Naughty

at30

~~~

CassandraLawson

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Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Allcharactersandeventsarecreationsoftheauthor’simagination.Any

resemblancetoactualpeopleoreventsispurelycoincidental.

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infringementisinvestigatedbyfederallawenforcementagenciesandispunishablebyuptofiveyearsin

prisonandafineof$250,000.

AlsobyCassandraLawson

MoonVirusSeries

Raven’sBlood(Book1)

EmbracetheHeat(Book2)

SeducingDeath(Book3)

ShatteredRestraint(Book4)

ImpulsiveDestiny(Book5)

UntamedWinter(Book6)

Psy-VampSeries

VampiresandVixens(Book1)

SafeHexWithaVampire(Book2)

VampiresPreferBlondes(Book3)

TheVampireWillSeeYouNow(Book4)

WantonwithaVampire(Book5)

VampireinGeek’sClothing(Book6)

SpellsThatBindSeries

SinfullySpellbound(Book1)

ShamelesslySpellbound(Book2)

LoveWithoutBatteries

Dirtyat30(Book1)

Acknowledgments

Iwanttosayaspecialthankyoutomydaughters,SeraminaandJilliana,forbeingsosupportiveand

understandingwhenIneedtoworkextrahoursonabook.Asalways,mywonderfulbetareaders,Kari,

Levenia,andRia,reallyhelpedmeworkoutthebugsinthisbook.Mostespecially,Iwanttothankmy

husbandforputtingupwithmecallinghimaneedylittlebitchasIchanneledLukewhilewritingthis

book.

ChapterOne

Chelsea

IwassittinginApplebee’sonaThursdaynight—don’tjudgeme.Itwasmyturntopickwherewe

went,andmyfriends,BrookandDelaney,hadalreadycomplainedloudlyaboutmychoiceofeating

establishment.I’veknownBrookandDelaneyforjustoverayear,andinthattime,they’dbecomemy

bestfriends.Wehadalotincommon.Wewerealldivorcedthirty-year-oldwomenwho’davoideddating

foryearsbecausewedidn’twanttoendupwithanotherassholeinourlives.Technically,Brookwasn’t

divorcedyet,butshe’dbeenseparatedforoveradecade,andshewasworkingonherdivorceafter

decidingshewantedtostartdatingagain.

Brookhadsuggestedwemakeapacttofindmen,andDelaneyhadagreed.Istillcouldn’tbelievethe

twoofthemhadtalkedmeintodatingagain.Myagreementcoulddefinitelybeblamedonthefour

margaritasI’dhadthatnight.I’mfartoogulliblewhenI’mtipsy.Brookhadalreadyfoundherman—my

youngerbrotherofallpeople!Delaneywasstillusingtheexcusethatshehadabookdeadlinecomingup,

whichmeantthosebitcheswerepushingmetobethenexttolookforMr.Right—oratleastlookforMr.

RightNowasDelaneyoftenremindedme.Sofar,theguysI’dmethaddonenothingforme.

“Igiveup!”Isaid,throwingmyhandsupindefeat.“EveryguyImeetthinksI’msomedelicate

flower.I’vetrieddating,anditjustisn’tforme.”

“Oh,comeon,Chels,”Brookbegan,herhazeleyesagrayishgreentonight.Withherdarkbrownhair

andlitheframe,Brookalwaysmademyblondehairandexaggeratedcurvesstandoutmorewhenshe

stoodnexttome.“Youcan’tletafewbaddatesruinyourplanstogetbackoutthere.Youdeservetobe

happy.Iknowyou’renervousaboutdatingagainafterJason,butyoucan’tkeeplettinghimcontrolyour

lifethisway.”

ImighthavetoldBrookshedidn’tknowwhatshewastalkingaboutifshewasn’tcompletelyright

abouttheholdJasonstillhadonme.

“Myex-husbandislikeherpes,”Ibegan.“Youthinkhe’sgone,butthenanotherflareupappears.Not

allwomenfindtherightguy.MaybeI’monewhowon’t.”

“Ithinkyouneedtostopworryingaboutfindingtherightguyandhavekinkysexwithahotguywho

canmakeyouscream,”Delaneysuggested,pushingherlongredhairbackoverhershoulders.Withbright

greeneyesandelfinfeatures,Delaneywasstrikingandoftencaughttheattentionofmenwhenwewere

out.

“Ineedtoliketheguytosleepwithhim,”Iargued,lookingatBrooktobackmeupsinceshewasn’t

thetypetosleeparoundeither.NeitherwasDelaney,butI’dnevertellherthatsinceherfantasyinvolved

aonenightstandwithasexgod—anactualsexgod,notjustaguywhowasgoodinbed.Delaney’s

imaginationhelpedherhaveamuchmoreinterestingfantasylifethantherestofus.

“Chelsea’sright,”Brookbackedmeup.“She’snotthetypetojustsleepwithaguyshecan’tstand

talkingto.Iespeciallycan’tseeherhookingupwithsomeguywhothinksshe’saditsyblonde.”

“You’reright,”Delaneyagreed.“Someassholewhocan’tseehowawesomeyouaredoesn’tdeserve

toseeyounaked,andifyouhatetheguy,youaren’tgoingtobeinterestedinhavingsexwithhim.”

“It’snotthatIhatetheguysI’vebeenmeeting,”Ibegan,notreallysurehowtoexplainwhatIwas

feeling.Therewasjustsomethingmissing.Partoftheproblemstemmedfromthefactthatmostguys

assumedIwasahelplessbimbowhoonlycaredaboutmakeupandclothes.TheythoughtIwasallboobs

andnobrains.Itwastrue—Ineverleftthehousewithoutmakeup,ahabitI’dlearnedfrommymom.Iwas

alsoashortblondewithbigboobsandabutttomatch,butthatdidn’tmeanIwascompletelygirly.My

househadbeenafixerupperwhenI’dboughtitfiveyearsago,whichiswhyI’dbeenabletoaffordit.

ThankstoallIlearnedfrommydad,I’ddonemostoftheworkonthehousemyself.ThepartsIcouldn’t

handleonmyown,mydadhelpedmewith.Ilovedworkingwithmyhands,andIwasn’tafraidtoget

dirty.Forthatreason,IalsotendedtogetseriouslyannoyedwhenguysrefusedtoacceptthatImightknow

moreabouthomerepairthantheydid.

“Theycan’tallbelikeourbookboyfriends,”Delaneyaddedwithasigh.

ThatwastheotherproblemIhad.Iwasaddictedtoromancesinvolvingtheyoungersisterfallingfor

herbigbrother’sbestfriend.I’dprobablyreadeveryoneeverwritten,andwheneverIfoundanewone,I

hadtobuyitrightaway.Thatwasmyidealromance.Theproblemwas,Ididn’thaveanolderbrother.I

onlyhadayoungerbrother,andhisbestfriendwasalsoyounger,andannoying.Lucaswasveryannoying

anddefinitelynotboyfriendmaterial.

“Ishouldjustgiveup,”Ilamented.“Clearly,Iattractthewrongmen.”

Asifoncue,aguywalkeduptoourtable.Hewascute,withbrownhair,blueeyes,andsoftfeatures.

Hewasprobablyonlyafewinchestallerthanme,andwhenhesmiled,twindimplesappeared,making

himevencuter.Ipreparedmyselfforsomeoffensivepickupline,provingmyplantostartdatingagain

wasturningmeintoapessimist.

“Hi,”hesaid,soundingalittlenervous,butinapracticedkindofway,likethiswashistechnique.It

probablyworkedonmostwomen,too,becausethesweet,shyattitudemadehimseemlikeareallynice

guy.

“Hey,”Irepliedwithasmile.

“Idon’tmeantobenosy,butIoverheardyourconversation,andIdon’tthinkyoushouldruleoutall

menjustbecauseyou’vemetsomebadones,”hetoldme,probablygearinguptotellmewhatagreat

catchhewas.

“CanIaskyouaquestion?”Iasked,decidingtoproveIonlyattractedthewrongtypeofmen.

“Sure,”herepliedwithaone-shouldershrug.

“Ifweweredating,andIcalledtotellyouIwasrunninglatebecauseIwasfixingmydishwasher,

whatwouldyousay?”Iasked.

Heshrugged.“I’dprobablyaskifyouneededanyhelp,orifyouwantedmetopickupanyparts.”

“Youwouldn’tassumeIneededhelp?”Iasked.“OrlaughatthefunnyjokeI’dmadeaboutbeingable

tofixmyowndishwasher?”

“WhywouldIassumeyouneededhelporwerejoking?”heasked.“Mygirlfrienddoesallmycar

repairs.She’sthebestmechanicIknow,soIdon’tseewhyI’dassumeanywomancouldn’tfixherown

dishwasher.”

“Allthegoodonesreallyaretaken,”Ilamentedwithasigh.

“You’llfindtherightguy,”heassuredme,flashingthatsweet,dimpledsmileagain.“I’dbettergo.My

girlfriendjustwalkedin.”

Delaneyshookherheadashewalkedaway.“Ithoughthewasgoingtohitonyou.”

Brooklaughed.“Metoo!Weshouldfindoutifhehasabrotherhecanfixyouupwith.”

“It’simpossibleforafamilytohavetwosonsthatgood.Ifhehasabrother,hisbrotherprobably

smashesbeercansonhisforehead,”Iargued.

“Haveyouconsideredonlinedating?”Delaneyasked.

“Actually,Ihave,”Iadmitted.“ThenIendedupdecidingagainstit.”

“Weshouldgobacktoyourplaceandsetupaprofilenow!”Delaneysuggestedexcitedly.

“Yes,”Brookagreed.“Weshoulddothisbeforeyouchangeyourmind.Areyoustillredoingthe

hardwoodfloorsinyourlivingroom?”

“Ifinishedthatlastweekend,”Ireplied.

“I’msurewe’llfiguresomethingoutforyourpicture,”Brooktoldme.

“Mypicture?”Iasked,notunderstandingwhatmyfloorshadtodowithmypicture.

“Iseewhereyou’regoingwiththis,andIliketheidea,”Delaneyremarked.

“Whatidea?”Ipushed,annoyedthatBrookwascontinuingtoignoremyquestion.“Youbitchesare

talkingaboutme,soyouneedtoexplainyourselves.”

“Yourprofilepictureneedstomakeitobviousyoulikeworkingwithyourhandssoyoudon’tget

anotherdateofferingtocomeovertochangeanyburntoutlightbulbs,”Brookexplained,andIreally

wishedshewasjokingaboutthat.Ithadhappened,andtheguyhadpracticallypattedmeontheheadand

calledmeasillygirlwhenI’dtoldhimIcouldnotonlychangemyowndamnlightbulbs,Icouldreplace

alightfixture.

“Idon’tknow,”Ihedged.“I’veheardthosesitesarefullofweirdoes.”

“Thenyou’llfitrightin,”Delaneydrawledwithhersmokysouthernaccent.

Ratherthananswer,Iflippedheroff.

“Alotofpeopleareusingthemnowbecauseit’smucheasiertoweedoutthepeopleyouwouldn’t

wanttodatewithoutactuallygoingoutwiththem,”Brookargued.

“She’sright,”Delaneyagreed.“I’veevenusedonlinedatingscenariosinsomeofmybooks.”

“You’vealsousedwaitressingatsexclubsinyourbooks,andI’mnotsureIwanttodothattofinda

man,”Ipointedout.“Although,itmightbemoreinterestingthanonlinedating.”

“Waitressingatasexclubisnotagoodwaytomeetmen,”ourwaitressremarkedasshedroppedoff

ourdrinks,derailingourcurrentconversation.

Ourwaitresswasprobablyinherforties,butstillstunning,lookingmuchlikeatallversionofSelma

Hayek.Thenameonherbadgeread,Bambi,andIwonderedifhernamewaswhathadledhertoworkin

asexclub.

“Youwaitressedinasexclub?”Delaneyasked,soundingutterlyfascinated.

Bambinodded.“Ifiguredhornydrunkguyswouldtipbetter.”

“Dothey?”Delaneyasked.

Bambishookherhead.“Nope.Imakemuchbettertipshere,andIdon’tgohomesmellinglikecheap

beer.Hornydrunkguysareclumsy.”

“Iguesstheycan’tmanageholdingtheircockandabeeratthesametime,”Brookadded.

Bambigiggled.“Iwishthatwaswhattheyweretryingtoholdwhentheyspilledthebeer.”

Whenshewalkedaway,Delaneyletoutadeepsigh.

“What’swrong?”Brookaskedher.

“Iwasgoingtowriteanewstoryaboutawaitressatasexclub,”sheexplained.“Now,I’mafraid

realitywillruinmystory.”Justlikethat,sherecoveredandturnedherattentiontome.“Theonlythingthat

willmakemefeelbetternowissettingupanonlinedatingprofileforyou,Chelsea.”

“Let’sdothisbeforeIlosemynerve,”Irelentedwithanexasperatedsigh.

ChapterTwo

Luke

Sofar,myattemptsatonlinedatinghadbeenacompletefailure.Ihadn’tevenmetwithanyofthe

womenfromthesite.Itwasnicechattingandlookingatprofilesfirst,becauseitmadeiteasiertopasson

womenIknewIwouldn’tbecompatiblewith.Thathadprobablysavedmefromabunchofhorriblefirst

dates.I’dbeenchattingwiththisonewomanforthelasttwentyminutes,andsofar,sheseemedpretty

normal.WhenI’dmentionedmyoriginalintenttomajorinmarinebiology,she’dtoldmehowmuchshe

lovedtheMontereyBayAquarium.ThiswasthefirstwomanI’dfeltanysortofconnectionwithsinceI’d

signedupforanaccount.Iwasabouttoaskifshewantedtomeetforadrinkwhenanewmessage

poppeduponthechatscreen.

VIV1990:Areyoucutoruncut?

LUKE2160:Huh?Whatdoyoumeancut?

VIV1990:I’mtalkingaboutyourwinky.Isitcutoruncut?

Whatthefuck?Hadsheseriouslyaskedifmydickwascircumcised?Ididn’tevenknowwhereshe’d

comeupwithwinkyasanameformydick,butIwasnothappywiththatoneatall.IfiguredImighthave

misunderstoodwhatshewasasking,soIdecidedtoaskforclarification.Itseemedprettyobvious,butit

wasalsoabigshiftinourconversation.

LUKE2160:AreyouaskingifI’mcircumcised?

VIV1990:Yes.I’veneverbeenwithaguywithanuncutwinky.WhatwouldIevencallawinkywitha

hood?

Maybesomethingmoremanlythanwinky,Iwantedtosay.

VIV1990:HowaboutLordVader.

LUKE2160:Vaderhadahelmet,notahood.

VIV1990:TheGrimReaper?

VIV1990:No,it’sprobablybestnottothinkofdeathwhenwe'rehavingsex.Unlesswe'retalkingabout

LaPetiteMort.

LUKE2160:LaPetiteMort?

VIV1990:Youknow.Thelittledeath.So,Iguessyouareuncut.I’llhavetoseeyourcutelittleguyto

knowhowIfeelaboutthat.

ThiswasfastbecomingthecraziestchatI’dhadwithanywomanonthissite,andshe’dseemedlike

thesanestwhenwe’dstartedtalking.IknewIshouldjustendthechat,butforsomereason,Icontinuedon

withtheinsanity.

LUKE2160:Itisneverokaytousethewordscuteorlittlewhentalkingaboutanythingrelatedtomydick.

Now,Ifeltlikeanidiot.Weweren’thavingsex.Shewasn’tgoingtogetapersonalintroductionto

Excalibur.Yes,I’dnamedmydickExcalibur.I’dalwaysbeenkindofnerdy,andIwasn’taboutto

apologizeforit.

VIV1990:Ican’twaittomeetyourWeeWillyWinkyandseehishood.Thiswillbeanadventure.Just

makesureyoucleanthelittleguyfirst.I’veheardtheycanbedirty.

LUKE2160:Idon’tthinkthisisgoingtoworkout.

VIV1990:Whynot?Isthesweetwinkybeingshyanddoesn’twanttocomeout?Mommycancoaxhim

out.

Nope.Therewasnowayinhellshecouldcoaxhimout.Iwascircumcised,somethingExcaliburwas

stillangrywithmyparentsfor,butIdidn’tfeeltheneedtosharethatwithacompletestranger.

LUKE2160:Sorry,butIdon’tthinkwe’recompatible.

VIV1990:Okay.Hopeyoufindtherightwoman.Itwasfuntalkingtoyou.

Thatwasthebestthingaboutonlinedating.Awkwardconversationsusuallyendedonapositivenote.

ThewomenIturneddownhadotherprofilestolookat.ThebadpartwasthatIwasbeginningtowonder

ifIwastheproblem.HowcoulditbethatI’dchattedwithsomanywomen,yetIhadn’tbeenwillingto

meetwithevenoneofthem?ThisoneIhadgoodreasontoavoid.Excaliburdidnotapproveofher.

Whenmyphonebuzzed,Iwastemptedtoignoreit,figuringitwasanothernotificationfromthedating

site,butIdecidedtocheckitandfoundatextfrommystepmom,Brook.

BROOK:MissFixIt.

ME:Thismustbemydayforstrangeconversations.Caretotellmewhatyou’retalkingabout?

BROOK:Ifoundtheperfectwomanforyouonyourdatingsite.

ME:Areyoulookingatwomen’sprofilestofindoneI’lllike?

BROOK:Justcheckherout.She’sexactlywhatyou’vebeenlookingfor.

ME:Thanks.I’llcheck.Loveyou.

BROOK:Loveyou,too.

Openingthesiteupagain,ItypedintheprofilenametosearchforMissFixItandnearlyswallowed

mytonguewhenIsawthehotblondestandinginfrontofanimpressiveworkbenchwithatoolbeltaround

herhips.Thepicturemadeitobviousthiswomanlikedtoworkwithherhands,andshedidn’tneedaman

tochangealightbulbforher.Herwell-wornjeansandtightblackt-shirthuggedhersexycurves,making

mydickthrobwitharousal.Shewashotasfuck,andshewasalsomybestfriend’soldersister,afact

Brookalreadyknew.

ThelasttimeI’dseenChelsea,she’dbeensodrunk,she’dthoughtmynamewasJake.SinceI’mnot

thetypetogetturnedonbyintoxicatedwomen,I’dbeeninnowayinterested.Therehadbeenthispartof

methathadassumedmyadolescentcrushonherwasoverwhenI’dhadnoreactiontoherthatnight,but

seeingthispictureprovedIwasfarfromoverChelsea.Iwasdefinitelygoingtospendmoretimearound

MissFixIt.

ChapterThree

Chelsea

Iwasaboutreadytoturnmyphoneoffandshutdownmyonlinedatingaccountafteronlyacoupleof

days.Sofar,myprofilehadgottenalotofattention,butIhadnointentionofgoingoutwithanyofthe

guyswho’dexpressedinterestinmeetingme.Atleast,BrookandDelaneyhadbeenrightaboutitbeing

easierformetoweedouttheguysIdidn’twanttodatethisway,whichseemedtobeallguys.

MyprofilepicturehadbeencarefullystagedwiththeintentionofprovingIcouldtakecareofmyself.

InsteadofattractingguysI’dconsiderdating,IwasstillamagnetforguyswhothoughtIwashelpless.

TheguyIwascurrentlychattingwithonthedatingsitewasaperfectexampleofthetypeofmanIwanted

toavoid.Whatannoyedmemostwasthisonehadseemedpromisingatfirst.We’dbeenhavinganice

conversationaboutthejoysandstrugglesofbeingself-employed,andI’dbeguntowonderifhemightbe

worthmeetinginperson.Thatwasdefinitelynotgoingtohappen.Hislastmessagewasenoughtomake

meconsiderviolence.

THOR21:Itwasprettymessedupthatyoutookyourex-husband’stoolsinthedivorce.Iunderstandbeing

upsetwhenyou’regettingadivorce.Iwasangrywithmyex-wife,butIdidn’ttakehermakeupinour

divorce.

Istaredathiswordsforalongmoment,tryingtodecideifhewasjokingornot,beforecomingtothe

conclusionithadtobeajoke.Onlyitdidn’tsoundlikeajoke.Itwashardtojudgepeople’stonein

writing,soIfiguredI’dgivehimthebenefitofthedoubt.

MISSFIXIT:Whywouldyouassumethosearemyex-husband’stools?

THOR21:Yourprofilesaysyou’redivorced.LikeIsaid,Iunderstandgettingmadduringadivorce,but

toolsareexpensive.

Iwaited,assuminghehadtohavemoreofanexplanation.

THOR21:I’mnottryingtosoundlikeanassholehere.You’rereallyhot,soIcanseewhythejudge

wouldgiveyoueverythinginadivorce.HowaboutifIcomeoverandshowyouhowtousesomeof

thosetools?Thatwaytheywon’tjustbepropsforyourpictures.I’msureyoucanfindawaytothankme.

MISSFIXIT:Thankyou,butI’mnotinterested.

THOR21:Whatever.Letmeknowifyouchangeyourmind.

I’djustsetmyphonedownwhenanewchatrequestpoppedup,andIwasunabletobitebackmysigh

offrustration.Ifanotherassholetreatedmelikeadumbblondewhoneededabigstrongmantotakecare

ofher,Iwasdefinitelygoingtoloseit.Ifthischatturnedoutnearlyasbadasthelast,Iwaseitherclosing

myonlinedatingaccount,orchangingmyprofiletosayIwasseekingawomanandgivinguponmenall

together.Grittingmyteeth,Iopenedthechatwindow.

LUKE2160:Whatkindofpantiesdoyouhaveonunderthosejeans?

Recognizingtheprofilepicturerightaway,Igroanedfromfrustrationandarousal.LucasRobinson

wasmyyoungerbrother’sbestfriend,andhe’dalwaysbeenanannoyingpainintheass.Ithadgotten

evenworsewhenhe’dcomehomefromcollegelookingsuperhot.Sixfoottwo,withblondhair,blue

eyes,andabodythatprobablylookedevenbetterwithoutclothes,Lucasconfusedme.Theconfusionhad

begunthenighthe’ddrivenmehomefromBrook’swhenIwassodrunkI’dthoughthewasahotguy

namedJake.Findingoutthatthehotguyinquestionwasactuallytheannoyingkidwho’dstolenmy

pantieswhenIwasateen,seemedtohavenoimpactonmysubconsciousbecauseI’dhadmorethanone

inappropriatedreamabouthimsincethatday.Despiteallthat,Iwasrelieveditwashim.Lucaswassafe,

andhewouldn’ttreatmelikeIwashelpless.Healsowasn’tflirtingwithme,justmessingwithme.

MISSFIXIT:Why?Areyouplanningtostealthem?

LUKE2160:HowelseamIsupposedtomakeaslingshot?Yourpantiesalwaysmakethebestslingshots.

Ilaughedathiscomeback,andeventhoughitfeltweirdtalkingtoLucasonthedatingsite,itwasstill

themostrelaxedconversationI’dhadsofar.

MISSFIXIT:That’sarelief.Iwasworriedyouweregoingtodosomethingkinkywithmypanties.

LUKE2160:Kinky?WhatkindofkinkythingsdoyouthinkIdowithpanties?

MISSFIXIT:Ijustfiguredyoumighthavemovedpastslingshotsandontoadultgameswithstolenpanties.

LUKE2160:GameslikeusingthemtotieyoutomybedsoIcanbringyoutotheedgeoverandoveragain

untilyoubegmetoletyoucome?

IstaredatLucas’words,unabletodecidehowtorespond.Hewasteasingme.Thatwastheonly

explanation.Unfortunately,mybodydidn’tseemtounderstandthatLucaswasn’tserious,andIwasmore

thanalittletemptedtoabandonourchattoheadintomybedroomwheremyfavoritevibratorcouldhelp

medealwiththeoverwhelmingarousalIwassuddenlydealingwith.No!Ineededtostopthisbeforeit

wenttoofar.IcouldnotbeattractedtoLucasRobinson.Thedreamswerebadenoughwithoutfantasizing

abouthimwhenIwasawake.

LUKE2160:Youstillthere,Chels?

MISSFIXIT:Ididn’tknowyouhadaprofileonthisdatingsite.

LUKE2160:IsignedupwhenImovedbackouthere.Nolucksofar.Howaboutyou?

MISSFIXIT:IjusthadaguytellmehowwrongitwasthatItookJason’stoolsinthedivorce.

LUKE2160:WTF?Idoubtyourdumbassexknowswhichendofahammertohold.

MISSFIXIT:GuysseemtothinkI’mhelpless.Thisoneevenofferedtocomeoverandshowmehowto

useallJason’stools.

LUKE2160:Sorryyou’vehadtodealwithsomanyidiots.

MISSFIXIT:Iguessguysjustdon’tlikewomenwhoknowthedifferencebetweenacircularsawanda

jigsaw.

LUKE2160:Idon’tgetthat.Awomanwhoknowsherwayaroundpowertoolsissexyasfuck.

Thatlastcommentmademepause,andIsuddenlywonderedifhewasflirtingwithme,tryingto

throwmeoff-balance,orifhewassimplyteasingmelikehehadwhenwewerekids.Granted,this

teasingwasmuchmorerisqué,butLucaswasalsoanadultnow.Eitherway,Iwasfeelingtinglyandmore

thanalittledazed.Icouldflirtwithhimandseewherethingswent,whichcouldeasilyendupbeing

awkward.LucaswasnearthetopofmylistofguysIcouldn’tsleepwith,despitewhatmybodyseemed

tothink.

TherewouldbenosexwithLucas.IdecidedtorepeatthattomyselfseveraltimessinceIclearly

neededthereminder.Itwasdefinitelytimetogetthingsbackonsafergroundandthenfindanexcuseto

endthechatwithoutsoundinglikeIwasrunningfromhim.

MISSFIXIT:Howisonlinedatingworkingoutforyou?Anyluckfindingyourperfectgirl?Ordotheyall

runforthehillswhentheyfindoutaboutyourobsessionwithwomen’spanties?

LUKE2160:Sadly,Ihaven’tmetonewhosepantiesIwanttostealyet.Haveadrinkwithme,Chels.

Itwasn’taquestion,andIwasn’tsurewhattosayinresponse.HaveadrinkwithLucas?That

seemedlikeaverybadidea.ThenIremindedmyselfthatImightbetheonlyonewhosehormoneshad

gonecrazy,andthiscouldsimplybetwopeoplewithasibling-likebondmeetinguptotalkabouttheir

experienceswithonlinedatingandcatchupwitheachother.TherewasnoreasontoassumeLucas

considereditmorethanjustfriendsgettingtogether.Ihaddrinkswithmyfriendsallthetime.Icoulddo

this,anditwouldhelpmegetpastthecrazylustand,hopefully,putanendtothedreams.OnceIspent

somesobertimearoundLucas,I’drealizethat,attractiveornot,hewasn’tsomeoneformetolustafter.

I’dsticktosomethingwithoutalcohol,ormaybejusthaveonedrink.

MISSFIXIT:Sure.Wecancomparenotesaboutonlinedating.I’mnewtoallthis,somaybeyoucangive

mesometipstoavoidthecraziesandfindtherightguy.Didyouwanttomeettonight?

Iwasproudofmyanswer;itwascasualyetfriendly.RealizingI’dputmorethoughtintomy

responsestoLucasthananyotherguyonthedatingsitemademefrown,butIdecidedtoshakeoffany

concernsIhad.TherewasalongdelaybeforeLucasresponded.

LUKE2160:I’llpickyouupinthirtyminutes.

MISSFIXIT:There’snoreasonforyoutopickmeup.Justtellmewheretomeetyou.

LUKE2160:Yourfrontdoor.

“Whatthehell?”Igrumbled,readytotypeoutaresponsethatwouldmakeitclearIdidnotlike

havingmyfriendsordermearound.Iwouldnotputupwithhisarrogance.Itannoyedmeevenmorewhen

thesitesuddenlylistedLuke2160asofflinesoIcouldn’trespondtohim.

Ugh!Ihatedbossymen.Sadly,mystupidbodyhadn’tgottenthatmemo,anditwasdoingthehappy

dancebecauseweweregoingtoseeLucas.Iwasindesperateneedofashowerandanorgasmtotakethe

edgeoffbeforeLucasarrived.Withonlythirtyminutestogetready,itseemedI’dhavetomulti-taskinthe

shower.Thankfully,I’drecentlyinstalledtheperfectrotatingshowerheadforthejob.

ChapterFour

Luke

AfterfindingoutaboutChelsea’sdatingprofile,I’ddebatedonhowtoapproachherforacoupleof

days,knowingIneededtobecarefulhowIhandledthings.IfsheknewIwascomingontoher,she’drun.

Therewasnogettingaroundthefactthatshedidn’tseemeasmorethantheannoyingkidwho’dmessed

withherwhenshewasateen.

Inmydefense,I’dhadahugecrushonher.AsI’dgottenolder,thatcrushhadgottenworse—like

unabletokeepmydickfromstandingatattentionwheneverIthoughtabouther.I’dbeensomewhat

obsessedwithherforyears,andI’donlybeguntogetoveritwhenshe’dkickedmeoutofherwedding

fortellingherJasonwasadickheadwhodidn’tdeserveher.Itwastrue,butChelshadstillcalledmea

childandarguedthatIdidn’tknowshitaboutrelationships.SinceI’dbeenfourteenatthetime,she’d

beenrightonbothcounts,butI’dstillbeenrightaboutJasonbeingadickwhodidn’tdeserveher.That

assholehadfuckedwithherself-confidencebigtimefromwhatTyhadtoldme.Chelseahadn’teven

considereddatinginthesixyearssinceshe’ddivorcedJason.Nowthatshewaswillingtodate,Iplanned

tobethemaninherlife—theonlymaninherlife.

Myplanwastoflirtwithherwhilekeepingitlightenoughtoavoidscaringheroff.WhileIwas

betterwithwomennow,Iwasstillprettynerdyandnotexactlygoodattheartofflirting,havinga

tendencytosaythewrongthingmoreoftenthannot.ThreateningtotieChelseatothebedwithherpanties

hadn’tbeenpartofmyplan,andIwasdamnluckyshehadn’tendedthechatandblockedmyprofilefrom

contactingher.

Thatslip-uponmyparthadcreatedanotherproblem,becausenowIcouldn’tgetthatfantasyoutof

mymind.I’dprobablyneedseveralofherpanties,butI’dbeenthinkingofwaystomakeropesfromher

pantiestheentiredrivetoChelsea’shouse,whichwaswhyIwasdoingsomedeepbreathingexercises

beforeclimbingoutofthecartopickherup.Ineededtogetmyerectionundercontrol.

OnceExcaliburfinallygotthemessagethathisservicesweren’tneeded,IwalkeduptoChelsea’s

doorandrangthebell.Chelseaansweredthedoor,lookingirritatedandhotasfuck,whichnaturally

grabbedExcalibur’sattention.ShewasdressedindarkjeansandagreenV-neckt-shirtthatgavemea

greatviewofherfullbreasts.Herblondehairframedherbeautifulface,andshe’dputsomeshinypink

lipstickonherpuffylips.Iwasfindingitreallydifficulttoresistthetemptationtokissheruntilthatpink

stuffwasoffhermouth,andImighthavegivenintothetemptationifIdidn’tthinkChelseawouldpunch

meintheballsfortrying.

“Icouldhavedrivenmyself,”shegrumbled.“Ifwe’regoingtohangout,youneedtounderstandup

frontthatIdon’tputupwithbossymen.Youknow,Idon’trememberyoubeingthispushy,Lucas.”

“CallmeLuke,”Itoldher.

Oneperfectlyarchedeyebrowroseinchallenge.“DidInotjusttellyouIwon’tputupwithbeing

pushedaround?”

“Listen,Chels,”Ibeganpatiently.“Igetthatyoudon’tusuallycallpeoplebytheirnicknames,butI’m

askingforareason.Please,callmeLuke.”

Shehesitatedforamomentbeforenodding.“Whyisthissoimportanttoyou?”

“Ipromisetotellyouanothertime,”Iassuredher.“Now,let’sgogetthatdrink.”

Whenshehesitated,Ihalf-wishedshe’drefuseormouthofftomebecauseherattitudeturnedmeon.

WhileIknewgettingmoreturnedonjustmeantmycaseofblueballswasgoingtobeevenworselater,it

wasworthittoseehersexy,angryface.

Chelseanodded.“Allright,”sheagreed.“IpromisetotrytocallyouLuke,ifyoupromisenottosteal

mypanties.”

Ichuckledandshookmyhead.“I’magrownman.WhatmakesyouthinkI’dstealyourpanties?I’m

twenty-fouryearsold,nottwelve.”

“Areyourefusingtopromisenottostealmypanties?”sheasked,asIledhertothecar.

ThatwasapromiseIhadnointentionofmakingaftermyfantasyabouttyingherupwithherown

panties,butIdecidedtokeepthattomyself.

“Ihavenointerestinmakingaslingshotwithyourpanties,”Iassuredher.

ChapterFive

Chelsea

WhenLucashadaskedmetocallhimLuke,I’dbeentemptedtorefuse.Myreasoningmadeverylittle

senseeventome,butitwasjusteasiertorememberhewasthesamekidwho’dstolenmypantieswhenI

wascallinghimLucas.Inallmynaughtydreams,IcalledhimLuke—IhadcalledhimLukeinalotof

dreamsrecently.ThosedreamshadallstartedthenightLukehaddrivenmehomefromBrook’sbecause

I’dbeenfartoodrunktomakeitthereonmyown.I’dbeendrunkenoughtobelieveLukewasasexy

strangernamedJakeuntilBrookhadrevealedmyfantasylover’strueidentity.Knowinghisidentityhadn’t

stoppedmefromfantasizingabouthim;ithadjustmademefeelsomewhatguiltyaftereverysexdreamI

hadaboutLuke.

Beinginacarwithhimwasmakingitevenhardertokeepmydirtythoughtsatbay.WhenI’dopened

thedoor,ithadbeenarealstruggletokeepmyselffromcommentingonhowgoodhelooked.Lukewas

probablyafoottallerthanmewithbroadshouldersandanarrowwaist.I’dalwayshadathingfortall

guys,butI’dneverbeenwithoneastallasLuke.Thebeardhe’dgrownwhileawayatcollegelooked

reallygoodonhim,andIcouldn’thelpwonderinghowitwouldfeelagainstmyskin,especiallymymore

sensitiveskin.Hisscentwasclean,andIwassurehewasn’twearinganycologne,whichIreallyliked.I

preferredmenwhoweremorenatural.Lukealsolookedfantasticinjeans.Ithadbeenimpossibleto

resistthetemptationtocheckouthisbuttwhenhe’dwalkedaroundtotheothersideofhiscar.

“Howareyouenjoyingteaching?”Iasked,hopingtotakemymindoffofhowgoodLukelooked.

“Sofar,Ireallyenjoyit,”herepliedwithagrin.“Naturally,Ihavesomekidswhoareapain,butI

thinkI’mgettingthroughtomostofthem.Afewoftheoneswhoareapainintheassseemreallynice,but

youknowhowkidscanbeatthatage.Someactupbecausethey’retryingtoimpresstheirfriends,others

arebored,andthentherearesomewhojustwanttheattention.They’renotbadkids.”

“Justaslongasnoneofthemarepervertedpantythieves,”Iteased.“Thoseguysaretheworst.”

Lukechuckled.“Youarenevergoingtoforgivemeforthat,areyou?”

“Probablynot,”Itoldhim.“IguessIshouldjustbegratefulyoudidn’tstealanyofmypantieswhen

youdroppedmeoffathome.That’stheonlyreasonIwasn’tmadwhenIfoundoutyou’dlookedinthe

Victoria’sSecretbagonmycoffeetable.”

“How’dyouknow?”Lukeasked,soundinggenuinelysurprised.“DidTytellyou?”

“Youweren’tverygoodatputtingthembackunderthetissuepaper,”Ipointedout.Thetissuehad

beensomewhatbunchedup,andI’dknownrightawayLukehadcheckedoutmypantypurchase.That

realizationhadcausedsomeconfusionforme.Ontheonehand,itwasprettycreepyhavingagrownman

lookingatmypanties.Ontheotherhand,ithadmademethinkofhishandsonmypantieswhileIwas

wearingthem,whichwasaveryhotimage,evenifitwasoneIdidn’twanttohavestuckinmybrain.

NofantasizingaboutLucasRobinson!Iremindedmyself.Iwasdefinitelynotgoingtothinkabout

hisfingerstrailingoverthelaceonthethongIwaswearingbeforehislongfingersslidundertheedge.

Thatmentalimagealmostmademewhimperwithneed.

“Whatmadeyoudecidetoteach,”Iaskedtogetmymindoffsex,hopinghewouldn’tnoticehow

strainedmyvoicesounded.I’dneverthoughtofLukeasateacher,andhisdecisionhadbeensudden,from

whatmybrotherhadtoldme.

“Oneofmymiddleschoolteacherspassedawaymyfirstyearofcollege,”hebegan.“I’dkeptin

contactwithhimsincehisretirement.Italwaysamazedmehowhe’dmadesomeofthekidsinmyclass

whohatedsciencelovehisclass.Whenhedied,IstillhadnocluewhatIwantedtodo,butIsuddenly

realizedIwantedtoinspirekidslikehehadandhelpthosekidswhowerestrugglingwithscience.What

aboutyou,Chels?Whyareyoutakingpictures?”

Ishrugged.“Atfirst,IwasmorelikeanemployeeinJason’sbusiness.Eventhoughwe’dbuiltit

together,photographywashispassion,andIwasmostlyanassistant.That’swhyItookabunchofsmall

businessmanagementandaccountingclassesincollege.SinceIhadsomelongerbreaksinmyclass

schedule,Ifigured,I’dtakeafewclassesonphotographyandphotoediting,justsoI’dbetterunderstand

thebusinessandmaybebeabletohelpoutwiththephotoediting,”Iexplained.WhileIdidn’thavea

degree,I’dtakenalotofclasses,andIfeltconfidentrunningmyownbusinesswithverylittleoutside

help.

“Letmeguess,youlikedtakingpicturesandstartedtakingonsomeshootsafterthat?”Lukeprompted

me.

“Notexactly,”Iadmittedwithasigh.“Jasonisn’talwaysadrunk.Infact,hequitdrinkingwhenwe

gotmarried,andthat’spartofthereasonhewasabletostarthisbusinessinthefirstplace.Thosesober

timesarewhyhehasn’tlostthebusinessyet.Anyway,hestarteddrinkingheavilyagain,andIneededto

coversomeofthejobswhenhewastoodrunk.Asitturnedout,Ienjoyit.Igettobepartofpeople’s

weddings,parties,andevenhelpthemrecordtheearlydaysofanewadditiontotheirfamily.It’sa

fantasticfeeling,andIquicklydiscoveredI’mgoodatit.Peopleevenstartedrequestingmeforeventsand

studioshoots.”

“HowdidJasonreact?”Lukeasked,andbyhistone,IgottheimpressionhealreadyknewJason

hadn’tlikedmebecomingmoreinvolved.

“Jasonisachild,”Ireplied,becausewhatmorecouldIreallysay?

“Meaninghewasjealousaboutyougettingattentionfromhisclients,”Lukededuced.“FromwhatTy

said,you’renotjustgood,you’rebetterthanJason,andIcan’timaginethelittlepricktookthatvery

well.”

“Iambetterthanhim,andhedidn’ttakeitwell,”Iagreed,notfeelinganyneedtobemodestwhenit

cametomytalent.“Don’tgetmewrong,Jasonhasalotoftalent,buthe’llnevergoveryfarwithitunless

hestopsdrinking.”

“Hashebeenharassingyou?”TherewasnomissingthetensioninLuke’svoice.

“NotsinceTylerbrokehisnose,”Ireplied.“I’mnotsureifit’sthethreatofTylerhittinghimagain,

orthenighthespentinjailthat’skeepinghimaway.Eitherway,he’sbeenkeepinghisdistance.”

Luke’sonlyresponsewasagrunt,whichIassumedmeantheapprovedofmybrotherbreakingJason’s

nose.

“You’renotgoingtoremindmethatyouwarnedmeaboutJason?”Iasked,onlyhalf-joking.

WewerestoppedatanintersectionwhenLukelookedatme.Hisfingersflexedonthesteeringwheel.

“YouthinkI’mthatbigofanasshole?”heaskedquietly.

Icouldn’thelpit.IlaughedatLuke’sattitude,whichreallyseemedtorelievesomeofmytension.

“Don’tbesuchanass,Lucas,”Itoldhim.“We’veknowneachotherforyears,andyouwerealwaysthe

typetogloatwhenyouwereright.WhenitcomestoJason,youweredefinitelyright.”

Herelaxedhisholdonthesteeringwheelandpulledthroughtheintersection.“First,I’veneverbeen

suchanassholethatI’dgloataboutbeingrightaboutyougettinghurt.Iwouldhavedoneanythingto

preventJasonfromhurtingyou,Chels.WhenIheardhegotoffwithjustaslaponthewristafterhe

chokedyou,Iwantedtohunthimdownandbreakhishandsfordaringtoputthemonyou.”

“Lucas-,”Ibegan,butheimmediatelyinterrupted.

“Second,ifyoucallmeLucasagaininsomebullshitattempttorelegatemetotheroleofakidfrom

yourpast,I’mgoingtoprovetoyouI’maman,”hewarned,andtherewasnodenyingIdesperately

wantedtopushhimtodojustthat.Iwantedhimtoprovehewasaman,eventhoughIhadnocluewhathe

meantbyprovinghewasaman.

Lukewaitedformyreply,asmirkonhisface.“Goaheadandpushme,Chels,”hetaunted,hisvoice

slightlyrough.

“Don’tthreatenme,”Itoldhim.

“I’mnotthreateningyou,”hestated,hisgazelandingbrieflyonmymouthbeforereturningtotheroad.

“I’mflirtingwithyou.”

“Youare?”Igasped,mymouthdroppingopeninshock.

ChapterSix

Luke

IalmostlaughedatChelsea’sshockedexpression.Realizinghowdeterminedshewastoavoidseeing

measmorethanTy’sfriendandsomekidfromherpast,convincedmeIneededtochangemyplan.

SimplybeingaroundChelseawasn’tgoingtoconvinceherIwastherightguyforherwhenshewasthis

determinedtokeepawallbetweenus.Ineededtobreakdownthebarriermoreforcefully,andIwas

lookingforwardtoit.Backinhighschool,Ihadn’texactlybeenpopularwiththegirls,butmycollege

yearshadbeenamuchdifferentstory.Girlshadcometome,andI’dhadaneasytimefindingsomeoneto

date.Thathadbeennice.Honestly,I’dfigureditwasbetterthatwayandneverexpectedtowantanything

different.I’dbeenmistaken,becauseIwaslookingforwardtopursuingChelsea.NotnearlyasmuchasI

waslookingforwardtoclaimingChelsea,butIhadafeelingtheeffortIputintogettingtothatpoint

wouldmakeitevensweeterwhenshegavein,somethingInolongerdoubtedwouldhappen.

“Iamdefinitelyflirtingwithyou,”Iconfirmed.“Now,whatdoyouthinkIshoulddoifyoucallme

LucasafteragreeingtocallmeLuke?”

“Spankme,”shesuggestedinasweetvoicethatcausedmetoletoutastartledbarkoflaughter.Ofall

thethingsI’dexpectedtocomeoutofhersexyassinmouth,thathadnotbeenonthelist.I’dhalf-expected

hertotellmeoffforsuggestingIhadanyrighttotellherwhattodo.Theotherhalfofmehadexpected

hertolecturemeonthereasonsflirtingwithherwouldnotbeappropriate.SuggestingIspankherwas

nearlyenoughtomakemecomeinmypants.

“Fuckme,Chels,”Isaidaroundsomethingthatwasacrossbetweenalaughandagroan.“Areyou

tryingtokillme?”

“Justmakingasuggestion,”sherepliedwithawickedtwinkleinhereyes.

“Itsoundedmorelikeanoffer,”Itaunted.

“Maybeitis,”sheshotback,turningthetablesonme.

“Iwilldefinitelytakeyouuponthatofferlater.Fornow,Ithinkweshouldgetthatdrinkandtalk,”I

suggestedasIparkedthecar.Meetingheratthecurb,Itookherhand,surprisedwhenshedidn’tpull

away.

“I’veneverbeentothisbarbefore,”Chelsearemarked,clearlytryingtogetourconversationbackon

saferground.

“It’sagreatplace,evenifitdoesgetannoyinglybusyontheweekend.Ilikeitbecausetheyserve

goodfood,too,”Iexplained.We’dgonetoasmallbaranotherteacherhadtoldmeabout.Iwassurprised

IwasabletofindparkingsocloseonaSaturdayandtookitasanothersignthingsweregoingwell.IfI

believedinfate,Imighthaveinsistedthestarswerealigned,butI’dneverbeenintothatsortofthing.

“That’sgoodbecauseI’llbedrunkafteronecocktailifIdon’tgetsomethingintomystomach,”she

toldme.“WeallknowhowstupidIactwhenI’mdrunk.I’dprobablyendupclimbingalloveryouand

callingyouJake.”

IstudiedChelseaforamoment,tryingtofigureheroutbeforedecidingtojustask.“Areyoufucking

withme?”

SheregardedmeasifIwereanidiot,whichalmostmademelaugh.“I’mnotsureIunderstandyour

question.”

“You’vebeendoingyourbesttokeepyourdistancefrommemostofthetimesinceIpickedyouup,”I

began.“Therestofthetime,it’slikeyou’reflirtingwithme.Now,you’relettingmeholdyourhand.I

knowyou’rejokingaboutgettingdrunkandclimbingalloverme—somethingthatwouldbehotifyou

weresober.Intoxicatedwomendon’tdoanythingforme.”

Wesatatatablefurtherfromthebar,andChelsearanherfingersalongthemenu.Itseemedshewas

consideringheranswercarefully.“Thatnightyoudrovemehome,Ithoughtyouweresomeguynamed

Jake.That’swhatImeantjustnowaboutcallingyouJake.”

“Yeah,Iheardaboutthat,”Igrumbled.“Icarriedyoufromthecar.Theleastyoucouldhavedonewas

remembereditwasmemakingsureyougothomesafely.”

“Youalsolookedthroughmypanties,”sheremindedme.

“Justthebagonthecoffeetable.It’snotlikeIgaveintothetemptationtolookattheonesinyour

drawers.”Iarguedbeforerealizinghowbadthatsounded.“I’mnotreallyhelpingmycase,amI?”

“Notintheleast,”shereplied.“So,BrooktoldyouIdidn’trecognizeyouthatnight?”

“Shementionedit,”Ireplied.

“DidshealsotellyouthefirstthingIaskedaboutwhenwetalkedthenextdaywasJake?”sheasked.

“Ireferredtohimasthehotguy,andItoldherIdefinitelyneededtoseehimagainwhenIwassober.”

“Youdid?”Iasked,tryingnottopreen,whichwashardsinceitfeltreallygoodhearingChelsea

thoughtIwashotandhadwantedtoseemeagainafterthatnight.Itwouldhavefeltbetterifshehadn’t

beentoodrunktoremembermyname,butI’dtakewhatIcouldget.

“Yes,”shereplied.“IhaddrunkensexdreamsaboutJake.Evenworse,Ican’tseemtogetpastthat

insanefantasy.I’massumingyou’realsodealingwithsomestrangeattractiontome,andthat’swhyyou’re

flirtingwithme.”

“Strangeattraction?You’rethehottestwomanI’veeverseen,Chels.Ithoughtyouwerehotwhenwe

wereyounger,butthatwasnothingcomparedtonow.WhenIsawyouronlineprofilepictureforthat

datingsite,Inearlyswallowedmytongue.Thereisnothingstrangeaboutmyattractiontoyou.Butyes,I

amattractedtoyou.Sincebluntseemstobeworkingformetonight,I’mgoingtoadmitthatIgethardjust

thinkingaboutyou.WhenyousuggestedIspankyou,Iwastemptedtopullyouacrossmylapinthecar

andtakeyouuponthatoffer.IwouldlovetohaveyousquirmingaroundonmylapasIspankyourperfect

ass.”

Chelsea’smouthpartedandhertonguedartedouttomoistenherfulllips,makingmeevenharder.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”thewaitressaskedus.

Ialmostcursedattheinterruption,butItookcomfortinthefactthatChelseadidn’tseemanyhappier

aboutit.

“I’llhaveaGuinness.Areyougettingamargarita?”IaskedChelsea.

“Withthedirectionthisconversationistaking,IthinkIshouldjustgoforthetequila,”sheadmitted.“I

needsomethingstronger.”

“We’vegotagreatselection,”thewaitresstoldher,turningthedrinkmenuoversoChelseacouldsee

thetequilaselection.

“I’mnotreallysurewhattoorder,”Chelseaadmitted.“Myfriend,Delaney,usuallypicksoutthe

tequila.”

“CanImakeasuggestion,”Iasked,andwhenshenodded,Itookthemenu.“She’llhavetheRiazul

Anejo,”Itoldthewaitress,figuringChelseawouldlikethatonesinceithadasmooth,sweetertaste.

“Canyoualsobringusanappetizersampler?”Iasked.“Don’tbringthedrinksuntilthefoodisready.”

“Surething,”thewaitressrepliedbeforetakingofftofillourorders.

“Thanksforthinkingtowaituntilthefoodarrivesformetostartdrinking,”Chelseasaid.“Iskipped

lunchtoday,andIneverdowellwhenIdrinkonanemptystomach.”

“Idefinitelydon’twantyoudrunk,”Iadded.

“Youdrinkalotoftequila?”sheasked.“I’veneverevenheardofthatbrand.”

“Oneofmyfriendslovestequila,andIlearnedalotfromhim.”IdefinitelysoundeddistractedwhenI

respondedtoher,butIcouldn’thelpit.MymindwasstillfocusedonspankingChelsea,ortouchingherin

anyway.EventhoughIwasprobablygoingtoregrettorturingmyselflater,weweretalkinghonestly

aboutwantingeachother,andIintendedtostayonthatsubject.“Shouldwegetbacktotalkingaboutme

spankingyou?”Iasked.

Chelsealetoutalittlegaspandsquirmedinherseat.I’dbetmyleftnutherpantieswerewet,a

thoughtthathadmydickthrobbingintimewithmypulse.

Myphonebuzzed,andIwastemptedtoignoreit,butIwaswaitingforacallaboutgettingasubto

covermyclassesnextweekwhileIwenttocourtwithBrook.I’dhadthetimearranged,butahugeflu

outbreakwasmakingithardtogetasubthatday.

“Sorry,”Isaid,lookingdownatmyphone.“ThisisaboutmytimeofftogotocourtwithBrook,soI

needtotakeit,”Itoldher,hatingthatIhadtoderailourconversationatthispoint.

“Gorightahead,”sheinsisted.

Iwatchedherforamoment,strugglingwiththedesiretoignorethecall,butIcouldn’t.Thecallhad

alreadygonetovoicemail,butthemessagewouldonlytellmetocallback.Theinstructorwhowas

helpingmegetmyclassescoveredwasterrifiedtheNSAlistenedtoallvoicemailsandreadallemails.

Healsoapparentlythoughttheycaredaboutsomereallyboringcrap.Whatreallysurprisedmewashe

wasn’tafraidofthemlisteninginonhisphonecalls.I’dconsideredaskinghimaboutthatbutendedup

decidingitwouldjustresultinhimnevertakinganothercall.

“Don’tlosethattrainofthought,”Itoldher.“WearedefinitelytalkingmoreaboutthiswhenIget

back.”

Chelseanodded,andIwalkedawayfromthetabletoreturnmyparanoidcoworker’scall.

ChapterSeven

Chelsea

AssoonasLukewalkedawayfromthetable,IgrabbedmyphonefrommypursetotextDelaney.

SinceDelaneywaswritingtoday,IdecidedtomakesureIsentamessageguaranteedtograbher

attention.Anythingtootame,andshewassuretoignoreme.

ME:Lukewantstospankme.

Sureenough,herresponsecamebackrightaway.

DELANEY:Luke?AreyoutalkingaboutBrook’sLuke?

ME:Yes.

DELANEY:Really?Brook’sstepson,Luke?AsintheLukewhoisalsoyourbrother’sbestfriend?The

onewhostoleyourpantieswhenhewasakid.AreyousayingthatLukewantstospankyou?

ME:IsthereanyreasonyouneedtodescribewhoLukeisseveralwaysbeforeyoubelievemyanswer?

DELANEY:Lukeisright.

ME:Whatisherightabout?

DELANEY:You’reabratwhoneedsaspanking.Ithinkyoushouldlethimdoit.Lukeisreallyhot,and

hehasasexynerdvibeattimes.Letthesexynerdspankyou.

ME:YouweredrunkwhenyoumetLuke.Howwouldyouknowabouthissexynerdvibe?

DELANEY:Drunk.Notdead.Anywomanwithaheartbeatwouldpickuponthesexynerdvibe.

ME:DoyouthinkTylerwouldmindifIsleepwithLuke?

DELANEY:So,nowit’saspankingandsex?Idon’tthinkTywouldmindyoudatingLuke.

ME:I’mjusttalkingaboutsleepingwithhimoncetogetthesecrazythoughtsoutofmyhead.MaybeI

don’tneedtotellTylersinceitwillonlybethatonetime.

DELANEY:LMFAO!

ME:Whatissofunny?

“She’slaughingbecauseit’snotgoingtobejustonetime.”

InearlyjumpedoutofmyskinatthesoundofLuke’svoicerightbehindme.Myfirstthoughtwasthat

maybethiswasoneofthosedreamswheresomethingtrulyembarrassinghappens.Usually,Ijustdream

aboutrealizingI’mnakedwhilephotographingaweddingforaveryreligiousfamily.Idon’tknowwhy,

butmynakedschooldreamshaveallchangedtonakedreligiousweddingdreams.

So,Ididtheonlylogicalthingandpinchedmyownarm,butmuchlikeI’dfeared,Ididn’twakeup.

“Didyoujustpinchyourself?”Lukeasked.

“It’srudetoreadotherpeople’stextmessages,”Iaccused,annoyedthatIwasblushingfrombeing

caughttalkingaboutsleepingwithLuke.Now,LukeknewIwantedtosleepwithhim,andheprobably

alsoknewIthoughthehadasexynerdvibe—whichhetotallydid.Delaneyhaddefinitelyhitthenailon

theheadwiththatdescription.Then,Irealizedhowridiculousitwasformetobeembarrassed.I’dtold

Lukeaboutmyattractiontohim.Clearly,heknewIfoundhimattractiveevenwithoutreadingmytext.

“Sorry,”hesaidwithasheepishgrin.“Thatwasn’tactuallymyintention,butitseemsthatafteronlya

fewmonthsofteaching,I’mconstantlylookingoverpeople’sshoulderstoreadtheirmessageswhen

they’retexting.”

“I’mnotfollowingyouonthis,”Iadmitted.

“Thekidsallhavephones,andeventhoughtheyaren’tsupposedtohavethemoutinclass,Icatch

themtextingallthetime.Theyeventextwiththeotherkidssittingintheclasswiththem.Ifindthatafter

I’vereadafewoutloud,thekidsstopforafewdays,”heexplained.

“Ihopeyoudon’tshareanythingtooembarrassing.Itcouldbereallytraumatizing,”Itoldhim.“Ihad

acrushonaboyinoneofmyclasseswhenIwasinseventhgrade,andmyteacherreadthenoteIwas

sendingtomyfriendtotellherIlikedthatboy.Iwassoembarrassed,IthoughtI’ddie.Theboywasn’tin

theclassthatday,butasI’msureyouknow,itwasspreadallovertheschoolbytheendoftheday.”

“I’dnevershareanythinglikethat,”heassuredme,sittingacrossfrommeandpickingupthebeerthe

waitresshaddroppedoffwhileIwastextingDelaney.“Ijustreadthelessembarrassingmessages,

figuringthekidssendingembarrassingtextswillbeafraidI’llreadtheirs.TellDelaneyyouhavetogo

becauseI’mgoingtoputyouovermykneeinthebar.”

“Youwouldn’tdare!”Inearlyscreeched.

Lukegrinnedatmyreaction.“You’rerightaboutmenotspankingyouinpublic.I’mnotreallyinto

exhibitionism,butfromwhatI’veheard,thiswillmakeDelaney’sday.”

IgiggledattheimageofDelaneyreadingmytext.Myfriendhadrecentlydevelopedafascination

withspanking,andwithherbeinganeroticawriter,shehadagreatimagination.

ME:Ihavetogo.Lukesawyourtext,andnowhe’sgoingtospankmeinfrontofallthesepeopleatthe

bar.

DELANEY:OMG!Tellmeallaboutit.Betteryet.CallmeandputmeonspeakerphonesoIcanlisten.

ME:I’mkidding,youpervert.

DELANEY:Suchapity.Youreallygotmyhopesupforaminute.

ME:Lukeisbackatthetable.I’llupdateyoulater.

“Tryyourtequila,”Lukesaidinatonethatsoundedlikeanorder.“Justasip,andthenyouneedtoeat

someappetizersbeforeyouhaveanymore.”

“NeedIremindyouIdon’tlikebossymen?”Iasked.

“NeedIpointoutthatyou’resquirminginyourseatrightnow?WebothknowI’mnotgoingtotryto

runyourlife,andthatyou’dneverletanymandothatagain,”hebegan.

“Damnstraight,”Iagreed.

“Wealsobothknowyoulikeastrongerman,”hecontinued.“I’mnottalkingaboutabullylikeyour

assholeex.I’mtalkingaboutamanwhocanholdhisownwithyouandwon’tletyouwalkalloverhim.

Now,areyougoingtotrythattequila?Orareyougoingtositthereactinglikeastubbornbratwhoneeds

aspanking?”

Iwasn’tsureifIwantedtoobjecttothethreatorbeghimtofollowthrough,butIdefinitelyneeded

thatdrink.

WhenIstartedtobringtheglassuptomylips,Lukespokeagain.Hisdeepvoicewrappedaroundme,

practicallycaressingmyskin.“Justsipit.Goodtequilashouldbesavoredlikesex.”

ItwasamiracleImanagedtokeepmyhandfromshakingasIbroughtthetequilatomylipsand

sippedit.Thiswasn’tlikethestuffIusuallybought.Therewasnoburn,andnobitetoit.Therewerefaint

tracesofcaramelandhoney,andIsavoredthesmoothtaste,lettingoutalittlemoan.

WhenIlookedatLuke,hisblueeyesweredarkandhisjawwasclenchedtightly.Hewantedme.I

knewitwitheveryfiberofmybeing,notthatI’dhadanydoubtinmymindbefore.Iwasgoingtosleep

withLucasRobinson.Onenight,Iremindedmyself.Thiswasonenighttogetthiscrazyobsessionoutof

mysystem.

“I’mreallyoutofpractice,”Iadmitted,grabbingasliderofftheplate.

Lukedidn’tpretendtomisunderstandmymeaning.“Wedon’thavetorushanything,Chels.I’mfine

withwaitingandspendingmoretimejusthangingoutfirst.Nothinghastohappentonight.”

“Thatsoundsanawfullotlikedating,andthatwouldbereallyawkward,don’tyouthink?”Iasked.

“Nope,”hereplied.“Idon’tthinkitwouldbeatallawkward.We’rehavingfun.Youlikeme,andI

likeyou.”

Myfingermovedabsentlyalongtheglassoftequila.“Idon’tknow.Itjustfeelswronginsomeway.”

“HowaboutifIpromisetomakeeverythingfeelveryrightforyou?”heasked.

Iswallowedhard,unabletobreakeyecontact.Hisofferhadmestrugglingnottosquirminmyseat.

“Howexactlywouldyoudothat?”Iasked,provingIwasagluttonforpunishment.ThelastthingI

neededwastogetmorearoused.Nowwasthetimetostopthinkingaboutsex,butIcouldn’tseemtostop

myself.

“I’lltakeyoubacktomyplaceandkissyouuntilyou’rereadytobegmetotakeyou.ThenI’llstrip

younakedandworshipthosegorgeousbreastsofyours.WannaknowwhatI’lldonext?”

Wordswerebeyondmeatthatpoint,soIjustnodded.

“Afterthat,I’mgoingtoslidemytonguebetweenyourlegsandfindoutjustwhatIneedtodotomake

youcome.Onlyafteryou’vescreamedmynameamIgoingtofuckyoufrombehind,whileIfantasize

abouttakingyoujustafterI’vespankedyou.I’mgoingtolovelookingatyourfreshlyspankedass,all

pinkandwarmasIfuckyou.Notthisfirsttime.I’mnotgoingtospankyoutonight.Doyouwannaknow

why?”

“Ido,”theelderlymanatthetablenexttoourssaid,anditwasthenthatIrememberedwewere

havingourdiscussioninapublicplace.MycheeksheatedagainbecauseI’dneveractedthiswayin

public.

Lukechuckled.“Iplantoturnyourassthesameshadeofpinkasyourcheeksverysoon.”

“Paddlehergood!”theelderlyeavesdroppersaidloudenoughtocatchtheattentionofseveralother

peopleinthebar.

“Oh,God,”Igroaned,buryingmyfaceinmyhands.

“Don’tyouworry,younglady,”themanassuredme.“MyGertyalwaysenjoyedgettingherbottom

warmed.I’dhavehertellyouhowmuchspiceitcanaddtothebedroom,butshe’sinabetterplace.”

“I’msorryforyourloss,”Lukesaidsolemnly.

“Loss?”themanaskedinconfusion.“Ijustmeantshe’satabetterbarwithhergirlfriends.Theylike

togettogetherandtalkaboutsexonceaweek.Youknowhowladiescanbe.”Helookedatthetime.“I

thinkIcansafelygopickGertyupwithoutherhavingafit.Allofasudden,I’minthemoodtomakeGerty

screammyname.Imightevenwarmherbottomfirstifshe’sfeelingfrisky.Werecentlypickedupanew

ridingcropI’vebeenitchingtotryout.”

Webothwatchedasthemanslowlymadehiswayoutofthebar.

“Thatmanismyhero,”Lukeremarked.

“IjustwanttoknowwhyI’malwaysrunningintoseniorcitizenswhoaregettingmoresexthanIam,”

Iadded.“Ihadnocluetheseniorcommunitywassokinky.”

“Don’tworry,”Lukedrawled.“I’mgoingtoresolvethatsituationaboutyounotgettingenoughsexas

soonaswe’redonehere.Eatsomemoreandthenfinishyourtequila.Drinkitslowly,”heremindedme.

“Slowly?”Iasked.“I’dthinkyou’dbeinahurrytogetoutofhere.”ThenIhadasuddenmomentof

insecurity,wonderingifIwastheonlyoneaffectedbytheconversation,whichwasaninsanethought.

Lukewasclearlytryingtoseduceme.Thatwasn’tmyimagination.Therewasdefinitelynoreasonforme

tofeelinsecure.

“Savoritjustlikesex,”heremindedme.“Anticipationishalfthefun.”

“I’mnotsosureIagreewiththat,”Igrumbled.

“I’mlookingforwardtoteachingyoujusthowmuchfunanticipationcanbe.Goaheadandaskme

whyI’mnotgoingtospankyoutonight.”

Ishookmyhead.“Idon’twanttoknow.”

Lukechuckled.“Youaresuchaliar,Chels.YoudefinitelywanttoknowwhyI’mnotgoingtospank

youtonight,andI’llbetyou’redisappointed.I’vewatchedyousquirmeverytimethesubjectofmetaking

youacrossmykneehascomeup.”

“Couldwepleasestoptalkingaboutspanking,”Ipleaded,shiftinginmyseatagain,annoyedwhen

Lukesmirkedattheconfirmationofmyarousal.

“AfteryouaskmewhyI’mnotgoingtospankyou,I’lltellyouwhy,andthenIpromisenottobringit

upagainwhilewe’reinthebar,”heassuredme.

“Whyaren’tyougoingtospankme,Luke?”Iaskedinasomewhatbitchytone.“HaveInotbeen

naughtyenough?”

Lukeleanedforwardtorespond,hisvoicejustaboveawhisper.“Beingnaughtywon’tgetyou

spanked.Youhavetobeaverygoodgirltoearnit.OnlythenwillIletyouhavethatreward.”

ChapterEight

Luke

Wedidn’ttalkmuchonthewaybacktomyplace.Chelseahadarguedthatweshouldgotoherplace

sinceshedidn’thaveanythingatmine,butI’dassuredherI’dgiveherwhateversheneededanddriveher

homeinthemorning.I’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitthatherirritationatmyrefusaltodothingsherwaywas

turningmeonevenmore.

Chelseawasacontrolfreak,inmanyways,butitseemedtoarouseherwhenItooksomeofthat

controlaway.Afterwhatshe’dgonethroughwithJason,Ididn’tblameherforbeingafraidoflosing

control.Ihadn’tbeenaroundtowitnesstheirmarriage,butwhenthey’dbeendating,I’dnoticedhowhe’d

triedtoisolateherfromeveryone.Backthen,he’dbeenabingedrinkingassholewho’dgoneoutand

gottendrunkoffhisasseverytimethingsweren’tgoinghisway.Tothebestofmyknowledge,he’dnever

hitChelsea—atleast,Ihopedhe’dneverhither.Intheend,he’dmadeherfeellikeshehadverylittle

controloverherownlife,andIknewChelseadidn’tlikethatfeeling.Hell,Ididn’twanttocontrolher

life,butIwantedhertotrustmeenoughtoletmetakechargepartofthetime.

Shewasalsonervous.Thatwasclearfromhersilenceandthewayshekeptpickingatthepolishon

herfingernails.Thewayshesquirmedinherseattheentireridetomyplace,convincedmeshewasalso

reallyturnedon,whichwasgoodsincemydickwassohard,IthoughtImightdieifIdidn’tgetitoutof

mypantssoon.

Patience,Iremindedmyself.

TakingChelseahomewithmehadn’tbeenmyplanuntilI’dreadsomeofhertextswithDelaney.

Readinghertextswaskindofafuckedupthingtodo.Ihadn’tbeenlyingwhenI’dsaidithadbeenforce

ofhabit,butIalsowasn’ttrulysorryI’ddoneit.IwasactuallygladI’dgivenintothattemptationsinceit

meantInowhadconfirmationChelseawantedme.Shemightthinksheonlyneededonetimetogetmeout

ofhersystem,butIwasdefinitelygoingtoproveherwrong.Originally,I’dplannedtoconvinceChelsea

tospendmoretimewithme,gooutonafewdates.I’dintendedtoseduceherslowly,butIwasdefinitely

onboardwiththisplan.

“What’sonyourmind,Chels?”IaskedasIparkedinmycarport,figuringweshouldprobablystart

talkingsothingswouldn’tbecompletelyawkwardwhenwegotinside.

“Dick,”sherepliedwithasweetsmile.

Iletoutastartledbarkoflaughterathercruderesponse,lovingthefactthatChelseawasso

unpredictable.Iwasalsorelievedshewasjokingaroundsinceitmeantshewasn’tasnervousasI’d

guessed.AsmuchasIwantedher,Iwasn’tconvincedthingswouldgoallthewaywithhertonight,andI

wasokaywiththat.Chelseawasdefinitelyworththewait.Sure,I’dhaveaseriouscaseofblueballs,but

I’dsurvive.

“Mydick,Ihope,”Iremarked.

Sheshrugged.“ItwouldbehardtothinkaboutyourswhenI’veneverseenit.”

“Idon’trememberyoubeingthisbrazen.Youreallydon’tholdanythingback,doyou?”Iasked.

“Notoften,”sheadmitted.“WhenI’mworking,Ialwaysbehaveinaprofessionalmanner,butoutside

work,Ifigurethere’snopointpretendingtobesomeoneI’mnot.EvenifIhadbeenthisboldwhenwe

wereyounger,Iwouldn’thavesaidanythinglikethattoyou.”

“Youweredefinitelyoutspokenwhenwewerekids,justnotaboutsex.”Heroutspokennaturehad

beenoneofherbestqualitieswhenwe’dbeenkids,andithadgreatlycontributedtomycrushonher.

“You’resodamnbeautiful,”Iuttered.“Iwantyoumorethanyoucanknow.”

Chelseashiftedinherseatagain,lookingdownatherlapthistime,andIwasworriedImightbe

embarrassingher,butIstillneededtotellherthetruth.Ineededhertounderstandmyfeelingsandmy

intentions.

“I’malsofineifyouwanttowait,”Iassuredher,evenasExcaliburcursedmeforbeingafool.He

insistedwenotofferherthenosexoptionunlesssheaskedforit.

Shegavemeasweetsmile.“Ifiguredafterreadingmytextyouwerealreadypreparingtoaddthat

notchtoyourbedpost.”

Forsomereason,hercommentreallypissedmeoff.Iwasn’tabouttoclaimIwasinnocentwhenit

cametowomen.I’dhadmorethanmyshareofwomensinceleavingforcollege,somegirlfriendsand

somecasualencounters.Afterbeingthenerdykidobsessedwithhisfriend’soldersisterforsomany

years,I’denjoyedtheattentionIwassuddenlygettingfromwomen,evenifmostofthemendedupbeing

crazy.Still,Iwasn’tthetypetokeeparunningcounttofeedmyego,andChelseasureashellwasn’tsome

conquest.

“Whatexactlyisthatsupposedtomean?”Iasked.

“Itwasajoke,”shetoldme,beforeadding,“I’mnervousandItendtomakereallystupidand

inappropriatejokeswhenI’manxious.Atmydivorcehearing,Iaskedthejudgeifthebestpartofhisjob

wasmeetingnewlysinglewomen.”

“Youdidn’treallyaskhimthat.”Whenshedidn’tsayanything,Ipushedheragain.“Tellmethetruth,

Chelsea.Thereisnowayyouaskedajudgethat.”

“Ireallydid,”sheadmitted.“Thejudgedidn’tseematallamusedbymyhumor.Infact,myattorney

advisedmetoavoidtalkingincourtafterthat.”

“Didyousucceedinkeepingquiet?”Iaskedher.

“I’mluckyIwasneverheldincontemptofcourt,butthat’sallI’msayingonthesubjecttoday,”she

insisted.“Nothingisgoingtomakemerevealanymoreofmyembarrassingdivorcecourtstories.”

“Allright.”Inoddedandclimbedoutofthecar,meetingChelseaatherdoor.Icuppedherfaceinone

handandleanedforwardtobrushmylipsagainsthers,satisfiedwhensheshuddered.“I’llconsiderthata

challenge.”

“Challenge?”sheasked,lookingalmostdazedwhenmyhandslippedaroundherlowerback.

“I’msureIcanfindawaytogetyoutotellmewhathappened,”Iexplained,brushingmylipsagainst

hersagainbecauseIcouldn’tresisttheurgetoteaseusbothwiththepromiseofourfirstrealkiss.“I’m

sureIcanfindtherightincentivetogetyoutotellmewhatIwanttoknow.”

Notgivinghertimetorespond,Ikissedher,allowingmylipstoslowlymoveagainsthers,coaxing

outherresponse.ThiswasoneofthethingsItrulygotoffon.Enticingawomantorespondexcitedme,

andwithChelsea,Ihadtheaddedturnonofhavingalong-standingfantasycomingtolife.

Breakingthekiss,Idecidedweshouldtakethingsinsideratherthangivingmyneighborsashow.

WhileIhadalotofkinks,exhibitionismwasn’toneofthem,andIdidn’tthinkitwasChelsea’sthing

either.

“Ihaven’tdonethisinaverylongtime,”Chelseaadmitted.

“Kissing?”Iasked.

“Goinghomewithaguy,”sheclarified.

“Butthekissingyou’vedonerecently?”Iasked.

“OnlywithDelaney,”sherepliedbeforelettingoutagroan.“OhGod!WhydidItellyouthat?”

“Becauseit’stoohottokeepquietabout?”Iasked,asIledhertomyapartment.“Ineeddetails.Are

therephotos?Videowouldbebetter.”

“Itwasn’twhatyouthink.We’dbothbeendrinking,andDelaneysaidweshouldbecomelesbians,

becausemenallsuck.So,wedecidedwe’dmakeoutalittletoseeifitwassomethingwe’dbothbe

into,”sherambled.

“Clothesonoroff?”Iasked,becausethesearethedetailsamanneedswhenhe’sthinkingabouttwo

attractivewomenkissing.Personally,Iwashopingforclothesoff,butwhatguywouldn’tbehopingfor

that?

“Youaresuchapervert!”sheaccused,smackingmyarmlightly.“Wewerebothfullyclothed.”

“Toobad,”Isaidwithasigh.“Anygroping?”

“No,”sherepliedquicklybeforeadding,“Alittlegroping.”

“Itakeitsinceyou’reherewithmetonight,youdecidednottobecomealesbian,”Ideduced.“Did

youenjoythegroping?”

“ItfeltweirdwithDelaney,”sheadmitted.“Ilikedtouchingherbreasts,becausethey’rereallynice,

andthey’realsoperfectlyeven.I’veneverseenawomanwithbreaststhatsymmetrical,andI’dalways

assumeditwasherbra,butherbrasaren’tevenlined.So,eventhoughIwasn’tasintoitasIthoughtI

shouldbe,Ikepttouchingherboobsandthinkingabouthowperfecttheyare.”

“Fuckme,”IhissedasItrippedonastairandnearlyfellonmyface.

“Great,Chelsea,”shemutteredtoherself.“Yourmouthisnotonlygoingtocauseyouutter

humiliation,it’sprobablygoingtobethedeathofLuke.”

Igroaned,becauseIhonestlycouldn’thelpmyself.Chelseawasembarrassedbythestuffshekept

saying,butitwasallhot.Evenknowingshedidn’tmeanitthatway,mentionofhermouthbeingthedeath

ofmebroughtforthimagesofherfulllipsslidingaroundmydickanddrivingmetothepointwhereIwas

readytobegformercy.

ChapterNine

Chelsea

“Areyouokay?”Iasked,grabbingLuke’sarm,andkickingmyselfformymouth.

“I’mfine,Chels,”heassuredmeinastrainedvoice.

“Youalmostfellonthestairs,andyoujustgroanedinpain,”Iargued.“Clearly,youarenotokay.

Thereisnoreasontoactlikethebigtoughguyaboutthis.Tellmewhat’swrong.Doyouneedtosit

down?ShouldIrunintoyourapartmentforice?MaybeIcancallTytocomehelpyougetuptoyour

apartment.”

Lukestartedlaughing,whichledmetobelieveheprobablywasn’tseriouslyinjured.

“Iguessyoudon’tneedmetocallTytohelpyou,”Isaid,releasinghisarm.

“Idefinitelydon’twantTytocomehelpme,”heassuredme.“Samegoesfortheice.Thisisnota

problemIwanthandledwithice.”

AndthatwaswhenIfeltlikeanidiot.“Thatwasn’tapaingroan.”

“Itwas,”hetoldme.“Justnotfromfallingonthestairs.”

“ThisispartofthereasonIdidn’twanttodate.I’mreallybadatthissortofthing.It’swhyIdidn’t

havemanyboyfriendsinhighschool.Ihaveaknackforsayingthewrongthingaroundguys,”Iadmitted.

Lukeledmetherestofthewaytohisapartmentandgesturedmeinsidebeforespeakingagain.

“Chelsea,I’mhavingagreattimewithyou,muchbetterthanIcouldhaveeverhopedfor.Thefactthat

you’reactinglikeyourselfisthebestpart.YounotrealizingIwasgroaningbecauseI’mturnedonis

adorable.”

“WhichisexactlyhowIwanttobedescribedwhenaguyistakingmebackuptohisplaceforsex,”I

muttered.“Somegirlsgoforsexy,butIfiguredI’dgoforadorable.”

“You’redoingfinewiththesexypart,too,”heassuredme.“Chelsea,Idon’tthinkIcouldfindyou

anymoreattractive.Iknowyouaren’tusuallythisinsecure,sowhyareyouworriedaboutmyreaction?”

“LikeIsaid,I’mjustnotusedtothissortofthing,”Iadmitted,notentirelycertainwhatwasgoingon

withme.Iwasactingshyandinsecure,whichhadn’thappenedinaverylongtime.IknewIwas

attractive,fun,successful,andintelligent.Iwasthewholedamnpackage,andIdidn’tneedanyonetotell

memyworth.Still,Iwasn’tjustgoinghomewithanyguy.ThiswasLuke,andsleepingwithhimcould

definitelycomplicatemylife.

Lukeclosedthedoorbehindus,andbeforeIcouldsayanythingelsetoembarrassmyself,hekissed

me.Thistime,hewasn’tteasingmylips;hismouthclaimedmine,stealingmybreath,makingmeache

evenmorethanIalreadydid.WhenLukewastouchingme,allthereasonstoavoidbeingwithhimmelted

away.AllIcouldthinkaboutwashowmuchIwantedhim.

Icouldhavethis.IcouldhaveanightwithLukeandseeifthenaughtypromiseinhiskisswould

bringmeasmuchpleasureasIthoughtitwould.Wewerebothadultswhocouldwalkawaywhenitwas

overwithoutthingsbeingawkwardbetweenus.I’dgobacktocallinghimLucasontherareoccasionswe

saweachother.Lukewouldsimplybemyonewildnighttobringmyforbiddendreamstolife.

Luke’shandsmovedtomyhipsashebackedmeupuntilIwaspressedagainstthewall,cagedinby

hismuchlargerbody.I’dneverbeenwithamanLuke’ssize.Hehadnearlyafootonme.Andspeakingof

size;withLuke’serectionpressedagainstmybelly,Icouldtellhehadmuchmoretoofferthananyman

I’dbeenwithinthepast.

“Youtastesogood,”Lukemurmuredagainstmylips.“Likegoodtequilaandhotwoman.Iwantto

tasteallofyou.”

Ishudderedandmoaned.“Youreallyhavethistalkingdirtythingmastered,don’tyou?”

Histhumbbrushedacrossmylowerlip.“Ihaven’tevenbeguntotalkdirtytoyou.You’resofucking

gorgeous.”Luke’slipsfoundmineagain,stealingmybreath.InthemanyguiltysexdreamsI’dhadabout

Lukerecently,I’dneverimaginedhimkissingmelikethis.Theman’smouthwasmagic,firmand

controlled.Iwasdyingtogetclosertohiserection,butourheightdifferencedidn’tallowit.

Reachingmyhandbetweenus,IsqueezedLuke’sdick,makinghimgroanandbreakthekiss.

“Noneofthat,”hetoldme,catchingmyhandsandpinningthemtothewallabovemyhead.Istruggled

inhishold.IsupposeitwouldbemoreaccuratetosayIpretendedtostruggleinhishold.Beingtiedup

wasalong-standingfantasyofmine,andhavingLuke’slargehandswrappedaroundmywristswasmore

thanalittlearousing.

“Iwanttotouchyou,”Ipleaded,evenasIlongedtohavehimcontinuetopinmywriststothewall.

“Andyouwill,”Lukesaidagainstmythroat.Hesuckedmypulseintohismouthandranhistongue

acrossituntilIwentlimpinhishold.“I’vebeendreamingabouthavingyousinceIsawyourprofile

picture.”

“Youhave?”Ibreathedout.

“Yes,”hereplied.“Seeingthattoolbeltwrappedaroundthosesexyhipsofyourswashotasfuck.”

“Youdidn’tthinkitwasadorablethatIwaspretendingtoknowhowtousethosetools?”Iasked,

havingbeentoldsomethingverysimilarbyanotherguy.

Lukechuckled.“Adorable?Pretending?No,thosethoughtsdidn’tcometomindevenonce.Iwanted

toseeyouusingthebeltsandersittingbehindyou.”

“Thebeltsander?”Iasked.

“Yeah,”hereplied.“Ihadmyfirstbeltsanderfantasybecauseofthatpicture.”

IlaughedatLuke’sadmissionbecauseI’dneverimaginedanyonegettingturnedonbymytools.

OneofLuke’seyebrowsrose.“Laughingatme,Chels?”heasked.

“Itisafunnyimage,”Iadmitted.“AreyougoingtoreleasemyhandssoIcantouchyou,”Iasked.

“I’vegotamuchbetteridea,”Lukerepliedwithawickedgrin.

“What’sthat?”Iasked,notsureIcaredaslongasitinvolvedLuketouchingmemore.

“Youlikehavingmerestrainyoulikethis,don’tyou?”heasked,lookingathishandsonmywrists.

“It’salwaysbeenafantasyofmine,”IadmittedbeforerealizingthatmadeitsoundlikeI’dbeen

fantasizingaboutLukeforyears.“Notyouspecificallyrestrainingmesomuchasthewholebondage

fantasy.”

Luke’sgazedarkenedashemetmine.“Aftertonight,youwilldefinitelyfantasizeaboutmewhenyou

thinkaboutbondage.”Hereleasedmywristsandsteppedback.

Myeyeswidened.“Iwill?”Isqueakedout.Lukecouldn’tpossiblybesuggestingwhatIthoughthe

wassuggesting.

“Comewithme,”hecommanded,catchingmyhandandtuggingmetowardhisbedroom.

WhenIwalkedinthedoor,myeyeswereimmediatelydrawntoLuke’sfour-posterbedinthemiddle

oftheroom.IlickedmylipsasimagesofbeingtiedtoLuke’sbedracedthroughmymind.Iknewthere

wererulesaboutbondageplaywithone-nightstands.Itwasfoolishtoletanearstrangertieyoutoabed,

butthiswasLuke.Lukewouldneverhurtme.Hewasasafewaytoseeifthisfantasywasasgoodin

reality.

Luke’sarmslippedaroundme,andhisfingerssplayedacrossmybelly.“YouknowwhatI’mgoingto

dotoyou,don’tyou?”

Atremorofdesireracedthroughmybody.“Yes.”

“TellmewhatI’mgoingtodo,”hecommanded.

“Somebondagestuff,”Irepliedlamely,makingLukechuckle.

“Youreallyareinnocent,Chels,”hemurmured,turningmetofacehimashecuppedmycheek.“It’s

sohotthinkingofallthethingsIcandotocorruptyou.Wouldyoulikemetocorruptyou?”

WhilepartofmewantedtoargueIwasn’tthatinnocent,hewasright.I’dneverdoneanythingeven

remotelykinkyinbed.“Okay,”Isqueakedandthankfully,Luketookpityonmeandkissedmeagain.

Whenhebrokethekiss,Iwasbreathlessandneedyagain.Hishandsslippedunderthehemofmy

shirttostripitovermyheadbeforeleaningintorunhistongueacrossthelaceonmybra.Thewetlace

feltroughagainstmysensitivenipple,andIwhimpered.Whenhesuckedmynippleintohismouth,I

nearlyscreamedfromtheintensesensation.AsLukecontinuedtoteasemynipplesthroughthelaceonmy

bra,Ifelthishandsonthebuttonofmyjeans,justbeforehishandslippedinside,tracingtheedgeofmy

thong.

Lukecontinuedtosucklemynipple,causingthewetlacetoscrapeagainstmyover-sensitizedfleshas

hepushedmyjeansdown.HislargehandcuppedmyachingpussyovermythongandIbegantorock

againsthishand.Needymewlingsoundscamefromthebackofmythroat.Myhandsslidunderhist-shirt

andmoveduptohischest,enjoyingthefirmmuscles.

Lukepulledhismouthawayfrommynippleandkissedmeagainasheundidmybra.Hishand

returnedtocupme,notmoving,andthepressureonmyclitwasdrivingmecrazy,teasingme.Lukebroke

ourkisstostriphisshirtoverhishead,andItookamomenttodrinkinthesightofhisnakedtorso,

startingathisbroadchestwiththesmallbrownnipples,alreadyhardfrommytouch.Hehadjusta

sprinklingofhaironhischest.Mygazemoveddowntohiswell-definedabdominalmusclesandtheline

ofhairthatdisappearedintohisjeans.Thelargebulgeatthefrontofhispantsheldmyattention.

“Seesomethingyoulike?”Lukeasked,amusementlacinghisvoice.

Inodded,notlookingawayfromthefrontofhispants.“Thatthingisquiteimpressive.”

Lukechuckled.“You’dbetterstopcheckinghimout.Excalibur’segoisbigenough.”

Ilookedupathimwitharaisedeyebrow.“YounamedyourdickExcalibur?”Beforehecould

answer,Icontinued,“Actually,thatdoesn’tsurpriseme.”

“AreyoureadytokickthosejeansoffandletmetieyoutomybedsoIcanthoroughlyenjoyyour

body?”Lukeasked,makingmemoan.

“OhGod,yes,”Ibreathedout.

ChapterTen

Luke

Evenaftershe’dagreed,I’dstillbeenworriedthatChelseawouldchangehermindaboutlettingme

tieherup.WhileI’dneverconsideredmyselfabondageexpert,Ilovedexploringawoman’sbodywhile

shewasbound.Ihadcollectedanarrayofitemstouseforthatpurposeovertheyears.Itwasaboutthe

powerexchangeandtrustonbothsides.Ihadtotrustthewomantocommunicatewithmeifshewas

uncomfortable,andshehadtotrustmetokeephersafe.Isimplygotoffonthat,andIwasdyingtohave

Chelsea’sbodylaidoutformelikethesensualofferingitwas.TherewasalsotheemotionalreactionI

hadtoChelseagivingmethiskindoftrust.Itwasaboutmorethansex.

Lookingthroughmyboxoftoys,Idecidedonthesilkscarvesbecausetheywerelessintimidating.My

ultimatefantasyaboutChelseainvolvedropesincenothinglookedsexierthanropeagainstthesoftskinon

awoman’swrists.LookingoveratChelsea’spanties,Iamendedthat.I’dbewillingtobetgoodmoney,

Chelseawouldlookthehottesttiedupwithherownpanties.Ifoundmyselfwonderingwhatshe’ddoifI

shovedherthonginhermouth,notthatIwasgoingtotrythatthisfirsttime.Communicationwasvery

importantintheearlystagesofbondagewithanewpartner.

Isatontheedgeofthebed,clutchingthescarvestogivemesomethingtodowithmyhandsotherthan

touchChelsea.Thiswouldbreakthemoodsome,butitwasimportant.“Weneedtotalkbeforewestart.”

“Talk?”sheasked.

“Yeah,Chels,”Ireplied.“Thisisyourfirsttimebeingtieddown,right?”

Shelickedherlipsandnodded.“BasedonwhatIsawinyourbox,thisisnowherenearyourfirst

timetyingawomanup,”sheremarked.

“Notevenclose,”Iagreed.“That’sgoodforyoubecauseitmeansIknowwhatI’mdoing,andI

won’thurtyouormakethisuncomfortableforyou.Wereallyshouldhavehadthistalkassoonyouagreed

toletmetieyouup,becauseI’mhavingahardtimethinkingaboutanythingotherthanseeingyoursexy

breastsliftedhighafterIgetyourwristsbound.”

Chelseamoaned,andIknewexactlyhowshefelt.“Whatexactlydoweneedtotalkabout?”

“Safewords,limits,andthatsortofthing,”Iexplained.

“Aren’tsafewordsforpeopledoingBDSMandstufflikethat?”sheasked.“Youdon’thaveawhip

inthatbox,doyou?”

“Nowhip,”Iassuredher.“Safewordscanbereallyusefulwhenyouroleplay.Youmightwanttotell

menoifwe’replaying,butyoumightnotreallywantmetostop.ThesafewordletsmeknowifI’m

hurtingyouoryoudon’tlikewhatwe’redoingwithoutriskingmemisunderstandingyourmeaning.”

“I’mnotsurehowIfeelaboutroleplaying,”sheadmitted.

“Okay,noroleplayingunlessyouchangeyourmind,”Iagreed.“Istillneedyoutocommunicatewith

me.I’mgoingtocheckonyoualotsincethisisyourfirsttime.”

Chelsealetoutanervouslaugh.“ThisisgoingmuchdifferentlythanIexpected.”

“Iwantthistobegoodforyou,Chels,”Iexplained.“Thatmeansyouneedtotellmewhat’sofflimits

whenyou’retiedup,andyouneedtocommunicatewhenanythingismakingyouuncomfortable.Iusually

waitlongertotrythiswithsomeone.”

“Whyareyoutryingitwithmetonightthen?”sheasked.

“Youwantmeto,andIcan’tseemtoresistyou,”Iadmitted.“Tellmeanythingyoudefinitelydon’t

wantmetodoupfront.”

“Myfeet,”shestatedbeforeadding.“Idon’tlikeitwhenpeopletouchmyfeet.Ialsohatebeing

tickled,andIdon’twantyourhandsonmythroat.”

Inodded,fullyunderstandingthelastsinceherdickex-husbandhadchokedherafewmonthsback.

“Areyouready?”

Chelsealickedthoselusciouslipsofhersandnodded.

“Areyounervous?”Iasked.

Sheshookherhead.“I’mreallyturnedon,”shereplied,makingmegroanandwonderifChelsea

wouldendupbeingthedeathofme.

“Liedown,”Iraspedout,andwatchedasshesettledherselfinthemiddleofmybed,restingher

handsslightlyaboveherheadwithherblondehairfannedoutacrossmypillow.Thiswasoneofthe

thingsthatturnedmeonmost,themomentmypartnersubmittedtome,knowingIwasgoingtotakecareof

her.ThefactthatthewomanwasChelseamadeithotterthananythingI’deverexperienced.“Don’t

move.”

ChelseanoddedandstayedrightwhereshewasasIkickedoffmyshoes,temptedtoalsostripoffmy

jeans.TherewasnowayIcouldcomfortablyenjoythiswithmythrobbingdickpressingagainstmy

zipper,butIendedupdecidingtoleavethemonsincethediscomfortmighthelpwithmydwindlingself-

control.

Climbingontothebed,ItrailedthesilkscarvesalongChelsea’sbareskin,startingatheranklesand

movingslowlyupherbody.Whentheymovedoverherhardenednipples,shemoaned,andherback

arched,givingmeanevenbetterviewofherperfectbreastswiththeirrosynipples.Throughitall,

ChelseakeptherhandsrightwhereI’dtoldherto,andhercontroloverherownbodywasanevenbigger

turnon.

Igrippedherdelicatewristinmyhand,liftingittoloopthescarfaroundit,beforesecuringitjust

tightenoughtoholdherinplacebeforereachinguptotieittotheheadboard.Chelsea’swideblueeyes

watchedasItiedherfirstwristtomybed.

“Howdoesthatfeel?”Iasked.

Chelseamoaned.“Naughty.”

Ichuckledatherchoiceofwords.“Naughtyisgood.”

Repeatingtheprocesswithherotherwrist,Istoppedtowatchhertugattherestraints,lovingtheway

herbreastsshifted.Lookingdownatthefootofthebed,Ieyedthetworemainingscarves.I’dbeencertain

Chelseawouldbealittleuneasybythispoint,butshewasfarfromuneasy,andI’dhavetobeblindto

misshowturnedonshewas.

“I’mgoingtodoyouranklesnow,”Itoldher.“Areyouokaywiththat?”

“Please,”shebreathedout,spreadingherlegsslightly.

“Let’sgettheseofffirst,”Isuggested,tuggingherpantiesdownherlegs,andsettingthemattheside

ofthebed,soIwouldn’tlosethem.

SlidingthescarfaroundChelsea’sankle,Iquicklysecuredittothebedpost,givingherenoughslack

soshecouldstillbendherkneebeforemovingontoherotherankle.Allowingmyeyestotravelalong

everyinchofherbody,IhadtroubledecidingwhatIshoulddofirst.Chelseawaswrithingandtugging

lightlyagainsttherestraints,lookinglikeshewasonthevergeofcoming.

“Areyoustilldoingokay?”Iasked,myvoiceroughwitharousal.

“Pleasetouchme,”shebegged,andIwasmorethanhappytocomply.

ChapterEleven

Chelsea

IwastiedtoLucasRobinson’sbed.ThatwassomethingI’dneverinamillionyearsexpectedtohave

happen.EvenwhenI’dbeenagreeingtothis,partofmehadwonderedifI’dendupbackingout,butI

hadn’t,whichwashowIfoundmyselfnakedwhileLukeranafingeralongmyhipbone.Thesoftscarves

weren’ttootightonmyskin,butIknewIcouldn’tslipout.Ilovedthewickedsensationofbeingtied

nakedtoLuke’sbed,andIcouldn’tresisttuggingatmyrestraints.Sofar,therealitywasmuchbetterthan

anyfantasyI’deverhad.

“Perfect,”Lukemurmured.

WhileIwasnakedandtiedtohisbed,Lukewaswearinghisjeans.Still,Ididn’tfeelvulnerable

becauseIknewIhadpowerinthissituation.ItrustedLuketoonlygoasfarasIwascomfortablewith.

Basedonmyreactionssofar,Iwasn’tsuretherewasmuchIwasn’tcomfortablewith.

“Wereyouplanningtotakethosejeansoffandjoinme?”Iaskedwitharaisedeyebrow.

“Feelingalittleimpatient?”heasked.

“Yes,”Iadmitted.“You’vebeenteasingmeforwhatseemslikehours.”

“Andyou’vebeenteasingmeforwhatseemslikedecades,”hemurmured,leaningovermetobrush

hislipsagainstmineinthebriefestofkisses.Oneofhishandsrestedonmythighwhilethefingersfrom

thathandlightlymovedacrossmyskin.ItwasnolietosayI’dneverbeenquitesoturnedon.Tiedtothe

bed,Iwasn’tabletothinkaboutanythingotherthanwhatLukewasdoingtomybodyandwhatIwanted

himtodotomybody,makingmerealizeI’dprobablyspenttoomuchtimeinthepastworryingabout

whereIshouldputmyhandsorwhattheguywouldlike.I’dneverjustletmyselfgetlostinthemoment.

BeinglostinthemomentwashotonalevelI’dneverdreamedpossible.

“Pleasekissme,”IsaidonamoanwhenLukecontinuedtoteasemylips,brushingagainstthemand

occasionallybitinglightly.

IwassurprisedwhenLukeimmediatelyobeyed,movingovermeandslidinghistongueintomy

mouth,carefultokeephisfullweightfromrestingonme.ThehairsonLuke’schestrubbedagainstmy

nipplesashistongueslidinandoutofmymouthinarhythmicmotion,makingmyalreadysex-crazed

brainevenmorefocusedongettingLukeinsidemybody.

Imoanedandtuggedattherestraintsonmyankles,tryingtoliftmylegstowrapthemaroundLuke,

onlytoberemindedthatIcouldn’tmovethemthatfar.WhenLukefinallybrokethekiss,Iwas

desperatelysquirmingunderhim,whimperingwithneed.Hislipstraileddownmybody,seemingto

worshipmeashewent.Whenhegottomybreasts,hecuppedthem,testingtheirweightinhishandsas

hiseyesremainedfocusedonthem.Mynipplesbecameimpossiblyhardereventhoughhestillhadn’t

touchedthem.Whenheleanedin,histongueonlylightlystrokedmynipple,makingmegroanandarchto

bringmybreastscloser.Thistime,Luketookoneintohismouth,sucklingitandrunninghistonguealong

thetip.

“Oh,Luke,”Imoanedwhenhesuckedharder.Histeethbitdownlightly,elicitingalittlescreechfrom

me.

“Youokay,Chels?”heasked,hisvoiceroughwithhisownarousal.

“Yes,”Irepliedinabreathyvoice.“Don’tstop.Youjuststartledme.”

Luke’sattentionreturnedtomynipplesashegavethesameattentiontotheotherone.Everytimehis

teethscrapedagainstmynipple,Inearlyscreamedfromtheintensesensationsracingthroughmybody.I

wasachingwithneed.

“Ineedyouinme,”IpleadedasLukecontinuedtotormentmebyteasingmynipples.

Lukegroaned,climbingoffthebedandreachingforthefasteningonhisjeans.“Thesethingsare

killingme.”IwatchedasLukestrippedoutofhisjeans,leavinghiminhisSupermanboxers.WhenI

lookedupathimwitharaisedeyebrow,hegrinned.“Youdidn’tthinkIsuddenlystoppedbeingnerdy,did

you?”

“Theyseemappropriate,”Iremarked,lookingatthefrontofhisboxers.“Youdefinitelyhavetheman

ofsteelthinggoingon.”

Lukechuckledandclimbedontothebed,kneelingbetweenmylegs.“Ifyoucanstilljokearound,I’m

notdoingmyjobverywell.”Hemovedontohisstomach,puttinghisfacerightbymymostintimateof

parts,andIwasdyingtohavehimtouchme,readytobegforit,ifthat’swhatittook.Whenhisfingers

movedtoopenmetohim,Isquirmedandmoaned.Hiswarmtongueflickingacrossmyclitwasnearly

enoughtomakemescream,that’showturnedonIwas.

“Youtasteincredible,”Lukeraspedout.“Andthosesexysoundsyou’remakingdrivemecrazy.”

BeforeIcouldthinkofanyresponse,Luke’stonguereturnedtomyclit,swirlingarounditandmoving

downtomyopeningtoslideinslightlyasiftotasteme.Hisgroanvibratedagainstmycore,nearly

drivingmeoutofmymind.Focusingonmyclit,Luke’stonguestrokedmewithvaryingintensity,keeping

myorgasmjustoutofreach.Ibothlovedandhatedtheerotictorment,wantinghimtoletmecomeyet

wantingittolastforever.Myhipswererollingagainsthisface,butIfrozewhenhesuckedmyclitinto

hismouth,trappingthesensitivenubforhistonguetopleasure.TwoofLuke’slongfingersslippedinto

mybody,strokingmeslowlyashistonguecontinuedtoworkmyclit.Hereleasedmyclit,changingto

longstrokesashisfingersfuckedmefasterandharder.Iwasawrithing,pantingcreatureofneedbythat

point.Mybodywastightening,andIfeltmyorgasmfastapproaching.

“Oh!Luke!Yes!Yes!”Iscreamedasthespasmshithardandfast,makingmebuckagainstLuke’s

face.Hegroanedasheslowedthemotionofhistongueandfingers,workingmethroughthelastofmy

orgasm.

Whenheliftedhishead,hiseyeswerestilldarkwithpassion,andIunderstoodhowhefelt.Even

aftermyintenseclimax,Iwantedmore.IneededLukeinme.

“You’resoincrediblyresponsive,”Lukepraised.“I’mgoingtofuckyounow,Chels.Tellmeyou

wantmetoslideintoyourbodyandmakeyoucomehardagain.”

HearingthosewordsfromLuke’smouthmadetheachebetweenmylegsgrowagain.“Yes,please.”

Lukechuckled,climbingoffthebedtograbacondomfromhisbedsidetable.“Youaresopolitein

bed.Ilikethat.Iespeciallyloveitwhenyouusethewordplease.IfIdidn’twantyousomuch,I’dmake

youusethatwordatleastadozenmoretimesbeforeIfuckyou,butI’veneverbeenamasochist,andI’m

achingtobeinsideyourtightbody.”

I’dgrabbedLukethroughhisjeans,soIalreadyknewhewasbig.Still,whenheslidhisboxers

down,Isuckedinasharpbreathatthesizeofhisdick.Lukewasimpressive,andIwasachingtohave

himinme.HetoreopenthepackageandslidthecondomonasIwatched,surprisedbyhowarousingthat

was.Thenagain,IwouldprobablyenjoymostthingsinvolvingLuke’simpressivedick.

Lukeuntiedmyanklesbeforesettlingbetweenmylegstokissmeuntilmylegswerewrappedaround

hiswaistasIrolledmyhipsagainsthim.WhenLukebrokethekiss,Ireleasedmyholdonhiships.He

grippedhisdick,positioninghimselfatmyentrancesohecouldslideintomybody.Mybodytightened

aroundhim,makingLukemoan.

“Youfeelsogood,”hepraised.

Myonlyresponsetohispraisewastorockagainsthim,wantingmore,lovingthedeliciously

stretchedsensationofhisdickinme.Lukerespondedwithslow,deliberatestrokes,clearlygivingme

timetoadjusttohim.Imoanedandrockedagainsthim,sureI’dbeclawingathistightassifmyhands

weren’ttiedtothebed.

Luke’sthrustspickedupspeed,andhisownsoftmoansjoinedmymuchlouderwhimpersand

screams.I’dneverbeenloudinbed,butInowrealizedI’dprobablyjustneverhadascream-worthy

partner.Lukewasgoodenoughhecouldprobablymakemelosemyvoice.

“You’resodamnhotandtight,”hegroundoutashethrustharderintomybody.Iwasalreadycoiling

tighterwithmysecondorgasm,andtheincreasedpressurewasenoughtosendmeovertheedge,

screamingandbeggingLuketokeepfuckingme.

Lukegroaned,andIfelthisdicktwitchashefoundhisownrelease.

Ittookusbothafewmomentstomoveafterourintenseorgasms.Lukecontinuedtogripmyhipsashe

twitchedinsidemewithhiseyesclosed.Afterrecoveringsome,Lukestareddownatmewithastrange

expressionofwonder.Hishandreachedouttostrokemycheek.“Thatwasamazing.”

Igavehimasatedsmile.“ItwasdefinitelythemostfunI’vehadinalongtime.Areyouplanningto

untieme?”

Lukeslidoutofmybody,lookingreluctanttodoso.Hequicklydisposedofthecondombefore

answering,makingmewonderifhewasconsideringleavingmetiedtohisbed,athoughtthatwas

definitelyintriguing.“Youaren’tgoingtorunforthedoorassoonIuntieyou,areyou?”heasked.“Istill

havealotIwanttodotoyoutonight,andI’mtemptedtokeepyoulikethisalittlelonger.”

Ilaughed,suspectinghewasonlyhalf-jokingaboutbeingtemptedtokeepmetiedup.“I’msureIcan

staylongerifyouwanttomakeitworthmywhile.”

Lukegrinnedanduntiedmywristsbeforedroppingthescarvesonhisbedsidetableandclimbinginto

bedbesideme.Irolledtomysidetofacehim.Leaningover,hegavemethebriefestofkisses.“Youare

absolutelyincredible.”

“AllIhadtodowaslayherewhileyoudidallthework,”Iremindedhim.

“Goodpoint,”heagreed.“MaybenexttimeIshouldputthatsassymouthofyourstowork.”

IlickedmylipsandlookeddownatLuke’sdick.“Thatsoundsfuntome.”

Lukegroaned.“Youreallyaregoingtobethedeathofme,woman.”

IrolledontopofLuke,straddlinghiships.“Howaboutifyouletmeexploreyourbodyforalittle

while?”

“Whateveryouwant,beautiful,”heagreedwithagrin.

IdecidedImightaswellmakethemostofmyonenightwithLuke.Inthemorning,wecouldgoback

tobeingoldfriendswhorarelytalked,butforthisonenight,IwasgoingtothoroughlyenjoyLuke’sbody.

ChapterTwelve

Luke

MynightwithChelseafarexceededmywildestfantasies.Despiteherobviousconcernsabouther

lackofexperience,ChelseawasthehottestloverI’veeverhad.Shewasresponsive,playful,and

completelywildinbed.Handsdown,ithadbeenthebestsexI’veeverhad.Iknewpartofthathadtodo

withthefactthatChelseawasmypartner.I’dwantedherforyears,andithaddefinitelyincreasedmy

pleasureknowingshewasfinallymine.

WhenI’dfallenasleepsometimeaftermidnight,I’dbeenconvincedtherewasn’tanythingthatcould

ruinmyday.Afterall,I’dfallenasleepwithabeautifulwomaninmyarmsandexpectedtowakeupwith

herthere.WitheverythingI’ddonetothatwoman’sbody,Ihadn’tbeensureshe’dbeabletowalkinthe

morning,notthatitmatteredsinceshe’dalreadytoldmeshedidn’thaveanyshootsuntillaterintheday.

Myplanhadbeentoslidedownherbodyandwakeherupbyslippingmytonguebetweenherlegsto

tasteheragain.ThatwassomethingI’dnevergettiredof,especiallywiththosehotlittlewhimpersshe

madewhileIwasgoingdownonher.Theyweredifferentfromthesexymoansandscreamsshemade

whenIwasinsideherbody.IlovedallthesoundsChelseamadewhenIwaspleasuringher.Afterwaking

Chelseaup,I’dplannedtotakeherforbreakfastbeforedroppingherathome.

WhenI’dwokenupalone,therehadbeenamomentwhenI’dassumedChelseawasjustinthe

bathroomorshe’druntothekitchentogetsomethingtodrink.Myassumptionhadcomefromthebelief

thatChelseaknewthiswasnotaonenightstand,despitewhatshe’dfirstsuggested.We’dknowneach

othertoolongandsharedtoomuchthenightbeforeforhertofailtoseethatthismeantsomething.I’d

madeitclearIwantedmorefromher,andthere’dbeennomoretalkofthisbeingaonenight.I’deven

discussedtakinghertoagreatcoffeeshopI’drecentlydiscovered.

Ithadn’ttakenlongtorealizeChelseahadsnuckoutwhileIwasasleep,andIwastemptedtohead

straighttoherhouseandtieherupwithherpantieswhileImadeherbegmetolethercome.Afterthat,

I’dfuckheruntilsherealizedhowseriousIwasaboutmakingthingsworkwithher.Theonlythingthat

heldmebackwastheknowledgethatChelseahadworktoday.Ididn’twanttodistractherfromher

business.Iknewhowimportantitwas.Shewasphotographingawedding,andthosepeoplewererelying

onhertohelprecordtheirspecialday.Iwasn’tgoingtofuckwiththat.Iwas,however,planningtomake

sureChelseaunderstoodIwasn’tgoingtoberelegatedtothestatusofafling.

Afterstartingthecoffee,IgrabbedmyphoneandsentamessagetoTy.

ME:Whereisyoursisterworkingtoday?

TyhadrecentlystartedworkingwithChelsea,sohewouldhaveaccesstoherschedule.

TY:WhyareyoulookingforChelsea?

Nearlygrowling,Iwasannoyedatmyfriendforansweringmyquestionwithaquestion,andeven

moreannoyedwithhimformakingmetellhimwhatwasgoingon.IwasplanningtotellTy,butnotuntil

later.I’dhopedtowaituntilafterItalkedtoChelsea,somybestfriendandmystepmom—AKATy’s

girlfriend—wouldn’tinterfere,butitdidn’tseemIhadanychoiceifIwantedtofindoutwhereChelsea

wasworkingthatafternoon.

ME:RememberthatdealwemadewhenyouwantedtodateBrook?YouagreedtobecoolifIwantto

dateanyofyourfamilymembers.

TY:Ialreadytoldyoumygrandmaisn’tinterestinyou.Besides,didn’tweagreeyoucouldonlydate

womenunderthirty-fiveinmyfamily?Seriously,whatdoesthishavetodowithwhereChelseais

workingtoday?

IwaitedbecauseIknewTywasgoingtofigureitoutanymoment.Ipouredmycoffee,tookafew

sips,andthenmyphonebuzzedwiththeincomingcall.

“Goodmorning,Ty,”Igreetedhim.

“Youwanttosleepwithmysister?”heasked,soundingshockedbutnotannoyed.

“Iwanttodateyoursister,”Iclarified.

“She’snevergoingtogooutwithyou,Luke,”heinsisted.“Chelseastillseesyouasakid.”

“Isawyoursisterlastnight,andshedoesn’tseemeasakid,”Iassuredhim.

“Howdoyouknowthat?”heasked.“You’reprobablyjustmisreadingherreactions.”

Ilaughedandnearlyspitcoffeeacrossthekitchen.“I’mdefinitelynotmisreadingherreactions.

Chelseadoesnotseemeasakid.”

TherewasabeatofsilencebeforeTyspokeagain.

“Yousleptwithmysister?”hepracticallygasped.

“Iamnottalkingaboutmysexlifeoryoursister’ssexlife,”Itoldhim.EvenifIdidn’tthinkthat

wouldbeamessedupthingtodo,IknewChelseawouldneverforgivemeifIstartedtellingeveryone

we’dslepttogether.

“Fuckme,”Tymuttered.

“I’mgonnapassonthatoffer,”Ireplieddryly.“Youdefinitelydidn’tgetthelooksinyourfamily.”

“Wait.Thisisn’tajoke,isit?”Tyasked.

“Ty,I’vealwayslikedyoursister,”Iadmitted.“Ipervedonhersohardcorewhenwewereyoungerit

isn’tevenfunny.WhenIgotbackfromcollege,IfiguredIwasoverit,butI’mclearlynot.Lastnight,I

tookheroutandweclicked.”

“I’msensingabuthere,”Tyadded.

“SheseemstothinkIjustwantinherpantiesandI’mnotgenuinelyinterestedinher,”Iexplained.“I

wassureI’ddoneagoodjobofconvincingherIwantedmore.”

“Speakingofpanties,”Tybegan.“I’mnotgoingtogetacallfrommysistertellingmeyou’vestolen

herpanties,amI?”

“YoursisterisnotgoingtocallandcomplainthatI’vestolenherpanties,”Iassuredhim,reasonably

surethatwasthecase,wonderinghowlongChelseahadlookedforhermissingpantiesbeforesneaking

outofmyapartmentwithoutthem.Iwouldn’tsayI’dstolenherpanties,buttheywereinthedrawerofmy

bedsidetablewhereIkeptmycondoms.Apparently,Iwasapervertwhocouldn’tresisttakingChelsea’s

panties.Iwasgettinghardthinkingaboutherwalkingoutofmyhousewithnopantiesunderherjeans.I’d

betthedenimhadfeltprettyintenseagainstherbareskin.

“Areyoulisteningtome,Luke?”Tyasked.

“Notreally,”Iadmitted.“Mymindwandered.”

“Hopefully,nottomysister’spanties,”Tygrumbled.

“Definitelynottoyoursister’spanties,”Iassuredhim.“NeedIremindyouthatIwasreallycool

whenyouwantedtodatemystepmom,PapaTy?”

Tysnorted.“Thatmakesthiswholethingsoundevenmorebizarrethanitalreadyis.I’mdatingyour

stepmom,andyouwanttodatemysister.Whendidyoudecideyouwantedtodateher?”

“WhenIgotbackfromcollege,Iwastoyingwiththeideaoftryingtoreconnectwithherandseeif

she’dgooutwithme,”Ibegan.“AfterIdroveherhomewhenshewasdrunk,IfiguredI’doutgrown

whatevercrushIhad,butIwaswrong.It’salwaysbeenher,Ty.WhenIgooutwithothergirls,I’m

comparingthemtoChelsea.Yoursisterissomethingelse.”

“IguessIcanunderstandthatsinceIfeltthesamewithBrook,”Tyreplied.

“WhenIsawherprofilepictureonthedatingsite,IknewIhadtomakethingsworkwithChelsea,”I

admitted.“That’swhenIdecidedtochatwithheronthesiteandconvincehertomeetmeforadrink.I

wastemptedtoignoreBrookwhenshetoldmetocheckoutChelsea’sprofile.Shedidn’ttellmeitwas

Chelsea,butIfiguredBrookmighthavebetterluckfindingawomanwhowasn’tcrazy.”

“Holdup,”Tyinterrupted.“BrooktoldyoutolookChelseauponthatdatingsite?MyBrook?”

“Yep,”Ireplied.“IguessshefiguredouthowIfeltaboutChelseaanddecidedtoplaymatchmaker.”

“Hmmm,”Tymused.“Thatmustbewhyshewassoexcitedaboutsettingupthatdatingprofilefor

Chelsea.I’massumingshedidn’ttellmebecauseshedidn’twantmetoletitsliptoChelsea.Ialsodidn’t

thinkyoutwohadathingforeachotherwhenBrooksuggestedit.Shementionedhertheorytome,butI

toldhershewaswrong.IguessI’mtheonewhowasclueless.So,youcontactedChelsonthedatingsite

andgothertogooutwithyou?”

“Yeah,IfiguredI’dgethertospendtimewithmeandseehowthingswent,”Iexplained.“Theywent

great.”

“Exceptshethinksyouhadaonenightstand,”Tyfinishedforme.“Youcanskipthegames.Iwon’t

tellChelsyoutoldmeaboutit,andIdefinitelydon’twantdetails,butitisobviousyousleptwithmy

sister.”

“That’sbasicallywhathappened,”Iadmitted.“Canyoutellmewhereshe’sworkingtoday?”

“Shewillneverforgiveyouifyouinterruptoneofherjobs,”Tywarned.“Herbusinessisvery

importanttoher.”

“I’mawareofthat,andI’mnotplanningtobotherheratwork.Ijustwanttobetherewhenshe

finishesupsowecantalk.IfIshowupatherplace,I’llcomeacrossasanassholetryingtogetinher

pantiesagain,andIreallywanthertoseethatit’smorethansexforme,”Iexplained.

“Ifyoushowupatthephotoshoot,you’llcomeacrossasacreepystalker,”hepointedout.

“Womenliketheforwardtype,”Itoldhimbeforelaughing.“Ican’tevenpretendtobethatclueless.

Yoursisterisnotgoingtobehappywithmeshowingupanywhere,andI’malsoworriedI’llfreakherout

aftershehadtodealwithJasonstalkingher,butIhavetodosomething.”

“ThenIthinkIcanhelpyouout,”hesaid.“I’llsendyouatexttoconfirmwherewe’remeetingafterI

getmysistertoagree.”

“You’regoingtofixmeupwithyoursister?”Iasked,surprisedTywassoquicktohelpmeafterhis

initialreaction.

“Whynot?”Tyreplied.“Itrustyounottohurtmysister,andyoualreadyknowthatifyoudo,I’ll

breakyournose.”

“Thanks,Ty,”Isaidwithfeeling.“Youhavenoideahowmuchthismeanstome.”

“DoesthismeanIgetabighugthenexttimeIseeyou?”Tyteased.

Isnorted.“Fuckno.Nomatterhowhelpfulyouare,Iamnotabouttoencourageyoutoactlikea

needybitch.”

“I’mtellingChelseayouhurtmyfeelings,”hethreatened.

“Whatever.I’llseeyoulater,youwhiny,needybitch.”

Withthat,Iendedthecall,hopingTywouldbeabletoconvinceChelseatomeetmelater.Onewayor

another,IwasgoingtoconvinceChelseatogivemeachance.

ChapterThirteen

Chelsea

WhenI’dgottenthetextfrommybrotheraskingtomeetupforalatedinner,I’dbeentemptedtotell

himIwastootired.Thatwouldn’thavebeenalie.AsidefrombeingexhaustedafterLukehadkeptmeup

mostofthenight,theweddingI’dshotthatdayhadbeenarealchallenge.Inthepast,I’ddealtwithmany

bridezillas.Theyweremorecommonthanpeopleimagined.Eventhemostsweet-temperedwomancould

becomealittlecrazedwhenitcametoplanningherwedding.Icouldunderstandafterhavingdealtwith

thestressofplanningmyownwedding.Asidefromdealingwithyourownexpectations,youalwayshad

familyandfriendsaddingtothestresswiththeirexpectations.

Thisparticularweddinghadagroomzilla,somethingI’dknownfromthedayI’dsignedonastheir

photographer.Ithadbeenmyhopehewouldsettledown,orattheveryleast,behaveonhisweddingday.

Sadly,theover-dramaticgroomhadbeenevenworseonthedayofhisextravagantwedding.He’dthrown

glasses,poutedwhenhisbridehaddancedwithherfather,andeventhrownhisfoodonthefloor,

claiminghisportionwassmallerthanhisgroomsmen.Theweddingplannerhadassuredhimhecould

haveanextraserving,buthe’drefusedtoeatanything,insistingthecatererhatedhim,whichwaslikely

truebytheendoftheevent.

Worstofall,thegroomzillahadbrokenmybestcameraandgonesofarastodestroythememorycard

becausehe’dclaimeditcontainedaveryunflatteringshotofhim.Whyhehadn’tsimplyaskedmeto

deleteit,Ihadnoidea.Eventhoughthecouplehadpromisedtopayformycamera,I’dstilllostmostof

thepicturesfortheevent,andIhatedfailingtorecordallthedetailsofawedding.Thatwasthekindof

thingIlivedforasaphotographer.Seeingthememoriesthecouplewouldonedaysharewiththeir

childrenbroughtmegreatjoy.Thosememoriesweregone,andIfeltbadforthebridewho’dhadtoscold

hernewhusbandlikehewasachild.Isupposeditmightbebestifthatparticularcoupleneverhad

children.Thepoorbridehadenoughtodealwithtryingtokeepherchildishnewhusbandinline.

WhenIcaughtsightofNadinewaitingtables,Iknewmydaywasgoingtoimprove.Thehole-in-the-

walldinerwasmyfavoriteplacetoeat.I’dbeengoingtheresinceIwasakid,anditwaswhereIusually

metTy.ItwasalsowheretheyservedmyfavoritePhillycheesesteakandonionrings.Iwasn’thungry

enoughformyusual,butIwascertainamilkshakewouldmakeupformyhorribleday.

“Hi,Nadine,”Icalledout,andshewasn’ttheonlyonewhoturnedmyway.Mybrotherwasalready

there,andhewasn’talone.SittingbesidehimwasBrook.Thatcameasnosurprisesincetheywere

dating.WhatIhadn’texpectedwasLuke.AsIapproachedthetable,Lukedidn’tlookawayfromme.His

intensebluegazeboreintome,andamillionbutterfliesstartedgoingcrazyinmybelly.

Lukedidn’texactlylookangry,buthedefinitelyseemedunhappywithme.Iwasn’tsurewhyhewas

upset.I’dleftwithoutanyuncomfortablemorningaftertalk,andhehadn’tneededtodrivemehome.

DelaneyhadbeenawakeandwillingtocomepickmeupsoIcoulddomyearlymorningwalkofshame

—whichnooneotherthanDelaneyhadwitnessed.WhatgoodwasawalkofshameifnoonerealizedI’d

hadanincrediblenightofsex?

Pastingabrightsmileonmyface,Iapproachedmybrattylittlebrotherwhohadfailedtomentionthe

factthatLukeandBrookwouldalsobejoiningus.Tylerhadnoreasontothinkitwouldbeweirdforus

tomeetupwithanoldfriend.IfiguredLukemusthaveagreedtojoinusbecausehedidn’twanttomake

Tylersuspicious.

“Hi!”Ichirpedinamuchtoosqueakyvoice,meaningIwasnervousandprobablygoingtosay

somethingreallyembarrassing.Ibeganmentallyremindingmyselfoftheimportanceofkeepingmymouth

shut.

“Hey,Chelsea!”Brookgreetedmefromtheinsideofthebooth.Shelookededgy,whichItookto

meansheknewsomeofwhathadhappenedwithLuke.Delaneywasn’tgoodatkeepingsecrets,soI

hadn’tbotheredaskinghertonottellBrook.IfiguredI’dbegettingatextfromBrooklater,demanding

detailswithoutgivingexplicitdetails.IcouldrespectthatsinceI’dfeltthesameaboutherover-sharing

whenitcametomybrother.Although,itwasalwayspossibleDelaneymighthaveletmoreslip.

Lukestoodandmotionedformetoslideintotheinsideofthebooth.

“I’llsitontheoutside,”Itoldhim.

“Won’twork,”Lukeargued.“I’mleft-handed,andifyousitontheoutside,I’llbebumpingyouwith

myelbowtheentiretime.You’vegottasitontheinside.”

WhileIstillwantedtoarguesinceitwasmucheasiertoruntotheladiesroomifLukemademe

uncomfortable,itseemedridiculoustoargue.Lukewasn’taskingforanythingunreasonable.Theonly

unreasonablethinghewasdoingwaslookingthisgood.Islidintothebooth,andLukesatbesideme,

muchcloserthanheneededto.Histhighbrushedagainstmine,andIscootedasfarinasIcould,butthat

didn’tseemtohelp.

“Whyareyourubbingagainstme,Lucas?”Iaskedquietly.Ofcourse,withmybrotherandbestfriend

sittingrightacrossfromus,theyheard.

“Idon’trecallyouhavinganyissueswithmerubbingagainstyoulastnight,”heremarked.“AndI

don’tthinkyouwanttopushyourluckbycallingmeLucasatthemoment.”

Oh.My.God.Icouldnotbelievehe’djustsaidthat.EvenmoresurprisingwashowmuchIliked

havinghimtalkalittledirtytomeinapublicplace.I’dassumedthepreviousnighthadbeenafluke—a

one-timedeallikeournightofmind-blowingsex.

“Youshouldletthatonerubagainstyou,”Nadinesuggestedfrommyside.

Nadinehadoriginallybeentheownerofthedineruntilshe’dleftittohersonandretired.Atleast,

I’dheardshe’dretired.ItwasrareformetocomeinandnotfindNadineworking,soIhadahardtime

believingshe’dretired.Nadinealsoknewmyparents,sothisconversationmightberelayedtothem.That

couldonlyresultinmymomgettingitintoherheadthatIwasdatingLuke.

“WhenLukesaidhe’drubbedagainstme,hemadeitsoundreallybad,butit’snotwhatyou’re

thinking,”ItoldNadinebeforeglancingatmybrotherandBrooktomakesuretheyalsoheardthis

explanation.Itwasgoingtobeagreatexplanation,justassoonasIfiguredoutwhatitwas.

“Don’truinthefantasybytellingmenothinghappenedwiththisattractiveyoungman,”Nadine

insisted.“Evenyourporn-addictbrotherfoundsomeone.Youneedtostopworkingsohardtobealone.

I’llcomebacktogetyourorderinafewminutes.Icanseeyouhavesomethingstodiscusswiththe

handsomeblond.Takemyadviceandlethimrubagainstyou,sweetie.”

LukewinkedatNadine,andshefannedherselfasshewalkedoff.

“We’regonnaheadout,now,”Tytoldme,andmymouthdroppedopen.

Ilookedaroundthetable.“Youallsetmeup?”ThenInoticedLukeplayingwithhisforkwithhis

righthand,whichiswhenIrememberedLukewasn’tleft-handed.“Left-handedmyass,”Imuttered.

“Everyoneislyingtometoday.”

IwatchedhelplesslyasBrookandTylersaidtheirgoodbyesandwalkedaway,leavingmealonewith

Luke,trappedontheinsideoftheboothwithnowaytoescapeunlessIwantedtocrawlunderthetable,

whichIdidn’t—wanttoescapeorcrawlunderthetable.Thewholesituationwasmorethanalittlehot,

evenifIwasannoyedaboutbeingmanipulated.

“Why’dyousneakoutwhileIwasasleep?”Lukeasked.

“Ijustthoughtitwouldbelessawkward,”Iadmitted.

“Awkward?”Lukeasked.“Whatwouldhavebeenawkwardaboutmewakingyouupbygoingdown

onyouuntilyouscreamedandthenfuckingyouuntilwewerebothcompletelysated?Imighthaveeven

givenyouthatspankingyou’redyingtoget.”

WhenIwenttospeak,allthatcameoutwasalittlesqueak.Squeakingseemedtobeabigpartof

communicatingwhenIwaswithLuke.“WhydoIalwayssoundlikeasex-crazedchipmunkaroundyou?”

Imuttered,startlingaquickbarkoflaughteroutofLuke.

“Whydon’tyoukidsjustwavemedownwhenyou’rereadytoorder?”Nadinesuggested,before

turningtoshout.“Don’tseatanyonetooclosetothesetwo,especiallykids.”

“It’sSundaynight,Mom,”Nadine’ssonshoutedbackfromtheregister.“Thechurchdownthestreet

hastheiryouthprogramlettingoutsoon,sothisplacewillbefilledwithteensinanhour.”

Nadineturnedbacktous.“Talkheroutofherpantiesquickly,”shetoldLuke.

“Speakingofmypanties,”IbeganwhenNadinewasfurtheraway.“Didyouhidemypantieslast

night?”

“WhywouldIhideyourpanties?”Lukeaskedwithasmirk.

“Becauseyouhaveahistoryofstealingmypanties,”Iremindedhim.

“WhenIwasakid,yes,Istoleyourpanties,”heagreed.“Idon’tthinkthat’sanyreasontoassumeI’d

stealthemnow.Alittlescrapoffabriclikethatcouldeasilygetlost.Whoknowswheretheyendedup

at?”

Ieyedhimskeptically,notcompletelysurehewaslyingtomebutstronglysuspectingLukeknew

wheremypantieswere.

“Stoptryingtochangethesubject,”hetoldme.“Yousayyouleftsothingswouldn’tbeawkwardin

themorning,whichimpliesyouthinkyouwerejustsomecasualfuckforme.Isthathowyousawwhat

happenedbetweenus?AmIjustsomeguywhohelpedendyourlongcelibacystretch?”

OfallthethingsI’dexpectedfromleavingLukewithoutsayinggoodbye,thiswasn’toneofthem.

Lukesoundedhurt,andIhatedthat.Evenifwehadn’tgottenalongwellwhenwewereyounger—no

surprisewithasixyearagegap—I’dalwayscaredaboutLuke.Whilehe’dtalkedaboutwantingtodate

methenightbefore,I’dfiguredhe’dbefinewiththeonenight.I’devenassumedhe’dberelievedI

wasn’ttakinghimuponhisofferformore.

“I’msorry,”Isaidsoftly.“WhenIleft,Ifigureditwaswhatyou’dwant,andIwasafraidI’dsay

somethingstupidinthemorning.I’dneverhadaonenightstandbeforelastnight.”

“Youstillhaven’thadaonenightstand,”Lukepracticallygrowled.“Imadeitclearfromthe

beginningthatwasn’twhatIwaslookingfor.”

“Wheredoyouseethisgoing?”Iasked.

“AsI’vealreadysaid,Iwanttodateyou,Chels,”hereplied.“Yesterday,thingsgotreallyoutofhand,

andI’mgladtheydid,butweprobablyshouldhavetalkedmoreaftereverything.Ishouldhavemadesure

wewereonthesamepage.”

“I’mnotreallysurehowIfeelaboutdatingyou,”Iadmitted.“Thisisinsane.You’remybratty

youngerbrother’sequallybrattyfriend.Actually,youwereevenmorebrattygrowingup.”

“Youdidn’tseemtomindlastnight,”heremindedme.“I’mtalkingaboutbeforewewentbacktomy

place.Wehadfun.Youenjoyedspendingtimewithme.”

Whilehewastalking,Luke’shandwasmassagingmythigh,andIwasreadytomoanandbeghimto

movehishandhigher.“It’sreallyhardtohaveaconversationwithyouwhileyou’redoingthat,”I

complained.

Lukechuckled.“Ifiguredit’sbesttoremindyouofallthereasonsyoushoulddateme,andthefact

thatImakeyourpantieswetisagoodreason.”

Ilaughedathiscrude,yetaccuratestatement.“Youalsostealmypanties.I’msurethat’sastrike

againstyou.”

MyphonebuzzedonthetablewhereI’dsetit,andLukelookedovertoseethehomescreen

announcingamessagefromDelaney.“Youshouldseewhatshewants,”hetoldme.

Ifitwereanyoneelse,I’darguethattheycouldwait,butDelaneywasn’tpatientwhenitcameto

gettingaresponsetohertexts.She’dwaitafewminutesandthentextmeagain.Onetime,I’dleftmy

phoneathomewhenIwenttothegrocerystoreandcamehometofindelevenmessagesfromher.

DELANEY:DidLuketrytocallyoutoday?

ME:No.Hedidn’ttrycallingmetoday.

DELANEY:Hewill.Ithinkyou’rewrongaboutitbeingjustaquickfuckwithhim.Hedidn’tevengeta

chancetospankyouyet.Youneedtolethimspankyou.

IlookedoveratLuke,wonderingwhyhe’dgonethisrouteinsteadofcallingme.“Whydidn’tyoujust

callme?”

Heshrugged.“Iwantedtotalktoyouinpersonaboutthis,notoverthephone.Itseemedtoo

impersonal.”

“Andyouhadtoinvolvemybrother?”Iasked.

Lukeletoutasigh.“WithallyouwentthroughwithJason,Ididn’twanttojustshowup,demandingto

talktoyou.Actually,thatwasmyoriginalplan,butaftertryingtogetTytotellmewhereyou’dbe,I

realizedImightscareyouoffifIjustshowedupatyourjoborhouselikeJasonwouldhave.”

Iwastakenabackbyhisexplanation,whichwasreallysweetinmanyways.“Thankyouforthinking

aboutthat.”Myphonewasbuzzingagain,meaningDelaneyhadthoughtofsomethingelse,orshe’dgotten

tiredofwaitingformyreply.

DELANEY:YouhavetolethimspankyouatleastonetimesoIcanaskyouaboutit.

ME:Yourobsessionwithspankingisgettingalittledisturbing.

DELANEY:IcouldprobablymovepastitifIcouldinterviewyouafterLukespanksyou.

ME:WhatmakesyouthinkI’mgoingtoletLukespankme?

Delaneywasinrareform,whichprobablymeantshewasstilltryingtowriteaspankingstory.I’d

suggestedshegetherownassspankedforresearchpurposes,andwhileshelikedtheidea,shewasstill

makingmoreexcusestoavoiddatingthanIwas.

DELANEY:Youowemeafavorfordrivingyouhome.

IsnortedandlookedovertoseeLukeregardingmewithobviousamusement.“What’ssofunny?”he

asked.

“DelaneyisjustbeingDelaney,”Iexplained,notsuretherewasanyotherwaytorespond.

Lukegavemeaknowingsmile.“Afterdrivingherhomethatonetime,IthinkIcanunderstand.”

“Shedidn’taskyouanythingtooembarrassing,didshe?”

Lukeshookhishead.“OtherthanaskingmeifTyhasabigdick,shewasfairlywellbehaved.Shedid

puthernumberinmyphonesoIcouldcontactherifIwantedtotalkaboutTy’sdick.”

“Idonotwanttohearorthinkaboutthat,”Imuttered.

DELANEY:Doyouthinkhe’llhaveyoulieacrosshislap?Maybehe’llhaveyoubendoverachairorthe

bed.Ifheasksyouhowyouwantit,tellhimtopullyouacrosshislapandthenpullyourskirtup.That

wouldbereallyhot.

ME:Idon’tusuallywearaskirt.

DELANEY:Youcouldmakeanexception.Canyouimaginehowhotitwouldbetosquirmaroundonhis

lapwhileheliftsyourskirttospankyou?

ME:I’mwithLukenow,soIneedtogo.

Mycheeksflushed,andLukechuckledagain.“What’sshesayingthathasyousoembarrassed?”

“Delaneyisalittleobsessedwithspankinglately,andafterweteasedher,she’sevenworse.She’s

beenaskingmeaboutyouspankingmetonightandmakingsuggestionsonhowyoushoulddoit,”I

admitted.

“What’sshehaveinmind?”heasked.“I’mdefinitelyopentosuggestions.”

“Iwouldthinkyou’dhaveplentyofideasofyourown,”Itoldhim.

BeforeLukecouldanswer,hisphonebuzzed.

“Delaneydoesn’thaveyournumber,doesshe?”Iasked.

Heshrugged.“ShesentherselfamessagefrommyphonethenightIdroveherhome,butIfigured

she’ddeleteitwhenshesoberedup.”Helookedathisphoneandgrinned.“It’sfromDelaney.”After

readinghertext,hesentaquickresponsebeforeslidinghisphoneacrossformetoread.

DELANEY:YoureallyshouldspankChelseaforsneakingout.Thenyoushouldmakehertellmeallabout

it.

LUKE:Spankingisn’tapunishment.It’sareward.Chelseacan’thaveaspankingunlessshe’sagoodgirl.

“Youkeepsayingthat,butI’mnotreallysurehowthatcouldbethecase,”Itoldhim.

“Areyouafraidofmespankingyou?IfIsaid,don’tdothatorI’llspankyou,wouldyouavoiddoing

it,orwouldyoudoitjusttogetmetospankyourcutelittleass?”

IgrinnedatLuke,notsurewhythissubjectwouldmakemefeelmorerelaxed.

Nadinesetdownaplateofcheesyfriesandachocolatemilkshakewithtwostraws.“Idecidednotto

waitonyoutwotobereadytoorder,”shetoldus.

Therestaurantwasfillingupwithteens,justaspredictedbyNadine’sson,soIfiguredthiswasn’tthe

timetotalkmoreaboutsex,whichwasprobablygoodsinceIneededtothinkaboutwhatLukehadsaid

aboutdating,notthesex.

“What’syourschedulelikefortheweek?”heaskedme.

“Ihaveafewshootsandsomephotostoedit,”Ireplied.“Ty’snotgreatwithphotoediting,soIstill

handlemostofthat.”Mybrotherhadrecentlystartedworkingwithme,whichwasgreatbecauseitnot

onlyallowedmetotakeonmoreclients,italsogavememorefreetime.

“Iwasthinkingabouteveningandweekendtime.I’musuallyreadytoleaveschoolaroundfour.We

couldmeetfordinner,”hesuggested.

“Youreallywanttodateme?”Iasked.

“Youneedtostopaskingmethatquestionifyoueverhopetoearnyourselfagoodspanking,”Luke

warnedplayfully.“Delaneymightspankyouherselfifthathappens.”

“I’llbetyou’dlikethat,”Iteasedback.

“Verymuchso,”headmitted.“Ifsheeverdecidestotrythat,pleasecallmesoIcanwatch.”

“Whydowealwaysendupflirtinglikethis?”Iasked,notsurehoweveryconversationIhadwith

Lukeendedupbeingaboutsex.“Actually,don’tanswer.Thatwasastupidquestion.”

ChapterFourteen

Luke

IwasprettydamnproudofhowmyeveningwithChelseahadgone,especiallyafteradayof

worryingaboutherturningmedown.I’dcometothedinerhalf-expectingChelseatohavewallsinplace

tokeepmefromgettingclose.Iwasworriedshe’dbestandoffish.Instead,she’dfallenbackintothefun

teasingwe’dhadbefore,andevenbetter,she’dagreedtogooutwithme.

NowthatI’dmanagedtogetChelseatoagreetogooutwithme,IjusthadtowaituntilThursday,

whichsuckedbigtime,especiallywhenIwaspainfullyhardjustfromthinkingabouther.Ilikesex—a

lot.I’vealsohadmyshareofkinkysex.Still,ithadneverbeenlikethis.IwantedChelseainmybed,

underme,ridingme,andIwasdyingtoburymyfacebetweenherlegsagain.Sadly,thatwasn’tgoingto

happennearlyassoonasI’dlikeitto.I’dbeentemptedtoaskherifshewantedtocomeovertomyplace

afterleavingthediner,butithadseemedlikeabadidea.

Weweredating.I’dfuckedupbytakingherhomethatfirstnight.Now,Iwasdeterminedtoconvince

herthiswasaboutmorethansex.Excaliburwasnotonboardwiththatplan,andIfiguredI’dneedto

workoffsometensionintheshowerifIhadanyhopesofsleeping.

Myphonebuzzedwithanincomingtext,andIgrinnedwhenIsawitwasfromChelsea,hopingshe

wasfeelingthesameintenseneed.Istillhadnointentionofdoinganythingaboutittonight,butIpreferred

thinkingshewantedmeatleasthalfasmuchasIwantedher.

CHELS:Ican’tsleep.It’sallyourfault.

ME:Isthatso?

CHELS:Yes.IkeepthinkingaboutyouandhowcrazyIwasforagreeingtothiswholedatingthing.This

ispureinsanity.

Igrinned,knowingthiswasn’treallyaboutChelseaagreeingtogooutwithme.Ifitwere,she’dhave

startedoffbytellingmeshe’dbeenthinkingabouthowweshouldjustbefriends,notcomplainingabout

mepreventingherfromgettinganysleep.

ME:Youthinkit’scrazytodateme?

CHELS:Ifitmeansgoingwithoutsex,thenyes,Ithinkit’scrazy.Delaneyhasalreadyscoldedmefor

missingoutonthebiggestbenefitofhavingahotboytoy.

ME:Hotboytoy?Doesthatmeanyouwanttoplaywithme?

CHELS:Stopbeingsuchatease.You’retheonewhodidn’tseducemetonight.

ME:Youdidn’tseducemeeither.Iwanttowaitthistime,soyouknowI’mseriousaboutdatingyou.My

egocan’thandlehavingyousneakoutofmybedagain.

CHELS:Iseriouslydoubtyouhaveaproblemwithyourego.

ME:Onlyaroundyou,angelface.

CHELS:Angelface?

ME:IfiguredIshouldhaveacutepetnameforyou.

CHELS:No.

ME:Howaboutjustangel?

CHELS:No.

ME:Fine,I’llcomeupwithsomethingelse.Whydon’tyoutellmeaboutyourproblem?What’skeeping

youuptonight?

CHELS:I’mhorny.Someguygotmeallhotandbotheredkissingmegoodnightintheparkinglotofa

diner,andthenhesentmehomealone.

ME:Whydon’tyouslideyourfingersbetweenyourlegsandtakecareofthings.I’mgettingreallyhard

thinkingaboutit.I’dlovetowatchyoutouchyourself.

CHELS:ItookcareofthingsassoonasIgothome.Twice.It’snothelping.

Ihatetalkingonthephone.Ialwayshave.Still,IcouldnotresistthetemptationtocallChelseaafter

heradmissionthatshe’dtouchedherselftwice.Thesewerethetypesofdetailsaguyneededtohear

about.Chelsea,teasethatshewas,answeredonthethirdring,makingmewonderifshewasgoingtosend

mycalltovoicemail.Ifshedidthat,Iwasn’tsureI’dbeabletoresistthetemptationtogoovertoher

house.

“Hello,”shesaidinpleasantvoice,asifshedidn’tknowwhowascalling.

“Tookyoulongenoughtoanswer,”Iaccused.“Pleasetellmeyourfingersweretoobusyworking

yourselfintoafrenzytoanswermycall.”

“Nothingthatexciting,”sheadmittedwithasighbeforeIheardmeowinginthebackground.

“Youwerestrokingapussyotherthanyourown?”Iasked,surprisedtohearacatinChelsea’shouse.

She’dneverbeenacatperson.Actually,I’dneverknownhertobeananimalpersonofanykind.

“Veryfunny,”shemumbled.“Ifoundthiskittenoutsidemydoor.Isupposeitwouldbemoreaccurate

tosayshefoundme.WhenIopenedthedoortograbapackage,sheracedin.Mystupidinbredneighbor

acrossthestreetwasyellingathiswifeforbringingthekittenhome,soIcanonlyassumetheykickedher

out.Poorthingisterrified.”

“Whatareyougoingtodowithher?”Iasked.

“Idon’tknow,”sheadmitted.“Maybeoneoftherescuegroupswilltakeher.Somethingtellsmemy

neighborsaren’tcomingtogetheranytimesoon.”

“That’sprobablyagoodidea,butwhatabouttonight?”Iasked.“You’renotgoingtofindanyoneto

takehertonight.”

Chelsletoutasigh.“You’reprobablyright.Idon’tknowwhattodowithher.”

“HowaboutifIpickupsomecatstuffsoyoucangethersetupforthenight?”Isuggested.Iwas

guessingChelseawasn’tgoingtobeabletoletthatkittengobasedontheloudpurringandthecooing

noisesshewasmakingatthekittenwhenshewasn’tansweringmyquestions.

“Youdon’thavetodothat,”sheassuredme.

“IknowIdon’thaveto,butIwantto,”Itoldher.“Givemeforty-fiveminutestograbsomestuff.”

“Okay,”sheagreed.“Iguessit’sbetterthanmerunningoutandleavingthekittenlockedinmy

laundryroom.Idon’tthinkshe’dlikethat.Thepoorthingisalreadyupsetafteralltheyelling.I’mnot

surehowshe’dreacttobeingleftaloneinastrangeroom.Thankyou,Luke.”

Ismiled,lovinghowcuteshesoundedtalkingaboutthekitten.Shewasdefinitelykeepingthatcat.

“Noproblem,Chels.I’llbeovertheresoon.”

IhungupwithChelseaandshookmyhead.ThingsneverwentthewayIplannedwithher.Thatwas

definitelynotthepussyI’dexpectedhertobestrokingwhilewetalkedonthephone.Still,I’dbelyingifI

didn’tadmittobeinggladIhadanexcusetoseeChelseasoonerthanThursday.

ChapterFifteen

Chelsea

BythetimeLukerangmydoorbellnearlyanhourafterhe’dofferedtopickupsomecatsupplies,I

wasremindingmyselfoverandoverthatIwasnotacatperson.Thefluffballfollowingmearounddidn’t

seemtounderstandthatimportantdetail.Iliftedherintomyarmssoshewouldn’traceoutthedoorwhen

Iopenedit,andthekittenimmediatelystartedpurringloudly.“Whatthehelldidyoubuy?”IaskedLuke

whenIopenedthedoortoseehimloadeddownwithsupplies.

“Thereareafewmorethingsinthecar,”hetoldme.

“I’mkeepingherforonenight,”IarguedasLukesetdownthebags.

Heregardedmeholdingthekittenbeforeasking,“What’shername?”

Ishruggedoneshoulder,soasnottodisturbthepurringballofflufftoomuch.“HowshouldIknow?”

“Whathaveyoubeenthinkingaboutcallingher?”hepushed.

“IwasthinkingshelookslikeaTashaormaybeaPhoebe,”Ireplied.

“Congratulations,”Lukecalledoutashewalkedoutthedoor.“Youjustgotyourselfacat.”

“Whatifherownerwantsherback?”IaskedLuke.“WhatamIsaying?”Iaskedthekitten.“Of

course,theydon’twantyouback.Youpoorthing.I’mnotsureI’dletthemhaveyou,anyway.Theydon’t

deservealittlecutielikeyou.No,theydon’t.Iwouldneverletyougobacktothathorribleplace.”

Andjustlikethat,Ihadbeenreducedtobabytalkwithaballoffluff.WhenIlookedup,Lukewas

regardingmewithagrinashecarriedinacattree.

“Fine,Ihaveacat,”Irelented.“IsupposeIhavetostartsomewhereifI’mgoingtobecomeacat

lady.”

“That’sthespirit!”Lukepraised.“Now,whereshouldwesetupTasha’sthings?”

“WhatifIwanttocallherPhoebe?”Iasked.

“IlikeTashabetter,andIboughtallthecatstuff,”heargued.“Thatgivesmesomesayinhername.”

“Icanpayyoubackforthecatstuff,”Iinsisted.

“Wecan’tnameherPhoebe.IhaveacrazyexnamedPhoebe,anditwouldmarmyrelationshipwith

yourcat,”headmitted.

“Well,IguessIcan’thaveyoudevelopinganaversiontomypussy,”Imused.“Tashaitis.”

Lukechuckled.“Gladyouagree.Ineedtotalktoyouaboutsomethingelsebeforewehaveoneof

thoseawkwardmoments.”

“Youwanttotellmehowmuchyoulovemypussy?”Iaskedhim,motioningtothekittenwithmy

eyes.

“Areyoutryingtotemptmetostaythenight?”heasked.

Iletoutasigh.“Iwishyoucould,butIknowyouhavetoworkinthemorning.”

“YoureallywishIcouldstay?”heasked.

“Definitely,”Iassuredhim.

“Doesthatmeanyouwouldn’tbeupsetifyoufoundoutI’dbroughtanovernightbag?”heaskedwith

asexygrin.

“Iwouldthinkveryhighlyofyouforthinkingofthat,”Iadmitted.

“ThenI’llgrabmybagbeforeIhelpyouwithyourpussy,”hetoldmewithawink.

IlookeddownatTashaasLukewalkedtowardhiscar.“I’mprettysurehewastalkingaboutyou,you

luckykitten.”

ChapterSixteen

Luke

I’mnotacuddler—afactthathadannoyedmanygirlfriendsinthepast.I’vealwaysblameditonthe

factthatbothmyparentswereassholes.MymomleftwhenIwaseight,andIhavenomemoryofherever

huggingme.Mydadwasalsothehands-offtypewhenitcametoparenting.Haditnotbeenforthelove

andsupportofmystepmom,Brook,I’dprobablybetotallymessedupwhenitcametorelationships.Still,

weweren’ttouchy-feely,probablybecauseBrookhadcomeintomylifewhenIwasateenandshe

wasn’tmucholderthanme.

So,thecuddlingthingwasn’tforme.I’dsleptoverwithgirlsandhadthematmyplace,butI’dhave

preferreditifthey’dleftaftersexbecauseitfeltawkwardpretendingtowantthemalloverme.Things

weredifferentwithChelsea.Afterourflirtinginthetextmessages,Iknewshewouldwelcomemeinto

herbody,andshewouldn’tcomplainwhenIneededtoheadhomebecauseIhadworkinthemorning.

Chelseawasn’ttheneedytypewhowouldtakethatkindofthingpersonally.Thethingthatshockedme

aboutthissituationwasIdidn’twanttofuckChelseaandleave.That’swhyI’dgrabbedmyovernight

bag.Aftertheflirtingwe’ddoneearlierthatevening,Iwascertainwe’dendupinbedtogetherafter

gettingthecatsetup,andIwantedtostaythenightifthathappened.

ChelseahadaguestbedroomwhereshedecidedtosetupTasha’sspace.Thekittenhadimmediately

takentothecattree,andsheseemedhappywithhernewbed.IwasstillamazedChelseahadacat,but

shewasclearlythrilledwiththenewmemberofherhousehold.Thecatwascute,therewasnodenyingit.

Ihadnoideahowoldshewas,butatthispoint,therewasmorepuffywhitefurthankitten.Herbigblue

eyestookuptoomuchofherface,makingherlookmorelikeastuffedtoythananactualkitten.

“I’mgladyougotthecatcarriersoIcantakeherintothestudiowithme,”shetoldme.

“You’llalsoneedtogetherintoseethevet,”Iremindedher.“Whoknowshowgoodyourneighbors

wereabouttakingcareofher.”

“Goodpoint,”sheagreed.“Iwonderifshehasoneofthosemicrochipthings.Ifnot,Ishouldgether

one.”

We’dwalkedbacktothefrontofthehouse.Tashahadn’tfollowedus,havingsettledintohercatbed

foranap.

Chelsealookedaround,andshesuddenlyseemednervous.

“Hi,”Isaid,leaningintobrushmylipsagainsthers.“Whydoyousuddenlylooksoedgy?”

“Idon’tknow,”sheadmitted.

“Sameruleaslastnight,”Ibegan.“Wedon’thavetodoanything.WhileI’mdyingtohaveyouagain,

Icangohome.”

“Idefinitelydon’twantyoutoleave,”sheadmitted.

“Wecouldjustsleeptogetherwithnosex,”Ialsooffered.

“No,”sherepliedquickly.“Iamdefinitelynotgoingtomissoutongreatsex.Lastnightwas

incredible.There’vejustbeenalotofbigchangestoday.Istartedoffbysneakingoutofyourapartmentin

theweehoursofthemorning.Thenyousurprisedmeatthedinerandconvincedmetodateyou.Now,I

haveacat,andyou’reherewithme.”

“It’salottotakein,”Iagreed.

“Soareyou,”sheteased.

Ichuckledandslippedanarmaroundherlowerbacktopullherclose.“Youseemtodoagreatjobof

takingmein,”Imurmured.

Chelseagroaned.

“What?”Iaskedwithraisedeyebrows.“Thatwasagreatline.”

“That’sreallyyourbestline?”sheasked,pushingagainstmychest.

Tighteningmyarmaroundherlowerback,Ileaneddownuntilmylipswereclosetoherear.“You’ve

beenverygoodtoday,”Ibreathedout,enjoyingthetremorthanranthroughChelsea’sbody.

“Ihave?”shesqueaked,clearlycatchingmymeaning.Chelseaimmediatelygroaned.“Great!I’mback

tosoundinglikeachipmunkagain.”

Ichuckledatherdistressoverherlittlesqueak.ForreasonsIdidn’tfullyunderstand,Ilovedherlittle

squeaks.ItwaslikelybecausetheywereproofofhowmuchIaffectedher.“You’readorable.”

Shesmackedmychest.“Stopcallingmeadorable.”

“Butyouare,”Iinsisted.“Stophittingme,orIwon’tspankyou.”

Chelsealaughed.“IhonestlyneverthoughtI’dhaveaguysaythattome.”

“Whydon’tyoubendoverthearmofthatsofaandletmefuckyou,Chels?”

“Okay,”Chelseasqueakedagainbeforelettingoutalittlegrowloffrustration.

“Iknowyoudon’tlikeitwhenyoumakethatsound,butitreallyturnsmeon,”Iadmitted.

“That’sbecauseyou’reapervertwithachipmunkfetish,”sheinsisted.

“Youareasexychipmunk,”Itoldher.“You’vebeenmakingmecrazywiththesetightlittlepantsall

evening.”Myhandsliddowntomassageherperfectass.“Ikeepwonderingifyouhavepantiesunder

these.”

Chelseamoaned.“Iguessyou’llfindoutsoon.”

“Yes,Iwill,”Iagreedbeforemylipscoveredhers.WithasturnedonasIwas,itwasamiracleIwas

abletocontrolmykiss.ItwasmyintentiontoteaseChelsea,makeherwantmeasmuchasIwantedher,

somethingIsuspectedmightnotbepossible.Allday,myneedhadbeenbuilding,startingwiththe

frustrationofwakingupwithoutthiswomaninmybed.Shemademecrazywithneed,andIhadevery

intentionofrepayingthefavor.

Chelsealetoutafrustratedwhimperbeforebitingdownonmylipenoughtomakeitstingslightly.

Herboldmovehadmydickthrobbingalmostpainfully.WhenIpulledbacktolookather,shegrabbedmy

hairandpulledmymouthbackdowntohers.Thistime,Ididn’tholdback,arousedbeyondreasonbyher

boldness.Mylipsmovedagainsthersasmytonguesweptintohermouth.Chelseaimmediatelysuckedon

mytongue,makingmegroanasimagesofherhotmouthwrappedaroundmycockfilledmymind.

Grippingherass,Iliftedherofftheground,andherlegsimmediatelywrappedaroundmywaistasI

continuedkissingher.Herhandsfistedinmyhair,refusingtoletmebreakthekiss.

Walkingherovertothesofa,Isetherdownwithoutbreakingthekiss,coveringherbodywithmine.

OneofChelsea’shandsleftmyhairtotrytoreachbetweenourbodies,buttherewasnoroom.Sheletout

afrustratedwhimper.

Imanagedtogetmymouthawayfromhers,noeasytaskwithherhandstillfistedinmyhair.

Leaningdown,Iinhaleddeeply.“Yousmellincredible.Cleanandsexywithnoneofthatsweet

perfumedcrapmostwomenwear.”

“HaveIbeengoodenoughtoearnthatspankingyet?”sheasked,soundingsomewhatshy.

“Yes,youhave,”Itoldher.“IgottasayIlovethiskinkysideofyou.”

IlovedeverysideofChelseasofar,whichdidmoretoprovetomethatshewastheone,something

I’dclearlyrecognizedatayoungage.

“Putyourhandsaboveyourhead,”Icommanded,andsheinstantlyobeyed.Oh,yeah.Chelseawas

definitelyperfect.

ChapterSeventeen

Chelsea

Ihatedgivingupcontrol,butitsomehowdidn’tfeellikegivingupcontrolwithLuke,likelybecauseI

trustedLukeandknewIcouldtakethatcontrolbackatanytime.Lettinghimbeinchargeinbed,oronmy

sofa,allowedmetosimplyliveinthemoment.

“Don’tmovethosehands,”Luketoldmeasheslidoffthesofaandstrippedhisshirtoverhishead.

Myeyestraveledalonghisbody,andIwantedtoreachoutandtouchhim,butdidn’t.Instead,myhands

remainedabovemyhead.Removingacondomfromthefrontpocketofhisjeans,hetosseditonthecoffee

tableandstrippedoffhispantstorevealHarryPotterboxers.

“Areyougoingtooffertoshowmeyourwand?”Iasked.

Lukechuckled.“AreyougoingtomakeadirtycommentabouteverypairofboxersIown?”

“Probably,”Iadmitted.“Iseemtofindnerdyboxersreallyhot.”

Lukedroppedtohiskneesbesidethesofaandranafingeralongmyarm.Hishandslidunderthehem

ofmyt-shirt,andhelifteditovermybreasts,exposingmythinbrathatdidnothingtohidemyerect

nipples.Partofmewantedtomovemyhands,butIdidn’t.Ikeptthemabovemyhead,boundbynothing

morethanLuke’sordertokeepthemthere.

“Fuckme,Chels,”heraspedout.“Havingyoulaidoutlikesomesexyofferingformeisbeyondhot.”

Iwasreadytobeghimtotouchmewhenhislipsbrushedagainstminebeforemovingalongmyjaw

lineandthenkissingmyneck.Oneofhishandsslidintomystretchpantsandbeganstrokingmethrough

thesilkyfabricofmythong.Iarcheduptopressagainsthisfinger,greedyformoreofhistouch.Whenmy

handsgrippedhisshoulders,Lukebrokethekissandstareddownatme.“Handsaboveyourhead.”

Imoanedandputthembackabovemyhead,notsurewhyhisorderwassuchaturnon.Iwasquickly

discoveringtherewasabigdifferencebetweenbossyanddominant.

Assoonasmyhandswereabovemyheadagain,Luke’smouthreturnedtomine,andheadjustedhis

handtoslidehisfingersbeneaththefabricofmypanties.Iwhimperedatthatfirstcontactwithmyclit.

Lukestrokedmeashistongueexploredmymouth.Withmyshirtstillpushedovermybra,Ifelt

deliciouslyexposed.

IwascertainLukewouldstopasmyorgasmneared,buthecontinuedtostrokemyclituntilmybody

tightenedandIscreamedintohismouth.Gentlinghisstrokesandhiskiss,Lukeworkedmethroughthe

lastofmyorgasm,leavingmenotquitesated.Thenagain,itseemedIalwayswantedmorewhenitcame

toLuke.

Tearinghismouthawayfrommine,Lukeremovedhisfingersfrommypantiesandsuckedtheminto

hismouth.“Delicious,”hemurmured.“Idefinitelyneedtotasteyoumoretonight.Youwereverygood

justnow.”

Mycheeksheatedwithablushthathadmuchmoretodowitharousalthanembarrassment.Iknew

whatLukewasgettingat,andIwasdefinitelyreadytotrysomemorekinkyplaywithhim.“DoIgeta

reward?”Iasked,gladIdidn’tsoundlikeachipmunkthattime.

“Notyet,”hetoldmewithashakeofhishead.“Standupandundressforme.”

Istoodandstartedbyslippingmyshirttherestofthewayovermyhead.Lukewasstillonhisknees

besidethesofa,watchingmyeverymove.Next,Ireachedaroundmybacktoundomybrabeforelettingit

falltotheground.

“That’senoughfornow,”Luketoldme.“Bendoverthearmofthesofa.”

Walkingaroundthesideofthesofa,Iwasimpressedmylegsweren’tshaking,Iwasthatturnedon.I

bentoverthearmofthesofa,almostmoaningasthesoftupholsteryrubbedagainstmybarebreasts.

“Perfect,”Lukepraisedashegottohisfeetandmovedaroundbehindme.Hishandmassagedmyass

throughthefabricofmypants,makingmemoan.SoonIwaswrithingunderhistouchasLukecontinuedto

massagemybackside.

Hestoppedmassaging,andoneofhishandssmackedmyleftbuttcheek.Ijumpedandsqueakedfrom

surprise,makingLukechuckle.Oneofhishandssettledonmylowerback,holdingmeinplaceasthe

otherreturnedtomassagingmyass.Whenhishandstoppedmassaging,Iwasreadyfortheswat,andI

moaned.Thattime,he’dhitslightlylowerandacrossthecenter.Itsentajoltoflustthroughmybody,

makingmycorethrobwithneed.Therewasnodelaybetweenthatswatandthenext.Lukelandedfive

moreswatsinvaryingplacesbeforereachingforwardtopullmypantsdowntomyknees,leavingmy

thonginplace.

“Letmeknowifyouwantmetostop,oreaseup,Chels,”hetoldmeashishandmassagedmybare

ass.

“Itdoesn’treallyhurt,”Iassuredhim,somewhatdisappointed.

“Thatwasjustthewarmup,”heexplainedashemassagedmybarebackside.

ThistimewhenLukestoppedmassagingandsmackedmyrightbuttcheek,therewasmoresting,andI

yelped.

“Youokay?”heasked.

“Yes,”Ibreathedout.

Luke’shandsmackedmyotherbuttcheekbeforemassagingmeagain,spreadingoutthesting.The

soundthatcamefrommymouththattimewasmorelikeamoan.Lukespankedmeseveralmoretimes.I

soonfoundtheonesIlikedbestwerelowerandtothecenter,buttherewasnodenyingIwasenjoyingthe

warmstingingsensationallover.

“Fuckingbeautiful,”Lukepraisedashemassagedmyass.“I’mgoingtofuckyouwithyoursexypink

assintheairjustlikethis.Wouldyoulikethat,Chels?”

“Please,”Ibreathedout,tooarousedtoformafullsentenceatthatpoint.

Lukemovedtothecoffeetabletograbthecondomandquicklystrippedoffhisboxersandsliditon

beforemovingbehindmeagain.Iwassurehe’ddoneittogivemeagoodlookathisimpressivedick.

Ratherthanundressingmetherestoftheway,Lukepushedmythongdowntomykneesbefore

positioninghimselfatmyentranceandslidingintomybody.Iwhimperedashepushedallthewayinto

me,pressinghimselfagainstmybacksideandbringingaslightsting.WithLuke’slegsoutsidemine,he

feltevenbiggerinsideme,andIalsofeltwonderfullytrappedashethrustintomybody.Iwantedtomove

againsthim,butIcouldn’t.

Luke’sgroansjoinedmylittlescreamsashemovedwithslowdeliberatestrokesthatseemedtocause

justtherightpressurewithmyasstomakethewarmthcontinueastheupholsteryonthesofateasedmy

nipples.IfeltlikeIwasonsensationoverload.

Itwasn’tlonguntilLuke’sthrustsbecamemorefrenzied,andmyscreamsgotlouder.

“That’sit,Chels,”hegroundout.“Tellmehowmuchyoulikethis.TellmeyouwantthisasmuchasI

do.”

“Iwantthis,”Iwhimpered,smallspasmsalreadyteasingme.“Iwantyou,Luke.”

Mywordsseemedtostripawaythelastremnantsofhisself-controlbecauseLukewassuddenly

fuckingmesohard,IwassureI’dfeelitfordays.ThatseemedtobejustwhatIneededtomakemecome

sohardIwasclawingatthecouchcushionsandscreaminghisname.

Lukegroanedwithhisownclimax,raspingoutsomethingthatsoundedoddlylike.“Iloveyou,”butI

knewthatcouldn’tbethecase.

ChapterEighteen

Luke

IwassurprisedthatChelseahadn’tsaidanythingaboutmypost-coitalprofessionoflove.Itsurprised

meevenmorethatshehadn’tfreakedoutandtriedtoconvincemetogohomeafterward.Thenagain,it

waspossibleshehadn’tbeenabletomakeoutwhatI’dsaidsinceithadbeenmoregroanthananything

else.Iwasn’tembarrassedbymyadmission.Itwasthetruth.IdidloveChelsea.Granted,I’dbethefirst

toadmitIprobablywasn’theadoverheelsinlovewithheryet,butI’dknownChelseaabigchunkofmy

life.Ididn’tneedtogettoknowhertorealizehowIfelt.

WakingupwithChelseabymysidemadethejarringsoundofmyalarmmuchlessannoying.Tasha

apparentlydidn’tagreebecauseshejumpedupandlookedaroundwithherearspinnedback.Atsome

pointafterwe’dfallenasleep,Tashahaddecidedsheneededinonthecuddlingaction,soshe’dsettled

herselfonmychest.I’dtriedmovinghertothesideseveraltimes,butshewasdeterminedtosleeponmy

chest.

“Poorkitty,”Chelseacrooned.“DidmeanoldLukewakeyouupwithhisscaryalarm?”

TashaimmediatelybeganpurringandsituatedherselfbetweenussoChelseacouldcuddleher.

“MeanoldLuke?”Iaskedwitharaisedeyebrow.“MeanoldLukegotherthepremiumcattreeanda

softbed—abedthatapparentlywasn’tascomfortableasmychest.”

“Whocouldblameherforpreferringyourchest?”Chelseaasked,stillcuddlingTasha,whoyawned

andstretchedbeforepullingawayandjumpingbackonmychest.

“Nicetry,”Itoldthekitten.“Ineedtogotowork.Therearekidswaitingformetoshowthemslides

ofplantcells.”

“Soundslikeatitillatingclass,”Chelsearemarkedwithayawnofherown.“Ithinkwe’lljustgo

backtosleep.”

“Oneofyoukeptmeupusingmybodyasabed,aftertheotherkeptmeupwithherinsatiabledesires,

andnowyou’rebothgoingbacktosleepwhileIheadintowork?”

Chelseayawned.“IsupposeIshouldfixyousomebreakfastwhileyoushower.”

Ichuckled.“Unlessyourcookinghasimprovedquiteabit,I’mgoingtopassonthatoffer.”

“Icantoastapoptartjustaswellasthenextperson,”Chelseainsisted.

Iletoutaquicklaugh,certainshehadtobekidding.“That’snotreallywhatyoueatforbreakfast,is

it?”

“Nah,”sheadmitted.“Tymadeblueberrymuffinsacoupledaysago.Therearesomeinthekitchen.

Youcan’tmissthecontaineronthekitchencounter.”

“Now,you’retalking,”Itoldher.WhileChelseahadinheritedalltheskillswithtools,Tywasbyfar

thebettercook.“I’llgrabacoupleonthewayout.I’mgoingtoshowerdownthehallsoyoucangetsome

moresleep,peaches.”

Herraisedeyebrowtoldmeshewasn’tfondofthattermofendearmenteither.I’dhavetokeep

workingonit.“Right.Nopeaches.Gobacktosleep,Chels.”

“IwanttoarguethatI’llgetup,too,butyouworemeout,”Chelseamurmured,andIcouldtellshe

wasdozingoffagain.

“Sweetdreams,”Imurmuredbeforekissingthetopofherhead.IfIhappenedtohavealittleextra

swaggerinmystepasIwalkedoutofherbedroom,Icouldn’thelpit.Iwasprettydamnproudofhaving

wornmywomanout.

ChapterNineteen

Chelsea

“Thecameralovesyou!”Ipraised,thrilledwiththeshotsIwasgetting.“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.

YouthinkIsaythistoeveryoneIphotograph,butthat’snottrue.Youreallyareanexceptionalmodel,and

I’mgoingtousethesepicturesonourwebsite.”

Tashayawnedandstretchedinhercatbed.I’dpickeduponeforthestudiobecauseIsimplycouldn’t

leaveherathome.ItalsomeantIcouldtakehertothevetearlierratherthanwaitinguntilThursdaywhen

Iwasoutofthestudioallday.I’dtalkedtomyneighborandlearnedTashahadnotbeenspayed,norhad

sheseenavet.Afriendofmyneighbor’shadendedupwithunwantedkittensandgiventhemaway.My

neighborhadalsoagreedtogivemepermanentcustodyofTasha.I’dphotographedtheweddingofalocal

vetandreallylikedher,soIdecidedtocallandseeifshecouldgetTashainrightaway.Thankfully,she

couldseeherthatafternoon.

“Sincewhendoyoudopetshoots?”mybrotheraskedashewalkedinwithcarryoutbags.Hewas

takingsomeclassesinthemorning,soheusuallypickeduplunchonthewayintothestudio.Iloved

workingwithmybrother,evenifI’dneveradmitthattoanyone,especiallyhim.

“IthoughtI’daddpetsessionstotheservicesweoffer,”Iexplained.“Peoplelovetheirpetsandwant

photostopreservetheirmemories,especiallywhenthey’restillbabieslikethis.”

“Idon’tknow,Chels.Otherthantheownerofthefurballinthepinkbed,doyoureallythinkthereare

thatmanypeoplelookingtobookphotoshootsfortheirpets?”Tylerasked.

“OfcourseIdo.Justlookatthatsweetface,”Isaid,gesturingtoTasha.“She’sabsolutelyperfect,

andheradorablekittentimeshouldbeimmortalized.Shewon’tbeababyforever.”

“It’sacat,Chels,”herepliedinaboredtone.“Thereisnothingspecialaboutthatcat.”

IliftedTashafromherbed,andsheimmediatelybeganpurringasshesettledintomyarms.“Don’t

youlistentoUncleTyler,youbeautifulgirl.Hedidn’tmeantosayyouaren’tspecial.Ofcourse,he

knowsyouarethemostbeautifulkittenintheworld.”

Mybrother’seyeswidenedinshock.“Waitaminute!Thisisyourcat?Youseriouslygotacat?”

Inodded,cuddlinghercloser.

“Youdidn’tmentionanythingaboutacatyesterday,”hetoldme.

“Ididn’tgetheruntillastnight,”Iexplained.

“IknewIshouldhavestayedtomakesureLukedidn’tscrewthingsup,”Tylermuttered.“Listen,

Chelsea,youknowLukehastroublewithemotionalstuff,butIcandefinitelytellhereallylikesyouand

wantstodateyou.He’sagoodguy.Justgivehimachancetoprovehimself.”

“That’sprettysimilartowhathesaid,”Iremarked.

“EvenifLukedidscrewthingsup,thatisnoreasonforyoutogoaheadwithyourcrazyplanto

becomeacatlady.Whydidn’tyoucallmeorBrookifyouwerethisupsetafteryourtalkwithLuke?”he

askeddesperately,andIalmostlaughedathim.Icouldn’tblamehimforthinkingI’ddecidedtobecomea

catladyaftermymanythreatstodosorecently.

Tashastartedtotapmyarmwithherclaws,soIdecideditwastimetoputherdownforhernap.

She’dbeenpatientwithmethroughthephotoshoot,andIfiguredshewasdoneplayingcutekittenfora

littlewhile.Itwasprobablybestifshegothernapinbeforethevetvisit,anyway.Somethingtoldmeshe

wasn’tgoingtobehappywithmeafterthat.

Wewalkedtothefrontofthestudiotoeatourlunch,leavingTashasleepinginherbed.

“LukeistheonewhotoldmeIneededtokeepher,”Iexplained.“Heevenboughtsomecatstufffor

Tasha.Actually,LukeboughtmorecatstuffthanIthoughtIneeded,butTashaseemstoloveallhertoys.”

“YougotacatwithLuke?”Tylerasked.“Doesn’tthatseemabitsudden?”

“No,Ididn’tgetacatwithLuke.Tashajustsortofendedupwithme.LukehelpedmegetthestuffI

neededaftermakingmerealizeIwasgoingtokeepher.HewasjustsupposedtopickupwhatIneededto

keepherovernightuntilIcouldfindarescueorganizationtotakeher,butitseemsheknowsmebetter

thanIthought,”Iexplained.

“Youdon’tlikecats,”Tylerremindedme.

“ItriedtellingTashaandLukethat,buttheyinsistedTashawasmycat.Lookatitthisway,ifthings

don’tworkoutwithLuke,I’vealreadystartedbuildinguptomycatladylifestyle.ConsiderTashaan

investmentinmyfuture.”

“Holdup,didyoujustcallhimLukeandnotLucas?”Tylerasked.

Irolledmyeyes.“Heinsistsonit.Don’tmakesuchabigdealoutofthis,Tyler.”

“IinsistedyoucallmeTyyearsago,butithasn’thappenedasingletime,”heremindedme.

Igavehimasweetsmile.“Let’sjustsayLukeismuchmoreconvincingwithhisargument.”

“Nodetails!”Tylersaidquickly,withhishandsupasiftowardoffimagesofmedoinganything

sexualwithhisbestfriend.Despitetheurgetomesswithmybrother,Idecidedtonotdiscussmysexlife

withTyler,especiallywhenitmeanthemightreciprocate.

“Thishashonestlybeenoneofthestrangestweekendsofmylife,”Iadmitted.

Hechuckledandhuggedme.“Nokidding.You’redatingmybestfriendandyougotacat.Thelast

partiswhat’smostshockingtome.Ican’tbelieveyougotacat.Whatmadeyoubringherintothe

studio?”

“Asidefromwantingtotakeherpicturewiththerightlighting,Ineedtotakehertothevet.Mytrashy

neighborsacrossthestreetwerehorriblecatownerswhonevergotTashaanyofhershots.Iwanttoget

thattakencareofandfindoutwhenIcanhaveherfixed.”

“Thenyou’llneverbeagrandmother,”heteased.

“Responsiblepetownersgettheirpetsspayedorneutered.Thereisahugeproblemwithover-

breedingrightnow,”ItoldTylersternly,asifI’dknownthisbeforeresearchingcatsthatmorning.I’d

neverownedapet,notevenagoldfish,soIhadnocluewhatIneededtodototakecareofakitten.

WhileI’dhadfriendswithcats,I’dneverbeentoointerestedintheircare,figuringIwasn’tananimal

person.Thankfully,Tashawasalreadylitterboxtrained,soitwasonelessthingtoworryabout.Shestill

hadn’tlearnedthatmysofawasnotascratchingpost,butwewereworkingonthat.

“CanItakethistomeanthingsaresettledbetweenyouandLuke?”Tylerasked.“Hehelpedyouget

yourcatstuff,andyou’rewillinglycallinghimLuke.Theseallseemlikesignsthatthingsaregoingwell

betweenthetwoofyou.”

Ishrugged,sittingonthesofainthereceptionareaandrummagingthroughthetakeoutbagstofindmy

sandwich.“I’dansweryourquestion,butI’mnotsurewhatyoumeanbysettled.”

“You’reacouple,”mybrattybrothersuggested,andwaitedforaresponse.Whenhedidn’tgetonehe

continued.“You’redating?”

“Wearedating,”IrepliedasIunwrappedmysandwich.“Itfeelsweirdtosaythat,letalonecallusa

couple.”

“I’msureitdoes,”Tylerremarked.“ThingsfeltweirdforBrookwhenIstarteddatingher,butit’s

workingoutgreat.I’mstillnotquitesurehowIfeelaboutyouandLuke,butIguessaslongashe’snot

stealingyourpanties,Ican’tcomplain.”

“Youdon’tthinkLukewouldstillstealmypanties,doyou?”Iasked,mostlybecauseLukehadnever

actuallyansweredmeaboutthepantiesIwasmissingfromourfirstnighttogether.Despitemyinsistence

thatIwouldknowifevenonepairofpantiesweremissingfrommydrawers,Iprobablywouldn’tnotice

ifsomeonetookpantiesfromlowerinmydrawerssinceIusuallyonlyworetheonesontop.Iprobably

hadmorepantiesthanVictoria’sSecret.

“God,Ihopenot,”Tylermuttered.

“Youdon’tsoundconvinced,”Istated.

Hehesitated,andIwonderedwhathewasn’ttellingme.“Isthisbecausehewentthroughmypanties

inthebagthenighthetookmehomefromBrook’s?”

“Youknowaboutthat?”Tyleraskedwithwideeyes.

“HowcouldInotknow?”Iasked.“Hedidn’tfoldthetissuepapercorrectly,soitwasprettyobvious

he’dpeekedinthebag.”

“Istillcan’tbelievehedidthat,”Tylermuttered.“Atleast,hedidn’ttakeany.Whyareyouasking?

DidLukestealyourpanties?”

IhesitatedbecauseIhadnoproofLukehadstolenmypanties.Theymightturnupsomewhereinhis

room.Ialsodidn’twanttoexplaintoTylerhowmypantieshadgonemissinginLuke’sbedroom.“Idon’t

thinkso,”Ireplied.

“Hewouldn’ttakethem,”Tylerstatedwithadecisivenod,andIwassurehewastryingtoconvince

himselfmorethanme.

Beforewecoulddiscussthingsfurther,IsawthecoupleIwasmeetingwiththatafternoontogoover

theirweddingpicturesgettingoutoftheircar.

“We’lltalkaboutthislater,”ItoldTyler.

“Nope,”hereplied.“Wearedefinitelynotgoingtotalkaboutthislater.Idon’twanttotalkabout

yourpantiesoranythingtodowithLukehavinghishandsonyourpanties.”

“Fine,justcheckouremailsandwatchTashaforme,”Itoldhim.

“Sincewhendoesmyjobincludecatsitting?”heasked.

“Benice,UncleTyler,orTasha’sfeelingswillbehurt,”Icooed.

Tylerjustshookhisheadandwalkedoff,mutteringaboutmedefinitelyhavingthecrazypartofthecat

ladyroledown.

ChapterTwenty

Luke

Ithadbeenalongday,partlybecauseIwastired,andpartlybecausethefluoutbreakhadleftmewith

onlyabouthalfthekidsinmyclasses.I’ddecidedtorescheduleourlabsforanotherdaysinceI’djust

endupneedingtoredoitwiththekidswhowereout.Instead,we’ddonesomereview,onlytodiscover

thattheweekendseemedtohavedrainedallpreviouslessonsfromthememoriesofmystudents.Evenmy

topstudentscouldn’tanswersimplequestions.

I’dbeentemptedtomessageChelseaonmybreak,butIendedupdecidingitwouldbebettertowait

untilafterwork.Iknewshehadabusydayofappointments,andIhadn’tbeensureshe’dbeabletotext

mebackbeforeIneededtogettoclassagain.Havingjustfinishedgettingmyclassroombackinorder,I

satatmydeskandgrabbedmyphone,onlytofindIhadmissedatextfromChelsea.

CHELS:Didyoustealmypanties?

ME:I’vebeenatschoolallday.

CHELS:YouknowwhatImean.Thatfirstnight.IwastalkingtoTyler,andhedoesn’tseemconvinced

youwon’tstealmypantiesagain.

IchuckledasIimaginedhowthatconversationhadgone.SinceIdidn’thaveanymessagesfromTy,I

figuredshehadn’ttoldhimabouthermissingpantiesfromourfirstnighttogether.Hadheheardthestory,

TylikelywouldhaveknownIhadhissister’spanties.

ME:Whydon’tyoucomesearchmybedroom?

CHELS:Areyoutryingtoavoidmyquestionorgetmeintobed?

ME:I’llalwaystrytogetyouintobed.Whatdoyouhaveplannedtonight,bunny?

CHELS:IfIdon’tlikebeingcalledadorable,Idefinitelydon’twanttobecalledbunny.

ME:Thisoneisgoodthough.Aropebunnylikestobetiedup,soyou’remyropebunny.Bunnyforshort.

CHELS:No.

ME:Iguessthismeanshoneybunnyisout.Whatareyourplansfortonight?

CHELS:Asidefrompretendingbunnyandhoneybunnywerenotonyourlistofpossiblepetnames,I’m

working.I’llbeatthestudiountileight.ThenIthinkI’llgrabsomedinneronthewayhome.

ME:HowaboutifImeetyouthere,andwecaneatatthatAfghanplacebyyourstudio?I’lldropyouback

atyourstudioafterdinner.

CHELS:Thatsoundsgreat.I’llseeyouat8.IcanleaveTashaatthestudiowhileweeat.

Ishookmyheadatthementionofherbringinghercattoworkandmadeamentalnotetopickupa

fewcatthingsincaseTashaneededtosleepoveratmyplace.SomethingtoldmeChelseawasn’tgoingto

leavethatkittenunattendedtoooftenatfirst.

ME:Lookingforwardtoit.

CHELS:Youdidn’tstealmypanties,didyou?

ME:Youneedtogetpastthisparanoia.WhatwouldIdowithyourpanties?

CHELS:Makeaslingshot?

ME:I’veoutgrownslingshots.

Ihadbeenthinkingaboutmyspecialprojectinvolvingherpanties,andIwasprettysureI’dcomeup

withtherightknot.Idefinitelyplannedtotestmytheorysoon.

ChapterTwenty-One

Chelsea

Sincemylastclientmeetingendedalittleearly,Idecidedtoloadafewthingsintomycarbefore

LukearrivedsoIwouldn’thavetoworryaboutitlater.I’dbroughtmysecondfavoritecamerainwith

me,andI’dneeditandafewpropsforthematernityshootIhadscheduledthenextday.Iwasgoingtobe

workingawayfromthestudiomostoftheday,soIhadalreadydoublecheckedtomakesureour

voicemailwasupdated.

“Hi,Chelsea.”

IwasleaningovertoputthingsinthecarwhenJason’svoicemademefreeze.Ihadn’tseenhimin

months,notsincehisarrestforassaultingmeandviolatingthetermsoftherestrainingorder.I’dhopedto

neverseehimagain.Thatwasafoolishthingtohopefor,andIshouldhaveexpectedhimtoshowup

eventually.Basedonthestalebeersmellofhisbreathandhisslurredvoice,Iknewhewasdrunk,which

wasalwaysbadnewswithJason.Ingeneral,hewasn’tviolent,evenwhenhewasdrunk,butIcouldn’t

countonthatafterourlastencounter.

WhenIstood,Jasonwasrightbehindme,crowdingmeagainstmycar.“Whatdoyouwant,Jason?”

“You,”camehishoarsereply.WhenIturned,Iwasmetwithbloodshoteyesthatwerebrimmingwith

tears.“Imissyousofuckingmuch,Chelsea.IknowIscrewedupthelasttimeIsawyou.Hurtingyouwas

wrong,butyoujustmakemecrazy.Whydoyoudothistome?”

Isnorted.ThiswastypicalJason,blamingothersforhismistakes.“Isee.So,it’smyfaultyou

attackedme?”

“Itwasn’tlikethat,”Jasonwhined.

“Itwasexactlylikethat,”Iinsisted,hopingLukewouldshowupsoon.WhileIwasn’texactly

helpless,Jasonwasbiggerthanme,andhe’dalreadyprovenhewaswillingtohurtme.ThelasttimeI’d

seenhim,he’dpushedmeagainstawallandchokedme.

“Iloveyou,”headded,reachingouttostrokemycheek.

Notwantinghishandsonme,Iquicklyduckedunderhisarm,thankfulforhissluggishmovementsand

slowreactiontime.

Ratherthanlookingangry,Jasonlookedamused.“Oh,Iseehowitis.Youwannawrestlelikewe

usedto.Youwannaplay.”

“No,”Isaidsternly,backingawayfromhim.“Ifyoudon’tleave,I’mgoingtocallthepoliceandhave

youarrested.Youcan’tcomenearme.Ajudgealreadytoldyouthat.”

Jasonwasstartingtolookangry,soIwasgladwhenIsawtheheadlightsofacarturningintothelot.

ItwasprobablyLuke.

“Whydoyouhavetobesuchabitch?”Jasonsnarled,beforestumblingclumsilytowardme.

“What’sgoingonhere?”Lukeaskedasheclimbedoutofhiscarandstalkedtowardus.Whilehis

voicewascalm,Icouldheartheunderlyingcurrentofanger.LukewaspissedatJason.He’dneverliked

him,andithadtobeobviousJasonwastryingtointimidateme.

“I’mtalkingtomywife,”JasontoldLuke.

BeforeIcouldcorrectJasononthestatusofourmarriageagain,Lukespoke.“No,you’retalkingto

mygirlfriend.”

“No!”Jasonshoutedinahoarsevoicefilledwithmorepainthanangerthistime.WhileIknewJason

wasonlycomingaftermebecausehehatedtolose,Jasonwasthetypeofpersonwhostartedtobelieve

hisownliesafteratime.Hebelievedhelovedme.“Iloveher.Shecan’tbegone.”

“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouit’sover?”Idemanded.

“Youneedtostaythefuckawayfromher,”Lukegrowled.“I’mstillpissedthatIdidn’tgettobreak

yourjawthelasttimeyoufuckedwithChelsea.”

“Whatever,”Jasonslurredandstaggeredtowardhiscar.

“Fuck,”Lukegrowled.“Ican’tlethisdrunkassdrivehome.Doyouknowwherehelives?”

Inodded.“Henevermovedafterourdivorce.”

“I’mgoingtodrivehimhome,”Lukefinallysaid.“IfIcallhimacab,Igettheimpressionhewon’tgo

home.Idon’twanthimgettingbehindthewheelofhiscarandkillingsomeone.”

Iletoutafrustratedbreath.“DamnJasonforruiningourdinnerplans.”

Lukechuckledatmyreaction.“Howaboutifwetrythisagaintomorrow?”

“I’dlikethat,”Ireplied,surprisedhowthingsdidn’tfeelweirdwhenLukewaswithme.MaybeIjust

neededtospendmoretimearoundLuke.ThatwasathoughtI’dneverexpectedtohave.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Luke

OfallthewaysI’dexpectedmyeveningtoend,drivingJasonEdgewood’swhining,drunkenass

homehadnotbeenonmylistofpossibilities.Whenhe’dfirstgottenintomycar,I’dbeenhopinghe

wouldn’tpassoutandforcemetocarryhimintohishouse.Ithadn’ttakenlongformetochangemyview

onthat.I’dgladlycarryhiminsideforsomepeaceandquiet.

“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhyshewon’tgivemeanotherchance,”Jasonlamented.“Igaveher

everything.Shewouldn’tevenhavethatbusinessifitweren’tforme.Andhowdoessherepaymeformy

kindness?SheleavesmeandgetsarestrainingorderagainstmelikeI’msomekindofcriminal.”

“Youareacriminal,dickhead,”Isnapped.

“HowamIacriminal?”hedemandedindignantly.

ItwasthenthatIrealizedwhatIhatedmostaboutJason.Hewasanarcissisticprickwhofeltthe

worldshouldfallathisfeet.JasonEdgewoodlivedinhisownlittleworldwherehisshitdidn’tstinkand

everyoneelsewaswrong.Inshort,heremindedmeofmyfather.

“Thereisnoreasoningwithyou,”Igrumbled.

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”hewhined.“I’manextremelyreasonableperson.Youknowwhat?I

don’tneedadvicefromamanwhowouldstealanotherman’swife.”

“Youdon’twantmyadvice,andI’massumingyoudon’twantmetopullover,kickyoursorryass,

andleaveyouonthesideoftheroad,soIsuggestyoushutthefuckup,”Iwarned.Therealizationthat

JasonwassomuchlikemyfatherhadmeangryforreasonshavingnothingtodowithJason.I’dpunched

myownfatherrecentlyforinsultingmystepmom.Theassholehadactuallybelieved,afterbeinggonefor

adecade,hecouldcomehomeandBrookwouldwelcomehimwithopenarms.Hestillhadnocluewhy

she’dturneddownhisoffer.

Chelsea’ssituationwasdifferent,andIdidn’tknowallthedetails,buttheonethingJasonhadin

commonwithmyfatherwashisbeliefthathewassomeprizecatch.Thedumbassdidn’tseemtorealize

Chelseawastoogoodforhim.

Thankfully,JasonfellsilentfortheremainderofthetripbecauseIdidn’tthinkmyself-controlwould

lastmuchlongeraroundhim.

“Whataboutmycar?”JasonfinallyaskedwhenIgothimtohisfrontdoor.

“Youcantakeacaboverthereandpickituptomorrow,”Itoldhim.“Justsoyouknow,Tywillbe

thereallweektomakesureyoudon’tfuckwithChelseaagain.”

Jasonmadehiswayintohishouse,mutteringabouthoweveryonewasalwayspickingonhim,andall

IcouldthinkaboutwashowpissedIwasatthelittlefuckerformessingupmyeveningandforcingmeto

listentohimbitch.

Whenmyphonerangonthewaybacktomycar,Ianswereditwithoutlookingatwhowascalling,

assumingitwasChelsea.

“Hello,”Isaid,stoppingbesidemycar.

“Heythere,Luke,”myassholedadgreetedme,becauseapparently,myeveninghadn’talreadybeen

fuckedupenough.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Idemanded.“Ijusthadtodealwithanotherwhinylittlebitch,soI’minno

moodtodealwithyou.”

“Iforgaveyouforthatoutburstatthehouse,”mydadbeganindignantly.“Youwereupset,butyou’ve

hadtimetogetyourselfundercontrol.I’myourfather,andIwillbetreatedwithrespect.”

“Whydon’tyouholdyourbreathuntilthathappens?”Isuggested.

“Iamserious,Luke.”Hesoundedmuchlessconfidentallofasudden.“Youowemealot.”

“You’reright,”Iagreed.

“Damnstraight,I’mright.”Myagreementquicklyhadmydadbacktosoundingself-righteous.

“Brookdidagreatjobofraisingme,andIoweyouformarryingherandthenleaving.I’dhateto

thinkwhatmylifewouldhavebeenlikehadyoustuckaroundthewholetime,”Iadded.

Thesilenceontheotherendofthelinelastedsolong,Iwasaboutreadytohangupwhenmydad

finallyspokeagain.“Iseeyou’restilltakingBrook’sside.”

“Yup,”wasallIsaid.

“Thisdivorceisnotgoingthrough,”hespatout.

“It’llgothroughnomatterwhatyoudo,”Itoldhim.“I’msureyourattorneyhasalreadytoldyouthat.

IfyoukeepfuckingwithBrook,shemaydecidetotakeeverythingsheshouldgetinthisdivorce.”

“Isupportedherforoveradecade,”mydadargued.

“Whyareyoucallingme?”Iasked,wonderingwhyIhadn’tchangedmynumberassoonasmydad

hadgottenit.

“Iwantedtoseeifyou’dtalksomesenseintoBrook,”herepliedwithahuff.“Sinceyouwon’tdo

that,thenIguessI’lljustgoaheadwithdelayingthenextcourtappearance.”

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Isimplycouldn’tfigureoutwhathehadtogain.Atmost,hecoulddelay

thedivorce,andIcouldn’tfindanyreasonforhimdoingthat.“Don’tgivemesomebullshitlineabout

lovingher.Webothknowyoudon’t.”

“Ineedawife,”mydadrepliedasifitwereobvioustoeveryone.“I’malreadymarriedtoBrook.So,

there’snoreasontochangethat.”

“Youarefuckingclueless,”Imutteredbeforeendingthecall.

Whenmyphoneimmediatelystartedbuzzingagain,IpracticallygrowleduntilIsawitwasChelsea

calling.

“Hey,Chels.”

“Hey,”shereplied.“IjustwantedtocallandthankyoufordealingwithJason.”

“I’mgladtodoitforyou,”Irepliedhonestly.“Jasonwasapainintheassandwhinedmostofthe

trip,butit’sbetterthanriskinghimdrivinglikethat.”

“So,what’sbotheringyou,”sheasked.

IhesitatedbecauseIwasn’tusedtotalkingaboutthingsrelatedtomydad.WhileItalkedtoBrook

aboutthemsome,therewasstillalotIheldback.I’mnotgoodatsharing.

“Nothing’sbotheringme,”Iassuredher.

“Isee,”shereplied,anditwasthewayshesaiditthatmademerealizeshewasnotatallhappywith

myanswer.

“Chels,everythingreallyisfine.I’mjustinamood,”Iexplained.

“AboutJason?”sheasked.

Ihesitatedagain.

“That’sfine,”sheassuredmewithaslightedgetohervoice.“Youdon’thavetotellmewhat’sgoing

on.”

“Weagreedtodateyesterday,”Iremindedher.

“Areyougoingsomewherewiththis?”sheasked.

IslidintothecarandputthecallonspeakersoIcoulddrivewhilewearguedsincesomethingtold

methat’sexactlywhatwasabouttohappen.Apparently,Icouldn’tgoonedaywithoutpissingheroff.

“MypointisthatImaynotalwayswanttotalkaboutmyfeelings,”Istated.“I’mnotusedtotalking

abouthowIfeel,andsometimes,Ijustneedtoworkthroughitalone.I’mtryingtobemoreopenwithyou,

butyoupushingmetotalkisn’tgoingtohelp.”

“Nexttime,Isuggestyousimplytellmeyoudon’twanttotalkaboutitinsteadoflyingtome,”

Chelseasaid,soundingalittlepissed.“You’vebeenplentyopenwithyourfeelingsallweekend,soIhad

noreasontosuddenlyassumeyoudidn’twanttotalk.”

“You’reright,”Iadmitted.“Nexttime,I’lltrytoremembertotellyouIdon’twanttotalk.Ican’t

makeanypromisessinceI’vehadyearsofpracticehidingmyfeelings.Thereareprobablygoingtobe

timeswhenIfuckuplikethisagain.Trytobepatientwithme.”

“Ifyouwanttotalktomeaboutyourconversationwithyourdad,letmeknow.Otherwise,Ipromise

nottobringitup,”Chelseaassuredme,shockingmewithheraccurateguessaboutwhyIwasupset.

“HowdidyouknowItalkedtomydad?”Iasked.

“Itcouldhavealsobeenyourmom,”sheadmitted.“Ijustassumeditwasyourdadsincehe’sbeenthe

recentproblem.”

“Yeah,itwasmydad,andno,Idon’twanttotalkabouthim,”Iadmitted.

“I’msorryJasonruinedourdinner,”shetoldme,andIwasgratefulshewasrespectingmyneedfor

space.I’dhavetocallBrooklatertoletherknowmydadwasgoingtotrytochangethecourtdateagain.

Withanyluck,herattorneycoulddosomethingtostophim.

“Metoo,”Iagreed.“Iwasreallylookingforwardtoseeingyoutonight.”

“Doyouwanttocomeover?”sheoffered.

“Yes,butIneedtobeupearlytomorrow,soI’dbetterheadhome,”Ireplied.

“Ijustgothome,soI’mgoingtoeatmytakeoutandcuddlewithTasha,”shetoldme.

“Promisetohavenaughtydreamsaboutme,”Icoaxed.

Chelseagiggled.“I’mbeginningtothinkthosearetheonlydreamsIhaveanymore.”

“That’sbecauseI’myourdreamcometrue,”Istated.

Shesnorted.“Irefusetofeedyouroversizedego.”

“Goodnight,Chels,”Imurmured.

“Goodnight,Luke,”shereplied,beforeadding,“Imissyou.”

Thelinewentdead,anddespitehowcrappythelastthirtyminutesofmydayhadbeen,Ihadtosmile.

Chelseamissedme,andshehadnaughtydreamsaboutme.Datingwasgoingprettywell,evenwiththe

fewhiccupswe’dhadtodealwithsofar.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Chelsea

Onethingthatwasniceaboutmyfriendswasweallhadjobsthatallowedustogettogetherinthe

middleoftheweek.WeweremeetingonaWednesdaysincethatwastheonlydayweallhadavailable.

DelaneyhadabookreleasingnextTuesday,soithadbeenhardconvincinghertogoout.Eventhoughshe

didn’thavemuchworktodorightbeforeareleaseday,Delaneyalwaysstayedhomeandobsessedabout

everythingthatcouldgowrongwiththebook.Thistime,shewasworriedtherewouldbeaglitchinthe

systemthatcausedherbooktobesentoutwithonlythefirstandlastpages.She’djustfinishedtellingus

herplansforthatpossibleoutcome.

“Hasthateverhappened?”Brookasked.

“Sofar,ithasn’thappenedtooneofmybooks,”sheadmitted.

“Hasithappenedtoanyone’sbooks?”Iasked.

“NotthatIknowof,”Delaneyreplied.“YouthinkI’mbeingparanoid,don’tyou?”

“Yes,”BrookandIbothsaidinunison.

WeweresittinginthebarareaofourfavoriteMexicanrestaurant,farfromtheactualrestaurantarea

becauseofourhistoryofinappropriateconversations.Theonlypeopleseatedanywherenearuswerean

elderlycouple.Thewife,Wanda,wasariot,andherpresencealwaysaddedtoourfun.Herhairhadbeen

dyedbrightpink,andshewaswearinglipstickthatnearlymatchedherhair.Herlongacrylicnailsusually

matchedherhair,butthatevening,shehadgonewithsparklyblackpolish.Despitethefactthatshe

apparentlyhadaverywildsexlifewithherhusband,hetendedtodisapproveofourconversations

wheneverhehappenedtooverhearoneofthem.That’swhyWandaalwaysturnedhishearingaiddown.It

occasionallyresultedinsomemisunderstandings,butitusuallykepthimfrommakingherangrybysaying

anythingrudetous,orworse,convincingustostoptalkingaboutsex.

IlaughedwhenIheardWandamuttersomethingaboutDelaneyneedingmedication,whichbrought

Delaney’sattentiontome.

“HowarethingsgoingwithLuke?”Delaneyaskedsweetly.“Haveyoudoneanythingtoearnany

specialrewardsyet?”

“Ihaven’tseenLukesinceMonday,”Itoldher.“Wedidn’tgettospendanytimetogetherthen

becauseJasonshowedupatthestudioactinglikeanass.”I’dplannedtohavedinnerwithLukeon

Tuesday,butI’dendeduptakingonalastminuteclient.

“Jasonissuchadick,”Delaneymuttered.

“Don’tinsultdicks,”Brookscolded.

“Now,yousoundlikeLuke,”ItoldBrook.

“DoyouandLuketalkaboutdicksalot?”Delaneyasked.

“Don’tanswerthat,”Brookwarned.“Youdon’twanttohearaboutmysexlifewithTy,andIdon’t

wanttohearaboutyourswithLuke.”

“Imayneedtostartgoingoutwithyoubothseparately,”Delaneygrumbled.“Iwanttohearabout

bothyoursexlives.”

“PoorDelaney,”Isaidwithoutanounceofsympathy.

“So,norewards?”Delaneyasked,lookingdisappointed.WhenIdidn’tanswer,shecontinued.“I

couldalwayssuggestsomethingsyoucoulddotogetLuketorewardyou.”

“I’mnotsureIwantLuketorewardme,”Ilied.Therewasn’tadoubtinmymindIwantedLuketo

rewardmeagain,butIstillwasn’tsharingwithDelaney,partlybecauseitwasalittleembarrassingto

talkabout,butmostlybecauseIfeltitwassomethingDelaneyshouldexperienceherselfconsideringher

fascination.

“Ifyoudon’ttrylettinghimrewardyou,howwillyouknowifyoulikeit?”Delaneyasked.

“Enough!”Brookinterruptedwithahandup.“WhileIdon’twantexactdetailsaboutsexbetweenyou

andLuke,thiscodeyouareworkingatisannoying.Justsayyouhaven’thadsexandyou’renotsureyou

wantto.”

“We’vehadsex,”ItoldBrook.

“Chelseaisatotalslut!”Delaneyaddedwithglee.“Shelethimtakeherhomethefirstnighttheywent

out,andshedidn’tevenknowitwasadate.”

“Goodforyou!”Wandachimedin.“Peoplewilltellyouallthatmalarkeyaboutthemannotbuying

thecow,butwhywouldhewantthecowifhedoesn’tknowhowsweetthemilkis?Mymilkwasplenty

sweetwhenImetmyThomas,andthat’spartofthereasonhewassoquicktosliparingonmyfinger.

Sadly,mymilkhassouredsomeovertheyears.”

Herhusbandreachedoutandpattedherhandlovingly.“Yourmilkisevensweetertoday,”heassured

her.“Now,stoptalkingtothebartrollops.”

“Oh,mercy!”Wandaexclaimed.“Iforgottoturndownhisblastedhearingaid.Sorry,girls.”

IwavedoffherapologyandtriedtoignoreWandascoldingherhusbandassheadjustedhishearing

aidsohewouldn’thearanymoreofourconversation.

“Don’ttalkaboutanythinggooduntilIgetbackfromtheladiesroom,”shetoldusaftergettingher

husband’shearingaidsetup.

“Sheismyidol.Iwanttobejustlikeher,”Delaneysaidonasighaswewatchedherwalkoff.

“ThenIsuggestyoustarthavingsex,”Brooktoldher.“Youknowwhattheysay.Ifyoudon’tuseit,

youloseit.”

“I’llhaveyouknow,itgetsplentyofuse,”Delaneyinsisted.

“WithsomeoneotherthanJustin?”Iasked.Delaney’sfavoritevibratorwasnamedJustinCase

becauseshekepthimaroundjustincaseshewashorny.

“Justintakescareofbusiness,”Delaneyargued.“NoonecouldevertakecareofthingsthewayJustin

does.He’strulyallIneed.”

“Buthecan’tgiveyouthatspankingyou’recraving,”Iremindedherwithasweetsmile.

“Yes!”Brookadded.“Thatiswhyyouneedaman.Youneedhimtospankyousoyoucanwritethat

storyinsteadofaskingmeifTywillspankmeallthetime.Incaseyou’regettingreadytoask,noIwill

notgetTytospankmewhileyouwatch.”

“I’mdonewithyou,”Delaneytoldher.“Now,I’mjustwaitingforChelseatobeagoodgirlsoLuke

willspankher.Healreadypromisedhe’ddoitifshe’sgood.”

“Isitjustme,orisDelaney’sobsessionwithspankinggettingoutofhand?”IaskedBrook.

“Youaredefinitelyrightaboutitgettingoutofhand,”Brookagreed.“Whatweneedistoputupa

personaladthatsayshotredheadindesperateneedofaspanking.”

“Fuckme.”Thosewordsweremutteredbyaguywhowasprobablybarelyoldenoughtodrink,and

hewaseyingDelaneylikeshewashisdreamcometrue.“Sorry,”hesaid,hischeeksturningpink.“Iwas

justheadingtothebartoorderadrinksincemywaitressdisappeared,andIheardyoutalkingabout

spanking.Itwasaprettyhotimage.”

“Wouldyourespondtoheradaskingforaspanking?”Brookasked,despiteDelaney’swarningglare.

“Wecouldjustletyoudothisnow,”Iadded.Itwasn’toftenwegottomakeDelaneyuncomfortable

sinceshewasmorethanwillingtotalkaboutanythinginpublic—almostanythingitseemed.

“Ishouldgogetmydrink.Myfriendsarewaitingforme,”hesputteredbeforehurryingaway.

“Iwonderifhe’lltellhisfriendsallaboutthehotredheadwhoofferedtolethimspankher,”Imused.

“Ididn’toffertolethimspankme,”Delaneyargued.“Youofferedtolethimspankme.”

“Technically,wejustaskedifhe’drespondtoyourpersonaladaskingforaspanking,”Brookpointed

out.“There’sahugedifference.Although,Isupposeweinsinuatedhecouldspankyouhere.”

“HowdidwegetfromLukespankingyoutomebeingspankedbystrangemenatabar?”Delaney

asked.

“WhatdidImiss?”Wandaasked,probablyhavingjustreturnedfromtheladiesroom.

IfiguredIhadtwochoices.EitherIcouldcontinuetoembarrassDelaney,orletherembarrassme.

WhileIknewshe’dgetmeforitlater,Idecideditwouldbeworthit.

“Delaneywantsthecuteguybythebartospankher,”Iexplained.

“Infrontofeveryoneatthebar,”Brookadded.

Ourseniorspitfirewasshakingherhead.“Thatsortofthingneverappealedtome,butIguessifit

floatsyourboat,thenthat’sokay.IfIhadanyfannylefttoswat,Imightbetemptedtotryit.”

“I’mnotreallyintothatsortofthingeither,”Delaneyassuredher.“Ijustwanttowriteastorywitha

spankingscene,andmyfriendsarereallyintoit.Theleasttheycoulddoishelpmewithresearch.”

“Youaresuchaliar,”BrooktoldDelaney.

“Football’sonsoon,”Thomasshouted,whichhealwaysdidwhenhishearingaidwasturneddown.

“There’snofootballonWednesday,”sheargued,buthewasalreadystandingandheadingoutafter

droppingmoneyonthetable.“Atleast,Igottowatchpartoftheshow,”shegrumbledasshefollowedher

husbandout.

“Now,IreallyneedtohearhowthingsaregoingwithLuke,”Brookbegan.

“Youcangivemethenakeddetailslater,”Delaneyadded.

IshookmyheadatDelaney’spersistence.“I’mnotsuretherearemanydetailstogive.Istillcan’t

believeyoutoldLuketocheckoutmyprofileonthedatingsite.”

Brookflashedasheepishsmile.

“That’swhyyourefusedtoconsiderthedatingsiteIsuggested,”Delaneysaid.“Youareasneaky

bitch,Brook.”

“I’mcuriousastowhyyouthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatosuggestLukepursueme.”

Brookshrugged.“Itwasobvioushehadacrushonyouwhenyouwereyounger.Ijustfiguredifhe

stilllikedyou,heshouldgiveitashot.”

“Hestolemypanties,”Iremindedher.“Infact,Ithinkhemayhavestolenmypantiesagain.”

“Thatseemshighlyunlikely,”Delaneyargued.“Itwouldmakeforaninterestingstory,butIjustdon’t

seeamiddleschoolscienceteacherstealingpanties.”

“I’mwithDelaneyonthis,”Brookadded.

“MaybeIamcrazyforthinkinghestolemypantiesthatfirstnight,”Iadmitted.

“Waitjustaminute,”Delaneybegan.“Areyoutellingmeyoudidthewalkofshamewithnopanties

on?You’reanevenbiggerslutthanIoriginallythought.”

“YoulostyourpantiesatLuke’shouse?”Brookasked.

“Ithoughtyoudidn’twantdetails,”Iremindedher.

“Idon’t,butthisisoneofthosethingsIsimplyhavetohearabout.Notthenakeddetails,butthepart

aboutyougoinghomewithnopanties.Lukereallyhasyourpantiesathishouseandhehasn’treturned

themyet?”Brookasked.

“Theymightbelost,”Iadmitted.

Brooksaidnothing.

“Youthinkhetookthem,”Delaneydeduced.

“It’sjustthatLukebecamesomewhatofaneatfreakwhenhewasawayatcollege,”Brookexplained.

“I’mhavingahardtimebelievinghehasn’tfoundthem.”

“They’resmall,”Itoldher.“It’spossibletheygottuckedinsomelittlecrevice.”

“Isuppose,”Brookagreed.

“Now,I’mevenmoresuspicious.DoyouthinkIshouldcountmypantiesafterhesleepsover?”I

asked.

BothDelaneyandBrookstartedlaughing.

“What’ssofunny?”Idemanded.

“Hemighthavetakenthatonepairassomekindoftrophy,”Delaneyexplained.“Still,whywouldhe

stealabunchofyourpanties?Thatseemsalittlebizarre.”

“You’reright,”Iagreed.“IhavenocluewhyIthoughtthat.”

“Becauseyouareacrazyladywhenitcomestopanties?”Brooksuggested.

IopenedmymouthtoarguebeforerealizinghowfutilethatwouldbewithBrookandDelaney.Each

hadseenmycollectionandshoppedwithme.TheyknewIhadaproblem.

“So,thingsaregoingwellwithLuke?”Brookasked.

“Theyare,”Iadmitted.“Atleast,theyarewhenI’mwithhim.”

“Whataboutwhenyou’renotwithhim?”Brookpushed.

“ThenIstarttothinkofallthereasonsIdon’twanttodateanyone,”Iadmitted.“Ialsothinkaboutthe

factthatIdon’twanttolosecontrolofmylifeagain.There’salsoLuke’sagethatcomesupmorewhen

I’mawayfromhim.WhenI’mwithhim,everythingseemsfine,andIdon’teventhinkabouthisageor

worryaboutbeinghurt.Beingtogetherseemsnatural.”

Delaneyshrugged.“It’sanewrelationship,andyou’reusedtothinkingofLukeinamuchdifferent

way.Thiswilltakesomegettingusedto.”

“You’realsoafraidtotrustanyoneafterwhathappenedwithJason,”Brookadded.

“You’rebothright,”Iagreed.“CanIadmitsomethingtoyou?”

“Anything,”Brookassuredme,puttingacomfortinghandonmyshoulder.

“I’mafraidI’llneverbeabletotrustLukecompletelyafterwhathappenedwithJason,andifIcan’t

trustsomeoneI’veknownaslongasLuke,howcanIeverexpecttotrustanyone.”

“That’sit!Youneedsomeretailtherapy,”Delaneystated.

“Canweshopforpanties?”Iasked,notcaringifitjustreinforcedthefactthatIhadaproblem.

“Ofcoursewecan,sweetie,”Brookagreed.

Iletoutasigh,notatallsurprisedwhenmythoughtsimmediatelywenttowhichpantieswoulddrive

Lukeoutofhismind.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Luke

I’dbeenlookingforwardtomyeveningwithChelseaallday.Itwouldtechnicallybeourfirstdate.I

packedanovernightbag,hopingI’dgetaninvitationtostayatherplace.Iwasn’tgoingtopushforit,but

Idefinitelywouldn’tturnitdown.Consideringwe’dspentthenighttogethertwicealready,Ihadgood

reasontobehopeful.MyonlyconcerncamefromChelsea’sbehavior.She’dbeenactingfunnywhenwe’d

talked.Icouldn’tfigureoutwhatitwasthatwasbotheringme.It’snotthatshewasactingstandoffish,just

thatsheseemedlesscomfortablewithme.

IrangthebellandwaitedforChelseatoanswerthedoor,excitedtoseeher.I’ddefinitelymissedher

thelastcoupleofdays,andIwasn’tashamedtoadmitit.

WhenChelseaansweredthedoor,myeyesnearlybuggedoutofmyhead.Iwasusedtoseeing

Chelseainjeansandt-shirts,whichwassexyashell.Thatnight,Chelseaworeablackdressthatclungto

heramplebreastsbeforeflowingoutaroundhershapelyhips.

“Youlookincredible,”Itoldher.Ifmyvoicewasalittlehoarse,Icouldn’thelpit.I’dbeenmorethan

alittleturnedonbeforeshe’dopenedthedoor.Seeingherinthatdresshadmewantingtopushherinto

thehouseandfuckheronthenearestsurface.Anysurfacewoulddoatthemoment.

“Thankyou,”sherepliedwithasmilethattoldmeshe’dknownwhatthatdresswoulddotomewhen

she’ddecidedtowearit.

“Areyoutryingtoseduceme,Chels?”Iasked.

“DoIreallyneedtotry?”shecooed,turningtolockthedoor,whichgavemeagreatviewofher

perfectass.

“ThenIhavetoassumeyou’retryingtoteaseme,”Iguessed,andwhenshefacedme,hernonetoo

innocentsmilewasanswerenough.“Areyougoingtoletmerepaythefavorlater?”

“We’llsee,”sheteasedwithasiren’ssmile.“Thatwillalldependonhowwellyoubehave.”

Idefinitelylikedthechallengeinhervoice.“We’llseehowcockyyou’refeelingwhenI’vegotyou

tiedtoyourbedlater.Imayhavetobringyoutotheedgewithmytongueandstopafewtimes.”

Icaughtherasshenearlytrippedoverherownfeet.

“Youdon’thaveyourhandybondageboxwithyou,”sheremindedme.

“Don’tworry,”Iassuredher.“Icandefinitelyfindsomethingtotieyouupwith.”

“Howdoyoudothis?”sheasked,asIopenedthecardoorforher.

“Dowhat?”Iasked.

“Makeeverythingseemokay,”shereplied.

“I’mnotsureIunderstandyourquestion,”Iconfessed.

“SinceMonday,I’vebeenwonderingifwhatwe’redoingisahugemistake,”sheexplained.“You’re

sixyearsyoungerthanmeandmybrother’sbestfriend.Notonlythat,you’remybestfriend’sstepson.All

thatisenoughtomakethisawkward.”

“Don’tforgetyourtrustissues,”Iremindedher,notreallyupsetwithwhatshewassayingsinceshe

clearlywasn’tuncomfortablewithme.

“Let’snotleaveoutyourproblemwithcommunicatingyourfeelings,”sheadded.

“Wecan’tforgetthatissue,”Iagreed.“There’sonlyonesolutiontoyourproblem.”

“What’sthat?”sheasked.

“Youneedtospendallyoursparetimewithme,”Ireplied.

“Ido?”Shedefinitelysoundedskepticalofmybrilliantplan.

“Absolutely,”Itoldher.“Whenyou’rearoundme,youdon’tfeelweirdaboutanyofthis.Itmakes

sensethatyouneedtospendmoretimewithmetoalleviatestress.”

Chelseashookherheadandslidintothecar.“ThefactthatIthinkyou’remakingperfectsensesaysa

lotaboutmysanity.”

IchuckledandsquattedbesidethecartogrinatChelsea.“HaveItoldyouhowadorableyouare

whenyou’reagreeingwithme?”

Rollinghereyes,shegroanedbeforeresponding.“Stopcallingmeadorable,Luke.”

“It’sevenmoreadorablewhenyou’retellingmewhattodo.”

Beforeshecouldcomplain,Ileanedintogiveherbriefkissonthemouth.“Let’seat,soIcantake

youhomeandgetyounaked.”

Walkingaroundtomysideofthecar,IdecidedIwasrightaboutChelseaneedingtospendmoretime

withme.ThedistanceI’dsensedoverthelastcoupledaysclearlyhadtodowithChelseaworryingtoo

muchwhenIwasn’taround.Ijustneededtomakesureshedidn’thavetimetoworryaboutallthereasons

shethoughtweshouldn’tbetogether.

ChapterTwenty-Five

Chelsea

IwasgladI’ddecidedtowearadressformydate.Normally,Iwasajeans-and-t-shirtkindofgirl

unlessIwasworkinganicerevent,butforsomereason,I’dwantedtodressniceforLuke.Hedefinitely

seemedtoappreciatemyefforts,andIcaughthimcheckingmeoutseveraltimesthroughoutourmeal.The

restaurantwedecidedonwasknownforitsgreattakeout,andpeoplerarelyactuallyatethere.Theyeven

hadawindow,sopeoplecouldgrabtheirorderswithoutactuallygoingintotherestaurant.Forthat

reason,weweretheonlydiners,andthestaffwasbusyinthekitchen,givingitamoreintimatefeel.

Sofar,ourconversationhadbeencasual,andthere’dbeennomoretalkofLuketyingmeupwhenwe

gotbacktomyplace.Still,Isuspecteditwasonhismind.IknewLukewouldbespendingthenight,even

thoughwehadn’tdiscussedit.Whenwe’dbeentextingaboutourworkschedules,he’dmentionedthere

beingnoschoolonFriday.

“Whatkindofpantiesdoyouhaveunderthatdress,”Lukemurmuredclosetomyearashewalkedme

outtothecarafterdinner.

Ilaughedathisquestionbecauseitwascompletelyinappropriate,butitdidn’tsurprisemeatall.

“WhatmakesyouthinkI’mwearingpanties?”

Lukegroaned.“Don’tteaseme,Chels,orI’llbetemptedtoslidemyhandunderyourdresstofindout

ifyouhaveanythingunderthere.”

“Youwouldn’tdare,”Iinsisted,certainhecouldn’tbeserioussincewewereinapublicplace.Luke

hadalreadytoldmehewasn’tintoexhibitionism.

“Notnormally,”headmitted.“Withyou,I’mnotsureIcanwaittogetyoualonetofindout.That’s

quiteapictureyoujustpaintedinmymind.Asniceasitis,somethingtellsmeawomanwithyour

obsessionwithpantiesisn’tlikelytogoouttodinnerwithoutspendingasmuchtimeselectingherpanties

asshespentonherdress.”

“I’mnotthatbad,”Iargued.Actually,Iwasworse.Ingeneral,Ispentmoretimeworryingaboutthe

pantiesIwasgoingtowearthanIdidabouttherestofmyclothing.Naturally,Iwantedthemtomatchmy

bra,ormoreaccurately,Iwantedtopickabrathatmatchedmypanties.

“Let’splayagame,”hesuggested.

“Whatkindofgame?”Iaskedcuriously,hopingithadsomethingtodowithsexbecauseIreallyliked

thegamesLukehadcomeupwithsofar.

“IfIcanguesswhattypeofpantiesyouhaveunderthatdress,Igettoplaywithyourbodyforanhour

beforewespendtimewithTashawhenwegetbacktoyourplace,”hesuggested.

“Butshe’llbelonely,”Iargued,wonderingwhenI’dbecomemoreconcernedwiththatpussyinmy

life.

“Thirtyminutes,”hecountered.

Iconsideredwhathe’dsaidforamoment.Tashahadbeenwithmemostoftheday,andshe’dgone

offtoenjoyalonetimebeforeI’dleft.Itwaspossibleshewouldn’tbebeggingforattentionwhenIgot

home,butIwasn’tsureIcouldfocusonsexwithLukeifshewasbeggingoutsidemydoor.“Butwhatif

she’scrying?”

Luke’sfacesoftened,andheregardedmewithafondexpression.“Youaregoingtomakeafantastic

mother.”

“Oh,no!”Ishookmyheadwildly.“Don’tevenstarttalkingaboutthat.Muchtomymother’sdismay,I

can’tevenimaginehavingchildren.”

“Thatsurprisesme,”Lukestated.“Youhavegreatparents.Ifiguredyou’dwantafamilyofyour

own.”

Ishrugged.“ImarriedJasonwiththeideaofstartingafamily.Itdidn’ttakelongtorealizehe’dmake

ahorriblefather.He’sfartooselfish.OnceIstartedthinkingaboutlifewithoutkids,Ilikedtheidea.Not

allwomenwanttobemommies.MaybeI’llchangemymindsomeday,butfornow,Iliketheideaofjust

beingafunauntiewhenTylerhaskids.”

Lukenodded.“It’sfinewithmeifyoudon’twantkids.Wecansticktofurrychildren.”

IworkedhardnottorespondtoLuke’sstatementbecauseIwasn’treadytothinkaboutafuturewhere

Ihadpetswithhim.ThatwasthereasonIwasstillpretendingIhadn’theardhimsayhelovedme.While

Lukeseemedcomfortablewithwherethingsweregoingwithus,Iwasn’tsureaboutanyofityet.

Sensingmyunease,LukepushedforwardwithourconversationbeforeIcouldcommentonwhathe’d

said.

“IfTashaiscryingforyouatthebedroomdoor,thebet’soff,”Lukeagreed.“I’dneverwanttoignore

theneedsofyourpussy.”

Cockingmyheadtotheside,Iconsideredhisterms.“WhatdoIgetifyoulose?”

“Whatdoyouwant?”heasked,lookingintrigued.

“Ifyouguesswrong,Iwantyoutostripdowntowhatevernerdyboxersyouhaveonandletmeenjoy

yourbody.”

Withagrinthatwasdownrightpredatory,herespondedtomychallenge.“ItsoundslikeIwineither

way.”

“Iwasthinkingthesamething,”Isaidwithasweetsmile.“Here’sthedeal.It’snotenoughtoguess

thestyle.Youneedtoguessthecolorandfabric.”

LukeconsideredwhatI’dsaidforamomentbeforenodding.“Igotthis.”

“So,what’syourguess?”

Helookedthoughtful.“Definitelylace,”hebegan.“WhenIhuggedyou,Ifeltthelacefromyourbra,

andIdon’tthinkyou’dgooutwithoutmakingsureyourbraandpantiesmatch.”

“Goon,”Iurged,neitherconfirmingnordenyinghisguess.

“Ialsogotapeekatyourbrastrapwhenyouwereputtingonyourseatbelt,”hecontinued.“Blueis

myfavoritecolor,bytheway.”

“Isthatyourguess?”Iasked.

Henodded.“Asforthestyle,it’sathong.Youarewearingabluelacethong.TellmeI’mrightsoI

canstartthinkingaboutallthethingsI’mgoingtododuringmyhalfhour.”

Ishrugged.“Iguessyou’llfindoutwhenwegetbacktomyplace.”

Lukefrowned.“That’snotfair.”

“PoorLuke,”Icrooned.

Helaughedatmyteasing.“Youareanevilwoman,andIfuckingloveit.Let’sgo.I’mnotsureIcan

waitmuchlongertofindoutwhowonthisbet.”

“Hmmm.Maybeweshouldstopfordessert,”Imused.“Icouldgoforsomethingdecadent.Don’tyou

thinkIdeserveatreat?”

“You’lldefinitelygetatreatwhenwegetbacktoyourplace,”hepromised,openingthecardoorand

gesturingformetoclimbin.“Nomorestops.”

“What’sthehurry?”Iasked.

“Keepteasingme,Chels.I’mgoingtoenjoyrepayingthefavorwhenwegetbacktoyourhouseand

youadmitIwonthisbet,”hewarned.

Isaidnothing,lookingforwardtoseeingLuke’sfacewhenherealizedhe’dlostthebet.Iwas

definitelyexcitedaboutclaimingmyprize.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Luke

Chelseawasatease.

Idefinitelydidn’tconsideritaflaw.Herplayfulnaturemadethingsevenbetter.Thebethadgotten

hotterwhenChelseahadthrowninherownterms.IwassureI’dwonthebet,butIhadn’tbeen

exaggeratingwhenI’dsaidI’dbehappywitheitheroutcome.WhileItendedtobemoredominantinthe

bedroom,Iwashappytogiveupcontrolpartofthetime.Anothertime,I’dletChelseawinabet.

WhenTashadidn’traceouttomeetusassoonaswewalkedinthefrontdoor,mylipsstretchedintoa

satisfiedgrin.“Iguessthismeansit’sshowandtelltime.”

Chelseasnorted,turningtofaceme.“Showandtelltime?”sheasked.

“Youshowmethatlacybluethong,andthenyoutellmeIwonthebet,”Iexplained.

Chelseagroaned.Itwasaterribleline,butIfiguredChelseaalreadyknewIwasn’toneofthoseguys

withsmoothpracticedlines.

“Thatwasbadevenforyou,”sheadmonishedplayfully.“I’mstillnotsurehowyouplantotiemeto

mybedsinceIdon’thaveakinkybondagebedlikeyoudo.”

“Abondagebed?”Iasked,placingahandonherlowerbacktoguidehertothebedroom.“I’mnot

surehowthefurniturestoreIboughtthatbedfromwouldfeelabouthavingitdescribedasabondage

bed.”

“Whatdidyouhaveinmindwhenyouwereshoppingforabed?”sheasked.

“Fine,”Iadmitted.“BondagewasonmymindwhenIwasshoppingforbeds.”

Oncewewereinherbedroom,Iclosedthedoorbehindus,notwantingTashatodecideitwasplay

time.

“Mybedhasnofancybedpoststotiemeto,”sheremindedme,gesturingtoherqueenbedwiththe

shelvesinherheadboard.

“Areyoutryingtogetoutofshowingmeyourpantiesandadmittingyoulostthisbet?”Iasked.

“Notatall,”sheassuredme.“I’mjustcurioushowyouseethisworking.Youalsoseemedreallysure

you’dbeabletofindsomethingtotiemeupwithatmyhouse.”

“Ibroughtsomebasicrestraintsthatcanattachtoyourbedframe,”Iexplainedsomewhatimpatiently.

“Nomoredelays,beautiful,”ImurmuredasIprowledtowardher,droppingmyovernightbagonthefloor

whenIwasstandingdirectlyinfrontofher.“Showmewhatyouhaveunderthisdress.”

ThemomentIrealizedI’dlostthebetwaswhenChelseasmiledatme.Thatsmiletoldmeshe’djust

playedme,anditwashotasfuck.Turningherbacktome,shelookedatmeoverhershoulder.“Would

youmindhelpingmewiththezipper?”

“Notatall,”Ireplied,myvoicerougherthanithadbeenmomentsago.AsIslidthezipperdown

slowly,myeyesremainedlockedonthesmoothskinbeingrevealedtome.Fromtheback,herbrawas

definitelyblue,butwhenIslidthezipperdowntojustpastherhips,Isawthelaceofherlowslung

panties.Theywereblackwithablueribbonwovenin.

Whenthezipperwasallthewaydown,Chelseaturnedtowardmeandallowedthedresstofalltothe

ground.Thelacycupsofherbrawereblackandtherewasabluebowinthemiddlethatmatchedthe

strap.Herpantieswereboyshorts,andtheyhuggedherhipstoperfection.

WhenIwasfinallyabletogetmyeyesbackuptoherface,IfoundChelsearegardingmewitha

satisfiedsmile.“LookslikeIwon.Now,whydon’tyoushowmethosenerdyboxers?”

Ichuckled.“Anythingyousay.”

Steppingback,Istrippedmyshirtovermyheadandtosseditacrosstheroom,lovingtheway

Chelsea’seyesmovedalongmybarechest.Next,myfingersslowlyworkedonthefasteningtomybelt.I

figuredifIwasgoingtogiveChelseaashow,itmightaswellbeagoodone.Ikickedoffmyshoesbefore

undoingmypantsandslippingthemoff.

WhenIwasstandingbeforeChelseainmyStarWarsboxers,Ilookedup,waitingforherline.

Hereyeslandedonmyerection,andshelickedherlips.“Icanseetheforceisstronginyou,young

Jedi.”

“How’dyouliketofeeltheforceinyou?”

“Soon,”sherepliedbeforewalkingtowardmeandsplayingherfingersacrossmychest.“First,you

agreedtoletmeplaywithyourdelectablebody.”

“It’sallyours,”Iagreed.

“Idefinitelylikethesoundofthat,”shepurred,leaningintocirclemynipplewithhertongue.

Igroaned,wonderingifI’dbeabletosurviveanotherthirtyminutesofChelseateasingme.Even

whenourconversationhadbeenrelativelyinnocent,I’dbeennoticinghowgoodChelsealookedinher

dressandfantasizingaboutgettingheroutofit.Everysmileorlaughwasaseduction,whethershe

intendedthemtobeornot.

Chelsea’shandsmovedtothewaistbandofmyboxersthenpushedthemdown,freeingExcalibur.My

handsfistedatmysidestopreventmefromtouchingher.Insomeways,IwasgettingoffonthisbecauseI

hadtoexerciseevenmorecontroltoallowChelseatotakecharge.

“GolieonmybedsoIcanenjoyyou,Luke,”shecommanded,allowingherfingerstotrailalongmy

rockharddickinafeatherlightcaressbeforesteppingawayfromme.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Chelsea

OnethingI’dlearnedaboutLukewashelikedcontrolinbed,andhewasdefinitelyusingan

impressiveamountofitatthemoment.Hisbreathingwaslabored,andhisfistswereclutchingthebed

sheettokeephimselffromtakingcharge.Withthispowerexchange,Ihadabetterunderstandingofthe

controlLukehadtoexerciseoverhimselfwhenhewastakingchargeinbed.Afterfifteenminutesof

exploringthevariouscontoursofLuke’sbodywithmyhandsandtongue,Iwasdyingformyownrelease.

ItwasmorethanalittletemptingtograbacondomandrideLukeuntilwebothcamehard,butIwantedto

drawthisoutalittlelonger.Also,asdesperateasIwastohaveLukeinsideme,Iwasalsodyingtotaste

him.

KneelingbesideLuke,Icuppedhisballsinonehandandlickedmylips.“ShouldIputyouinmy

mouth?”

“Please,Chels,”heraspedout,hiseyeslockedonmylips.“I’mdyingtohaveyourlipswrapped

aroundmydick.”

Movingdownslightly,IstraddledoneofLuke’slegs,mybreastsbrushingagainsthishardthighasmy

tonguedartedouttocirclethetipofhiserection.

Lukegroaned,andhishipsliftedslightlyoffthebedtobringhimclosertomymouth.Icontinuedto

teasehisshaft,runningmytonguefrombasetotip,circlingthesensitiveedgesoftheheadbutnottaking

himintomymouth.Mybodywasthrobbingwithneedashisgroansandpleasdrovemeon.

“You’rekillingme,Chels,”LukegroanedwhenItookjustthetipintomymouthandsuckedgently.

Finally,takingmercyonLuke,IgrippedthebaseofhiscockandtookhimasfarintomymouthasI

could,squeezingthebaseasIslidhiminandout.Lukerockedagainstmymouth,andhisgroansgrew

louder.IlovedthatIwasbringinghimthispleasure,completelyincontrol.

Whenmymouthmovedupanddownhisshaftmoreurgently,Luke’shandsgrabbedmyhair.“Stopor

I’mgoingtocome,”hewarnedme.

Ratherthanlisten,Isuckedharder,untilhishandsrelaxedinmyhair.Luke’shandsremainedinmy

hairandhishipsrockedmoreurgentlyuntilhisbodytensedandheshoutedwithhisrelease.

WhenLuke’sbodyrelaxedonthebedandhereleasedhisholdonmyhair,Ilookedupathimwitha

smile.

“Thirtyminutesareup,”Luketoldmebeforegrabbingmeandtossingmeontomybackonthebed.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked,myvoicesoundingsomewhatstrainedfrommyownarousal.

“Takingcareofyourneeds,”Lukereplied,strippingmypantiesoffandsettlingbetweenmylegs.He

trailedafingeraroundmyentrancebeforemovingituptostrokemyswollenclit.“I’mguessingyouhada

lotoftroublestayingincontrolwhenyou’rethisturnedon.Youdefinitelydeserveareward.”

MymoanturnedtoaloudmewlingsoundwhenLuke’smouthcoveredmyclitashistonguestrokedit.

Therewasnoteasing.Lukewasn’tgoingtomakemebegformyorgasm.Itwasclearhewasplanningto

givemeexactlywhatIneeded.Twolongfingersslidintomybody,curlingtohitaspotthatalmostmade

mescreamitfeltsogood.

I’dbeenontheedgeofcomingtheentiretimeI’dbeenenjoyingLuke’sbody,soitwasn’tlongbefore

IwasmoaningloudlyandrockingagainstLuke’smouthashistonguelappedatmysensitiveclitwhilehis

fingersbroughtmeevenclosertotheedge.

“Pleasedon’tstopdoingthat,”Iwhimperedasthefirstwavesofmyorgasmhit.Icamehard,bucking

againstLuke’sfaceandscreaming.

Luke’sstrokesgentled,andIrelaxedbackontothebedwithacontentedsigh.

“BestbetIeverlost,”Lukeadmitted,lickinghisfingersandmoaning.

IwasabouttohaveLukegraboneofthecondomsI’dpickedupearlierthatdaywhenIheardthe

unmistakablesoundofmykitten’spitifulmeowatthebedroomdoor.

Lukegroaned.“IguessI’llhavetofinishenjoyingyourbodylater.”

“JustbethankfulIdon’twanttobeamother,”Itoldhim.“IfIhadachild,we’dprobablynevergetto

havesex,andhowwouldyouexplainyourbondagetoys?”

IslippedonpajamashortsandatanktopasLukeputhisboxersbackon.“FromwhatIcouldtell,

havingkidsneverstoppedyourparentsfromhavingsex,”hepointedout.

“Ugh!Pleasedon’tremindme.Myparentsstillcan’tkeeptheirhandsoffeachother.”

“Don’tavoidhavingkidsbecauseofthesex,”hetoldme.

“Youaren’tabouttotellmeyou’redyingtobecomeafather,areyou?”Iasked,lettingTashain.She

immediatelyracedtomybed,settlinginforcuddletime.

“Nah,”hereplied.“TherearetimeswhenIthinkI’dliketobeadad,butthenIrememberhowfucked

upmyownfatheris,andIfigureit’sprobablybestifIskipthat.Ididn’texactlyhavethebestrole

model.”

Reachingout,Itookhishandandsqueezedit.“Forwhatit’sworth,Ithinkyou’dbeagoodfather.

Now,I’dbettercuddlemyadorablekittenbeforeshethinksIdon’tloveher.”

IwasdefinitelyusingTashatogetoutofourmuchtooseriousconversation,butIcouldlivethat.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Luke

Sincetherewasnoschoolthatday,IwastheonestilllounginginbedwithTashawhileChelseagot

readyforwork.Otherthanourawkwardconversationabouthavingkidsthenightbefore,thingshadgone

reallywell.I’dtoldChelseaIlovedher,murmuringitasIdozedoff,andonceagain,she’dpretendedit

hadn’thappened.

AsChelsea’sassswayedbackandforthonherwaytothebathroom,Iwassuddenlyfeelinglesslike

cuddlinginbedwithTashaandmoreinneedofashower—thekindthatinvolvedwarmwaterandahot

woman.

“HowaboutifIhelpyououtintheshower,dearone?”Iasked.

“Areyouplanningonstabbingme?”sheaskedwitharaisedeyebrow.

“IsthatyourwayofaskingifI’mgoingtofuckyoustandingupintheshower?”

“No,”shereplied.“Whenyoucallmedearone,yousoundlikeaserialkiller.”

“So,isthatanoontheshower?”Iasked.“Icouldmakesureallyournaughtypartsgetclean.”

“Naughtyparts?”Chelseaaskedwithagiggle.

“Oh,yeah,”Ireplied.“I’vediscoveredthatyouhavesomepartsthatareextranaughty.”

Shestoppedandcockedherheadtothesidebeforelettingoutasigh.“Nottoday,”shereplied,

lookingdisappointedwithherownanswer.“I’mmeetingwithBridezillaandCorporateKentodiscuss

theirweddingphotostoday.”

Ilaughedathernamesforthem,knowingthiscouplerepresentedaspecialchallengeforChelsea.Ty

hadtoldmethatunlessclientswerereallydifficulttoworkwith,Chelseadidn’tgivethemspecialnames.

FromwhatTysaid,Chelseabelievedallwomenhadtherighttodemandaperfectwedding,andshewas

extremelypatientwithhermoredifficultclients.SomeTythoughtdeservedthetitleofBridezilla,Chelsea

insistedwerejuststressedout,meaningshedidn’tusethetermBridezillalightly.

“Fine,”Isaidwithasadsigh.“Don’tsharetheshowerwithme.I’lljuststaydirty.”

Chelseasnorted.“Dirtyistheonlywayyouknowhowtobe.”

“Butyoulikemedirty,”Iargued.

Chelseagavemeaflirtysmileoverhershoulder.“Justdon’tstealanyofmypantieswhileI’minthe

shower.”

“Arewebacktothepantiesagain?”Iasked.

“WearenotgoingtoleavethatsubjectuntilIgetmypantiesbackfromyourhouse,”shereplied.

“Theyshouldhaveturnedupbynow,unlessyoustolethem.”

“Listen,Chels,”Ibegan.“IgetwhyyoumightthinkI’dstolenyourpantiesafterwhathappenedwhen

Iwasakid,buthaveyoueverconsideredthatthosetinylittlethingscouldhavefallenintoanynumberof

smallspaces?Doyouwantmetomovemymattressandpulloutallmyfurnituretoseewheretheywent?”

“MaybeI’mbeingparanoid,”Chelseaagreed.“It’snotlikeI’mmissingpantiesfrommydrawers.At

least,Idon’tthinkIam.Youdidn’ttakeanyofmypantieswhenyousleptoverherebefore,didyou?”

Iraisedaneyebrow.“I’mtwenty-four,nottwelve.”

Chelseanoddedandheadedintothebathroom.

AfterIheardthewaterturnon,Iclimbedoutofbedanddressed,decidingImightaswellmake

Chelseabreakfast.Iwasn’taverygoodcook,butneitherwasChelsea,soIdidn’thavetoworryabout

beingjudged.Beforeleavingtheroom,IwalkedovertoChelsea’sdresser,openedadrawer,andgrabbed

severalthongsfromthebottomofthedrawer.Yeah,Iwasstealingherpanties,becausesometimes,I

reallydidactlikeachildaroundmywoman.Ialsohadbigplansforthosepanties,andIwassure

ChelseawouldforgivemeoncesherealizedwhatIhadinmind.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Luke

“Miniaturegolf?”Iasked,certainshehadtobekidding.“Thisisreallyyourideaofahotdate?”

Chelseahaddriven,wantingmetobesurprisedbyherchoiceofvenuesthatafternoon,andIcertainly

was.Shereachedacrossandpinchedmythigh.“Thisisnotsupposedtobeahotdate,”sheexplained.“I

figuredwithallthekidsaround,youwouldhaveabetterchanceofcontrollingyourself.”

IchuckledathermisguidedbeliefthatI’dbehave.“Doyoureallythinkit’spossibleformetocontrol

myselfaroundyou?”Iasked.

“Areyoutryingtoblamemeforyourinabilitytoavoidtalkingaboutsex?”sheasked.

“Youkeepwalkingaroundlookingirresistible.HowamIsupposedtoavoidthinkingaboutgetting

younaked?”Iasked.“Besides,IthoughtyoulikeditwhenItalkdirtytoyou.”

“Ido,”shereplied.“Youareverytalentedwhenitcomestotalkingdirty.”

LookingacrossatChelsea,Icouldn’tholdbackmysmile.Dressedinjeansandabaggysweatshirt,

shehadherhairpulledbackinaponytailandablackbaseballcaponherhead.“Youreallylook

adorable.”

Rollinghereyes,Chelseagroanedatmycompliment.“Whymustyoucontinuetousethatannoying

term?”

“’Causeit’strue,”Idrawledbeforeclimbingoutofthecar.

Chelseajustshookherheadandgotoutofthecarsowecouldstartourdate.Shewasprobablyright

aboutmenotsayinganythingtooinappropriate.ItwasaSundayafternoon,andtheplacewasfilledwith

families.Therewereteensheadingintothearcadeatthefrontofthecourse.We’dbeenhavinga

particularlywarmautumn,andeventhoughithadcooleddownsomeandrainedearlierthatweek,itwas

stillinthemid-sixties.

“WhatdoIgetifIbehaveforthewholegame?”Iasked,hopingshe’dfindsomesecretcodetooffer

mesomethingkinkyinreturn.

“I’llletyouspendsometimeinthearcade,”sheoffered.

“There’sthispartofmethatwantstotellyouI’magrownmanandyoucan’tbribemewithvideo

games,butIreallydowanttogotothearcadeafterweplay.”

Chelseaslippedherarmaroundmywaist,andmyarmimmediatelysettledoverhershoulders.Iwas

definitelyahuggerwhenitcametothiswoman.

“You’readorablewhenyou’reactingnerdy,”Chelseatoldme.

Ichuckled.“ThenImustbeadorableallthetime.”

“Prettymuch,”sheagreedwithashrug.

Chelseapaidforourgamesinceshe’dinsisteditwasherturntotakemeout,andwemadeourwayto

thefirsthole.

“Don’ttheymakeanythingbigger?”Iasked,lookingatthelittlegolfclubChelseahadhandedme.I’d

bebentallthewayovertryingtouseit.

“Thisistheadultsizeclub,”shetoldme.“Theydon’tmakeclubsforgiants.”

“Giant?”Iasked.“Arewestilltalkingaboutmyheight,orwereyoureferringtosomethingelse?”

“Behave,”Chelseawarned,wavingherclubatme.

“I’lltry,”Iagreed.“Doyourememberthelasttimeweplayedminigolftogether?”

“HowcouldIforget?”sheaskedwithalaughaswewaitedforthefamilytofinishuponthefirsthole

sowecouldtakeourturn.“Istillcan’tbelievemymommademetakeyouandTylerouthere.”

I’dbeeneleven,andChelseahadrecentlyturnedseventeen.Atthatpoint,I’dalreadybeencompletely

inlovewithher,orasinloveasaneleven-year-oldboycouldmanage.

“Doyourememberwhyyourmomwantedyoutotakeus?”Iasked,movingclosertoChelsea.Itwas

adayI’dneverforget.

Shenodded,andIcouldtellshewasstillbotheredbythatday,too.Chelseahadbeenreallyangryon

mybehalf.“You’dstayedoveratourhousethenightbefore,andyoustolemypanties.Istillhavenoidea

whatyoudidwiththatpair.”

Ichuckled.“Yourpantieswereabsolutelyfascinatingtomeinmyyouth,”Iadmittedbeforemymind

driftedbacktothatday.“Mymomwassupposedtopickmeup,”Icontinued.“Itwouldhavebeenthefirst

timeI’dseenherinalmostthreeyears.”

“Iremember,”Chelseatoldme.“Itwasyourbirthday.”

“Yeah,”Iagreed.“I’dstayedatyourhousebecausemydadhadgonetoMexicoforaweekandmy

nannyhadtheweekendoff.”

“Shenevershowedup,”Chelseacontinuedsadly.“Ihatedyourmom,andIwantedtotellheroff.

Whatkindofpersondoesthattotheirownchild?”

IgrinnedathowindignantChelseawasonmybehalf.Ithadbeenthesamethatday,andsomehow,

knowingshecaredhadmademefeelbetter.Intheend,thedayhadn’tbeenhorribleatall.“Itturnedoutto

bethebestbirthdayI’deverhad.”

“Really?”sheasked,lookingskeptical.“Thatwasahorriblebirthday.Bothyourparentsabandoned

youforit.”

“Mydaystartedoffwithyourmommakingmewafflesandbacon.Then,aftermymomdidn’tshow

up,Iwasreallydown.EventhoughyougrumbledabouthavingtotakemeandTytoplayminiaturegolf,

youboughtustokenssowecouldplayvideogames.Thenyoutookmeouttodinner,andyoutoldmeit

washerlossbecauseIwasawesome.”Thatmemorywasoneofmybetterones.Sure,mymom’s

rejectionhadhurt,butIhadn’tbeenalone.Chelseawouldn’tallowmetobealone.She’dblownoffher

boyfriendtospendaSaturdaynightmakingmefeelbetter.

“Youwereanannoyingpainintheass,butyoudeservedagoodbirthday,”shetoldmewithashy

smile.

Leaningdown,Ibrushedmylipsacrosshercheek.“You’vealwaysbeenamazing.Itwasmorethan

justyoubeingbeautiful.Mycrushonyouhadtodowithallthethingsyoudidformeovertheyears.”

“Likekickingyououtofmyroomwhenyouwerebotheringme?”sheasked.

“LikemakingpopcornformeandTywhenwewerewatchingmovies,”Itoldher.“Orliketakingme

andTyforburgerswhenmysoccerteamwontheirleaguechampionship.It’sthelittlethingsthatmake

yourealizehowmuchsomeonemeanstoyou.”

“Wow!”Chelseasaidwithalaugh.“Thatwasabigemotionalspeechforyou.”

Ilaughed,too.“You’rerightaboutthat.I’mkindoftirednow.Hey!I’vebeenthinkingofgoodpet

namesforyou.”

“I’mafraidtoaskwhatyou’vecomeupwith,”shemumbled.

“Thesearegood,myJuliet,”Iassuredher.

“Juliet?”shedemanded.“I’mnotreallysureyoushouldusesomeonewhocommittedsuicidewithher

star-crossedlover.”

“Goodpoint.”Iagreed.“Howaboutmyladylove?”

“Toonerdy,evenforyou,”sherepliedwithalaugh.

“Huh,”Isaidthoughtfully.“Ireallylikethatone.Poppet?”

“ThatoneisgreatifyousuddenlybecomeaBritishgoverness,”sheteased.

“I’mrunningoutofideas,”Iadmitted.

“Luckyforyou,it’sourturnontheholenow,”shetoldme.“Preparetogetyourbuttkickedonthe

golfcourse.”

“Feelingalittlecocky?”Iasked.

“Justalittle,”sheadmittedassheputdownherballandhitit,makingaholeinone.“Istillcomehere

withTyler.”

“ThenIguessit’sagoodthingIdidn’tplaceabet,”Itoldher.

ChapterThirty

Chelsea

IhandedLukefivedollarsintokens,tryinghardnottogloatabouthowbadlyI’dbeatenhimat

miniaturegolf.

“Goaheadandsayit,”heencouragedme.“You’llfeelbetteronceyoudo.”

“Saywhat?”Iasked,asifIdidn’tknowwhathewastalkingabout.

“Youknowyouwanttogloataboutwinning,”hetoldme.

“SincewhenamIthetypetogloataboutwinning?”Iasked.TherewasnodenyingIwastotallythe

typetogloataboutwinning.WhileIwasneverabadloser,Ireallywasaterriblewinner,something

Tyleroftenpointedout.

“Doit,”heordered.

“Nope,”Irefusedwithashakeofmyhead.“Ican’tbragaboutthat.Itwasfartooeasy.Wereyou

eventrying?”

“That’smygirl,”hepraised.“Doyourvictorydance.”

“Idon’thaveavictorydance,”Iargued.

“Sureyoudo,”heinsisted.“Youusedtodothisbouncingthingwheneveryouwon.It’swhyIusedto

letyouwinatgameswhenwewerekids.”

Mymouthdroppedopen.“Youletmewintoseemyvictorydance?”

“OnlywhenIrealizedhowmuchIenjoyedseeingyoubouncearound,”hereplied.

“Pervert,”Iaccused.“Gouseyourtokens,andIpromisetotakeyouforicecreambeforewehead

backtomyplace.”

“Inahurrytogetmehome?”heaskedwithasexygrin.

“I’mjustinahurrytogetoutofthisarcade,”Iexplained.“Thisplacesmellslikefootfunkandbody

odor.”

Lukelookedthoughtfulforamoment.“Nowthatyoumentionit,mostarcadessmellthatway.Thisis

definitelynotasexydate.”

“Butit’sbeenfun,”Iadded.

Lukeslippedhisarmaroundmyshoulders.“Ithasdefinitelybeenfun,butIthinkI’llpassontheice

cream.I’vebeenverygood,andIdeserveareward.”

“That’swhyIofferedicecream,”Iteased.

“I’vegotsomethingelseinmind,”hebegan.“WannaknowwhatI’dlikeforareward?”

“Behave,”Itoldhim.

“I’mtrying,”heassuredme.

“Mr.Robinson!”agirlwholookedaroundtwelveorthirteencalledoutjustbeforewewere

surroundedbykids,alllookingexcitedtoseeLuke.

“Hey,guys,”Lukegreetedthem,keepinghisarmaroundmyshoulders.“Areyoualltakingabreak

fromyourbiologyreports?”

Therewereseveralgroansbeforeonesmartasskidasked,“Areyoutakingabreakfromgradingour

exams?”

TheboyremindedmealittleofLuke.Hewastallandskinnywiththickglassesandamopofblond

hairthatdefinitelyneededtobecombed.

“Don’tremindhim,”oneofthegirlssaid,smackingtheboyinthearm.“Wearen’tallassmartas

you.”

Lukeraisedaneyebrowatthegirl’scomment.“Youhavethehighestgradeinallmyclasses,Jen,so

I’mnotsurewhyyou’dbeworriedaboutmegradingyourexam.”

“Isthatyourgirlfriend,Mr.Robinson?”oneoftheboysasked.

“Yes,thisismygirlfriend,”Lukereplied,soundingpleasedwithhimself.“Chelsea,thesearesomeof

mystudents.Brandon,Jen,Teagan,Meg,Lori,andMario.”

“Nicetomeetyouall,”Isaid,unabletokeepfromsmilingathowmuchLuke’sstudentsobviously

lovedhim.

“I’llseeyouallonMonday,”Luketoldhisstudentsbeforeguidingmedeeperintothearcade.

“Youseemtobeaverypopularteacher,”Iremarked.

“Withthatgroup,Iam,”hereplied.“Theydon’tallloveme,butIsupposetheoneswhothinkI’ma

jerkaren’tgoingtoapproachmeoutsideofschool.”

“Youmeantheoneswho’vehadyoureadtheirtextmessagesinfrontoftheclass?”Iasked.

“Yeah,someofthemaren’tcrazyaboutme,butit’snotmyjobtobetheirbestfriend,soIcanlive

withthat,”hestated.

“Istillcan’tgetoverthefactthatyou’reateacher,”Imused.

“Somedays,itstillsurprisesme,”headmitted.“WhenIfirstdecidedIwantedtoteach,Iwasalittle

afraidI’denduphatingit.IworriedI’dbereadytoquitafterthefirstweek,andtherearedaysI’mnot

sureI’mcutoutforit.”

“Itseemslikeareallyhardjob,”IaddedasLukesettledintotheseatofsomedrivinggamesimilarto

theoneheandTylerhadplayedalotwhentheywerekids.

“It’sworthit,”hetoldme.“MaybeI’llchangemymindandgetjaded.Iseethathappentoother

teachers.Thereisalotofbureaucraticbullshittodealwith,andthatbugsmemorethanthekids.Comesit

onmylapwhileIdrive,Chels.”Hissuddenshifttoflirtinghadmeshakingmyhead.

“Whatwillyourstudentsthinkiftheyseemesittingonyourlapwhileyouplayavideogame?”I

asked.

“They’llthinkI’mtheluckiestguyherebecauseIhaveagorgeousblondeonmylap,”hereplied.

WhenIjustraisedaneyebrowinresponse,hecontinued.“What?That’swhatIwouldhavethoughtifI’d

seenanyofmyteachersonadatewithawomanashotasyou.Isupposetheirparentsmightnot

appreciateit.Howaboutifyousitintheseatnexttominesincenooneisusingthatgame?”

IsettledintotheuncomfortabledrivingsimulatortowatchLukeplayhisgame.Heseemedtobemore

focusedonmethanhisgame.

Aftercrashingtwice,Lukelookedreadytoadmitdefeat.“Thismaynothavebeenoneofmybetter

ideas.It’shardpayingattentiontomygamewithyousittingtherelookingsotempting.”

“Good.I’llgetoutofthearcadequickerifyou’redistracted,”Ipointedout.

“So,you’rejustusingthathotbodyofyourstogetyourway?”heasked,droppinganothertokeninthe

machine.

“Ithasitsuses,”Ireplied.

“Iintendtoexploreallthoseuseswhenwe’redonehere,”heassuredme.

“Howaboutifyoutrythatlinewhenwegetoutofthissmellyarcade?”Isuggested.

“Howaboutifwesavetherestofthesetokensforlater,andItakeyoubacktoyourplacetoplaya

differenttypeofgame?”hesuggested.

“So,noicecream?”Iasked.“I’dthinkyou’dneeditafterlosingsobadly.”

Lukegavemeawarmsmile.“Youreallyareadorable.”

“Imustbegoingcrazy,becauseI’mstartingtolikeitwhenyoucallmeadorable.”

ChapterThirty-One

Chelsea

I’dbeenseeingLukefortwoweeks,andmyfriendshadbeensurprisinglygoodaboutnotpushingfor

details.ThiswasespeciallyhardforDelaney,whohadn’taskedmeanythingmoreaboutspanking.I

wouldhavepraisedherforherself-controlifsheweren’tstilltextingLukewithsuggestionsonwayshe

shouldspankme.TheonlyreasonIhadn’tdemandedshestopwasthatshehadsomegoodideas,andI’d

alreadyenjoyedacoupleofthemwithLuke.Aftertestingouthertheoryonspankingwithaleatherglove

on,LukehadaskedifweshouldsendDelaneyathankyoucard.

Iwashavingdinneratmyparents’housewithTyler.Brookwasn’tcomingbecauseshehadabig

projecttofinish.Shehadherowngraphicartsbusiness,sosheoftenworkedonweekends.

Mydadgreetedmeatthedoor.Hehadafullheadofsaltandpepperhair,blueeyeslikemineand

Tyler’s,andaleanbuildthatcamefromrunninghalf-marathons.“How’stheremodelofthedownstairs

bathroomgoing?”heaskedme.

“Idelayedstarting,”Ireplied.Ithadbeenmynextproject,butthenI’dstareddatingLukeandno

longerhadasmuchfreetime.

“Youmustbeworkingtoohard,”mydadremarked.“Isn’tTysupposedtobehelpingwithsomeof

thatworkload?”

“Don’tworry,”Iassuredmydadwithalaugh.“He’sbeendoingalottohelpmeout.”

Ihadn’tmentioneddatingLuketomyparentsbecauseeverytimeItalkedtomymom,itjustseemed

wrong.Myreactionwascrazy,andthelongerIkeptdatingLuke,themoreIrealizedIneededtotellmy

parents.Thingshadn’tendedinaweek,likeI’dexpected.Twoweeksin,Iwasstillenjoyingmytime

withLuke,andwespentseveralnightsaweektogether.Weweredefinitelyacouple.

Itwasn’tuntilIheardvoicesfromthekitchenthatIrealizedIdefinitelyshouldhavetoldmymom

aboutmedatingLuke.Mymomwasinthekitchentalkingtoamanaboutmymanyattributes,meaningshe

wastryingtofixmeupwithsomeone.

Igroaned,andmydadpattedmyshoulder.“Itoldhersheshouldtalktoyouaboutitfirst,butafteryou

agreedtogooutwiththelastfewyoungmenshepickedoutforyou,yourmomfiguredyouwouldn’t

mind.”

“Thiscouldbeworse,”Imutteredjustbeforethedoorbellrang.

“That’llbeTyandLuke,”mydadannounced.

“Luke?”Ishoutedloudenoughtosilencetheconversationinthekitchen,andIwascertainLukeand

Tylerheardmefromthefrontporch.

Mydadsmiledatmeoverhisshoulderashereachedforthefrontdoor.“Iknow,sweetie,buthe’snot

theboywhousedtoharassyouanymore.He’sagrownmannow.”

HeopenedthedoorandLuke’seyeslandedonmerightaway,hislipscurlingintoasmile.“You

didn’ttellmeChelseawasgoingtobehere,”hetoldTyler.

“Ididn’t?”mybrattybrotherasked,andsomethingtoldmeheknewdamnwellhehadn’ttoldLuke

aboutmebeingthere,probablyforthesamereasonhehadn’ttoldmeLukewascomingtodinner.Tyler

hadn’tbeenhappywhenhe’dheardIhadn’ttoldourparentsaboutmedatingLuke.Apparently,he’d

decidedtosetthestageforthebigrevealwithmyparents.Imadeamentalnotetokillmybrotherlater.

“Whydon’tyougomeettheyoungmanyourmomisfixingyouupwithwhileItalktoTyandLuke?”

mydadsuggested.

“Shit,”mydumbassbrotherhissedout,havingjustrealizedwhataproblemhe’dcreatedwithhisown

scheming.

Luke’seyesnarrowed.“Isn’tthatnicethatyourmomistryingtofixyouupwithsomeonesinceshe

thinksyouaren’tdatinganyone?”

Mydadhasalwaysbeensomewhatoblivioustowhat’sgoingonaroundhim,whichwaswhyIwasn’t

surprisedwhenhedidn’tcatchonthatLukewasangry.“Chelseahasn’tdatedanyonesinceherdivorce,

buthermomisforevertryingtofindtherightmanforher.”

Asifoncue,mymomwalkedintotheroom.“Luke!”shesaidexcitedly,pullinghisheaddownsoshe

couldkisshischeek.Mymom’shairwasdyeddarkauburntocoverhergrey,andasalways,hermakeup

wasflawless.Shewascurvylikeme,butunlikeme,shewasdressedinaflowingskirtandblouse.“How

haveyoubeensinceyougotback?”

“Good,”hereplied.“Thanksforhavingmeover.”

“Anytime,”sheassuredhim.“Ishouldhaveaskedifyouhadayoungladyyou’dliketoinviteto

dinner.Areyouseeinganyone?”

Luke’seyeslandedonme.“Yeah,I’mseeingsomeonespecial,butI’mbeginningtowonderifit

meansmoretomethanitdoestoher.”

MymomlookedbackandforthbetweenmeandLuke.“Well,shit,”shefinallysaid.

“Thataboutsumsitup,”Lukemuttered.

ChapterThirty-Two

Luke

ThathadbeenoneofthemostuncomfortabledinnersI’deverhadwithTy’sparents.Aftereverything

thathadhappened,IdecidedtoridehomewithChelseainsteadofTy.I’dalreadyaskedTytocheckon

Tasha,expectingtokeepChelseaatmyplaceovernight.Iwaspissedandhurt.

“Abouttonight,”Chelseabegan.

“Let’stalkaboutthiswhenwegetbacktomyplace,”Isuggested.

“IreallyneedtogethometoTasha,”sheargued,probablytogetoutofhavingalongerconversation

orargument.Iwaswillingtoadmititmightbeanargument.

“Tysaidhe’dstopbytotakecareofTasha,”Itoldher.“BeforeyougetpissedatmeforaskingTyto

takecareofher,youneedtokeepinmindthatIdidn’tdoittotakechargeofyourlifeorpushyouaround.

IaskedTytowatchTashabecauseIcareenoughaboutyouthatIwanttotalkaboutthisbeforeIhavetime

todwellonit.Ialsodon’twantyoutohavetimetoconvinceyourselfthishassomedeepermeaningthat

proveswedon’tbelongtogether.”

Chelseawasquietforashorttimebeforespeakingagain.“Ididn’tknowmymomwasgoingtofixme

upwithsomeone.”

Iletoutafrustratedbreath,wonderingwhyI’dthoughtChelseacouldwaituntilwegotbacktoher

placetotalkaboutwhatwasgoingon.“Ifiguredthatoutonmyown,”Iassuredher.“It’snotlikewe

agreedtobeexclusive,soevenifyouhadknown,Iwouldn’thaveanyrighttobeangryaboutthat.”

“You’reright,”Chelseaagreed,soundingalittleangryherselfnow.“Wegooutandwefuck,butthat

doesn’tmeanwehaveacommitmenttoeachother.Wecanbothdateorfuckanyonewewant.”

Chelseahadjustparkedinavisitorspot.

Itookseveraldeepbreathstogetmytemperundercontrol,remindingmyselfthatwhatI’dsaidwas

true.Wehadn’tdiscussedcommitments,anoversightonmypart.I’mnotgoodatbeingtheonewhothinks

ofthestepstofollowinarelationship.Inallmypastrelationships,whileI’dbeenlargelyinchargeof

howthingswentwhenwewerenaked,thelogisticsoftherelationshipwerehandledbymypartner.Iwas

innewterritorywithChelsea,partlybecauseshewasoutofpracticewithrelationships,butpartly

becauseshewasstillresistanttoreallylettingmein.

IsnatchedChelsea’skeysoutoftheignition,wantingtomakesureshecouldn’tleave—atleast,not

untilafterwetalked.“Don’tfuckingpushme,Chels,”Iwarnedbeforeclimbingoutofthecarandwaiting

forhertogetout.

AfterChelseashutherdoor,Isetthealarmwithherkeyfobandstalkedtowardmyapartment.

ChapterThirty-Three

Chelsea

LucasRobinsonwasanarrogantbastard!

IcouldnotbelievehehadthenervetoaccusemeofpushinghimwhenallI’ddonewasagreehewas

right.Iwasn’ttheonewho’dsaidwehadnocommitmentandIcouldgooutwithanyoneIwanted.All

right,Ihadsaiditbutonlyagreeingwithhim.

BythetimewewalkedintoLuke’sapartment,Iwasmorethanalittleangrymyself.AfterJason,I

triedtoavoidconfrontationswithpeople,especiallyangrypeople,whichLukeclearlywas.It’snotthat

I’dbecomeafraidtospeakmymind,butI’ddefinitelylearnedtobemorecautious,wantingtoavoid

angryshouts.Jasonhadneverraisedahandtomeduringourmarriage,buthecouldbereallyhurtfulwhen

hewasmad.That’swhenI’dlearneditwasbesttoholdoffuntilyoucouldhaveaconversationinsteadof

anargument.LogicwaspushingmetoconvinceLuketowaittohavethistalkuntilwe’dbothcooled

down.Therewasalsothispartofmesayingfucklogic.

“Doyouthinkyou’llevergetoverbeingashamedofdatingme?”Lukedemanded.

“I’mnotashamedofdatingyou,”Iargued.

“Whenwereyougoingtotellyourparents?”hepushed.“Afteryourthirddatewiththeguyyourmom

wasfixingyouupwith?HadInotshownup,whenwouldyouhavetoldher?”

“Iwasgoingtotellthemtonight,”Iargued.“Probably,”Iadded.

“Well,thenthatjustmakesitallbetter,”Lukegrumbled.“Youmighthavetoldthemtonight,ornever.

Luckily,TythoughtitwouldbeniceforthemtoknoworImightstillbeyourdirtylittlesecret.”

“ThisisjustoneofthemanyreasonsIdidn’twanttogetinvolvedwithachild,”Isnapped.

“Whatdidyoucallme?”Lukeasked,soundingdeceptivelycalm.

“I’msorry.DidInotsaythatclearlyenoughforyoutounderstand?”Iaskedwithasweetsmile.“You.

Are.Acting.Like.A.Child.”

Luke’seyesdidn’tflashwithanger.Instead,theyflashedwithamusement.“Youwannapickafight,

Chels?Isthathowyouplantogetaroundansweringmyquestions?Isitbecauseyouknowyouscrewed

up?Areyoujustactingbrattytogetoutofapologizing?”

Igrabbedoneofhishideousthrowpillowsandtosseditathishead,whichmadehimlaugh.“Stupid

man!”

Justlikethat,alltheamusementlefthisface,anditwasobviousLukewasgettingturnedon.“That’s

right,Chels.Iamaman.Iamyourman.Maybewedidn’tdiscussitlikeweshouldhave,butthatdoesn’t

changethefactthatweareacouple.Thereisnooneelseinmylife,andIdon’twanttheretobeanyone

elseinyourlife.”

“Becauseyoudictateit?”Isnapped.

“Cutmesomeslack,Chels,”hehuffed.“YouknowdamnwellI’mnotgoodatthesetypesoftalks.

Stoptryingtopickafight.”

InsteadofrespondinglikethematureadultIclaimedtobe,Itossedanotherpillowathim.

“Youwannaendupbentovermyknee?”heasked.

“Ibegyourpardon?”Idemanded,annoyedthatIwasturnedonbyLuke’sthreat.

“Yeah,youwillbeg,”hepromised.“That’sexactlywhatyouneed,isn’tit?Youneedmetotieyouto

mybedandmakeyoubegforyourrelease.Onceyoufeelthoseropesholdingyoudown,youcanfightthe

restraintsandtugatthemuntilyougetallthatangeroutofyoursystem.Ordoyouwantmetospankyou

first?Youlikedthesoundofthat,didn’tyou?Admitit,Chels,I’mtheonlymanforyou.”

“Youarrogantass!”Ishouted,tossinganotherpillowathim.

Lukedodgedthepillowandcaughtmearoundthewaist,pullingmeflushagainsthisbody.After

smackinghischest,Igrabbedhishairandpulledhisheaddowntomine,kissinghimandsavoringtheway

hegroaned.ItwasLukewhobrokethekissbeforesittingonthesofaandpullingmefacedownacrosshis

lap.Iletoutastartledsquealwhenhesmackedmyjeancladass,butthatsquealquicklyturnedtoamoan.

“More,”Ipleaded,andLukegroanedloudlybeforehespankedmeagain.Hishandmovedagainstmy

asswithvaryingintensityandspeed,andIfoundmyselfmoaning,squirming,andsoturnedonIthoughtI

mightdie.AllthestressI’dbeenfeelingsinceLukehadwalkedintomyparents’houseseemedtomelt

away.

Luke’shandstopped,andherepositionedmesoIwasstraddlinghislap.

“Areweabouttohavemakeupsex?”Iaskedbeforehekissedme.

Lukebrushedhislipsagainstminebeforeresponding.“Weweren’tfighting.”

“Itsureseemedlikewewerefighting,”Iargued.

Lukeshookhishead.“Wewerebothjustreallyfrustratedwiththesituation.”

“Youwerepissed,”Iinsisted.

“Yes,Iwas,butpartlywithmyselffornotclarifyingwherewewereat,”headmitted.“Iwasalsohurt

aboutyounottellingyourparents.Iwanttotelltheworldyou’rewithme,soIhavetroubleunderstanding

whyyoudidn’ttellyourparents.”

ThatadmissionwasobviouslyhardonLuke.Ialreadyknewhesharedmorewithmethanheprobably

hadinotherrelationships.ItwashardforLuketoopenup.EvenwithBrook,heusuallyjustsentheratext

whenheneededtodiscusshisfeelings.Forthatreason,Iwantedtotreadlightlyandnotmessthingsup.I

didn’twantLuketobeafraidtotalktomeabouthisfeelingsinthefuture.

“It’snotthatI’membarrassedaboutbeingwithyou,”Ibegan.“There’sthispartofmethat’snot

convincedthingscanworkbecauseI’mapessimistwhenitcomestorelationships.”

“Webothneedtocommunicatebetter,”Lukestated.“Isuckatit,butIpromisetotry.”

“Metoo,”Iagreed.“Now,areyougoingtotiemetoyourbedandhaveyourwaywithme?”The

questionwasnotawaytoavoidtheintensetopicsomuchasmyneedtogetLukeinme.Betweenour

argumentandthespanking,Iwasreallyturnedon.

“Fuckme,”Lukeuttered,standingwithmestillstraddlinghim.Mylegsimmediatelywrappedaround

hiswaist.

“Ithoughtyouweregoingtofuckme,”Iteased.

“Youaregoingtobethedeathofme,woman,”hegroanedashecarriedmetowardthebedroom.

Afterwalkingmeintotheroom,Lukesetmedownandgrabbedacondom.

“Takethosejeansoff,”hecommanded,makingmeclenchwithdesire.“Ineedtofuckyouhardand

fastagainstthewall.Anyobjections?”

Wordsfailedmeatfirst,andallIcoulddowasshakemyheadasIkickedoffmyshoesandstripped

outofmyclothes.

WhenIturned,IfoundLukeinhisCookieMonsterboxers,andIwasactuallytooarousedtocomeup

withajoke.Catchingmyhand,Lukepulledmeagainsthischestandkissedme.Histonguethrustroughly

intomymouthashishandfistedinmyhairtoholdmeinplace.ItwasexactlywhatIneeded—desperate

andprimal.Imoaned,andmynailsdugintohisshouldersashecontinuedtoholdmeinplaceforhisnear

punishingkiss.

Breakingthekiss,Lukestrippedoffhisboxersandrolledonthecondombeforespinningussomy

backwasagainstthewallasheliftedme.Whenmylegswrappedaroundhim,Igrippedhisdick,

positioningitatmyentrance.Lukeplungedintome,andIwhimpered,rockingagainsthimashepressed

meagainstthecold,texturedwall.

TherewasnothinggentleaboutLuke’sthrustsasheslammedintomybody,groaningasmybody

clampeddownaroundhim.Leaningforward,Ibithisshoulder,andhegrowledlowinhisthroat,gripping

myassasherockedagainstme,increasingthepressureonmyclit,andcausingmetoletoutalow

keeningsoundofpleasure.

Itwasn’tlonguntilmyorgasmhit,makingmescreamasIwrithedagainstLuke.Assoonasmy

spasmssettledsome,Lukestalkedovertohisbedandsetmeonmyfeet.Afterturningmetofacehisbed,

hepushedmeforwardandsmackedmyalreadystingingass,makingmesquealinsurprise.Thrustinginto

mybody,Lukemovedatafrenziedpaceuntilhisdickswelledinsidemejustbeforehefoundhisown

release.

Lukeletouthoarsecryofcompletionashisdicktwitchedviolently.

WhenLukepulledout,hedroppedthecondominthetrashandhelpedmestand.Mylegswereshaky,

makingmewonderhowLukeseemedsosteady.“Youarefuckingincredible,”hepraised.

“YouonlysaythatbecauseIletyoufuckmeagainstwallsandtiemeup,”Imurmuredasheliftedand

laidmeonthemiddleofhisbedbeforesettlinginbesideme.

“Don’tdothat,Chels.”

Istartedtoaskwhathemeant,butIknewwhathewastalkingabout.Lukedidn’twantmetopretend

heonlycaredaboutsexwithme.Hedidn’twantmetodenywhatwehad.“I’lltry,”Iassuredhim.

“Thankyou,”heutteredsleepily.“Foreverything.”

ChapterThirty-Four

Luke

Ithadbeenanintensenight,andthat’swhyIwasn’tsurprisedChelseawasstillasleep.Iwasonlyup

becauseIneededtogradesomepapersbeforeschoolthenextday.Iwashopingtogetthemdoneearlyso

IcouldspendChelsea’sdayoffwithher.Iwouldn’tsayallourproblemshadbeenmagicallysolvedthe

previousnight,butitwasastart.We’dhadaseriousdiscussionaboutourfeelings,somethingneitherof

uswasverygoodat.Webothagreedwewereexclusive,andIwasconfidentwe’dworkthroughany

otherproblems.

Theknockonmyfrontdoorinterruptedmefrommywork,andIwasannoyed.Mostlikely,itwas

someonesellingsomething.Forwhateverreason,myapartmentcomplexhadbecomeverypopularwith

thosesellingmagazinesubscriptionsandvacuumcleaners.IwasgettingtiredoftellingpeopleIwasn’tin

themarketforeither,andthenosolicitingsigndidnothingtodeterthesalespeople.

Iopenedthedoortofindapregnantwoman,whowasprobablyaboutmyage,standingonmyfront

porch,rubbingherbelly.ShelookedalotlikeBrookwithlongbrownhairpulledbackfromherface.I

imaginedwhenshewasn’tpregnant,shehadafairlyathleticbuild.Withthesunglassescoveringhereyes,

Icouldn’ttelltheircolor,anditwashardtoreadherexpression.

“AreyouLucasRobinson?”sheaskedbeforeIcouldsayanything.

“That’sme,”Ireplied,surprisedsheknewmynamesinceI’dnevermetthiswomanbefore.“Was

theresomethingIcouldhelpyouwith?”

“I’mMisty,”shestatedandthenwaitedformetohavesomereactiontohername.WhenIsaid

nothing,herfacefell.“YouhavenocluewhoIam,doyou?”

“Sorry,”Ireplied.“Didwegotoschooltogether?”Ifiguredmaybewe’dgraduatedthesameyear,or

she’ddatedoneofmyfriends.

“Iwaslivingwithyourdad,”sheexplained.

“Fuck,”Imutteredquietly.“Youshoulddefinitelycomeinandhaveaseat.”

Brookhadalreadytoldmeaboutmydadgettingawomanpregnantandtryingtogethertohavean

abortion.Apparently,thathadn’thappened,andIcouldonlyassumemydadhaddisappearedifthe

womanwasatmyapartment.SinceIwasn’tinhiding,ithadprobablybeeneasiertofindme,andshe

likelyassumedI’dknowhowtocontactmydad.

Mistytookaseatonmysofabeforelookingaroundmyapartment.“Youdon’thavemuchmoney,do

you?”

“Nope,”Ireplied.“Isthatwhyyou’rehere?AreyouhopingIcanhelpyouwithmoney?”WhenI

heardthewordscomeoutofmymouth,IrealizedwhatanassholeIsoundedlike.Ofcourse,I’dhelpher.

Shewaspregnantwithmybrotherorsister,butherquestionstillannoyedme.

“Sorry.Myquestionsoundedreallyawful.I’mnotheretohustleyouformoney.WhenIheadedout

here,Iwashopingyou’dhelpmefindyourdad.That’swhatIwasstillthinking.Thenwhenthebaby

kickedjustnow,IgottothinkingthatIdon’twantanyofthis.Robisjustgoingtoleavemewiththekid,

andIdon’thaveanyinterestinbeingasinglemom.Ican’teventakecareofmyself.Ishouldn’thave

comehere.”

Whenshestartedtostand,Icaughtherarm.“Holdup,Misty.It’sgonnabeokay.Lotsofpregnant

womenworryaboutthissortofthing.I’msuretheyallgetnervous.”Iwaspullingthisalloutofmyass

andhadnocluehowmostpregnantwomenfelt,butdoubtsseemednatural.

“Tobehonest,Iwasthinkingaboutgivingthebabyupforadoption,anyway,”sheadmitted.

“Areyousureyoureallywanttodothat?”Iasked.

Mistynodded.“It’sallI’vethoughtabout.Ievenaskedmyfamilyiftheywanther,buttheydon’twant

heranymorethantheywantme.IhavenoideawhyIevenbotheredaskingthem.Doyouknowanyof

yourdad’sfamilywhomightwanther?”

“It’sagirl?”Iasked,suddenlyalittleoverwhelmed.Ihadasister,orIwouldsoon.

“Yeah,theydidtwoultrasounds,andit’sdefinitelyagirl,”shereplied.“She’sdueinFebruary.”

“I’mtheonlyfamilymydadhas,”Iadmitted.

“Figures,”Mistymuttered.

“Whataboutme?”Iasked,unabletobelievethewordsthathadjustcomefrommymouth.

“Youwantthebaby?I’mnotplanningtobeinvolvednomatterwhatyoudecide,soyoudon’thaveto

worryaboutmeinterferinginyourlife.”

“Luke?”Chelseacalledmynamesoftlyfromthebedroomdoor.Iwasn’tsureifshewassayingitto

getmyattentionoraskingaboutMisty.Icouldcertainlyseehowthiswouldlookbad.Therewasa

pregnantwomaninmylivingroomaskingifIwantedthebabyandpromisingnottobeinvolved.

Mistylookedreadytobolt,soIdecidedIshouldanswerherfirst.“Yes,Iwanther.Justgivemea

minutetotalktoChelsea,andthenwecandiscussthismore.”

IguidedChelseabackintomybedroom,needingtoexplainaboutMistybeforeChelseatookitthe

wrongway.Closingthedoortotheroom,Isighedandranmyfingersthroughmyhair.Ratherthan

demandinganswers,Chelseawrappedherarmsaroundmywaistandputherheadagainstmychest.

“It’sgoingtobeokay,Luke,”sheassuredme.

“Itis?”Iasked.

“Ofcourseitis,”sheinsisted.“Iknowthismustbeasurprise.Clearly,shedidn’ttellyoushewas

pregnantuntiltoday,butthingsaregoingtoworkout.You’renotalone.”

“Chels,”Ibegan,awedbyherreaction.“Thebabyisn’tmine.Thisisthewomanmydadwasliving

withwhenBrookservedhimwithdivorcepapers.Shedoesn’twantthebaby,andI’mgoingtoseewhatI

candotogetcustody.Idon’tknowwhatthehellI’mdoing,Chelsea,butthat’smysister,andIwantherin

mylife.”

Releasingherholdonmywaist,Chelseasteppedback.“I’mgoingtothrowonsomeclothesandrun

hometoshowerandtakecareofTashawhileyoutalktoheraboutthebaby.Doyouneedmetopickup

breakfastbeforeIgo?Itseemslikeyoushouldofferapregnantwomanfood.”

“I’lltakeheroutifshe’shungry,”IassuredChelseabeforepullingherintomyarmsandrestingmy

chinontopofherhead.“Youthoughtthebabywasmine,andyouwerereallyokaywithallthis?”Iwas

stillhavingtroublebelievingthat.

“Peoplemakemistakesallthetime,”sheassuredme.“Ifiguredifyouhadgottenherpregnant,atleast

youwerewillingtodorightbyherandyourchild.Takingonyoursisterjustmakesyouseemmore

incredibletome.”

Igaveheronelastsqueezebeforereleasingher.“Ireallydoloveyou,Chels.Youdon’thavetosay

thewords.Igetthatyou’renotready,butIneededtotellyouwhenyouwon’tthinkit’sjustthesexmaking

mesayit.We’regoingtohaveababysoon.”

Chelsea’seyeswidened,andherexpressioncouldonlybedescribedaspanickedbeforeshepasteda

smileonherface.“Nomatterwhathappens,I’llbeheretohelpyou.We’llalwaysbefriends.”

ItwasdefinitelynottheanswerI’dbeenhopingfor,butIdecidednottopushformore.Ineededto

talktoMistyandfigureouthowIwasgoingtogaincustodyofmybabysister.

ChapterThirty-Five

Chelsea

AssoonasIgotintomycar,IcalledBrook,hopingshe’dpickup,knowingshemightnotsinceshe

hadabigprojecttoworkon.InearlygroanedwhenTyleransweredherphone.

“Hey,Chels,”hegreetedme.

IwastemptedtopretendI’dbuttdialedhim,butIfiguredhe’dbemadwhenheheardfromLukewhat

hadhappened.

“Hi,Tyler.Howareyoudoing?”Iasked,tryingtosoundcasual.

“What’swrong?”heasked,soundingworried.“YouandLukearen’tstillfightingoverthatfiascoat

MomandDad’slastnight,areyou?”

“No,wemadeup,”Iassuredhim.

“Thenwhat’sgoingon,Chelsea?”hepushedgently.“You’remakingmenervous.”

“Sorry,IwasplanningtotellBrook,andI’mworriedabouttellingyousinceLukemightwanttotell

you,”Iadmitted.

“You’repregnant?”Tyleraskedloudly,whichwasenoughtocatchBrook’sattentionbecausehers

wasthenextvoiceIheardontheline.

“Oh.My.God!”Brookscreeched.“I’mgoingtobeagrandma?Didyoujustfindoutthismorning?”

“I’mnotpregnant,”Iassuredher,puttingthecallonspeakersoIcouldstartdriving.ThelastthingI

wantedwastohaveLukecomeoutandfindmestillinhisparkinglot,freakingoutonthephone.

“Isupposethat’sgood,”Brookadmitted,soundingalittledisappointed.“She’snotpregnant,”shetold

Tyler.

“Rob’spregnantgirlfriendshowedupatLuke’sapartmenttoday,”Iexplained.“Isupposeitwouldbe

moreaccuratetosayshe’shisex-girlfriendsinceheseemstohaveditchedher.”

“Thepoorwoman,”Brooksaidsadly.“WhatdidshewantfromLuke?”

“WhenIcamein,shewasaskingifhewantedthebaby,”Ireplied.“Itseemsshe’snotreadytobea

parent,andshedoesn’twantanyinvolvementwiththebaby.”

“WhereisLuke?”Brookasked.

“Inhisapartmentwiththepregnantwoman,”Itoldher.“I’mheadinghometotakecareofTashaand

givethemsometimetotalk.Ifigureditwouldbeeasierthatway.”

“Isee,”Brooksaid.

“Fine,”Irelented.“I’malsonotentirelycomfortablewithallthis.Iknowitsoundsselfish.WhenI

foundout,IassuredLukehewasn’talone,andIevenpicturedbabysittingforhimsometimes,butthenhe

toldmehelovesmeandtalkedaboutdoingthistogether,andIfreakedout.”

“Understandable,”Brookagreed.

“Ifeellikesuchabitch,”Igrumbled.“Lukeneedsmetosupporthim,butI’mnotsureIcanbethere

asmorethanafriend.Idon’twanttobeamomatthispointinmylife.Maybenotever.”

“WhileIwouldloveforyoutosayyou’llbethereforLukenomatterwhatandraisethebabywith

him,thisisabigshocker,”shetoldme.“Youweren’texpectingtobedatingasingledad,andnotjustany

singledad,onewithanewborn.Thisisahugedeal,Chelsea.Itwouldbeatoughdecisionforanyoneto

make,evenifthey’dalwaysdreamedofbecomingamother.”

“WhatamIgoingtodo?”Iaskedhelplessly,evenknowingtherewasnowayBrookcouldanswer

thatquestionforme.

“Maybeyoushouldjustgiveyourselftimetothinkaboutallthis,”shesuggested.“It’snotlikeyou’re

goingtoseveralltieswithLukeifthingsdon’tworkout,sowhyworryaboutdecidingtoday?Takeafew

daystothinkabouteverything.”

“You’reright,”Iagreed.“Evenifwearen’tdating,I’mstillgoingtobehisfriend.ImeantwhatIsaid

abouthelpinghimwiththebaby.Ishouldletyougetbacktowork.”

“DoyouwanttotalktoTy?”sheasked.

“Notnow.I’mjustgoingtotakesometimetothinkaboutallthis,”Ireplied.

“Callmeifyouneedanything,”Brookoffered.

“Iwill,”Ipromisedher,surprisedathowmuchmorecomplicatedthingswithLukehadsuddenly

become.

ChapterThirty-Six

Luke

Mistywasamess,andintheend,Icouldunderstandwhyshedidn’twanttobeamom.She’dquither

jobwhenshe’dmovedinwithmydad,leavinghercompletelydependentonhimforsupport.Untilhe’d

beenservedwithdivorcepapersinfrontofMisty,thingshadbeengoingwell,inheropinion,atleast.

She’dbeentoldhiswifewouldtakehalfhisestateifhedivorcedher,andshe’dboughtintoallhislies

aboutawifewhosimplywouldn’tletthingsend.She’dbeencontemplatinggivingintomydad’srequest

tohaveanabortionwhenshe’ddecidedifhiswifewasfinallydivorcinghim,heshouldmarryherand

startafamily.Mydad,beingtheirresponsibledickheis,leftherandchangedhisnumber.She’dassumed

he’dbeback,becausemydadisgoodatconningpeopleintobelievinghe’sagoodpersonforshort

periodsoftime.

Iwasstillinshockabouteverythingthathappenedthatday.Inlessthanthreemonths,Iwasgoingto

beafather.I’dstoppedthinkingofthebabyasmysister,becauseIwasn’tjusttakingcareofherforafew

days;Iwasadoptingher.Legally,shewouldbemydaughter.We’ddiscussedeverything,andthatseemed

tobethebestsolution.Ihadnocluehowtogoaboutdoingthat.Idefinitelyneededanattorney.Atthis

point,Iwasn’tconvincedmyfatherwouldn’tbeaproblem,eventhoughIcouldn’tseehimwantingtobe

involvedwiththebaby.Hewasjustanassholewholikedtocontroleverything.

AsIwalkeduptoChelsea’shouse,Iwasn’tsurewhatkindofwelcomeI’dgetwhenIarrived,butI

neededtobenearher.We’dplannedtospendthedaytogether,soIfigureditwouldn’tbetooweirdwhen

Irangherbell.

Chelseagreetedmewithanervoussmile.“Howdiditgo?”

Ishrugged.“Mistygavememoreproofmydad’sadick,anditlookslikeIneedtofigureouthowto

adoptababy.”

“Comeonin,”sheofferedwithawarmsmile.“Iwaswaitingforyoutogetheretoorderpizza.”

Chelsea’swarmwelcomecausedmetobreatheahugeinner-sighofreliefasIsteppedintoherfront

room.Whenshetriedtowalkpastme,IcaughtChelseaaroundthewaistandpulledherintomyarms.

“WouldyoulaughatmeifItoldyouIwasalittleworriedaboutthereceptionI’dreceivefromyou?”

“Idon’tblameyouforbeingworried,”shereplied.“Earlier,Iwasshocked,soIdidn’treactvery

well.ImeantwhatIsaidaboutbeinghereforyou.”

“ButIshouldn’tassumethatmeansyouwanttotakeonmommyduties,”Ifinishedforher.

Pullingaway,shegavemeawobblysmile.“Exactly.Howaboutifwestoptalkingaboutmy

involvement?We’llorderpizza,andyoucantellmeallaboutwhathappened.ThenI’llevenletyou

watchDoctorWho.”

“YouaresexyashellwhenyouoffertowatchDoctorWho,”Itoldher,thankfulwewereokay.

Chelseamightnotbesureofeverything,butsheseemedfinewithus,andthatwasastart.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Luke

Ihadn’thungoutwithTymuchrecently.BetweenhisrelationshipwithBrookandbothofusworking,

thingshadbeenhectic.Thelasttimehe’daskedmetohangoutwithhim,ithadbeentooutmeand

Chelseatohisparents.I’dbeenannoyedwithhimforinterferingatthetime,notthathecouldhave

guessedhismomwasgoingtotrytofixChelseaupthatnight,butIstillthoughtheshouldhaveletChelsea

handlethingsonherown.I’dbeenplanningtoexpressmyirritationwithhimoverthat,butthenI’dgotten

waylaidbyMisty,asituationIstillhadn’tdiscussedwithTy.

We’ddecidedtojusthangoutatmyplacesincewewerebothtired.IansweredthedoortofindTy

holdingtwopizzas.He’dofferedtopickthemuponthewaysinceIwasprovidingthebeer.

“I’mgladyoudidn’tdothehalfandhalfpizzathing,”Itoldhim,havingforgottentoremindhimI

didn’twanttoshareapizza.

“Brookdoesn’tlikeitwhenIcontaminatehersideofthepizzawithchickenandvegetablesanymore

thanyoudo,”headmitted.

Growingup,I’dsharedmanypepperonipizzaswithTy,buthe’ddecidedacoupleyearsagothathe

wasgoingtoeathealthier.He’dnotonlygivenupnitratesandnitrites,he’dalsogivenupredmeatand

pork.Iwassomewhatembarrassedtoadmitmybestfrienddidn’teatbacon.Thatseemedlikean

unforgivablesin,andheonlymadeitworsewiththefactthatheseemedtothinkturkeybaconwasan

acceptablereplacement.Ididn’tgetit.

“Iwasworriedyou’dtrytopunishmeforthefactthatTasha’salwaysatthestudio,”Iremarked.

FromwhatChelseahadsaid,TywasforevercomplainingaboutTashabeinginthestudio,eventhough

shesuspectedTyreallylikedthekitten.TyclaimeditwasmyfaultChelseadecidedtokeepthecat,and

hefrequentlythreatenedtodothingslikebuymeaveggieburgertogeteven.

“Thereiscathaireverywhere,”Tygrumbled.“Nottomentionthenoisethatirritatingfurballmakes.

Ifshe’snotbeggingfortreats,she’sonmylappurring.It’sapainintheass.”

“AccordingtoChelsea,youbringTashatreatsallthetime,”Istated,grabbingpaperplatesandbeers.

“Itkeepsthefurballhappy,whichkeepsheroutofmyway,”heinsisted.

“Whateveryousay,”Itoldhim.“HaveaseatwhileIgrabsomenapkins.”

IwentbackintothekitchentogetnapkinswhenIsuddenlyrealizedI’dleftmylittleprojectsittingon

thesofa,half-buriedunderathrowpillow.Iusuallyworkedonitwhilewatchingtelevision.Thenight

before,I’dbeenwatchingTVwhilewaitingforChelseatofinishupatherstudiosowecouldgrab

dinner.SinceweusuallystayedatChelsea’splace,Ionlyputitawaywhenshewascomingover.I’d

forgottentohideitbeforeTy’sarrival.

“Whatthefuck!”Tycalledout.

Grabbingthenapkins,Iwalkedbackin,tryingtolookunaffectedbywhatTyhadjustdiscovered.

“Herearethenapkins.I’mstarving.Let’seat.”

“Pleasetellmethesearen’tmysister’spanties,”TysaidashehelduptheropeI’dbeenmakingover

thelastfewweeks.

MyonlyresponsewasashrugasIopenedthepizzaboxandputasliceonmyplate.

“Youstolemysister’spantiesagain?”hedemanded,lookingmoreconfusedthanangry.

“Imayhavetakenafewofherpanties,butit’sforagoodreason,”Iinsisted.Although,Iwouldadmit

Tymightnotappreciatemyreason.

TylookedattheropeIwasmakingandthenbackatme.“ThisisnotafewofChelsea’spanties.You

musthavestolenatleastadozenofmysister’spanties.”

IdecidednowwasnotthetimetomentiontheropeI’dalreadycompleted,whichconsistedofexactly

seventeenthongs.

“Whatareyougoingtodowiththis?”hedemanded,shakingmypantyropeatme.

“Tieyoursistertomybed,”Iadmitted,sinceIcouldn’tthinkofaresponsethatwouldn’tsound

completelyperverted.IfiguredifIwasgoingtolooklikeapervert,Imightaswellbehonest.Besides,

whatotherexplanationdidhethinktherecouldbe?

Ratherthanlosingit,Tyregardedmyropewithcuriosity.“Whatkindofknotdidyouuse?”

“It’sjustasimplesquareknot,”Ireplied.“IhadtotryafewthingsbeforeIfoundsomethingthat

worked.”

“Thiscouldbeinteresting,”hemused.“Notwhatyou’redoingtomysister,”headdedquickly.“Istill

don’twanttoknowanythingaboutthat.”

“YoualreadyknowwhatI’mgoingtodowiththose,”Iremindedhim.

“Imeantbeyondthat.Remember,Ineverwanttoknowaboutmysister’ssexlife,”headded.

Inodded.“Understandable.Idon’twanttoknowanythingaboutyoursexlifewithBrookeither,so

howaboutifwechangethesubject?”Isuggested.

“Goodidea,”Tyagreed,tossingthepantiesatme.

Iputtheminmybedroom,hopingTywouldn’ttellChelseawhatI’ddone.She’dfindoutsoon

enough,butIwantedittobeasurprise,andIwasstillenjoyingourongoingbanterinvolvingher

accusationsaboutmestealingherpanties.I’dblameditonherwashingmachine,sayingitmustbeeating

herpanties.I’devenaskedhertoprovesheknewhowmanypantiesshehad.Whenshe’dbeenunableto

dothat,I’dinsistedshewasfalselyaccusingmeofpantypilfering.Thewholegamewaslikeforeplayfor

me.

“HowareyouhandlingthisthingwithMisty?”Tyasked.

Iletoutasigh.“AswellasIcan,Iguess.Westillneedtogetmydadtosigntheadoptionpapers,but

Mistyisfinewithit.Iconsideredjustclaimingtobethefatheronthebirthcertificate,butIfigure,this

way,Iwon’thavetoworryaboutmydadshowingupandtryingtoclaimHaleyishisdaughterlater.”

“Haley?”Tyasked.

“That’swhatI’mnamingthebaby,”Iexplained.“Mistydoesn’tcarewhathernameis,soIwenton

oneofthosebabynamesiteswithChelsea,andwebothlikedHaley.SinceIalreadyknowit’sagirl,I

figureditwouldbeeasiertodecideonanamenow.It’sreallytoughtodecide.”

“It’snicethatChelseahelpedyouwiththename.Howdoesmysisterfitintoallthis?”Tyasked.

“She’smanagedtoavoidthesubjectsincewe’vebeensobusywithholidayphotosessionsatthestudio.

EverytimeIaskherhowthingsaregoing,sheinsistswe’lltalkwhenthingslowdown.”

Thatwasagoodquestion,andoneIdidn’thaveananswerfor.Chelseawasbeinggreataboutthe

wholething.Shehadn’tfreakedoutagain,andshewashelpingmefigureoutthingslikechildcareand

wherethebabywouldsleep,butwehadn’ttalkedmuchaboutherrole.Iwasbeginningtoworryourtime

togetherwouldcometoanendwhenHaleywasborn.“Wejuststarteddating,andI’mnotsurewhereshe

fitsin.Thisisalottoaskher.”

“Itisalottoask,”Tyagreed.“Chelseawasn’tevenconsideringhavingkidsbeforenow,andshe’s

datingsomeonewhowillhaveanewbornverysoon.”

“Shetoldmeshedidn’twanttobeamom,”Itoldhim.

“Youdidn’twanttobeadad,butsometimesthingschange,”Tyremindedme.

“You’reright,butHaleyismyfamily.Chelseaisawesome,andshe’sreallybeenhelpingme,butI

don’tknowifthisisgoingtoworkonceHaleyishere,”Iadmitted.“ItfeelslikeI’mbeingunfairby

askinghertotakeonthisresponsibilityjustbecauseIam.”

“Itwouldbeunfairifyouexpectedhertodoitjustbecauseyouare,”Tyagreed.“Butsoisassuming

shewon’twantthis.Ithinkyouneedtotalktoher.”

WhenIdidn’trespond,Tycontinued.“Whataren’tyoutellingme?”

“ThedayIfoundoutaboutHaley,Chelseawasatmyapartment,”Ibegan.

“Yeah,Iknow,”Tytoldme.“ChelseacalledBrookrightaftersheleft.IansweredBrook’sphoneand

thoughtshewaspregnant.”

“Iuseprotectionwithyousister,”Iinsisted.

“Andit’snotonehundredpercenteffective,”heremindedme.

“Goodpoint,”Iagreed.“YoumusthavebeenreadytokickmyasswhenyouthoughtI’dgotten

Chelseapregnant.”

“Tobetotallyhonest,Iwaskindofexcitedaboutbeinganuncle,butIstillgettoplayuncletoHaley,

soI’mgood,”hereplied.

“So,ifyoutalkedtoChelsea,youalreadyknowshefreakedout,”Ipointedout.

“BrooksnatchedthephoneoutofmyhandwhenwethoughtChelseawaspregnant,soIonlyheard

paraphraseddetailsfromBrook,andIgottheimpressionsheheldstuffback.”

“WhenItoldherIlovedherandI’mgladshe’sinthiswithme,sheessentiallytoldmeshe’snotsure

shewantstobeinthiswithme,”Isaidwithasigh.“Shealsodidn’treturnmyaffections.”

Tyflinched.“Ouch.Forwhatit’sworth,I’mconvincedChelsealovesyou.”

“Iknowshelovesme,”Itoldhim.“AndI’mfinewithhernotbeingreadytotellme.Itjusthurtwhen

shediditatthesametimeasshetoldmeweprobablydon’thaveafuture.”

“Sorry,man,”Tysaid,pattingmeontheback.

“Don’tfuckinghugme,”Iwarned.Tyhadatendencytobealittletoointohugging.Exceptwith

Chelsea,Iwasnotanaffectionateperson.

Tylaughed.“Ireallythoughtmysisterwashelpingyouworkthroughtheseintimacyissues.”

“Idon’tmindbeingintimatewithyoursister,butI’mnotinterestedinbeingintimatewithyou.”

“Whenyousayitlikethat,itmakesitsoundlikeI’maskingforsex,notahug,”hepointedoutbefore

continuing.“Ihadnocluethingsweren’tgoingwellbetweenyouandChelsea.”

“That’sthethingmakingthismoreconfusing,”Ibegan.“Theyaregoingwell.We’regettingalong

fine.Iwentovertoherplaceafterthatuncomfortabletalk,andshewassweetandsupportive.She’s

reallybeenthereforme.I’mjustnotsureifshe’llcontinuetobethereformeasmygirlfriend,orjustasa

friend.”

“Itsoundslikeyouneedtodotheonethingyouhatealmostasmuchashuggingme,”Tybegan.“You

needtotalkaboutyourfeelings.”

Igroaned.“Youradvicesucks.”

“YouthinkI’mwrong?”heasked.

“No,”Ireplied.“Iwasjusthopingyou’dcomeupwithsomeshortcuttogetaroundthis.”

“Don’ttexther,”Tywarned.

“I’mnotgoingtotextherwithsomethingthisserious,”Iinsisted,whichearnedmeaskepticallook

fromTy.“Fine,textingaboutsomethingseriousiswhatIwouldhavedoneinthepast,butI’mreallytrying

withChelsea.”

“Iknowyouare,”Tyagreed.“Forwhatit’sworth,Ireallyhopeyouworkthingsout.Ithinkyou’re

reallygoodformysister.”

ChapterThirty-Eight

Chelsea

ItwasFridaynight,andIwasoutwithBrookandDelaneywhileLukespentsometimewithTy.

BrookreallyneededthetimewithusbecauseshewasstressingabouthermeetingwithRobonMonday,

andshewastiredofhavingTytellhereverythingwouldworkoutfine.Robhadalreadypostponedtwo

courtdatesandrefusedtomeetwithherandtheirattorneysseveralothertimes.Brookwasbeyond

frustratedwithRob’sattemptstodelaytheirdivorce.Rob,thedickhead,didn’twantadivorce.

ThismeetingwasgoingtobeahugeshockforRob,ifheshowedup,andwewereallhopingitwould

finallygethimtomoveforwardwiththedivorce.TheonlyreasonBrookbelievedhemightactuallyshow

upforthatmeetingwasBrook’sattorneyhadthreatenedtoaskformoreinthedivorceifhetried

canceling.IknewLukewasjustasstressedoutsinceheplannedtogetRobtoagreetosigntheadoption

papersthatday.Whiletherewereapparentlysomedocumentsthatcouldn’tbesigneduntilafterthebaby

wasborn,Lukewantedtogethisdad’sagreementearly.TheyalsohopedwhenRobrealizedMisty

wasn’tkeepingthebaby,hewouldallowthedivorcetogoforward.FromwhatIunderstood,oneofhis

bigreasonsfordelayingthedivorcewashisdesiretoavoidtakingresponsibilityforHaley.

Despitethefactthatwe’dgottentogethertolistentoBrookvent,shehadn’tsaidonewordaboutthe

meetingonMonday.

“We’vetalkedabouteverythingfromDelaney’snewbooktomycat,sohowareyoufeelingabout

Monday?”IfinallyaskedBrook.

Brooklookedupfromthenippleclampsshewasexaminingandletoutasigh.Yes,wewerehaving

ourconversationinourfavoritesexshop.IfBrookhadn’tbeensohesitanttotalkaboutit,we’dhavebeen

discussingitatthecoffeeshopinourfavoritebookstore,butwe’dfinishedupthereandBrookstill

wasn’treadytoopenup.Theywereusedtousatthesexshop,andthiswasfarfromthemostinteresting

conversationwe’dhadthere.Wespentenoughmoneythattheydidn’tcareifwewantedtotalkabout

divorce,politics,orDelaney’slatestsexualobsession.

“I’mworriedhewon’tshowup,”sheadmitted.“Itwouldn’tbesobadifRobwasn’talsoavoiding

Luke.ThismaybeLuke’sonlychancetotalktohisdadabouttheadoptionbeforethebirth.Robcalled

Lukebeforetotrytogethimtotalkmeoutofthedivorce,butLukerefusedtohelphim,andnow,Rob

won’tanswerhiscalls.Actually,hewentsofarastoblockLuke’snumber.ThenwhenLuketriedcalling

fromadifferentnumber,Robdisconnectedthatline.”

IalreadyknewLukewasworriedabouthisdadnotshowinguportakingoffwhenhesawLukeand

Mistyintheroom.SincewelivedinCalifornia,whichwasanofaultdivorcestate,Robhavingslept

withMistydidn’tmatterasfarasthecourtswereconcerned.InCalifornia,ifyouwantedadivorce,you

couldgetonewithoutsomebigargumentaboutwhowasatfaultfortheendofyourmarriage.

Theonlytimeadulterycameintoplaywaswhentherewasaprenuptialagreement,andadulterycould

impacthowmuchapersongotinthedivorce.BrookandRobdidn’thaveanyagreements,probably

becauseRobhadneverbeensmartenoughtothinkheshouldprotecthisassetswhenhegotmarried.From

whatI’dheard,hehadn’tearnedanyofthoseassets,soheprobablydidn’tvaluethemasmuchasmany

would.Robhadbeenbornintomoneyandinheritedhisparents’estateatayoungage.Hewasaspoiled

bratwhothoughttheworldshouldgivehimeverythinghewanted.

“I’dliketosayhewouldn’tdareskipthismeetingafteryourattorney’sthreats,”Delaneybegan.

“Buthe’samoronwhoprobablydoesn’tbelieveyoucouldtakeanyofhismoneyinthedivorce,”I

finished.“Eitherthatorhe’stoostupidtorealizehismoneywillrunouteventuallyifhe’snotcareful.”

“Can’tweagreehe’samoronnomatterwhathedoes?”Delaneyasked.

Brooklaughed.“He’sdefinitelyamoron,andthat’swhyI’msoworriedabouthimnotshowingup.

Heaskedforhalfmybusinesswithoutconsideringthathehasalotmoretoloseinthedivorce.Ifeelthat

ifIcanjustgethimtomeetwithusonMonday,he’llgiveuponfightingthedivorce.Mistyisthereason

he’sbeingsoresistant,andLukeisofferingtotakeawaythatproblem.”Brookcringedatherownwords.

“NotthatIthinkthebabyisaproblem.IknowLukeisthrilledwiththeideaofhavingher,andI’m

definitelylookingforwardtobabysitting.”

“Iknowwhatyoumeant,”Iassuredher.“We’veprobablyallbeenthinkingRobwillgiveupifhe

knowsLukeistakingcustodyofMisty’sbaby.”

“Doeshehaveanamepickedoutyet?”Delaneyasked.

“Haley,”Ireplied,experiencingthestrangemixofnervesandexcitementIalwayshadwhenthinking

aboutthelittlegirlwhowouldsoonchangeeverythinginmyrelationshipwithLuke.

“Howareyouhandlingallofthis?”Brookasked,lookingconcerned,probablyhavingsensedmy

unease.

Ishrugged.“I’mjusttryingtobesupportiveofLuke.”Thatwasmostlytrue.Ofcourse,whatIwasn’t

mentioningwasthatbyfocusingonbeingsupportiveofLuke,Iwasabletoavoidthinkingabouthowthis

wasgoingtochangemylife.Wehadn’ttalkedaboutmyinvolvementagain.IknewLukewastryingto

avoidpushingmetomakeanydecisions.Asforme,Iwasalsotryingtoavoidpushingmyselftomakeany

decisions.

“Whichisgreat,”Brooktoldme.“I’mgladyou’rebeingthereforhimsinceIknowthiswillbea

hugechangeinLuke’slife.”

“Iagree,”Delaneyaddedhesitantly.“It’snicethatyou’rebeingsuchagoodfriendtoLuke.”

“I’msensingabut,”Imuttered,beginningtosuspectmyfriendswantedtotalkmoreaboutwhatIwas

goingthroughthanwhatBrookwasgoingthrough.ItwasbecomingobviousI’dbeensetup.

“Butthisaffectsyou,too,”Delaneyadded.“You’reinanewrelationshipwithLuke,andthiswill

definitelyinterferewithalotofyourkinkysextime.You’vealsoneverbeenexcitedabouttheprospectof

beingamother.”

“Betweenworkandparenting,Lukewillhavelesstimetodate,”Brookadded.“Haveyoutwo

discussedthisagainsincethedayhefoundoutaboutHaley?”

“HaveyoudiscussedwhatyourrelationshipwithHaleywillbe?”Delaneyasked.

Justlikethat,myfriendshadcalledmeonallmyworriesregardingthebabywhowouldbeliving

withLuke.TheseweresomeofthemanyconcernsI’davoidedtalkingabout,theconcernsIknewI

couldn’tputoffdealingwithmuchlonger.Iwasn’tbeingfairtoLukebyleavinghiminlimboregarding

ourfuture.

“Idon’tknowtheanswerstoanyofthosequestions,”Iadmitted.“WhenLukefirstfoundout,he

talkedaboutthislikeweweregoingtodoittogether,andIhandleditbadly,butweworkedthroughthat.

Theproblemis,wehaven’ttalkedaboutitsincethen.It’slikewe’rebothtryingtoavoiddealingwithit.I

alreadyknowwecan’tcontinueonthewayweareifI’mnotfullycommittedtoHaley.Wewon’thave

timetodate,whichmeansthingsmightjustendbetweenus.Thismaysoundcrazy,butuntilLukesettled

onaname,shedidn’tseemquiteasreal.”

“Nowthatshe’sarealpersontoyou,howdoyoufeelabouther?”Brookasked.

“That’shardtoexplain,”Iadmitted.“IgetthiswarmfuzzyfeelingwhenIthinkaboutLukeholding

herorteachinghertorideabike.IknowLukeisafraidtomessupbecausehisparentsweresobad,butI

thinkhe’llbeagreatdad.He’ssuchawonderfulman.”

Brookgrinned.“Itsoundslikeyoualreadyknowwhatyouwanttodo.”

Ishookmyhead.“No,Idon’tknowwhatIwanttodo.That’stheproblem.”

“Bullshit,”Delaneyreplied,liftingaleatherpaddleandgivingherownassasmack,whichdrewthe

attentionoftwoguyswhowerecheckingoutthevideos.“Mindyourbusiness,perverts,”shetoldthem

beforeturningherattentiontome.“YouwanttobepartofLukeandHaley’slives.”

“AndIwillbe.ThequestioniswhetherI’llbethereasmorethanafriend.We’veonlybeendatinga

shorttime,”Iargued.

“You’veonlybeendatingashorttime,butthatdoesn’tchangethefactthatyou’reinlovewithhim,”

DelaneyrepliedasifIwereanidiot.

“IneversaidI’minlovewithLuke,”Iargued.

“Youdon’thavetotellusyou’reinlovewithLuke,”Brookinsisted.“YouloveLukeandheloves

you.It’sobvioustoeveryone.EvenLukeknowsit.”

Justafewmonthsago,I’dswornIwouldneverfallinloveagain—I’dneverwantedtofallinlove

again.ThenLukehadconvincedmetomeethimforadrink,andI’dopeneduptohim,lethimintomylife

andmyheart.DelaneyandBrookwererightaboutmyfeelingsforLuke,andhe’dmadenosecretofhow

hefeltaboutme.Luketoldmeseveraltimeshelovedme.Atfirst,I’dpretendeditwasjustbedroomtalk,

butsomehow,I’dalwaysknownthatwasn’tthecase.

“Idolovehim,”Iadmitted,“butitscaresme.”

“You’llgetusedtoit,”Brookassuredme.“Justtrytoenjoybeinginlove.Lukewouldneverhurt

you.”

“He’snothinglikeJason,”Delaneyadded.

Inodded.Theywereright,buttherewasalsooneothermajorproblem.“I’mnotreadytobea

parent,”Isaidquietly.“IthinkLukeisdoingtherightthing,andIlovehimmorefordoingit,butI’mnot

sureIwanttobeanykindofmotherfigureinHaley’slife.WhileIwanttobepartofbothoftheirlives,

I’mnotsureIcancommittothisthewayLukeneedsmeto.Doesthatmakemeahorribleperson?”

BrookandDelaneybothhuggedme.

“Itdoesn’tmakeyouahorriblepersonatall,”Brookinsisted.

“Youdoneedtodecideifyou’reinoroutsoon,”Delaneycontinued.“It’snotfairtowaittoolongto

letLukeknow.”

“Iagree,”Brookadded.“Atfirst,Ithoughttherewasnoreasonforyoutomakeanydecisionsbefore

Haley’sbirth,butnow,Iseehowmuchofanadjustmentthisalreadyisforhim.Heneedstobe

completelyfocusedonHaleywhenhebringsherhome,notdealingwithabreakup,ifyoudecidetoleave

him,thatis.”

“AsHaleygetsolder,Lukewillhavetimetodateagain.Maybeyoushouldjusttakeabreakifyou

aren’treadytobeamommyfiguretoHaley.Notbreakup,butseeeachotherless,”Delaneysuggested.

Thatwouldhavebeenagreatsuggestionwithanyotherman,butIknewitwouldn’tworkwithLuke.

BeingabandonedbybothparentsformostofhischildhoodhaddefinitelyleftitsmarkonLuke.IfIpulled

awaybecauseofHaley,he’dbehurt.Ididn’tthinkhe’dconsciouslytrytopunishme,buthis

subconsciousmindwouldputupbarrierstoavoidbeinghurtincaseIdecidedtoleave.Thiswasmyone

shotwithLuke.

“Ireallyneedtothinkaboutthis,”Iadmitted.“You’rerightaboutLukedeservingananswersoon.”

“Justfollowyourheart,”Delaneysuggested.

Thatwasgoodadvice,butIneededsometimetodecideiffollowingmyheartwasfairtoeveryone

involved.MyhearttoldmetotellLukeIwasfullycommittedtohelpinghimraiseHaley,butmymind

wastellingmeitwastoosoon,andremindingmeIcouldnotonlyhurtLukeifImadeamistake,butI

couldalsohurtaninnocentbaby.

“You’llmaketherightdecision,”Brookassuredme.

“Icertainlyhopeso,”Imuttered,notnearlyasconfidentinmyabilitytomaketherightchoiceas

Brookwas.

ChapterThirty-Nine

Luke

WhenChelseatextedmetosayshewastootiredtocomeoverafterspendingtheeveningwithBrook

andDelaney,Iknewtherewasnoreasonforittobotherme.Therehadbeenothernightsshehadn’tcome

tomyplaceorletmegotohers.It’snotlikeshehadtospendeverynightwithme,nomatterhowmuchI

wantedherinmyarms.

Tyhadn’thelpedmattersbysuggestingsomethingwasprobablybotheringChelsea.WhatIshould

havedonewasgradesomepapersandheadtobedearly.Thatwastherightthingtodo,butthatwasnot

whatI’ddone.IwasreadytoadmittobeinganassholestalkerasIsatinmycaroutsideChelsea’shouse,

staringatthetextstring.

ME:Imissyou.Can’twaittoseeyoutonight.WannaknowwhatI’mgoingtodotoyouwhenyouget

here?IevengotaspecialtreatforTashasoshe’llletusplaywhileshehasherfirstsleepoverhere.

CHELS:IthinkI’mgoingtojustheadhometonight.I’mnotfeelinguptopacking.

ME:Idon’tmindgoingovertoyourplace.Justletmeknowwhenyou’reheadinghome.

CHELS:I’mreallytiredtonight.I’llcallyoutomorrowsowecantalkaboutthings.

Therewasnoreasonformetobelieveshewaslyinganddidn’tsimplywantaquieteveningathome

alonebecauseshewastired.Therewasnoreasonformyimmediatereaction,whichwastoassume

somethingwasbotheringherandheadstraighttoherhouse.

Now,Iwasthecreepystalkersittinginfrontofherhouse,tryingtodecideifIshouldheadinor

respectherwishesandtakemycreepyasshome.Myphonebuzzedwithanincomingmessage,which

endedupbeingfromChelsea.

CHELS:Justcomeuptothefrontdoor.It’sweirdhavingyousitouttherestaringatmyhouse.

Iwastotallybusted,soIdecidedtofollowordersandheaduptoherhouse,hopingtodiscoverIwas

worryingovernothing.

WhenChelseaopenedthedoor,shegreetedmewithawarmsmile,justlikeshealwaysdid,andthat

shouldhavesetmymindatease.Still,Icouldseethestressonherface,provingI’dbeenrighttoworry

aboutherreaction.

“Comeonin,”sheoffered,eyingmyovernightbag.“Iguessyoudidn’tlikemyansweraboutnot

comingovertonight.”

Iletoutasighbeforeresponding.“WhenIgotyourmessage,IwaswithTy,andhewasworried

somethingmightbebotheringyou,soIdecidedtocomecheckonyou.IfiguredI’dbringmyovernightbag

incaseyouaskedmetostay.”Ibumpedmyforeheadagainstthenearestwallandgroaned.“Whyisthisso

hard?Whycan’tIjustansweryourquestionhonestly?”

I’dgottenmuchbetteratopeningupaboutmyfeelings;atleast,IhadwithChelsea,butIseemedtobe

havingalotoftroublewithitatthemoment.ThepartaboutTywasonlyasmallpieceofwhatwasgoing

on,butithadseemedeasiertoavoidtalkingabouthowmyownfeelingsplayedintomecomingbyher

house.Myfistsclenchedatmysides,andIletmyheaddropbackasImutteredaboutwhatanidiotIwas.

Chelsealaughedatmyfrustration.“Areyoutellingmeyoujustliedtome?”

“No,butyes,”Irepliedbeforeclarifying.“WhatIsaidaboutTyistrue,butIcameoverherebecause

Igotastrangevibefromyouinyourmessage,andIwasworriedsomethingwaswrong.Withus.Idon’t

wanttoloseyou.”

I’dsaythathadn’tbeenashardasI’dthoughtitwouldbe,butthatwouldbealie.Admittingtomy

fearoflosingChelseamadeitseemmuchmorereal.Still,IwasgladI’dbeenhonestandnotplayedsome

stupidgameorpretendednothingwaswronglikeIwouldhavetwomonthsago.

Withasigh,sheslippedherarmsaroundmywaist.“I’msorryaboutblowingyouofflikethat.Itwas

averychildishreactiononmypart.Ican’tbelieveyou’retheonewiththebettercommunicationskills.

ThatmakesitevenmoreobvioushowbadlyIhandledthis.”

Ashudderingbreathslippedpastmylipswhenmyarmswrappedaroundher.Chelseawasfinally

whereshebelonged,andsomeofmytensionfromhertextmessageeased.Therewasstillsomething

botheringher,butatleast,shewasn’tpushingmeaway.“Doyouwanttotellmewhat’sreallygoingon?”

“No,butIshould,”shereplied,remaininginmyarmsalittlelongerbeforepullingaway.Ialready

missedthecontact,whichwasalwaysthecasewhenIdidn’thaveChelseainmyarms,butthiswas

differentbecauseitwaslikeshewasleavingmeforgood.Ihadnoreasontothinkthat.Thingsweregoing

great—noargumentsrecently,andshe’dbeenactivelyinvolvedinhelpingmegetthingsreadyforHaley.

Eventhoughwehadn’trevisitedherconcernsaboutdatingmeafterHaleycametolivewithme,she’d

beentalkingaboutbeinginvolved.Chelseawasworkingonaschedulewhichwouldallowhertowatch

HaleyonTuesdaysandThursdaystotrytokeepheroutofdaycareasmuchaspossible.She’dhelpedme

pickoutanameandevengonetoacarseatsafetyclasswithme.Chelseawasn’tplanningtostoptalking

tome,andthereweretimeswhenitseemedlikewewerebuildingafamilytogether.

Still,Icouldn’tshakethesenseofimpendingdoom.I’dhadthesamefeelingthedaymymomleft.

There’dbeennoreasontothinkshewasleavingforgoodthatday.She’dtakenmeforbreakfast,andthen

she’dmademewaitinthesalonwhileshegothernailsdone.Ithadbeenlikeanyotherday,except,after

puttingmeinfrontofthetelevisionandtellingmetobequietsomydadcouldplayhisnewvideogame,

she’dleftandnevercomeback.I’dgottencardsandtheoccasionalphonecall,butshewasgone.Atthat

moment,myinstinctswerescreamingthatChelseawasplanningtoleaveunexpectedly.

ItookChelsea’shandandledherintothelivingroombeforetakingaseatbesideheronthesofa.

“Talktome,”Icoaxed.

“I’vebeentryingtofigureoutwherethingsaregoingbetweenus,”sheadmitted.“Inmostcases,that

wouldbearidiculousthingtoworryaboutsoearlyinarelationship,butyouwon’thavetimetodate

onceyoubringHaleyhome.YouneedmetodecideifI’minoroutasfarasourrelationshipgoes.It’snot

fairtostringyoualong.”

Iwasannoyed—notsomuchwithChelseaasIwaswiththestressthissituationwascausingher.“I’m

nottryingtopushyoutomakeadecision,Chels.”

“Iknowyouaren’t,”sheassuredme.“You’vebeensogoodaboutlettingmehavetimetothinkabout

thisthatI’vemanagedtoforgetthereisanysortofdeadline,butwebothknowthereisone.Youwork,

andyou’regoingtobespendingyourtimeoutsideofworkbeinganewdad.IfI’mnotcompletely

committedtothis,thenitwon’twork.”

“Areyoutellingmeyoucan’tdothis?”IaskedbecauseIneededtoknow.Idesperatelywantedherto

tellmeIhadachancetomakethiswork,butifitwasn’tgoingto,Ineededtodealwithitnow.Verysoon,

IwouldneedmymindfullyfocusedonHaley.Chelseabringingthisupnowmademerealizewhatafool

I’dbeenforbelievingifIjustignoredtheissues,Chelseawouldcomearoundandeverythingwouldwork

outfine.

“Idon’tknow,”sheadmittedhonestly.“WhenIfirstfoundoutaboutHaley,Ididn’twanttobe

involved.Thatsoundshorrible,butit’sthetruth.Now,Iwanttobepartofbothofyourlives,butI’m

scared.Youaresoincredible,andIwillbehereforyouasafriendnomatterwhathappensinour

relationship,butIneedsometimetothink.”

“Youwantmetoleave.”Itwasn’taquestion.Mymindrebelledagainsttheideaofherwantingtobe

awayfromme.Iwantedtokissheruntilsherealizedwecouldworkeverythingout,butIunderstoodwhy

sheneededtomakethisdecisiononherown.

“Ireallydon’twantyoutoleave,”shetoldme,soundingsadanddefeated.“Morethananything,I

wantyoutotakemetobedandmakemeforgetaboutthisdecisionIneedtomake,theonethatcouldhurt

usboth.”

“Butyouneedtodecide,”Ifinishedforher,refusingtosayIunderstood.EventhoughIdid,Iwasn’t

readytobegraciousaboutwalkingawayfromthewomanIloved.Iwantedtosaymore,toarguewithher

andtellhernoneofherconcernsmatteredbecausewewouldmakethiswork,butthiswasaboutsomuch

morethanmeandChelsea.IfChelseadidn’twanttobeamomtoHaleyatsomepoint,thenwecouldhave

nofutureasmorethanfriends.Iheldontothatsmallcomfort,knowingifnothingelse,I’dstillhavethis

incrediblewomanasmyfriend,butIwantedmore,andtherewaspartofmethatfeltlikeshewas

abandoningme.

Standing,IputsomedistancebetweenusbecauseIdidn’twanttogiveintothetemptationtograb

Chelsea,pullherintomyarms,andtrytomakeherforgetherreasonswecouldn’tmakethingswork

betweenus.Itwouldn’tbefairtoeitherofus,anditcertainlywouldn’tbefairtoHaley.

“Iloveyou,Chels,”Isaid,refusingtoleavewithouttellingherthewholetruth.“WhenIdreamofmy

future,you’rebymyside.Iseeushavingdecadestoloveeachother,andIdon’twanttolosethat.Iknow

you’rescared,butIthinkyou’dbeawonderfulmother.”

Chelsealookedlikeshewasabouttocry.WhenItookasteptowardher,shebackedaway.“Justgive

mesometime,Luke,”shepleaded.“Iloveyou,too,butIneedtoworkthroughthiswithoutbeing

distractedbyhowgoodyoumakemefeel.”

InoddedandprovedIlovedherbywalkingoutherdoor,hatingthefactthatthefirsttimeChelsea

admittedtolovingmewasalsothedayshetoldmewemighthavenofuturetogether.

ChapterForty

Chelsea

AftertwofitfulnightsoftossingandturningandmullingovermymanyregretsaboutsendingLuke

away,Iwasexhausted.IwasalsonoclosertodecidingwhatIwantedtodoaboutourrelationship.

Saturdayhadbeensobusyatthestudio,I’dhadlittletimetodwellonmyproblems.Sunday,Iwasgoing

tobehomealone,meaningitwasgoingtobearoughday.

Whenmydoorbellrangalittlepastnoon,IwasexpectingtofindLukeontheotherside,himhaving

spentthepreviousdaycomingupwithargumentsforthemanyreasonsweshouldworkthingsout.Tobe

honest,I’dbeenshockedbyLuke’slackofcommunicationsincehe’dleft.Whilewe’dtextedbackand

forthafewtimes,thosetextshadbeencasualwithnoneoftheteasingtheynormallyhad.

I’dbeenworriedafterhe’dleft,soI’dsentatextaskingifhewasallright.He’dassuredmehewas

doingokayandaskedhowIwas.I’dliedandtoldhimIwasfineandthenbeenhonestandtoldhimI

missedhim.Inresponse,he’dtoldmetocallanytimeIwantedcompany,quicklyfollowingupwith

anothertextpromisingnottocomebyunlessIinvitedhim.Still,Ifiguredhe’dbreakthatpromise,

eventually.AsIhurriedtothedoor,Iwastryingtofigureoutwhatexcusehe’duseforstoppingby.

Naturally,Ilookedthroughthepeephole,eventhoughIwasprettysureitwasLuke.Jasonhadn’tbeena

problemsinceLukehaddrivenhimhomefrommystudio,butI’dhadhimshowupdrunkenoughtimesto

makemecautiousofunexpectedvisitors.Jasonhadnoproblemgettingdrunkbeforenoon.

Seeingmymomonmyfrontstepcameasasurprisesinceshehadn’tmentionedanythingaboutcoming

byforavisit.

“Hi,Mom,”Igreetedher,immediatelyreachingouttotakesomeoftheshoppingbagsshewasloaded

downwith.“Ididn’tknowyouwerestoppingby.”

“I’mgladyou’rehere,”shetoldme,followingmeinwithherbags.“Iwasn’tsureifyou’dbeoverat

Luke’s,butIfiguredifyouweren’thome,I’djustusemykeyandsettheseinyourfrontroom.”

“Whatisallthisstuff?”Iasked,eyingthesixclothbagsmymotherhadshownupwith.

“StuffforHaley,”sheannounced.“I’vegotafewmorethingsinthecar.IsLukehere?Maybehecan

movetheheavierstuff.ItooktheRAV4soI’dhaveenoughroomforeverything.”

“Heavierstuff?”Iasked,notunderstandingwhymymomhadsomuchstuffwithher.

“Thestrollerandthecarseat,”sheexplained.“WhenIaskedLukeaboutregisteringforthebaby,he

seemedoverwhelmedandtoldmehe’dbehappywithanygiftIbought.Iknowhe’sonlygotafewthings

sofar,andthatbabywillbeheresoon.Theyhadsomeadorablecribs,butIfigureditwouldbebetterif

thetwoofyoupickedthatoutsoyoucandecoratethenursery.Ialsowasn’tsurewhatkindofspaceyou’d

have.Now,isLukearoundtohelpunloadbabystuff?”

Myheadwasspinning.Whilemymomwasknowntogetexcitedaboutthings,I’dneverseenherget

thisexcitedaboutsomeoneelse’sbaby,whichiswhenithitme.“You’reinfullongrandmamode,aren’t

you?”

Mymotherhuggedmeandsighed.“Ican’twaittoholdher,”sheadmitted,andIwasalittlejealous.

ItwasinsanetorealizeIwasjealousofmymother’sexcitementaboutHaley.IfIcouldfeelthatlevel

ofexcitement,thingswouldbefinewithLuke.

“Lukeisn’there,”Isaidaroundasniffle,andmymomfrowned.

“Whathappened?”sheasked.

“Idon’tknowifIwanttobemorethanthefunauntinHaley’slife,”Iadmitted.“ItoldLukeIneed

timetothinkaboutwhatIwantasfarasinvolvementinhisandHaley’slife.”

“You’renotexcitedaboutHaley,areyou?”sheasked,givingmyhandacomfortingsqueeze.

Ishookmyhead.“Youjustcameinherewithbagsofbabystuff,andIhavenointerestinlookingat

anyofit.IgotmoreexcitedshoppingforcattoyslastweekendthanIdidlookingatbabyclotheswith

BrookandDelaney.I’mnotsureI’lleverbemommymaterial.”

Mymomlaughedandshookherhead.“Haveaseat,”shesaid,pointingtomyloveseat.“Weneedto

haveaserioustalk.”

Webothtookourseats,meontheloveseatandmymominherfavoritearmchair.

“DidIevertellyouhowIfoundoutIwaspregnantwithyou?”sheasked.

“YouthrewupinKmart,”Ireplied.“Afterward,youaccusedDadofmakingyousickbytakingyouto

Kmart,andyouhaven’tbeeninonesincethatday.”

“That’spartofthestory,”sheagreed.“Thatwasn’tmyfirstpregnancy.Igotpregnantthefirsttime

whenIwasdatingyourfather,shortlybeforewegotengaged.Hewasthrilled,talkingaboutbabynames

andourwonderfullifetogether.”

“So,youwerebothexcitedaboutstartingafamily,”Ideduced.

Mymothershookherhead.“No.Iwasdefinitelynotexcitedaboutstartingafamily.Ilovedyourdad,

andIknewIwantedtogetmarried,butIstillwasn’tsureIwantedtobeamother.WhenImiscarried,I

hadalotofguiltbecauseIdidn’tfeelasstronglyaboutitasyourdaddid.I’dneverbondedwiththat

baby,andwhiletherewasapartofmethatwassad,mostly,IwasgladIwasn’tgoingtohaveababy.”

Inoddedmyunderstanding.“Thatmakessense.I’mnotsurehowIwouldfeelifIgotpregnant.So,

whatyou’retellingmeisthatyoudidn’twanttobeamomthen,butitdidn’tpreventyoufromwantingto

beamomlater?”

“Notexactly,”shereplied.“Youweren’tplannedeither.I’dbeenonantibiotics,andmybirthcontrol

failedthatmonth.Iwasn’texcitedaboutbeingpregnantwithyou.”

Herconfessionshockedme,andImighthaveevenbeenhurtifitweren’tforthefactthatmymomhad

alwaysbeenlovingandsupportive.There’dneverbeenatimewhenIhadn’tfeltwantedbyher.Iknew

forafactmymomlovedme.

“Thisisn’tthesameaswhat’sgoingonwithLuke,”Iargued.

“Iknowit’snot,”sheagreed.“I’mmerelyreferringtothefearsyouhaveaboutnotwantingtobea

mom.Asyoucansee,Ichangedmymind.”

“Youhadalotlongertocometotermswithit,”Ipointedout.“BythetimeIwasborn,youwere

excitedabouthavingababy.Idon’thaveseveralmonthstogetusedtoit.”

“Istilldidn’tliketheideaofbeingamotherwhenIwenttothehospitaltohaveyou,”sheinsisted.

“Really?”Iasked.

“It’sthetruth,”sheassuredme.“Chelsea,youarealovingwomanwhoisalreadyplanningtohelp

LukewithHaleyandspendtimewithher.Thereisnoreasontoassumeyouwon’twanttobeabiggerpart

ofherlife.It’sscarybeingamom.Whenyou’reconsideringit,there’sthishugeresponsibilityyou’re

agreeingtotakeonandallthesefearsofmakingmistakes.TrustmewhenItellyouthatyouwillmake

mistakesnomatterhowgoodyouare.Now,comehelpmecarrythisotherstuffin.”

Nearlytwelvehourslater,mylivingroomwascoveredinbabyitems,whichIwascurrentlygoing

throughwithmymom.Itwasn’tjustthestuffshe’dbroughtoverthatmorning.Afterlookingthroughher

bags,I’dsuddenlyfelttheneedtoshop,aswell.Atthemoment,wewerecelebratinghavingmasteredthe

babywrap.

“Thatisadorable!”mymomexclaimed,pullingoutherphonetotakeapictureofmewearingateddy

bearinababywrap.We’dtriedgettingTashainthebabywrap,butshe’dhadnointerestinplayingbaby

forus.Shehadstolenapairofbootieswithbellsonthemandrunofftoplaywiththemalone.

“Whatareyougoingtodowiththatpicture,Mom?”Idemanded.

“Sendittoyourgrandmother,ofcourse,”shereplied.

Igiggled,thinkingabouthowthiswouldinspiremygrandmothertostartherownshoppingspree.

“Lukeisgoingtobesickofpink.”

“That’sallonyou,”mymomremindedme.“Itriedtosticktoothercolors.”

“HowcouldIresisttheseadorablepinkoutfits?”Iasked,gesturingaroundtheroom.“We’rehavinga

littlegirl!”

Mymouthdroppedopen,realizingwhatI’djustsaid,andmymom’sgrinprovedshe’dpickedupon

thesignificanceofmywords,too.

“IneedtotalktoLuke,”Isaidexcitedlybeforelookingatthetimeandsighing.Itwasalreadyafter

ten,andLukehadhismeetingwithhisdadearlyinthemorning.“Isupposeitwillhavetowaituntil

tomorrow.”

Mymomnoddedandpattedmyhand.“I’dbettergethome.”

Iwrappedherinatighthug,squishingtheteddybearbetweenus.“Thanks,Mom.”Myvoicewas

slightlychokedasIspoke.“Youalwaysknowhowtohelpme.”

Shehuggedmebackandstrokedmyhair,likesheusedtodowhenIwasalittlegirl.“That’swhy

you’llbeagreatmom—youhadmeforanexample.GomakeLuke’sdaytomorrow.”

“Iwill,”IassuredherasIwalkedhertothedoor.

WhenIsettledintobedthatnightwithTashasnuggledinatmyside,Iwasabletoletoutacontented

sigh.WhileIrealizedthingsweren’tgoingtobeeasy,Iwascertainthingsweregoingtoworkoutjust

finewithme,Luke,andHaley.

ChapterForty-One

Luke

“Areyoudoingokay?”Brookaskedfrommyside.

“I’mgood,”Iassuredherwithanod.Naturally,Brookdidn’tbelieveme,butshealsodidn’tpush.

Thiswasgoingtobeastressfulday,andIknewitwaskillingbothofusnottohaveChelseaandTywith

us.Brook’sattorneyhadadvisedagainsthavingTywithhersinceshethoughtitwouldmakemydadeven

lessrational.

Ihadn’theardfromChelseasinceSaturday.WhileitwasmakingmecrazybecauseIwantedtoask

howherdecisionmakingprocesswasgoing,Iwasgivingherthespaceshe’daskedfor.Iwasn’tholding

outmuchhopeshe’dcometoadecisionIwanted,butshe’dbeenrightaboutneedingtodothissooner

ratherthanlater.MyfocuscouldnotbeondealingwiththebreakupwhenHaleyarrived.Sadly,thatwas

whereIsawthingsgoingbetweenus.

“HaveyoutalkedtoChelseatoday?”Brookasked.

Ishookmyhead.“I’mgivingherspace.”

“Why?”Brookasked.

Ishrugged.“Sheaskedmetogiveherspace,soIam.”

Brooklookedlikeshewantedtopushformoredetails,butafterstudyingmeforamoment,shesimply

nodded.Iknewshe’dtextmelater.Brookwouldn’tletthissimplydrop,butshealsorespectedhowmuch

Ihatedhavingthesetalksinperson.Besides,forthenextcoupleofhours,weneededtofocusongetting

whatwewantedfrommyassholedad.

Mistywasnotintheroomyetbecausewe’dallagreedmydadmighttakeoffifshewasthere.

Dealingwithhimwasalotlikedealingwithanoverindulgedtoddler.Wewereintentionallytryingto

catchmydadoff-guardinthehopeswecouldgethimtolistentoreason.Asitstood,hewasoveranhour

late.Evenhisattorneywaslosingpatiencewithhim.

Atfiveafterten,mydadfinallystrolledinforournineo’clockmeeting.Hewasdressedinan

expensiveblacksuitthatprobablycostmorethanmyrent.Hiscockygrinslippedforamomentwhenhis

eyeslandedonmeandmyattorney,likelybecausehehatedbeingsurprised.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”hedemanded,buthedidn’tgivemeachancetoanswerbeforeturningto

hisattorneyandgesturingtomewithhisshoulder.“That’smyson—theonemywifeisfucking.”

“Don’tinsultBrook,”Iwarnedquietly.“Youknowdamnwellthat’salie.”

Hisattorneydidn’tlookamusedorinterested.“Canwegetonwiththismeetinginsteadofplaying

games?Ms.Loring’srelationshipsarenotrelevanttothismeeting.”

Mydadshrugged,tryingforcasual,buthewasdefinitelypoutingafterbeingscoldedbyhisattorney.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’recomplainingabout,”hegrumbled.“You’regettingpaidbythehour.”

“Ihaveotherclientstomeettoday,”hisattorneyreplied.

“Beforewemoveforwardwithanydiscussionsaboutthedivorce,we’dliketotalkaboutthechild

Mr.RobinsonisexpectingwithMistyWhitener,”myattorneybegan.

“Thatkidisnotmine,andI’mnotpayingthatwhoreadime,”mydadsnapped.

Myfistsclenched,andIwanteddesperatelytopunchtheassholeintheface—again.

“Whydon’twebringMissWhitenerinhereforthisdiscussion,”Brook’sattorneysuggested.

“Don’teventhinkaboutleaving,”Iwarnedmydadquietlywhenhebegantostand.Hiseyesblazed

withangerwhenheglaredatme,butheclearlydecideditwouldbeabadideatopushmebecausehe

clearedhisthroatandsettledbackintohisseat,avertinghisgaze.

Mistywalkedintotheroomandtookaseatbymyside,betweenmeandmyattorney.

“MissWhitenerhasagreedtosignpapersallowingLucasRobinsontoadoptherunbornchild,”my

attorneybegan.“We’vealreadystartedthepaperwork,andshewillsignthefinalpapersafterthebirth.

Wewouldlikeyoutoagreetosignthem,aswell.”

Lookingacrossatmydad,Iexpectedtoseerelief.Instead,hiseyestookonacalculatinggleamas

theymovedbetweenthethreeofus.

“Isee,”mydadsaidwithasmuggrin.“Youwantmetosignthesepaperstomakethingseasierfor

you,butIgottaaskwhat’sinitforme?”

“Areyoukiddingme?”Brookmuttered.

“Oh,comeon,babygirl,”mydadcroonedather.“YouwantLuketogetthiskid,sowhydon’twe

cometosomesortofagreement?”

Mydad’sattorneysighedinfrustration,readytorespond,butBrook’sattorneyspokeupfirst.“These

casesarenotrelated,”herattorneystated.“WeallowedMr.Robinsontocomeinherewithhisattorney

becauseMs.Loringwantedhimtohavethischancetoreasonwithyou.Shealsowantedthechanceto

giveyouherrevisedtermsforthedivorce.”

Brook’sattorneyslidastackofpapersacrossthetable,andmydad’sattorneystudiedthembefore

noddingandturningtowardmydad.“Ms.Loringisaskingforhalfyourassetsandproperties.Sheisalso

askingforalimonyintheamountoffourthousanddollarsamonth.”

Mydadletofabarkoflaughter,shakinghisheadasifitwereallsomebigjoke.“Shehasnorightto

anyofthat,”heargued.

“Actually,”hisattorneybeganwithapleasantsmile,“herrequestisreasonable,andifwegobeforea

judge,shewilllikelygetwhatshe’saskingfor.”

“ThenI’lldemandpartofherbusiness,”hesnapped.

Brookshrugged.“Icanalwaysstartanewbusinessafterthedivorceisfinal.I’llcertainlyhave

enoughmoneywiththisbigsettlement.”

“Whatdoyouwanttostopthesegames?”mydaddemanded,soundinglikehewasthevictimand

hadn’tbeenplayinggameshimself.

“Iwantyoutostoptryingtodelaythisdivorce,”Brooktoldhim.“Iwantmydivorceunderthe

originalterms,andIwantyoutopayfortheattorney’sfeessinceI’vehadtopaymuchmorethanIshould

becauseofyourstallingtactics.”

Jawclenched,mydadglaredather.Hehatedlosing,andhewasprobablytryingtofindawaytoturn

thistohisadvantage.“Isupposeyouwantmetosignthoseadoptionpapers,too,”hesnapped.

Ishookmyhead.“That’saseparateissue.Youdon’twantthisbaby,andIdo.So,justsignthepapers,

andyouwon’thavetopretendtobeafatheragain.”

“Youcanevenpretenditisn’tyourbaby,ifthatmakesyoufeelbetter,”Mistyadded.“Lukeactually

wantsher,solethimgiveherahome.Shedeservesthat.”

Forjustamoment,mydaddidn’tlooklikeaselfishprick.Hiseyeslandedonme,andhesaid

somethingI’dneverexpectedtohearfromhim.“I’llsigntheadoptionpapers.Atleast,Ididonething

rightbylettingBrooktakeoverraisingyou.Shedidagoodjob.”Apparently,itwastoohardtobenice

forverylongbecausemydadquicklyruinedthemoment.“She’saprettygoodlay,too,isn’tshe?”

IwashalfwayacrossthetablewhenBrookandmyattorneybothcaughtme.

“Don’thithim!”Brookordered.

“Fine,”Igroundout.

“We’llheadoutandletyoufinishthedetailsofthedivorce,”myattorneyoffered,probablyfiguringit

wasbesttogetmeoutofthebuildingsoIdidn’treacttomydad’sstupidityagain.

IhuggedMistyoncewewalkedoutoftheoffices.“Areyoudoingokay?”

Sheshrugged.“Ican’tbelieveIwantedtoraiseakidwiththatguy.Thismaysoundcrazy,butpartof

mestillloveshim.”

Ishrugged.“Lovedoesn’talwaysmakesense.”

“Where’sChelsea?”sheasked.

“She’sworking,”Ireplied.WhileIknewMistybetterthanwhenshe’dshownupatmyapartment,we

stilldidn’tknoweachotherverywell.IwasokaywiththatsinceIdoubtedwe’dseeeachothermuch

aftershehadHaley.

“TellherIsaid,hi,”Mistyreplied.

“Don’tforgettocallmeafteryourdoctor’sappointmenttomorrow,”Iremindedher.

“Iwon’t,”shepromisedbeforewalkingawayandleavingmestandingtherealone,andboydidIfeel

aloneatthatmoment.

WhatIwantedtodowascallChelseaandtellherwhathadhappened.Iwantedtosharemyjoyin

gettingmyfathertoagreetosigntheadoptionpapers.WhileIknewhecouldstillbeaproblem,thiswas

astepintherightdirection.

SinceIhadtherestofthedayoff,Idecidedtoheadhomeandstartlookingatapartments.Idefinitely

neededtofindabiggerplaceformeandHaleytolive.ThoughtsofHaleybroughtasmiletomyface.I

couldn’twaittomeetthatlittlegirl.

ChapterForty-Two

Chelsea

MyintentionhadbeentomessageLukeassoonasIthoughthe’dbeoutofhismeeting,butthenI’d

endedupworkingonthebedroomacrossthehallfrommine.WhenI’dboughttheplace,someonehad

drawnalloverthewallsinthatroomwithablackmarker.SinceIwasn’tusingthatroom,I’dleftit,

figuringIcouldgettoitlater.Afteraquicktriptothehardwarestore,Iwasreadytostartpainting.I’d

alsocalledmydadandaskedhimaboutgettingsomeonetoputinnewcarpet.Thankstomydad’s

contacts,Ihadsomeonecomingbylaterthatweektotakecareofit.

ItwasnearlytwowhenIfinallyfinishedpaintingandrealizedIstillhadn’tcalledLuke,soIgrabbed

myphone,hopingwecouldmeetlatertotalk.IalsowantedhimtoknowI’dbeenthinkingabouthim.

Lukeansweredonthesecondring,andIcouldtellbytheechohewasusingthespeakerinhiscar.

“Hello,”heansweredcautiously.

“Hey!”Isaid.“Howwasyourmeetingtoday?”

“Good,”hereplied.“Mydadisanass,butIdidn’thithimthistime.Itlookslikehe’sgoingalong

withthedivorceandadoption.”

“That’sgreatnews,”Itoldhim,suddenlynervousabouttalkingtohim.

“Yeah,itis,”heagreed.“Nowthatthisisallreal,I’moutlookingatapartments.Ishouldhavedoneit

earlier.Ireallyneedsomethingbigger.”

“IthinkIknowtheperfectplace,”Ibegan.“CanwemeetlatersoIcanshowittoyou?”

Lukehesitated.“HowaboutifIpickyouupafterIlookatthisplace?”heoffered.“Areyouatthe

studio?”

“No,Ididn’thaveanyshootstoday,soIstayedhome,”Iexplained.“Therewereafewhomerepair

thingsIwantedtogetdone.I’llgetreadynow.”

“Okay.I’llpickyouupsoon,”hereplied,stillsoundinguneasy.“EventhoughIsawyouFriday,I’ve

missedyou,”headmittedbeforeendingthecall.

“I’vemissedyou,too,”Iutteredsoftlybeforeshakingmyselfoutofmyweepymomentandhurryingto

getcleanedupbeforeLukegottomyhouse.Iprobablywouldn’thavetimetocleanuptheexplosionof

babygirlstuffinmylivingroom,buthe’dhavetogetusedtothat.

IthadbeenhardnottellingLukemydecisionoverthephone,butIwasalittlenervousabouthis

reactiontomysuggestion,andIwantedtodothisfacetoface.Takingonelastlookatthenewlypainted

room,Iwasprettydamnproudofmyself,andIwasmostlysureLukewasgoingtolikemysurprise.

ChapterForty-Three

Luke

Icouldn’trecalleverbeingasnervousasIwaswhenIpulleduptoChelsea’shouse.Sinceshe’d

calledme,Ihadtoassumeitmeantshewantedtoworkthingsout,butIwasn’tcompletelyconvincedof

that.Thealternativewasthatwestayfriendsandstopdating.Afriendwouldcertainlyhelpanotherfriend

findanapartmentandcalltocheckonthemafterthey’dhadabigmeeting,soitwouldbefoolishtoread

toomuchintohercallingme.

Walkingtoherdoorwasmorenerve-wrackingthanthefirsttimeI’dpickedheruptogooutfora

drink.Afterringingthebell,Iwaited,smilingandshakingmyheadwhenIheardcursingontheotherside

ofthedoor.

Chelseaonlyopenedthedooracrackbeforepeekingout.“Hi.”

“Areyoureadytogo,Chels?”Iasked,mylipstwitchingbecausehersmilewasadorable,andIgot

theimpressionshewasn’tdressedyet.ThatwasmyfaultsinceI’ddecidedtogotoherplaceinsteadof

seeingtheotherapartment.I’dfiguredIwouldn’tbeabletofocusontheapartmentwhenIwasthinking

aboutwhatChelseawasgoingtosay.

“Notquite,”sheadmitted.“Ijustgotoutoftheshower.”

“I’vealreadyseeneverythingyouhave,soyoumayaswellletmein,”Itoldher.

“Goodpoint,”sheagreedwithasighbeforelettingmeinandthenreachinguptoclutchthetopofher

towel.“Ijustgotoutoftheshower,”sherepeated.

“Youmentionedthat,”Iremindedher.“So,Iguess,Idon’tneedtoaskwhatkindofpantiesyouhave

onunderthat.Sorry.Thatwasreallyinappropriate.I’mnervous,andI’mnotsurewhattosay.”Before

Chelseacouldrespond,myeyesmovedaroundherlivingroom.“Whatthehellhappenedinhere?”There

werebabyclothesandsuppliesallovertheroom.Itwasaninsanemess.

“Mymomcamebyyesterday,”sheexplained,headingbacktoherroom.Ifollowedalongbecause

onlyanidiotdoesn’tfollowthesexywomanwearingnothingbutatowel.“Shebroughtoverabunchof

stuffforHaley,andthingsgotalittleoutofhand.”

“Yourmomboughtallthis?”Iasked,unabletobelievehermomwouldgothatoverboardwithbaby

shopping.

“Mostofit,”shereplied.

Itwasimpossibletomissthefreshpaintsmell,andmyeyesmovedinthatdirection.“What’sgoing

oninhere?”Iasked,notsurewhatIwasseeingwhenIstoppedinfrontofthefreshlypaintedroomacross

fromChelsea’s.“Youpaintedtheroompink.”

Chelseagroanedandstompedherfootinanadorablefitoftemper.“Thisisnothowwearesupposed

tohavethisconversation,”shemuttered.“Ihadthisallplannedout,andthenyoushowedupearly.”

“Sorry,”Isaid,notatallsorry.“Iwasjustreallyexcitedaboutseeingyou.Please,tellmethepink

bedroommeanswhatIthinkitdoes.”

“Thecarpetsucks,butIhavesomeonecomingintoreplaceitlaterthisweek.Isawtheseadorable

woodlettersatthestore,andIwasthinkingwecouldpaintthemandhaveHaley’snameonthewall.It

wouldbesocute.”

Ilosttheabilitytospeak.ThereIstood,staringatChelsea,sureIhadtobedreamingbecausethere

wasnowayshehadsetuparoomforHaley.Thiswassuchahugeshiftinherfeelingsfromjustafew

daysagothatIwasafraidtojumptothelogicalconclusion.

Chelsealookeddownatherfeetandletoutanervouslaugh.“Itwouldbeniceifyousaidsomething.”

“Areyouaskingmetomoveinherewithyou?”Ifinallymanagedtoask.

“Yes,”shereplied.“Iloveyou,andIwantustobetogether.”

“Andyou’resureaboutHaley?”Iasked.

“I’msure,”sheagreed.“WhenmymomcamebywiththeSUVloadedupwithbabystuff,Ihada

serioustalkwithheraboutmydoubts.Iadmittedtobeingafraid,andshetoldmealotofstuffthatmade

mefeelbetteraboutnotbeingsureaboutbeingamom.Thenwewentshopping.”

“So,yourmomdidn’tbuyallthatstuff?”Iasked,enjoyingthepinkblushthatstainedhercheeks.

“Notallofit,”sheadmitted.“Ipickedupquiteabitofstuffbecausetherearejusttoomanyadorable

thingsinthosestores.It’scrazybecauseI’veshoppedwithDelaneyandBrookforbabystuffandnever

gottenasintoasIdidyesterday.”

Iwaited,suretherewasmoretothisstory.

“Anyway,”shefinallycontinued.“Iwastryingtofigureouthowtouseoneofthosebabywraps.You

know,theonesyoucarrythebabyaroundin.WehadtouseateddybearsinceTashawouldn’tcooperate,”

sheexplained.“AfterIgotiton,Iwasfeelingprettyproudofmyself,andmymomcommentedonhow

muchpinkstuffI’dbought.”

“Thatisalotofpink,Chels,”Iadded.

Sherolledhereyes.“JustlikeItoldher,wearehavingagirl,soofcourseI’mgoingtobuypink

stuff.”

StayingawayfromChelseawasnolongeranoption.Imovedcloser,slidingonearmaroundher

lowerback.“Wearehavingagirl,aren’twe?”

“Yes,”sheagreed.“I’mstillscared.”

“Metoo,”Iadmitted.

“ButforthefirsttimesinceIfoundoutaboutyouadoptingHaley,I’mexcited,too,”shetoldmewith

asweetsmile.“So,doyouthinkyouandHaleywouldliketoliveherewithme?Iknowwehaven’tbeen

datinglong.”

“Yes,Chels,”Imurmuredbeforekissingher.Mymouthlingeredonhers,savoringhertasteand

drinkinginhermoan.I’dbeenworriedI’dneverenjoyherlikethatagain,andIdesperatelyneededto

claimheralloveragain.

Pullinghertowelopen,Iletitdroptothegroundbeforeslidingonehandbetweenustostrokeher

alreadyhardnipples.Mytongueslidalongthecreaseofherlips,teasingheruntilherfistpoundedagainst

myback.

“What’swrong,beautiful?”Imurmuredbeforelickingthecornerofhermouth.

“Youneedtostopteasingme,”shepantedout.

“Idon’tseethathappeninganytimesoon,”Irepliedbeforeliftingherinmyarmsandcarryingherinto

thebedroom.PartofmewasfeelingjustasimpatientasChelseaandwantedtofuckherinthehallway,

butwedidn’thaveacondomoutthere.

AftersettingChelseadown,Iimmediatelystrippedoutofmyclothes.WhenIwasdowntomy

Batmanboxers,Ilookedupexpectantly,knowingmywomanwouldnotdisappoint.

“Riddlemethis,Batman.Who’sabouttogetlucky?”

Ilaughed.“Thatwasterrible.ImayneedtotaketheBatpaddletoyoursexyasstopunishyouforthat

one.”

“Ilikethesoundofthat,”shepurred.

Climbingontothebed,Ikissedheragain,coveringherbodywithmineandpressingherintothesoft

mattress.Ikissedheruntilherlegswerewrappedaroundmywaistassherolledagainstme,tryingtoget

morepressurewithherclit.

Breakingthekiss,Ispokeclosetohermouth.“Iloveyou.”Iwasdesperatetogetinsideher,andshe

obviouslyfeltthesame.

“Ineedyounow,”shepleaded.

Movingoffherquickly,Istrippedoffmyboxersandgrabbedacondomfromthebedsidetable.

Slidingiton,Imovedoverheragain,enteringherbodyslowly,savoringthewaysheclenchedtightly

aroundeveryinchofmydick.

IkeptourbodiescloseasIslowlythrustinandoutofher,Forthefirsttime,Iunderstoodwhatit

meanttomakelovetoawoman.Irockedagainsther,ourbodiesmovinginunison.Chelsea’ssoftmoans

soonbecamemoredesperateasshewrappedherlegsaroundmyhips,herheelspressingintomyass.

“Iloveyousomuch,Chels,”IgroundoutasIrolledmyhips,grindingmypelvisagainstherclitto

bringherclosertoorgasm.

“Iloveyou,too,”shemoaned,archingherbacktobringhersensitivenipplesclosertomychest.

Lookingdownintoherface,Icouldn’thelpadmiringthebeautyofhertotalabandon.Hereyeshad

driftedclosed,andherpuffylipswerepartedasshemoanedloudly.Herbeautifulblondehairwasspread

outacrossherpillow,framingherperfectface.Shewasgorgeous,sensual,andamazing.Shewasalso

mine.

Asherbodytightenedaroundme,Iknewshewasclose,Icouldseeitinthewayherlipstightened,

hearitinthewayhermoansturnedtoscreamsjustbeforeherbodypulsedaroundmine.Hereyesopened,

lockingwithminesoIcouldenjoyherutterecstasyaswebothfoundourrelease.

“Ishouldprobablywarnyouaboutsomething,”Imurmuredbeforebrushingmylipsagainsthers.

“What’sthat?”sheasked,soundingsomewhatdazed.

“I’mnotsureI’lleverbeabletogetenoughofyou,”Iadmitted.

“Youshoulddefinitelykeeptrying,”shetoldmewithasweetsmile.

Shewasright.IdefinitelyplannedtospendtherestofmylifetryingtogetmyfillofChelsea.

ChapterForty-Four

Chelsea

GettingLuke’sstuffmovedinwasapaininthebackside,especiallywhileIwasalsorushingtoget

Haley’sroomready.LukekepttryingtoconvincemeIhadplentyoftimesincewe’dagreedHaleywould

sleepwithusatfirst,butIdidn’tthinkhe’dyetrealizedhowlittletimewe’dhavewithanewborninthe

house.

“Thatisthelastbox,”Delaneyremarkedasshesetaboxmarkedlinensinmybedroom.

“Really?”Iasked.“Areyousurethat’sthelastone?Icouldhavesworntherewasmoreinthetruck.”

“IguessIshouldclarify,”Delaneybegan.“That’sthelastboxI’mgoingtocarryin.”

Inodded.“Hopefully,Tylerdoesn’tendupcarryingtheonelabeledstuffLukeusestotieChelsea

up.IshouldneverhaveallowedLuketolabelhisownboxes.”

Delaney’sheadcockedtothesideassheconsideredwhatI’dsaid.Finally,shenoddedandheadedto

thebedroomdoor.“Icancarryonemorebox.”

Luke’shugebedwasinthecenterofmyroom.Thankfully,Ihadalargeclosetorwewouldn’thave

hadmuchroomforanythingelse,notwithHaley’sbassinetinthere.Irummagedthroughoneoftheboxes

untilIfoundbeddingsoIcouldmakethebed.

Delaneywaspracticallyskippingwhensheenteredtheroomwiththebondagebox.Itwasfunnyhow

thathadrevivedherenergyfasterthanadoubleespresso.I’dbeensureshe’dfindthatboxbeforeTyler.

Kickingthedoorshutbehindher,shesettheboxonthenewlymadebed.“Ineedtoseewhat’sinthisbox,

justtomakesureIgottherightbox,”sheinsisted.

IraisedaneyebrowatherexcuseforlookingatLuke’stoybox.“Idon’tthinkthereareanyother

boxeswiththatlabelonthem.”

“Fine,”sherelented.“Ineedtolookinthisboxtohelpwithmyfantasylife.I’mthinkingthatthesex

godI’vebeenfantasizingaboutneedstotiemetohisbed.”

“Youdefinitelyneedamanofyourown,”Itoldher.

“We’vealreadybeenthroughthiswholething,”Delaneybegan.“IonlyneedagoodbackupforJustin

fornow.Theresimplyisn’ttimeformoreinmylife.Now,let’sseewhatkinkytoysLukehas.”

Withanyotherfriend,Imighttrytotalkthemoutofgoingthroughthebox,butDelaneyhadjustsaved

mefromhavingtolistentoTylercomplainaboutLuke’schoiceoflabels.She’dalsobeenaskingmewhat

wasintheboxforquitesometime.She’devenaskedLukeaboutit.Thiswouldsatisfyhercuriosity.

WhenDelaneyopenedthebox,hereyeswidened,whichsurprisedmesinceLukedidn’thave

anythingoutoftheordinaryinthatbox.Atleast,hehadn’tthelasttimeI’dseenhimdigthroughit.Italso

tookalottoshockDelaney.

“Whydoyoulooksosurprised?”Iasked.

“Youwereright,”shesaid.

“Yeah,Tylerdefinitelywouldnothavelikedseeingthatbox,”Iagreed.

“ImeantyouwererightaboutLukestealingyourpanties,”sheclarified.

“Mypantiesfromthatfirstnightareinthebox?”Iasked.“Maybeit’snotmypantiesfromthatnight.

Lukeiskindofkinky,sohemayhaveboughtspecialpantiesformeandstuffedtheminthatbox.”

Delaneypulledoutamulti-coloredrope,andittookmeamomenttofigureoutwhatitwas.Needing

acloserlook,Isnatcheditoutofherhands,certainIwasmistaken.Ihadtobemistaken,onlyIwasn’t.

“Oh.My.God,”Isaidindisbelief.

“Howcouldyoufailtorealizeyouweremissingthatmanypanties?”Delaneyasked.

“Doyouseethatdresseroverthere?”Iaskedher,pointingtothelargedresserwithtwelvedrawers.

Whenshenodded,Icontinued.“Tendrawersarefullofpanties,”Iadmitted.

Delaneygiggled.“Notasfullastheywerebefore.”

“Luke!”Ishouted.“Getyourpanty-stealingbuttinhere!”

“Youhavealreadygotthatmomyelldown,don’tyou?”Delaneyaskedasshestoodandwalkedpast

me.“I’mgoingtoseeifIcangeteveryonetoheadoutforalunchbreak.”

“Why?”Iasked.

“Somethingtellsmeyou’regoingtobealittletiedupforthenexthour.Itseemslikeagoodtimeto

takeabreakfromunpacking.”

ChapterForty-Five

Luke

IwasgrinningfromeartoearwhenIheardChelseayellformefromacrossthehouse.

Tyimmediatelystartedlaughing.“Youaresobusted.”

“WhydoyouthinkIhelpedDelaneyfindit?”Iasked.TyhadseenDelaneyprancingthroughthehouse

withmytoybox,andhelikelyknewwhatwasinthatboxandhowChelseawouldreact.

“Idon’tthinkIwanttoknowwhatyouhaveplanned,”Tymuttered.

“Weshouldallgoouttolunch,”DelaneytoldTyandBrookwhenshecameouttothefrontofthe

house.

“Thatmightbeagoodidea,”IagreedbeforeheadingbacktoChelsea’sbedroom,ourbedroom.

“What’sgoingon,Chels?”IaskedasinnocentlyasIcouldmanage.

“Whatisthis?”Chelseademanded,shakingthepantyropeinmyface.Whileshewastryingtolook

mad,herlipsweretwitching.Shedefinitelysawthehumorinmestealingherpantiestomakeropesoutof

them.

“Lookslikearopemadefromyourpanties,”Irepliedafterstudyingitforamoment.

“Yousaidyouweren’tstealingmypanties,”sheremindedme.

Ishookmyhead.“Actually,Ineversaidthat.Iaskedwhyyou’dthinkI’dstealthemandremindedyou

I’magrownman,butIneveractuallysaidIwasn’tstealingyourpanties.”

Sheeyedtherope.“ItisdefinitelytimetoadmitIhaveaproblem,”shemuttered.“You’vestolenat

leasttwentywithoutmenoticingtheyweremissing.”

“Thirty-four,”Iclarified,almostlaughingathergroan.

“Fine.I’lljoinasupportgroup.Ican’tbetheonlyonewithapantyaddiction.Howlonghaveyou

beenworkingonthis?”sheasked.

Ishrugged.“Icameupwiththeideathatfirstnight,butIcouldonlytakeafewatatime,andIneeded

tofigureouthowtomaketheknotswork.I’vebeendyingtotieyouupwithyourpantiessinceourfirst

timetogether.Now,Ihavetworopesmade.”

“Onlytwo?”sheaskedwithalaugh.

Ishrugged.“IfiguredevenyouwouldnoticeifIstolemorethanthat.Howaboutifwecelebrate

movingintogetherbytestingouttheseropes?”

“Afterweunpack,”Chelseainsisted.

“Buteveryonelefttogiveussomeprivacy,”Iremindedher.

“Youdon’tdeservearewardafterstealingmypanties,”sheargued.

Movingforward,Igrabbedherwristsandpinnedthembehindherbackbeforeshehadtimetoreact,

andthenIleanedintospeakclosetoherear.“Areyoureallysureyouwanttowaituntilafterwefinish

unpacking?Icouldhaveyounakedandtiedtothisbedinlessthantenminutes.”

Theindecisioninhereyeswashot.Iknewshewantedtosticktohergunsaboutwaitinguntilafterwe

weredoneunpacking,butIalsoknewshewouldn’t.

“Ugh!You’reimpossible,”shecomplainedbeforemoaningasIkissedalongherjawline.

“Begmetotieyouup,Chelsea,”Icommanded.

ThenChelseautteredoneofmyfavoritephrases.“Pleasetiemeup,Luke.”

“Ithoughtyou’dneverask,”ImurmuredasIsnakedanarmaroundherlowerbacktopullhercloser

soIcouldkissher.DespitetheurgencyIfelt,Ikeptmykisslightandlingering.Mytonguestrokedthe

creaseofherlips,teasingheruntilshewasmoaning.

Iknewshewasreadyformorewhenshebitmylowerlip.

“Vicious,aren’tyou?”Idrawled.

“Stopteasingme,Luke,”shedemanded.“Youknowweonlyhaveanhour.”

Ifrowned,realizingshewasright.AsmuchasIwantedmyfirsttimetyingChelseaupwithher

pantiestolastforhours,I’dhavetomakethisquick.We’ddefinitelyhavetoplaywiththemagainlater.

“Undressforme,beautiful,”Icommanded,andChelsea’slipscurledintoaplayfulsmileasshe

steppedback.Herhipsswayedassheslidhershirtuptoexposejustalittleskinbeforebringingitback

down.

“Verynice,”Ipraised.“Aren’tyoutheonewhojusttoldmewedon’thavetimeforteasing?”

Chelseagavemeanadorablepout.“You’reright.Weshoulddefinitelywaituntillater.”

Whenshemovedtopushhershirtdown,Iquicklycaughtherhandsandpinnedthembehindherback,

kissingherbeforeshecouldvoiceanargument.

ChapterForty-Six

Chelsea

WithmyhandspinnedbehindmybackwhileLukekissedme,Ifeltdeliciouslysubdued.TeasingLuke

wasfun,butIwasgladwehadatimelimitinmanyways.Lukehadstayedathisapartmentthenight

beforetofinishpacking,andI’ddefinitelymissedhavinghiminmybed.WhileIstillwasn’tconvinced

he’dbeabletotiemeupwiththepantyropes,Iwasdefinitelywillingtolethimtry.

WhenLukebrokeourkiss,hiseyesweredarkwithpassion,andIunderstoodhisneed.Ratherthan

tellingmetoundress,hereleasedmyhandsandreachedundermyshirttostripitovermyhead.Hishands

cuppedmybreasts,testingtheirweightintheblacklacebra,beforehebrushedhislipsagainstmine

again.“Thisstayson.”

Imoanedashestrokedmynipplesthroughthelacebeforereachingdownandunfasteningmyjeansas

Iquicklykickedoffmyshoes.WhenIwasleftinjustmybraandlacyboyshorts,Lukekissedme,

walkingmebacktowardthebeduntilithitthebackofmylegs.

“Youknowwhattodo,”heraspedoutagainstmylips.

Ilickedmylips,moaningwhenItastedhimonthem.Lukesteppedbackashewatchedmeclimbonto

thebed.Imadeagreatshowofleaningoverandclimbingon.WhenIwasonmyhandsandkneesatthe

edge,Ishookmyhips.

Lukegavemyassasharpsmack,andIletoutalittlesqueal.“Don’tbeatease,Chels,oryouwon’t

getmoreofthatlater.”

Mypussypracticallythrobbedathiswords.Iwasdefinitelyhopingformoreofthatplaylater.

Crawlingtothemiddleofthebed,Isettledontomyback,placingmyhandsbesidemyhead.

Reachingintothebox,Lukegrabbedthesecondropeandapproachedmewithbothinhishands.He

trailedonealongmybody,frommyankletomybreasts.Theother,hesetonthebedbeforekneeling

besidemetoattachthefirstpantyropetothebedpost.Teasethathewas,hesimplyresteditovermy

wristbeforeattachingthesecondonetotheheadboard.Theanticipationwasoneofmyfavoriteparts.I

wasalreadysoturnedon,Iwaspressingmythighstogethertofindsomesmallrelieffromtheache.Luke

straddledmyhipsandwrappedtheropearoundmyfirstwrist.Asalways,Ituggedattherestraint,

leavingmyotherwristinplaceasLukesecureditwiththepantyrope.

Whenmywristsweretiedtothebed,Lukemovedsohewaskneelingbesideme.Hiseyesmoved

alongmybody,andIsquirmedashedrankinthesightofme.

“ThisisevenhotterthanIimagined,”Lukeuttered,trailingafingeralongmyforearm.

“Please,”Imoaned.“Weagreednoteasing.”

Luke’seyesmetmine,andhislipscurledintoasmilethatpromisedallsortsofwickedthings.“I’ve

hadachangeofheart.I’mwillingtodealwithmythrobbingdickforthenextfewhourstosavoryoulike

this.”

Ididn’tgetachancetorespondbeforeLukeleanedforwardandsuckledoneofmynipplesthrough

mybra.Histeethscrapedagainstthewetlace,andImadeasoundbetweenamoanandascream.Luke

movedontomyothernipple,repeatingthesensualteasinguntilIwastuggingmoreinsistentlyatthe

restraintsandwrithingonthebed.

Trailingonefingerdownovermyribs,Lukewatchedashisfingermovedovermybellyandthen

downtomyhip.Leaningdown,histongueteasedmyhipbone.Whenhishandfinallycuppedmethrough

thelaceofmypanties,Iwhimperedandpushedupintohishand.

“Tellmewhatyouwant,beautiful,”hecroonedbeforerunninghistonguealongmyinnerthigh.Iwas

rockingagainsthishand,desperatetocome.

“Yourmouth,”Ipantedout.“Putyourmouthonme.”

Lukegroaned.“Iwashopingyou’dsaythat.”

Heyankedmypantiesoffsourgently,Iwassurprisedtheydidn’ttear,butIdefinitelywasn’t

concernedaboutthefateofmypantieswhenLukesettledbetweenmylegs,liftingthemovermyshoulder

soIwascompletelyexposedtohim.

“I’llnevergettiredofyourtaste,”hemurmuredbeforeusinghisfingerstospreadmeopentohim.I

wantedtograbhishairbecauseIwasn’tsureIcouldtakeanymoreteasing.Luke’stonguebarelystroked

mysensitiveclitbeforelightlymovingaroundmyopeninguntilItappedmyfeetonhisback.

“Impatient?”heaskedbeforehistongueswirledaroundmyclit.

Myonlyresponsewasamoan.Wordsseemedbeyondme.

Finallytakingpityonme,Lukesuckedmyclitintohismouthlightlyandmoanedaroundit.The

vibrationsweresointense,Inearlyscreamed.TwoofLuke’sfingersslidinside,hittingjusttherightspot

ashistonguecontinuedtoworkmyclitrelentlessly.Itwasn’tlonguntilIwasrockingagainsthisfaceand

whimperingwithneed.

ThepantyropesheldupsurprisinglywellasIcontinuedtotugatthem.JustwhenIthoughtIwas

abouttocome,Lukechangedtactics,obviouslytryingtotormentme.“Nomoreteasing,”Iwhimpered,

rollingmyhips.

Lukefinallytookpityonme,andhistonguemovedinacircularmotionthathadmereadytoscream

fromtheintensesensations.Hisfingersthrustinandout.Whenmyorgasmfinallyhit,myheelsduginto

Luke’sbackasIscreamedloudenoughIwassuretheneighborsheardme.

Afterworkingmethroughthelastofmyspasms,Lukepulledbacktolookatmewithacockygrin.I

feltcompletelyboneless.Iletoutacontentedsighandclosedmyeyes.

“IwantyoujustlikethiswhenIslideintoyourbodytonight,”Lukemurmuredashisfingerstrailed

alongmythigh.

“Youaresuchapervert,”Iaccused.

“Yeah,butyoulovemethisway,”hedrawled.

“Yes,”Iagreed.“Idoloveyou.Now,you’dbetteruntiemebeforewetraumatizemybrother.”

LukecockedhisheadtothesidelikehewasconsideringwhatI’dsaid.

“LucasRobinson,”Iwarned.

“What?”heaskedinnocently,andwhenIcontinuedtogivehimasternlook,helaughedandstraddled

mywaisttountieme.“Youreallyareadorablewhenyou’retellingmewhattodowhileyou’retiedup.”

Igiggled.

“What’ssofunny?”heasked,lookingawayfromtherestraintstomeetmyeyes.

“Ijustrealizeditnolongerbothersmewhenyoucallmeadorable,”Iadmitted.

Afterundoingthelastrestraint,Lukelaidbesidemeandpulledmeintohisarms.“Youaresexy,

smart,talented,loving,andmostdefinitelyadorable.Iloveyou,Chels.”

Rollingtomysideandplacingahandonhisbeardedcheek,IsmiledatLuke.“Iloveyou,too.Now,

let’sfinishunpackingquickly.Ican’twaittoseeyournerdyboxers.”

Epilogue

Luke

FourMonthsLater

I’dwokenupalone,somethingthathadn’thappenedinthelastmonth.NotonlywereChelseaand

Haleymissing,evenTashahadabandonedme.Unabletosleepwithoutthem,Isetoutinsearchofthe

ladiesinmylifeandfoundthemallinthelivingroom.ChelseawasonthesofawithHaleycradled

againstherchestandTashacurleduponherlap.

“Itlookslikethey’vegotyoutrapped,”Iremarked.

Chelseagrinnedaroundayawn.“Whatareyoudoingouthere?”

“YouknowIcan’tsleepunlessI’msurroundedbybeautifulgirls,”Iteased.“Thebigquestioniswhy

didyoualldecidetohaveamidnightpartywithoutme?”

“Haleywokeuphungry,soIgaveherabottle,andthenImusthavedozedoffburpingher,”she

explained.Hearinghername,Haleyletoutaquietlittlewhimper.Mygirlhadsomelungs,butsheusually

triedthequietcrytogetherwayfirst.“DidDaddywakeyouupwithhissillyquestion?”Chelseacooed

asshepattedHaley’sbacklightlyuntilmydelicatelittleladyletoutaburploudenoughtostartleTasha.

Ichuckled.“That’smygirl.”

AllofChelsea’snervesaboutbondingwithHaleyhadmeltedawaythefirsttimeshe’dheldher.

Sincethen,she’dbeenreferringtoherselfasMomma.IlikedhearingthatalmostasmuchasIenjoyed

hearingherreferringtomeasDaddy.

“Whydon’tyouletmetakeourdaughterbacktobed?”IsuggestedsinceHaleyhadsettledbackto

sleepinChelsea’sarms.Seeingthemlikethatmademewantatleastfivemore,butChelseawasn’tready

toagreetomorethanone.I’dtakewhatIcouldget.

TakingHaleyfromChelsea,Icradledthesweetlittlegirlwho’dstolenmyheartthemomentIsaw

her,realizingshewasoneofthefewthingsIcouldthankmydadfor.He’dsignedtheadoptionpapers.

Therewerestillstepstotheprocess,butHaleywasmine.Soon,IwouldlegallybeHaley’sfather,and

theincrediblewomanwalkingbymysidewouldlegallybehermother.

IchuckledsoftlyaftersettlingHaleybackintoherbassinet.

“What’ssofunny?”Chelseaaskedaroundanotheryawn.

“WhenIdecidedtocontactyouonthatdatingsite,Iwasjusthopingyou’dgivemeachancetodate

you,”Iadmitted.“Iwasn’tconfidentyou’dagreetothat.NeverinamillionyearswouldIhaveguessed

you’dagreetoadoptababywithme.”

“You’redefinitelyluckytohaveme,”shetoldme.

“ThatIam,”Iagreed.

“Ijustrememberedyouwantedtotalktomeaboutsomethingatdinner,”sheremarkedasIslipped

intobedbesideher.

“Haleywasn’tinthemoodforthattonight.Icanalwaystalktoyoutomorrow,”Iassuredher.

“Now’sagoodtime,”sheinsisted.“I’malreadyawake,andHaleyisfastasleep.Igottheimpression

it’simportant.”

“Itreallycanwait,”Iargued.

“Justtellmewhat’sgoingon,”shepushed.“Seriously,Luke,I’mjustgoingtospendtherestofthe

nightwonderingwhatyouneededtotalktomeabout,soyoumayaswelltellmesoIcangetbackto

sleep.”

“Fine,”Irelented,climbingoutofbedandgrabbingtheslingshotfromthetopdrawerofmydresser.

Eveninthedimlighting,IsawChelsea’seyesnarrow.“Didyoumakeaslingshotoutofmypanties,

Luke?”

“Ithoughtwealreadyagreedyourpantiesmakethebestslingshots,”Iteasedbeforeusingittoshoot

thejewelryboxinherdirection.Actually,Imainlytossedtheboxbecause,asI’ddiscovered,panties

madehorribleslingshots.

“What’sthis?”Chelseaaskedasshestareddownatthebox.

Climbingontothebedbesideher,Iopenedtheboxtorevealthesimplediamondsolitaire.Takingher

handinmine,Imethereyes.“Willyoumakemethehappiestmanintheworldbyagreeingtobemy

wife?”

Chelseastaredattheringsolong,Iwasstartingtosweatwhenshefinallyreplied,“Yes.Ofcourse,

I’llmarryyou.”

Andjustlikethat,myworldwasperfect.

Sultryat30

Delaney

Mostdays,Ifeellikeacompletefraud.I’maneroticawriterwhoseonlyloverinthelastdecadehas

neededaconstantsupplyofAAbatteries.WhenItoldmyclosestfriendsIwasgoingtofindalover,I

didn’tplantoactuallyfollowthrough.Icertainlydidn’texpecttohavemind-blowingsexwithSebastian,

amuchtooyoungmanImetwhileshoppingforanewvibrator.Thescenariowaseventooextremefor

oneofmybooks.

Itwassupposedtobeonenight,butSebastianhasnointentionofsettlingforjustonenight.The

questionis,canIgetpastmyownhang-upsandgivehimachancetoprovehecanhelpmewritemyown

happyending?

Author’sNote

DearReader,

IhopeyouareenjoyingtheLoveWithoutBatteriesseries.Thisserieshasbeenalotoffuntowriteso

far.NextupisDelaney’sstory,Sultryat30.AsI’msureyoucanimagine,itwilldefinitelyinvolvesome

crazyanticsandkinkysex.You’llfinallygettomeetJustinCase,Delaney’sbelovedvibratorandthe

youngermandeterminedtowinDelaney’sheart.

Tokeeppostedonthedetailsofmynextbook,orjusttoseewhatI’mupto,youcanfollowmeon

Facebook

Twitter

Ifyouenjoyedthisbook,pleasetakeamomenttowriteareviewusingthelinksbelow.

ReviewonAmazon

ReviewonGoodreads

AboutTheAuthor

CassandraLawsonisanauthorofparanormalromanceandcontemporaryromanticcomedyfromthe

SanFranciscoBayArea.Shehasalwayshadanactiveimaginationandenjoyedmakingupstoriesfroma

youngage.Ahopelessromantic,shelovesahappyending.Whensheisnotwriting,Cassandraenjoys

baking,spendingtimewithherfamily,listeningtomusic,orcurlingupwithagoodbook.

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Epilogue

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