She pressed her knee against the inside of his thigh and gave him another wink. “I found them in your bedside table,” she said.

She said it like it was something naughty, but that’s just where he kept them. He’d never given it a second thought. It was a drawer. He also kept his gun in there sometimes.

Archie was trying not to ruin the mood, but it was tough. “Did you happen to find the key that was with them?” he asked.

Rachel reached back into the coat pocket and came up with a small silver key. “I’ll put it somewhere safe,” she said. She unbuttoned her coat and slipped the key into what Archie could only presume was the cup of her bra. “There,” she said. Her eyes were bright. She opened her mouth slightly and knelt between his legs.

Archie wanted more than anything to unzip his pants. He looked at the ceiling. He didn’t know what to do. What was he supposed to do?

Rachel put her hand on his wrist and started to guide it behind his back.

Archie was trying to be a good sport about this. But as the cold metal brushed against his skin, he twisted his hand and wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “Hold on,” he said.

She looked up at him, her face inches below his. He could see the tops of her breasts, the black lace of a bra strap. “It’s a lap dance, Archie,” she said. “Hands-free. This keeps you honest. It will be worth it. I promise.”

Archie didn’t let go of her wrist. This was a line he didn’t want to cross. He knew where it headed. But his body ached for her and he didn’t feel strong.

“Trust me,” Rachel said.

Trust her? He barely knew her. But he felt his grip loosen and then Rachel took his hand again and pulled it behind the chair.

“Wait…,” Archie said. She looked up. The tip of her pink tongue pushed against the inside of her lower lip. It was a birthday present. It would be rude to refuse it. Besides, Archie really wanted to see what was under that coat. “Close the blinds first,” Archie said.