Lex: You mean, have sex in the hot tub?
Chaz: That wasn’t what I meant. Though, if ur offering, I can be there in, oh, 5 mins flat.
Lex: It wasn’t an offer. . .Yet.
Chaz: No rush. I’m a big fan of foreplay.
The bubbles appear, vanish, then appear again. I close my eyes and wait, just feeling her presence. When my phone pings, there are two messages, and they were worth every fucking second.
Lex: I’ve been thinking about it a lot. About being intimate.
Lex: With you.
Lust bolts straight through me.
Chaz: Does that excite you?
Lex: Yes. But it makes me nervous, too.
Chaz: Both feelings are good.
Lexie: But I don’t know what you like. Do you have a list?
Chaz: As in a written list?
Lex: That would be helpful. Then, I can go over it and ask any questions.
Chaz: Lex, I don’t have a list. U won’t need one.
Lex: But how will I know your preferences? E.g., do you prefer vanilla or rocky road?
I would laugh at the reference, but I know how vulnerable and courageous her question is, considering her past experiences.
Chaz: Sex is mood-driven for me. Sometimes, sweet, creamy vanilla is just what I need. Other times, I want to change it up. Go wild with some rocky road.
Lex: Wild???
Chaz: Figure of speech. I’m turned on the most by my partner’s experience. I want to know what makes you hot, what pleases you.
Lex: No clue. I’m completely out of touch with my body.
I read the frustration and worry between the lines of her message.
Chaz: You might know more than you think. Can we try something?
Lex: What?
Chaz: Do you trust me?
Lex: You know I do.
Chaz: Can I call you? I want to hear your voice.
Lex: Ok
I would have suggested a video call, but I think she’ll be more uninhibited this way.
“Hi,” she answers on the first ring, her voice drowsy as if she’s lying down.