Page 35 of Player For Hire

Crap. I guess I just assumed he would have them. He was hella more advanced than I was. “Got it. Okay, so first layer is on. What should I wear?”

“What you’re wearing.”

My mouth dropped open. “I can’t go down the hall like this, are you nuts?”

“No, you’re going to wear that cute pink jacket.”

“That’s a rain jacket, Iona.”

“I know, but it’s cute and it’s so you. And he won’t be expecting it.”

“It’s not that long.”

“And you have killer legs. It’s no shorter than a skirt.” She ushered me into the hall and back toward the living area. “Damn, you have a great ass too.”

I looked over my shoulder at her.

“Oh, stop. You’re going to catch flies with that open mouth. You look amazing and false modesty is just stupid. Own it.”

“That isn’t part of the research.”

“No, but this isn’t all research. Or at least not just for the book. You’re gorgeous and smart and need to realize that.”

I felt ridiculous walking around in just my underwear, but she was right. “Everyone needs a friend like you, Iona.”

“They sure don’t. I only do this shit for you, Nay.”

I went to the closet near the door and pulled out my slicker. Sure enough, it went just low enough on my legs to cover my butt. I sure as hell couldn’t bend over in it, though.

“Wear those little gray ballet flats. Next time we’ll put you in some cute heels or something. But we’re going for cute and fuckable this time.”

“Fuckable? Me?” I shoved the condoms and the oil stuff into my pocket, then slipped on my shoes and sagged against the wall in shock.

“Damn right, you are.” She hauled me in for a quick hug. “Now go get ‘em.”

“What if he’s not awake yet? It’s barely one o’clock.”

“Then you’ll be the very best wake up call, won’t you?” She opened the door and shoved me outside. “Go. Don’t come back here until you’ve had at least three orgasms.”

“Three?”

Iona nodded and shut the door in my face. “Three!” she called through the door.

“That seems excessive,” I mumbled.

One and I’d be happy. That’s all I usually had, anyway. If I was lucky.

I glanced around the hall, happy to see it was still quiet. There were only four apartments on each floor. I tugged down the coat as if it was going to give me another inch. However, I could pull the zipper up. Thank God.

This was so stupid.

He was going to glance through the peephole and tell me to go back to my apartment.

I flicked my hair over my shoulder. Might as well get this over with. And if he laughed in my face, I would just go watch Criminal Minds and eat the rest of the gelato in the freezer.

Was the hall longer? It felt as if I was taking a million steps.

Finally, his door was there. I nibbled on the corner of my thumbnail. “You can do this, Naomi.” I lifted my hand to knock, then I shoved it back into my coat, then I drew it back to my side when the coat rose up at the action.

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