I thought I’d give you time to rest. Maybe some space.
But you don’t need that, do you?
Fuck no, she doesn’t. She’s twenty-eight. Probably doesn’t even know what a refractory period is. It’s me who needs the blue pill.
I glance down at my lap.
Well. Not anymore, I don’t.
I decide to put her drive to the test.
Preston
Lesson #2.
Get that pink little thing back on your clit.
But turn your voice notes on first.
I want to hear it this time. Loud and clear.
Timer for three minutes. Edge, but don’t finish.
Three dots. Typing.
Mia
Dr. Preston, we both have somewhere to be, and we can’t be late.
She’s playing it cool, but I know better. I can practically hear the smirk in her text.
Preston
Lie down in bed, or I’m coming back and pinning you there myself.
The three dots pop up again. My pulse spikes like I’m the one being threatened.
Mia
Go meet Principal Julian. She must be waiting for you.
Something will be waiting for you too, once you’re done. I promise. Now go.
I exhale hard through my nose.
Preston
See you later, Trouble. Hear you sooner. ;)
The meeting goes smoother than I deserve. Thanks to Mia, who loaded my phone with talking points from the obvious to the things I never would’ve thought to bring it up myself. I still can’t believe she’s never formally taken care of a kid before.
She did mention helping raise her younger brother—that must be where these instincts come from.
I rush home an hour and a half later, full of hope and plans, only to find… no one there.
Is she lost inside Liam’s ginormous new property? Did they have a second viewing? I can’t be sure.
I’m about to press send on a ‘Where are you?’ message when the answer comes in the form of a doorbell.
