“I date men. And it has bothered some. It turns out most like the idea but not the reality.”

He purses his lips as though I’ve confirmed his suspicions.

The gesture gets my hackles up, but I press on. “However, I don’t imagine it would be a problem to anyone worthwhile.”

He frowns. “Is it inappropriate that a man prefer his partner not be partially naked in front of strangers?”

“He might have his preferences,” I say tightly. “But it’s not his decision. It’s not his body.”

“That isn’t what—”

“Y’know,” I interrupt, “I think I understand that ‘trust’ issue of yours. In your experience, a woman takes off her clothes in front of you and you’ve only ever seen the action as something she’s doing for you. It’s never crossed your mind that getting naked is fun or exciting for those women. It’s only been a prelude to sex. In burlesque, stripping isn’t about sex at all. It isn’t about bringing you pleasure. You can’t get your head around that, so you don’t trust it.”

Darcy opens his mouth to reply, and I step closer.

“Just because burlesque appeals to men doesn’t make it an appeal to men,” I say, my tone shaded dark by every aggravating past conversation I’ve had on the subject. “We all have our reasons for performing—”

“And what’s your reason?” He asks it like he’s been waiting for the opportunity.

I don’t miss a beat. “Knowing I can.”

He lets out a huff. “How is that a reason?”

“How is it not?” I counter. “When is a person more vulnerable than when she’s naked? Then amplify that by however many people are in the audience. It’s not something everyone can do. It’s not something that everyone wants to do. But it matters to me. I see strength in it. And joy. I found it at a point when I needed those things.”

“And then what?” he asks.

“What do you mean?”

“You know you can be naked in front of a crowd. So now what?” His dark eyes are intent.

I shake my head. “There doesn’t have to be anything else.”

“You’re saying it’s some kind of personal benchmark of bravery. So, what is there for you to be brave about?”

My lizard brain lashes against the inquiry. However, a part of me a few rungs higher on the evolutionary ladder concedes this is a very good question.

“You said you found it at a point when you needed it,” he continues. “Did it fix whatever that was? Fulfill that need?”