“Robyn, about earlier, I—”
I freeze.
He freezes.
And for a few moments, we just stare at each other in complete and utter silence and shock. Neither one of us really knowing what to say or do about the position we’ve currently found ourselves in. I know I said the prospect of him walking in on me was exciting… but I didn’tactuallythink it would happen.
Luckily, my phone is angled at just the right position for his face to be out of view and away from anyone on my stream seeing who he is. Jack is still wearing the same clothes from earlier, a crisp white shirt, black slacks, black belt and tie. He must not have had time to shower or change.
I overheard him talking inside his office earlier today before my unexpected nap, and from what I gathered, a lot of zoom meetings with various clients were on his list of things to do today, so that could be why.
The jingle that plays when a new watcher joins my stream begins going wild. One bell after the other, without a second break between each one. I’ve never heard it going this crazy before, and as I try to think of the right words to say to Jack, my mouth just ends up mimicking a fish out of water. I hold my finger up in his direction, silently asking him for a moment so I can sort this out, and turn to face the screen.
Emojis, messages, celebration jingles, gifts, everything. I also notice my live has jumped from three hundred guests to over four thousand in the space of however long Jack and I were staring at each other.
“Holy shit,” I murmur, fighting the grin on my face. Evenwithrefunding the gifts my watchers have bombarded me with since Jack walked in the room, the money I’m make alone from views, shares, and likes will keep me going for at least three months.
Robyn, get it together. Stop the live.
I blink a few times, bringing myself out of this ridiculous daze I’m in because my stepdad isliterallystanding behind me still, watching all of this unfold. I lean forward on my knees and hover my thumb over the ‘endlive’button, smilingsadly. “Guys, I’m really sorry but I have to end the live right now. I’ll be back soon and all gifts will be refunded within the next ten min—” The end of my sentence cuts off instantly when Jack’s large, callous hand wraps around my wrist, and I look up from the bed at him in surprise. “What are you doing?” I whisper.
I watch as he places one foot in front of the other, and closes the space between us, stopping at the edge of the bed with his hand still locked around my wrist, his lower stomach lightly grazing my shoulder.
“Face me,” he breathes hoarsely.
The depth of his rumbling voice sends goosebumps swirling over every inch of my skin, and at the same time, every bit of moisture in my mouth dissipates. I don’t know why I’m listening to him or even doing what he’s asked of me, but… I can’t stop myself from turning my body to face him.
I have to angle my chin a little higher so I’m able to meet his gaze because of how close he is to me now. Slowly, he drops my wrist, and I rest both hands in my lap, still not breaking eye contact.
Am I waiting for his direction?
At this point who knows.
But what I do know is, as he stares down at me with blown-out, darkened eyes, I want nothing more than for him to touch me.
The anticipation is killing me. My heart is beating overtime, my blood throbbing in my ears, my breathing only becoming more clipped, and my nerves balancing on the edge of a very sharp, imaginary knife. All this from one single look, one touch, and two simple words sailing from his lips. But still, I refuse to take my eyes off of him.
Jack stands there in silence and I wonder if he’s going to come to his senses and just walk out, leaving me sitting here all alone.
Do I want that?
Ishouldwant that.
I should ask him to leave.
No. Wait.
What’s wrong with me?
Naturally, I curve my bottom lip between my teeth and bite down, worrying the skin as I wait for something,anythinghe wants to give. I just wish I knew what he was thinking. All the jingles and ringing from my live continue to fill the room but I don’t care. Nothing matters in this moment but him.
I just… want him… to touch me.
Robyn, he’s literally your stepdad!
Lifting his hand, Jack presses his thumb against my bottom lip, and I automatically unclamp my teeth.
“Open for me,” he orders, and I comply immediately, not willing to waste any further time.
