Her grin was wolfish. “Exactly.”
We settled into a comfortable silence on the walk downtown, Tiff needing the time to let the coffee kick in. It wasn’t until we reached the Mile that she spoke again. “So tell me, what are we shopping for today?”
We didn’t usually require any particular reason for retail therapy. Most Saturdays, we just walked aimlessly and window shopped. But today, I was on a mission—no more boring underwear.
“Lingerie. I realized I own maybe one good set, and the rest are fine but hardly make me feel sexy.”
“Oh! You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this moment!” Tiff squeezed the air out of my lungs with a tight hug.
“Okay, okay! Let me go.” I choked out a laugh with the air I had left before she loosened her grip and started pulling me along the shops. To where, I had no idea.
“Auds, I’m serious. I’ve wanted to take you here for years! Ooh, we’re going to have so much fun today. Pretty boy won’t know what hit ‘im.”
“Well, what are we waiting for then?”
When I enteredthe office on Monday, it was with a lingering lightheadedness and slight sting on my lips. After my little shopping trip on Saturday with Tiff, Jackson had ended up coming over, and it was the perfect opportunity to try one of my new purchases.
His reaction to it had more than justified the price, in my opinion.
I smiled, recalling it.
What really stayed with me were his eyes. They had ranged from warm and playful while we talked, devilish while I was riding him, and hazy with lust while he went down on me. They were so expressive; I felt them on me even now.
And while the sex had been amazing, what I enjoyed the most, what I hadn’t even realized I’d forgotten, was feeling desired. The moments when he was overcome with want and made his pleasure known, loud and clear. I hadn’t felt that in a long time.
Oh, and his hands. So strong and capable. He knew exactly what he was doing as he kept his touch teasing and light, knowing when I wanted more. When I wanted it rough. When I wanted him to grab, scrap, and mark me. And when he did, when he manhandled me and moved me and devoted himself to my pleasure, I still felt cared for and safe.
For the first time in a long time, I remembered what I enjoyed about sex, and it was so much more than orgasms. It was the play, the banter, the exploration. I wanted to squirrel him away from the rest of reality so that we could explore every single fantasy I’d ever had.
David’s musical knock startled me out of my thoughts. “What’s gotten into you today?”
I felt like the cat caught with the canary. “What? What do you mean?” I willed my face not to blush, but I could feel my temperature rising. David couldn’t have known I’d just been picturing Jackson doing dirty, dirty things to me, but I still felt embarrassed.
“You’re practically giddy. I’ve known you a long time, and I’ve never seen you this happy. Whatever it is, I’m glad. Or maybe I should say whoever it is.”
“I’m not … There’s not …” I blew out a laugh. It was a poor response. And did nothing to dissuade him. “How do you know it’s not work?”
“As much as I would love to believe that, I think we both know work has never left you humming in the elevator.”
“I was humming?”
“Yep.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks before burying my face in my hands, trying to hide the splitting smile that had erupted. “Can we please not talk about this?”
“It’s alright, kiddo. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’m just glad to see you happy.”
“Thanks, David.” When he didn’t step away, I asked, “Was there anything else?”
“Yes. Are you free this morning? I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”
I checked my calendar. “Yeah, all free. Everything ok?”
“Everything is fine. Just come by my office at nine, and I’ll fill you in.”
When he left, I buried my head in my hands again, laughing at how giddy I felt.
I felt like I was standing on a precipice of mirth, like laughter was caged within me, fighting to escape at any moment. Every time I opened my mouth, I was terrified it was about to burst forth. I could never remember feeling this lightheaded before. And now I knew everyone could see it as well. My face reddened deeper.
