I laugh nervously. “Seriously, it’s fine. It’s not like I don’t know what sex is, or that I’ve never seen a naked man.” I shrug as best I can.
Her eyes soften. “I think you’re doing it right. Wait for the special one.” She smiles kindly.
I nod, but the truth is, I had a stalker from the age of eighteen. I never knew who it was. Every time a man got close, threats followed. They all ran. After a few years I stopped worrying about being a virgin and focused on making my life safe and steady. Nine months here, and no messages. That silence feels like a gift.
“I won’t say a thing.” Viviana says and gives me a soft smile.
“I know, I trust you.” I nod, and we continue with the arrangements for tomorrow.
Viviana walks me to my car. She doesn’t push or say more about what slipped out, and I’m so thankful.
I wave her goodbye and slide into the driver’s seat, cheeks still burning. My hands grip the wheel too tightly, and I groan at my reflection in the rearview mirror. “What the hell was that?” I mutter. Who blurts out‘I’m a virgin!’like that? Me, apparently. Brilliant.
I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, shoulders sinking, and let out a half-laugh, half-whine. “Well done, Autumn. Next time maybe announce it over a loudspeaker.”
Flynn. Of all people. How can she think he’d ever take a second look at me?
The radio plays soft music. The rain has slowed by the time I pull into my street, park and hurry inside, still shaking my head, still replaying the scene like a bad comedy sketch. My cheeks heat all over again.
Jesus, that was stupid.
I turn the taps on and drop in a lavender and citrus bath bomb, scatter a few dried herbs, and light a rose-scented candle. Steam curls around me as I slip into the warmth. The water cradles me, heat loosening every knot. I rest my head against the edge of the tub, close my eyes and breathe out long, steady breaths. The scent of lavender fills the room, sweet and calming, wrapping around me like a blanket. My body finally begins to relax, sinking deeper, almost floating.
This is what I need. My sanctuary. Where the world is quiet.
Then, uninvited, the image of him slides into my mind. Flynn Brady. Honey-blond hair, green eyes, that hint of mischief buried in the sharpness.
I open my eyes and groan. “Damn it, Viviana.”
Now she’s put him in my head in a way I can’t shake. I sink lower into the water, letting the heat soak into my bones, trying to wash him out withsteam. He probably won’t even let us take pictures there. I need to stop imagining things that will never happen.
My breathing steadies. The oils make my skin soft, the warmth lulls me into almost-sleep, my lashes heavy. Then my phone vibrates against the counter, and I jolt upright, water sloshing. My chest tightens. I never leave the sound on, not since the stalker. That was always how he reached me, even after changing numbers again and again.
I pick it up with a shaking hand, relief pouring through me when I see Viviana’s name.
Flynn said yes. Tomorrow at two, I’ll send you the address.
Shoot.
This is really happening. Four hours in Flynn Brady’s club, with him there. And now Viviana’s words echo in my mind, making it worse. My thoughts twist. What if—
No. There’s no way. But the idea of Flynn, that massive man, taking my virginity… my whole body stirs at the thought. Would he be gentle? Or rough?
My thighs press together instantly, skin prickling. Heat swells under my cheeks again. I shake my head, sinking lower into the bathwater as though it can drown the images. He would never touch me if he knew I was a virgin. He’d run.
Unfortunately.
Chapter Three
Flynn
Istare at the mirror. Thankfully the fucker from last night didn’t leave a mark on my face. Not that Autumn would have the courage to ask why I had a bruise.
Fuck.
Why am I worried about that? I lean on the sink, gripping the marble so hard my knuckles go white. Today I just need to relax, ignore her, shove the urges back and let her take the pictures and go. That’s all.
The black suit fits perfectly, as always.
