Lies, Leg Locks, and the Back Hook Spin

Life is kicking my ass. Here I am, in the heart of New York City’s tourist hub, serving slices of faux Italian pizza to travelers living their best lives, while I’m stuck just a few miles from where I was born and raised. My coworkers? We have nothing in common. My love life? A series of one-night stands with app matches or restaurant customers. My closest friend? My neighbor, who’s just as broke as I am, meaning we’re more ‘Netflix in pajamas’ than ‘night out on the town’ kind of friends. Just as I’m about to come to terms with my crappy existence, a chance encounter lands me an unexpected gig—as a pole instructor. Suddenly, I'm back to dancing and making decent money teaching pole to fantastic clients. Even better, I actually like my coworkers—a whole crew of ride-or-dies who unequivocally support one another, and now me. And then there’s Luke, the to-die-for coworker who’s fast tracking to becoming more than just my work husband. The catch? That lucky job offer came with shady stipulations and way too much money for me to turn it down. So, in accordance with the contract I’ve signed, I’ve been lying to everyone since day one. Luke doesn't even know my real name. I can’t keep this up forever, but every time I consider coming clean, something happens, like I need to teach Luke how to do a strip tease for a work competition, or a coworker picks that same moment to bare her soul to me and I can’t respond in kind with how I’ve been lying to her angelic face. Telling the truth means risking everything—the job, the friends, and especially Luke. Is there ever a good time for that? Here’s the trope roundup for all you die-hard romance fans: -reverse age gap -workplace romance -found family -pole competition -lots of secrets -slow burn but when it happens its flaming spice -set in NYC