Suddenly, the happy smile fell from my face as realisation dawned on me. “Those stones aren’t real, are they?” I whispered, looking at them with wide eyes. They had to be fake. There’s no way he would give me – a lap dancer – a piece of jewellery which had what looked like two diamonds, two emeralds and two sapphires in it.

Carson laughed, taking the box from my hand. “I’m not going to answer that question, Em.” He pulled the little cushion out of the box and removed the necklace, unclasping it and looking at me expectantly.

I couldn’t move. I felt like I was going to pass out. He wasn’t answering the question because they were real. “Carson, those aren’t real, are they?” I choked out, needing an answer.

He smiled weakly. “If I say no, will you let me put it on you?”

Holy shit, they really are!

I gasped and shook my head, pushing his hands back towards the box. I couldn’t accept it, it was too much. “Carson, I can’t take that. Thank you for buying it for me, but that’s just too much! You need to take that back and get your money back. Damn it, that’s way too much!” I cried, shaking my head in disbelief.

He groaned, his shoulders slumping. “You don’t like it? I knew I should have gone for something more generic. I’m sorry, Emma.”

Oh, my God, is he kidding me? It was beautiful! How could any girl – even one who didn’t have a thing for butterflies – not think it was the most beautiful necklace she’d ever seen? “Carson, baby, it’s beautiful, but it’s just too much. Please, take it back and get your money back. I’d be happy with a cheap card; you don’t need to spend your money on me.”

He seemed to relax a little and smirked at me, raising one eyebrow, managing to look beautiful, sexy and cocky all rolled into one. “I can’t take it back. It’s a custom-made necklace, an original. I designed it myself. Well, kinda, I told the guy you liked butterflies and then I chose the stones to put in it…” he trailed off, laughing.

I closed my eyes and willed myself to not faint. So much thought. He’s put so much effort into my birthday. So. Damn. Sweet.

“You did?” I asked, swiping at the tear, which trickled down my cheek.

He nodded and scooted closer to me on the little love seat. “Yep, I wanted something as beautiful as you but I couldn’t even get it close, so I went for this instead.”

My heart melted into a puddle. “Aww, Carson, that’s adorable! That’s such a sweet thing to say!” I gasped, awed.

He laughed wickedly. “I’m just trying to charm you into bed, Emma.”

I giggled. “Well, it’s definitely working, baby. I’m very grateful; you’re in for a good night!”

He laughed and brushed my hair over my shoulder. “I need to leave in a couple of minutes. But I’ll take that gratefulness for another night.” He smirked at me and nodded to my neck. “Hold your hair up for me.”

I looked at him pleadingly, begging him with my eyes to take it back. I hated the thought of him spending money on me. I didn’t need his money. But another part of me wanted that necklace so very badly, just because it was from him. “Carsonnnnnn…” I whined.

“Emmaaaaaa…” he mocked, grinning.

I sighed in defeat; I could see on his face there was no way I was getting away with not accepting it. Looking back at the beautiful thing in his hands, my heart swelled. “Thank you so much. It’s so beautiful. Thank you,” I gushed. Taking hold of my hair, I lifted it and turned on the seat so he could put the necklace around my neck. Once it was on, his hands brushed against my shoulders, his touch causing my skin break out in goose bumps. He kissed the back of my neck and I traced my finger over the cold little charm which now rested against my chest.

“Happy birthday,” he whispered, his hot breath blowing across my skin, making me shiver.

“Thanks. Are you sure you don’t want to come to the backroom with me and I’ll thank you properly?” I offered, turning in my seat to look at his face, praying he would say yes.

He looked a little pained as he shook his head. “I can’t, Em. I need to get back so I can get a couple hours of sleep. I have a really long day tomorrow.” He brushed his hand across my cheek lightly, wiping my last tear away with his fingertip.

I nodded and bit my lip, swallowing my disappointment. It had now been a month without any real form of sexual contact at all – the longest time it had been since I left the club when I was pregnant.

He sighed and stood up. “I really need to go. What are you doing tomorrow? Are you working? I can drive back tomorrow and see you if you’re working,” he offered.

I smiled weakly and shook my head. “I’m actually going out tomorrow. I’m going to dinner with one of the girls who works here. Then I’m going drinking with my Uni friends. I’ve got the night off for a change.” Although I had actually been looking forward to going out on my birthday, now that I knew he would come here, I didn’t want to go out. I would definitely rather spend my birthday with Carson.

He smiled, seeming pleased with my plans. “That’s good; sounds like you’ll have a nice night. I’m glad you’re not working on your birthday.” He straightened my necklace against my chest. “That definitely suits you.” He dipped his head and kissed my forehead for a couple of seconds, making me grip the front of his shirt and close my eyes, savouring the feel of it.