With a prim smile, the saleswoman clasped her hands at her waist like an art museum docent. “Merkins were originally pubic wigs worn by prostitutes to conceal either thinning pubic hair or syphilis. The modern versions are much sexier, and with so many women going bare, they’ve become quite popular.”
Georgie was both erotically and philosophically opposed to ripping out all her pubic hair. The idea of completely giving up something so womanly to look like a prepubescent girl smacked too much of kiddie porn. But the salesclerk had already opened a display case and taken out a jeweled, triangular piece set with sparkling purple, blue, and crimson crystals. Georgie examined the object and saw a small V-shaped indenture at the bottom point of the triangle, obviously put there to showcase the cleft beyond. “Naturally, all our merkins come with adhesive.”
Bram picked up the merkin to examine it, then returned it to the clerk. “I think we’ll pass. Some things don’t need extra decoration.”
“I understand,” the woman said, “although this one does have matching jeweled nipple covers.”
“They’d just get in my way.”
Georgie’s flush told her she was in big trouble.
“We have amazing lingerie,” the clerk said to him. “Our three-petal bras are very popular. Your wife can wear them with all of the petals up, or just the side ones fastened. Or she can peel them all down.”
Georgie’s breasts tingled.
“Very efficient.” Bram slipped his hand under her hair and touched the back of her neck. Her skin pebbled.
“Have you heard about our VIP dressing room?”
It all came back to her from a conversation with April. She tried to look thoughtful. “I, uh, think a friend might have mentioned something.”
“It has a peephole in the back wall,” the clerk said. “You can open it if you like. There’s a smaller dressing room behind for your husband.”
Bram laughed, one of his few genuine laughs since the balcony photos had appeared. “If more men knew about this place, they’d stop saying they hate to shop.”
The salesclerk gave Georgie a knowing smile. “We have an exotic collection of men’s briefs, and the peephole works two ways.” She couldn’t hold back any longer. “I just have to say that I loved you both inSkip and Scooter.Everybody’s so excited about you getting married, and don’t let all those stupid stories bother you.” She had to break off as more customers entered the store. “I’ll be right back if you need anything.”
Georgie gazed after her. “A list of whatever we buy is going to be all over the Internet by dinnertime. Massage oil would be safe.”
“Oh, I think we can be a little more exciting than that.”
“No whips and paddles. I’m so over S and M. At first it was fun, but making all those grown men cry got boring after a while.”
He smiled. “No dildos, either, even though I know how much you want one. Which is no surprise, since—”
“Will you get over it?”
“Over it…Under it…” He touched the bow of her top lip. “Inside it…”
A bolt of heat zipped through her body. She was going to melt.
He nudged her toward the lingerie collection, where softly lit shadow boxes displayed kinky bra-and-panty sets, garter belts, and skimpy teddies with front ties and see-through panels. All the lingerie was beautifully made and ultraexpensive. Bram held up a bra with a silky drawstring across the top of each cup. “You’re what? About a—?”
“Thirty-four double D,” she said.
He lifted a dark eyebrow and snagged a 34 B, which was exactly right, not surprising considering his knowledge of female anatomy. Several more customers entered the store, but for now, everybody was giving them space.
“Just so you know,” she whispered, as much to herself as him. “This isn’t a date, and the peephole door is staying shut.”
“This is definitely a date.” He examined a one-piece bondage body wrap made of black mesh. “Great workmanship.” He fingered the satin ties. “A lot softer than leather.”
“I love leather.” She snatched up a pair of low-cut leather briefs constructed with a man-pouch in front.
“Not in a million years,” he retorted.
She stole the bondage wrap from him. “Too bad.”
They had a stare-down. He broke first. “Okay, you win. I’ll trade you.”
