Page 228 of My Real Love Affair

CHAPTER 72

MELODY

We extended our trip for an extra day. I never wanted to leave. It felt like we had stumbled into our personal cocoon of pure joy. Back home, real life awaited us. I wasn’t terribly thrilled to be rushing back to it. I realized I was a little selfish. I wanted to keep Austin all to myself. I liked monopolizing his time. I loved his undivided attention.

Although I was pretty sure I would have it when we went home. I planned on talking to him tonight about moving in with me. It was silly for him to live in a hotel.

And I really liked having him in my bed. It was probably too fast. I didn’t want to scare the man. He was just coming around to this monogamy and commitment thing. But he was already doing very well at it.

Our last night in the Hamptons felt bittersweet. Tomorrow we’d drive back to the city and face whatever aftermath remained from Summer’s failed scheme. But tonight? Tonight was ours.

And I had plans.

I stood in the master bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror. My hair was loose and wild from a day spent at thebeach. My skin was glowing. And I felt powerful. Confident. Completely in control in a way I’d never experienced before.

Austin did that for me. His love and desire and the way he looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen—it had unlocked something in me. Some part of myself I’d kept hidden, afraid that being too bold or too sexual or too much would somehow diminish me.

But with Austin, I could be all of those things and more. I could be soft and fierce, vulnerable and strong, playful and serious. I could be every version of myself without fear of judgment.

And tonight, I wanted to show him just how much his confidence in me had changed me.

I’d brought a few special pieces with me, things I’d packed on impulse, not sure if I would have the courage to wear them. But now, looking at my reflection, I felt nothing but anticipation. Tonight, Austin was about to get his own very personal Melody’s Secret fashion show.

I started with white lace that made my skin look even tanner than it was and my curves look absolutely sinful. The bra pushed everything up and together in the most flattering way, and the matching panties sat high on my hips, accentuating my waist.

Over that, I slipped on a silk robe that I left hanging open to reveal a glimpse of what was underneath. I took one last look in the mirror, practiced my walk in the heels I’d chosen, and smiled at my reflection.

Time to put on a show.

I found Austin exactly where he said he’d be, stretched out on the couch with a glass of scotch and his phone, probably checking in with Cash about the legal situation. He looked up when he heard my heels clicking on the hardwood floor, and his expression shifted from casual to completely riveted in about half a second.

“Hi,” I said, stopping in the doorway.

He set down his phone and glass, his eyes never leaving me. “Hi, yourself.”

“I thought maybe I’d show you some of the pieces I’ve gotten recently. Ones I haven’t posted yet.”

He licked his lips. “Okay.”

“Unless you were busy,” I teased.

“Baby girl, I just canceled every plan I’ve ever made.”

I laughed, feeling a thrill of power at his reaction. “Good. Then sit back and enjoy the show.”

I’d connected my phone to the house’s sound system earlier, and now I started a playlist with a slow, sultry beat that made me want to move. I let the robe slip off one shoulder as I walked toward him, watched his eyes track the movement.

“This first piece,” I said, letting the robe fall completely, “is all about confidence.”

I stood there in just the lingerie and heels and watched Austin’s throat work as he swallowed hard.

“It’s working,” he managed.

I turned slowly, giving him the full view, and heard his sharp intake of breath. God, I loved that sound. Loved knowing I could affect him this way. The power that came from owning my sexuality in the body I was born into was like actually harnessing the moon.

“The key to good styling is knowing what works for your body type. What makes you feel powerful.”

“And does that make you feel powerful?” His voice was rough.