Peter nods knowingly.
“The food service industry can be a tough place to succeed, but it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. By the way, is that a plate of cookies behind you? For work? For home?”
I laugh. He’s easy to talk to, and I wasn’t expecting that.
“It was kind-of work. I have a ton of free time, so I decided to use the time to start a baking blog on my website. I set it up today and then I saw the option to post a video. I’m trying to get more comfortable in front of the camera, so I decided recording myself doing something I love. I was sooo uncomfortable in front of the camera, but then again, practice makes perfect.”
He smiles at me, and my heart races.
“That’s a great idea. You definitely have the drive to make it in this business. But I have to disagree with you on one thing. You seem very comfortable in front of the camera, and sweetheart, you look incredibly sexy today. I’m a big fan of the hippy-gypsy thing you have going on. It’s a refreshing change from the tailored suits and skimpy skirts I see every day on the streets of New York City.”
My heart starts to beat a little faster, with both anticipation and panic. This guy lives in the same city as me? That’s both exciting and scary. How many bakeries are there in NYC? How easy would it be for him to find me? What if finds out the name of my store? Peter must sense my trepidation.
“Don’t worry, Whitney. Your secret’s safe with me. Most cam girls have side hustles, from what I understand. It’s part of the unpredictability of this business and the fickle nature of customers.”
For some reason, I believe him.
“Okay, thanks,” I say shyly. “What do other cam girls do? Are they aspiring novelists? Writers? Actors?”
He nods.
“Actresses, mostly. I think a lot of girls have dreams about hitting it big in Hollywood, but it’s hard. As a result, a lot of women do cam shows on the side.”
I nod.
“Totally get it. No judgment, seeing that I’m in a similar boat.”
He laughs.
“Sure, but are you ready to discuss what cam girls actually do?”
My mouth snaps shut, and my eyes go wide.
“I’m sorry?”
He smiles, but isn’t bothered at all.
“Real cam girls do more than just chat,” he says gently. “You knew that, didn’t you?”
My heart is practically pounding through my chest now.
“Oh yeah. Of course.”
He smiles again, blue eyes gleaming.
“Then I’d like to continue talking about what you’re wearing today, if you don’t mind.”
I swallow hard.
“I don’t mind. I had to tie this scarf into my hair because I got carried away with my baking and didn’t have time to fix it the way I’d like.”
Peter nods, although his blue eyes gleam.
“Take the scarf out of your hair. Please.”
I swallow hard again.
“What?”
He repeats his request in a low, rumbling voice, although there’s a command behind his words. It’s quite sexy though, and I slowly untie the knot in the scarf behind my right ear.
“I need to warn you, when I pull this away my hair is going to be unruly.”
He grins.
“Don’t make excuses. Those wild curls are gorgeous spirals of chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon.”
His description of my hair puts me at ease. This guy is a smooth talker, definitely, not to mention a fellow chef. I pull the scarf entirely out of my hair, and fluff up my unruly mane before asking, “What do you think?”
He smiles, those blue eyes intense.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I like your hair pulled back the way it was before. I can picture walking down the streets of the Village with you just the way you were, stopping to look at pretty displays of turquoise earrings and bangles. But I wanted to see what you might look like after I ran my hands through your hair, hence my request.”
My heart races and my body softens. This is not how this is supposed to go. I’m not the one who is supposed to be getting turned on, right?
Peter continues confidently, in a low tone that should only be used in bedrooms.
“Whitney, unlace your top for me. Pretend I’m there with you, pulling the strings out of that pretty blouse.”
How did we get from introducing cats, to discussing business, and now to this? I guess I knew this was where these shows were supposed to lead but I got so caught up in bonding with Peter, that I forgot. But now, I want to do this for him. I want to pretend he’s here unlacing my top. Suddenly, the dinging of coins rings in my ear.
“I’ve given you an incentive,” Peter says. “No pressure or anything.”
Oh my god, $500 has appeared in my account! Cheeks flushed, I swallow heavily and do as he asks. I slowly pull the string out of each shiny metal rivet in the neckline and down my line of cleavage. The coral lace of my bra is exposed. I thought this would feel dirty but it doesn’t. It feels good. Peter is making me feel sexier and more wanted than I ever have before.