“You walked?” He snaps. “Alone?”
I hesitate to tell him the truth. “Yes. Is that not okay?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think I needed to, I’m sorry.”
A loud fuzziness sounds in my ear, and he apologizes. “I just switched off Bluetooth because I want you to really hear me, Annie.You don’t have anything to apologize for.”
“Okay.”
“Did you feel scared shopping at all? Like anyone was following you?”
“No, not really.”
“What’s not really mean?”
Again, I hesitate to tell him this because I don’t want him to worry. “I just ran into Noah, the social worker from Sunny Hill on the way out of the store.”
“Does he make you uncomfortable?”
“No, I just thought it was weird because it was a dress boutique.” That also sells lingerie. “But I’ve also been on edge for so long that I’m overthinking everything.”
“I’ll look into him. Now, sweetheart, tell me, a dress store? What did you buy?”
Warmth creeps up my neck. “You’ll find out later. And don’t try to sweet-talk me, Benny. I know you don’t like surprises, but I promise it’s a good one.”
He groans. “Can I at least get a hint?”
“It’s your favorite color.”
“Is my surprise going to derail me from getting to our reservation on time?”
“I won’t let it.”
“Maybe you won’t have a choice,” he declares huskily.
My belly flips, but I stand strong. “You can wait.”
“I don’t know how much longer…you test my control.”
I roll my eyes. “Be patient.”
“Ugh…you’re a tease, Annie. But I like it.”
Being this brazen with him comes easy, like everything else with him does. “I’m not like this,ever, but somehow you pull it out of me.”
“I’d rather put something in you.”
“Ben!”
“Text me when you get home. See you at six, baby.” He hangs up before I can say goodbye, and although that annoys me, I still have a huge smile on my face.
I spent the rest of the afternoon checking out some of the cute shops and fun stores on Meridian Street, but now I’ve only got a few hours until Ben comes to pick me up.
As I walk past Lawless Protection Agency, I see that Vogueish is open, and for some asinine reason, I walk in.
The stylist is on the phone and barely glances up as she holds up a finger in the universal sign forI’ll be right with you.
