“That one has a guy in a mask. Fuck that.”
She laughed. “Are you trying to be adorable? Because you’re being kind of adorable right now.”
“Oh, Jesus Christ. Adorable is definitely not what I’m going for.” He let out a beleaguered sigh. “You’ve completely lost your erection haven’t you?”
She smiled into the darkness. “Quite the opposite actually.”
“Is that right? Well, then adorable is exactly what I’m going for,” he said, that deep voice all playful and sexy. “I also like bunnies and romantic comedies starring Meg Ryan.”
“God, I’m getting so hot now.”
“Oh, no you don’t. No Sasha for me. Only the real Oakley.”
She shifted under the covers. “It’s not entirely a lie. Some crazy man sent me instructions all night. I’ve been tortured with hot baths and silky clothes and sex toys on ice.”
“Mmm, this guy sounds exceptionally crafty and smart. Tell me more about this silk.”
She let her fingers play along the edge of her camisole. “I’m in bed in a purple cami top with lace edges and a matching pair of bikini underwear. How about you?”
“In bed, just a pair of boxers. The lights are off and Monty is snoring in his bed in the corner.”
“Did you think about me tonight?”
“Every damn moment,” he said on an exhalation. “My friends came over to watch the game and shoot the shit and all I could think about was what you might be doing. If you were doing it.”
“I did. Every step.”
“Why?”
She watched the blades of her fan go round and round, her heart a steady beat in her ears. “I don’t know. Why’d you set up the messages?”
“Because you said you needed what we did the other night. I know I can’t be the kind of guy you’re looking for. But I can give you this. I want to give you this.”
“What’s in it for you?”
“You are.”
Her breath stalled. “I can’t give you much, Pike.”
“All I’m asking for is your trust. Trust me to give you this kind of escape. I’m not asking for more than that.”
“Pike …”
“Take off your panties for me, Oakley. It’s time for your next instructions.”
Her body went from hum to full buzz, the quiet command in his voice like a physical touch.
“You want to stop, you tell me so. No is all it takes with me.”
She stayed quiet.
“Lose the panties and spread your legs, mama. Time to try out my gift.”
She bit the inside of her cheek and grabbed her headset from the bedside table to switch to that then shoved off the sheets and tugged off her underwear. In the black quiet of her bedroom, she lay back and let her legs fall open. Cool air moved over her exposed skin. “Okay.”
“You did it?”
“Yes.”