‘I think you underestimate how much of this I can eat, and how quickly.’
We stock up on any other supplies we may need.Torches, batteries, tinned food and whatever else we can get our hands on.When we get back to the car, I steer my gaze upwards to the sky as it continues to darken.
‘I hope the other store I want to take you to is still open,’ Zayden murmurs.
‘What is it?’I ask curiously.
‘You’ll see …’
We arrive a few minutes later.I peer around me, not recognising any of the buildings.He smirks, getting out of the car.I follow him cautiously.He leads me to a door and there’s a sign high above but I can’t quite make out what it says.The moment we step inside, I realise where we are.
A damn sex store.
A wicked grin takes over his face as he watches my expression with growing amusement.A lady greets us and I offer her a shy smile in return.
‘We don’t need to go all out.I just thought getting the basics would be a good start.If you’re comfortable to do so.’
My eyes scan the walls and I try not to feel intimidated and overwhelmed.There are alotof things here that look scary, and also, a bit dangerous if I’m honest.
‘Can I help you?’the lady asks and I startle, not having heard her come down the aisle.
‘Do you have a vibrator you recommend?Just after a bit of anall-rounder,’ Zayden explains, not looking at all fazed.The lady nods and guides us towards the back wall.
‘Have you used one before?’she asks me, and I swallow, hoping I don’t look terrified.
‘No, I haven’t.’
‘Okay.Try this one.It’s a customer favourite.It has lots of different settings, so you can start slow and work your way up.’
Every inch of my skin is red, but she doesn’t seem concerned with my embarrassment.
She reaches for a box, handing it to me.I inspect it, having no clue what I’m looking at, but trusting that she knows what she’s talking about.Zayden and her fall into conversation and we end up with a vibrator, blindfold, handcuffs and flavoured lube.I gulp, eyeing the collection with fear, but also, anticipation.
After Zayden pays, he swings the bag off the counter and steers me back to the car.He glances at me, a lopsided smile on his face.
‘We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for or not comfortable to do.I just thought it could be a fun, new experience for you to try.If you want to.’
‘I’m definitely interested.Just a little wary, as I haven’t tried anything like this before.’
A wave of nerves and excitement washes through me at the thought of what being alone in a house with Zayden could lead to.I was hoping to learn new things and gain some experience by hanging out with him, but I didn’t realise it was going to lead to this, and so soon.I clamp my thighs together, beginning to feel hot at the thoughts entering my mind.
Zayden’s mouth tilts, as if my thoughts are displayed across my face.
Casually, he reaches over, placing a hand on my thigh as he drives.My eyes are glued to his tanned hand on my leg.The firmnessof his hold, the heat of his skin.Suddenly, being in the car with him is beginning to feel claustrophobic, but somehow in a good way.
As my heart rate climbs, I remind myself that this is normal.Well, maybe not the fake dating your best friend’s brother part, but the getting to know someone better and exploring these kinds of things part.
When I dated James – if you count that as dating – I had these sorts of thoughts.I didn’t see many photos of him, and since we never met up, I let my imagination run a little wild with it, but this feels so different.So real.Even though it’s not …
We return to the house and haul the groceries inside.Zayden stands by the back glass door, surveying the yard, hands on his hips.
‘How do you prepare for a cyclone?’he questions.
It’s quite common for cyclones to occur in the Sunshine State, particularly near the coastline, but I can’t say we’ve had one in this area for a very long time.I join him, scanning the ominous sky.The wind has picked up, blowing the branches around.Leaves scatter across the sky, landing in soft splats on the tiles around the pool.
‘We need to bring things inside,’ I say.‘Anything we can lift easily, so can the wind.’
‘Good thinking,’ Zayden replies.‘I have tape and rope, I might tie things down as well.’
