if it all works out. It’s charity, Ken. It’s optional. Hell, you can take the day off if you want to be a total ass.” Avery shook his bald head.

“I’m all for charity, and the dancers make good money, but most are young. Not always big savers and charitable types.” Ken huffed.

“Young men make for hot strippers. That’s the business, Ken. It’s an option. Nothing is mandatory.” Avery slid the pad of paper over to Kyler. “Put your name and phone number here. And a manager contact at the shelter if Bev wants to call them.”

Kyler wrote out the information, and Cody pretended to check his emails. Instead, he plugged Kyler’s phone number into his contact list.

“Thanks. Let’s all talk to the powers and touch base in a day or two?” Avery asked.

“Sounds great.” Kyler shook Avery’s hand.

Cody stuck out his palm, and Kyler had little choice but to take it. The spark was still there.

Ken looked unconvinced. Kyler went about his business. “I’ll go grab my friends and let you guys close up. Thanks again.”

“You know where to find us,” Ken said.

Cody sighed as Kyler walked away.

“If this is all a stunt to impress that guy and get yourself some dick, Bev will fire your ass.” Ken arched an eyebrow at Cody.

“Like he can’t get laid any night? More than once?” Avery chuckled.

Cody rolled his eyes. “I like him, yes. But if we can help, and I can get to know him better too, what’s the harm? I don’t want him to be a one-night stand.”

“That guy is definitely not the type to take a hookup seriously. Ask him out like any guy.” Avery went to work closing out his cash register.

Ken shook his head. “Or you can quit this nonsense now, and we can go back to normal. Private donations are one thing, but an event is going to bite us in the ass. I’m going backstage to check things.”

“He’s such a ray of sunshine,” Avery sighed.

Cody grinned and shrugged. “I’m not turning back now.”

“Good for you. The guy seems nice. Go slowly,” Avery said.

Chapter Three

It was weird walking into a strip club in the light of day. It was his day off, and Kyler had a text from Avery to show up around noon for a chat. He was on time, and with an iced coffee in hand, he tried the door to the men’s side. He had not been here in two weeks, since that very interesting night that still haunted his dreams.

It was locked so he knocked, and a smiling, sexy guy showed up. Cody unlocked the door and pushed it open. “Hi.”

“Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Kyler walked inside.

“This way. They’ve got the director of the shelter on the phone, and Bev came in from the Reno location. I think you get to be a liaison, sort of.” Cody led the way to the office area.

“Bev, this is Kyler,” Avery said as they entered.

Kyler nodded, and a woman in her fifties waved him toward a guest chair. “So everyone is here. You’re sure you’ve got no problem if we use the shelter’s name. I don’t want anyone thinking it’s a scam to get donations if we do put out boxes or something,” Bev said to the speakerphone.

The familiar voice of the shelter’s director and manager, Harry Thompson replied, “No problem here. We’ll take any money we can get to keep the doors open. It’s not as if the teens are going to be there. I’m hoping Kyler will be our designated representative.”

“He’s here,” Avery said.

“Good. Kyler and I spoke about the opportunity. If he is willing to collect and transport the donations, we will gladly take them. That way we don’t invite strippers here and so on. I don’t care about press, but we don’t want to risk any investigations. Sex industry professionals probably won’t be looked upon kindly when it comes to state aid, and we’re looking for whatever we can get.” Harry meant well, and Kyler knew it. He was in a tough spot.

Kyler glanced at Cody who showed no reaction to the strained points about strippers.

“So if my guys wanted to volunteer their time, you’d reject them?” Bev asked.

“We do background checks on all volunteers to make sure we don’t have any pedophiles or felons. Drug addicts. These are mostly minors even though we do have some eighteen and nineteen year olds,” Harry replied.

“Strippers aren’t criminals,” Kyler said.

“No, and no one is judging you for going to a club. Hell, I’ll throw you a party here if it works out, but we cannot take any chances if we are going to stay afloat. Our mortgage on the shelter was already upside down when the real estate market went south. That’s where we got in trouble. Now we’re behind, big-time. No foreclosure yet, but it could be coming if we don’t get caught up. Then we can refinance or even look for a bigger space with a better rate that might be a foreclosure deal. We have grown so much we’ve had to use the money elsewhere. It’s not as if we’re sending these kids to college, but just trying to keep them fed and in a safe place runs up the red. Unless we get a sponsor with deep pockets, we have to play it safe,” Harry replied.

“I understand your predicament. Vegas real estate is like a crap game. Kyler can be the go-between.” Avery nodded to Bev.

She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. It’s for charity. You’re lucky Avery swung by to check it was legit earlier this week. He’s hard to impress, and you did it.”

“He’s a bartender. He doesn’t strip anymore,” Cody said.

“No chances,” Avery repeated.

Cody frowned, and Kyler felt like they were judging the people who could help them the most. “I’ll do anything I can to make it work. I’ll stay for the performance or help at the door. Whatever. I don’t want to make this hard on the club or the shelter’s fundraising efforts.”

“We’re raising it and handing it over.” Bev sighed and put her cowboy boots up on her desk. “Here’s the deal. One weekend. Can’t be this one coming up, but the next one is all set. Friday and Saturday night, you get the take from the door and the bar plus any donations given by customers. We’ll see if employees are willing to donate some of their pay or tips, but the tourist season is good so should be a full house.”

“That’s very generous, but I don’t want to take people’s salary,” Harry said.

“It’s voluntary. No pressure. I pay all of my employees very well. That’s why I get the hottest men in Vegas. I’m sorry to hear about the shelter’s trouble. If you need a hand with the bank or real estate market, let me know. I snapped up a foreclosed club in Reno and remodeled it for a second location. You have to play the game to make money—or save money if you’re not for profit. I make enough the other three hundred and sixty-three days a year so I can be generous.”

“A lot of the guys are willing to donate their tips. Most need their base.” Cody shrugged.

“We’re not trying to take from people who need money and are working for it,” Harry said.

Kyler nodded. “Right, the door and the bar plus donations should be a great start.”

“Bar and door will get you five grand at a minimum.” Avery shrugged.

“Wow.” Kyler choked on his coffee.

Bev nodded. “Right so let’s do this. We pay all our employees like normal. If they want to donate some or all of their pay, that’s up to them. I don’t want anyone feeling pressured to donate if they can’t pay their bills. Tips they can choose to put in the Shelter donation boxes or not, but I want them treated like normal.”

“Ken will be relieved,” Cody said with a grin.

Bev and Avery exchanged a look. “Actually, he’s working on a new routine with the guys for the event and already made a donation. Here, these are from us, personally.” She waved three checks at Kyler.

He took them and flipped through. “Thank you. That’s unbelievably generous. It’s a huge help!”

Cody slid in next to Kyler as he saw five grand each from Avery and Ken and a ten grand check from Bev.

“Damn that old bitch has a heart of gold.” Cody shook his head.

“You doubted Ken?” Avery asked.

“I’m impressed.” Cody shrugged.

“What’s going on, Kyler?” Harry asked.

“I’m holding twenty grand in personal donations here. I’m going to swing by and write these up so you can deposit the checks and get them their receipts today for tax purposes. The accountant is in, right?” Kyler didn’t want to wander around town with this much money when it could be in their account keeping things afloat.

“Absolutely, get over here, and we’ll make sure it gets in the bank today. Thank you so much,” Harry said in a stunned tone.

“Sure. We want to help, but not everyone likes our money. We’ll be here whenever the receipts are.” Bev nodded to Kyler. “Anything else, Mr. Thompson?”

“No, I think it sounds wonderful. We’ll set Kyler up with a small receipt book in case people want to take the tax write-off, but I’m guessing most of it will be cash?” Harry asked.

“Probably, and I doubt they’ll be worried about receipts.” Bev smirked.

“You’re right. But for your big contribution, you should have that on your taxes. Kyler, we’ll be waiting for you. Thanks.”

“Okay, thanks. Bye.” Bev disconnected the call and rolled her eyes. “He’s jumpy.”

“It’s a delicate matter. He wants to appreciate everything, but he can’t cross certain lines.” Kyler was not thrilled about being the guy who went to the strip club either, but he focused on the good they were doing. Plus who would care if he went to a club? All the guys he worked with knew he was gay.

“Well, that’s all. Thanks to Cody for finding this event. I always want to help kids, and better this way than giving them a job in a few years.” Bev smiled at her dancer. “Now you get to rehearsal with Ken.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Cody nodded and threw Kyler a big smile as he left.

She turned her gaze to Kyler. “You, go cash those checks. I don’t want any doors closing or kids going hungry or filthy while we plan an event. I do want my receipt, though. I’ll expect you back here before closing. Tell the bouncer, and you’ll avoid the cover.”

“Thanks.” Kyler slid the checks into his wallet and put the wallet safely back into his pants pocket. “See you later.”

The generosity was overwhelming, but Kyler really wanted to go back and watch Cody dance. He had an important job to do, but the lust was nagging at him. He would make sure to seek out Cody tonight and thank him.

* * * *

Of course, he had been roped into some stuff when he arrived. After putting the checks in Harry’s hands and getting the receipts, he’d ended up fixing a flat tire and changing the oil on a newly donated car for the shelter. Kyler didn’t mind helping, but it took twice as long with kids watching and asking questions. He didn’t want to worry Bev or Avery. Maybe he just wanted to see Cody again? The feelings triggered around that hunk were an odd mix of lust and attraction with a side of potential friendship topped with the odd reality that he was a stripper!

If he went in the early evening, Cody would be on stage and busy. So Kyler texted Avery that he had gotten held up helping at the shelter and would be by before close. He claimed to have forgotten dinner plans with a friend.

That evening when he arrived, Kyler sort of felt like an employee or a regular. Just telling the bouncer his name got Kyler inside ahead of any line with no charge.

He spotted Avery and, oddly, Cody working the bar. Kyler went right over. “Thank you again. Receipts.”

Avery took the receipts and pocketed his. “No problem. I checked with the state and everything before I wrote that check. I might take another tour.”

“You think they aren’t legit?” Cody asked.

“No, I’m sure they are. I just want to see the results.” Avery nodded toward the office. “I’ll put these away for safekeeping.”

“What are you doing working the bar?” Kyler asked Cody while Avery left.

Cody shrugged. “Two bartenders called in sick. Avery thinks one is looking to quit. He asked me to cover. I get the same base pay. The tips aren’t as good, but that’s because I’m not fully trained in all the drinks yet.”

“You look like you’re having fun.” Kyler took a seat.

“I like it back here. Might be a good night job when I don’t want to strip anymore.” Cody shrugged. “We’ve been looking for you all evening.”

“Sorry. I hadn’t planned on it taking up my entire afternoon. I had a few other things come up, too.” Kyler smiled as Avery returned. “I guess I should get out of your way.”

Avery returned and sorted through the tips. He handed over a section and nodded to Cody. “Things are winding down. Finale will be soon. Give Kyler the tour so he knows our place is top-shelf. I’ll close up the bar.”

“Thanks.” Cody pocketed the money and grinned at Kyler. “Unless you want to leave?”

“No, I’m free.” Kyler tried to hide his smile as he followed the sexy guy who was fully dressed tonight.

As the finale started, they went backstage. Kyler stared at the long dressing room with stools, mirrors and spots for each guy. The discarded costumes all over the floor showed that it was work.

“You make it look easy,” Kyler said.

“What? Stripping? It takes practice to make it look natural. I felt so stupid the first time. You learn how to act the way they want. It’s a game, but people love it.” Cody blushed. “It was quick cash.”

“You looked good behind the bar, too.” Kyler listened to the crowd scream and shout for the dancers.

“I’m twenty-four, and I don’t want to do this forever. The group is constantly changing. Guys come in and leave. I don’t want to be stuck. Ken’s a generous guy. He knows the business, and he mentors new guys like me but…”

“You’d rather be Avery who moved on before it was a little sad?” Kyler filled in.

Cody nodded. “Don’t tell Ken I agreed with that. I like the people, and I like mixing drinks, too. It’s more me, like being a paramedic. Helping people, in a way where I’m not the focus. Stripping is so weird.”