Page 75 of Scoring Lessons

He handed me the white box. “One of the things you highlighted was toys. It was sort of general, so I went with something simple.”

My hands shook slightly as I opened it, revealing a small, sleek, lavender-colored silicone vibrator. It was soft to the touch, and its main shaft was straight but tapered at the tip, while a smaller, curved extension branching off from the base.

“You bought me a sex toy?” My cheeks heated. It was a miracle I managed not to choke when I spoke.

His shrug was sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s beginner-friendly, or at least that’s what the girl at the store said.”

A soft, laugh-like sound bubbled from my chest. “You went in person?”

“Of course.” He sounded so serious, it was equal parts weird and sweet. “I wanted to make sure I chose the right one.”

“This is so…”

“Odd?” he prompted.

I shook my head as I tried to find the right words. “Weirdly thoughtful.”

“And I was thinking…” He took a deep breath before he continued. “I think this is the perfect tool to mark another thing off your list.”

My pulse spiked. A pool of arousal gathered between my legs, making my clit throb. “Which one?”

“Guided masturbation.” His words were so casual, you’d think he asked me if I wanted a cup of water.

“Oh.”

“Only if you want to.”

“R-right now?”

Why was I stammering? This was what I wanted. Here I was, ready to try new things. With…him. Like we agreed. So why did my heart feel like a storm threatening to break loose with one wrong move?

“Only if you’re comfortable. That’s what’s most important.”

I let out a small, shaky breath. “Okay.”

He took the toy from my hands. “Get comfortable on the couch while I go clean this, yeah?”

I nodded without a word. Truth was, if I dared to speak, all that would come out was a yelp.

With each passing second he was gone, my body thrummed with more need. My legs trembled as I sat on the light cream cloud couch and leaned against the fluffy cushion. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I forced my shoulders to relax.

“Here you go.” He extended his hand to hand me the toy a few minutes later.

My fingers grazed his when I grabbed it, and spark after spark exploded inside of me, making me shiver, despite the warm, oversize light-blue sweater I wore.

He stopped a few feet away from me. Disappointment filtered through at how far he was. “I’m going to stay right here and guide you.” His words were soft like velvet, warm like honey. “Relax and concentrate on my voice.”

I nodded. Words were still hard to form.

“I need verbal confirmation, Olivia.” His command was simultaneously rough and soft. I shivered with goosebumps.

“Okay.” I let out another shaky exhale. “You sure you want to do this? After today, I mean…I don’t want you to think I did all of this because⁠—”

“I know.” His lips turned up into a soft smile. “I want to do this.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I am.” He nodded. “But if at any time you want to stop, all you have to do is say so. No questions asked. Got it?”