Page 5 of SnapShot

“Hey, Claire, whatcha reading about today?”

“Oh, you know, stalker turned lover and good old-fashioned spankings. What kind of shit did you get yourself into this time?”

“Oh, you know, just the boring old bondage stuff. Nothing too serious.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ve got to find out what happens to Ava by Mister Mysterious.”

She shoots me a nasty wink and refocuses her attention to her phone. I can’t contain my laughter as I make my way to the back part of the store. I quickly find what I need and secure it beneath my arm as I look around just for fun.

I decide to add some white knee-high socks and some pasties. Surely, I can find some use for these. I place all of my new toys on the counter for Claire to ring up as she inspects them.

“Well, this is an interesting haul.” She waggles her brows at me, and I can’t help but laugh.

“You know me. I just can’t help myself.”

“Don’t have too much fun. See you later.”

“Have a good one.”

My interaction with Charlie lives rent-free in my head the entire drive home. I was a total bitch to him, yet he still insinuated that he wanted to see me again. But why? Maybe he’s into that kinky shit? I’ve never had a partner who was, but I’ve always been interested in trying some of it. I bet we could have some fun together if I hadn’t screwed everything up right out of the damn gate.

Classic Haedyn move. Maybe I should text him.

He could always just be a one and done situation. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about my epic disaster. I’ll think on it for a bit.

Seeing him in person today was a total shock, but damn is he fine. His pictures don’t give him enough credit because he looked absolutely delicious. I’d devour him in a heartbeat. It’s been too long— I need to get laid. Soon. Before I do something stupid, like booty call him.

“Hey girl, how was your day?” I walk in to find Kate watching TV from the couch with a giant bowl of popcorn that smells divine. I put my shopping bag on the table and plop my ass on the couch next to her before reaching for some popped buttery goodness. I need this after the day I’ve had. I’ll take care of the pictures in a little bit; I need a minute first.

“Hey. It wasn’t too bad, except when I met Charlie.” She swings her head toward me so fast I’m amazed it didn’t give her whiplash.

“What?? When?? Where?? How did that go?? I need all the tea!”

“Okay, don’t act so excited. This is not a good thing, Kate. He showed up at The Dairy Bar, and of course, he just happened to be sitting in my section. I guess Rachel took his order for me, though, because I never did. I just had to awkwardly deliver his burger to him.”

“Well. Skip the suspense, bitch. What did he say when he realized it was you?” I give her the run down on everything that happened, and she looks all too happy about my misfortune. “When are y’all going out?”

“Are you high? What about that conversation screamed, ‘let’s plan a date’ to you?”

“Umm, the whole thing? You’ve been wanting to meet him, so what’s the deal? You sent him a naughty picture. So what? Couples do it all the time. Was he ugly in person or something?”

“The opposite actually. Totally smoking body, sweet smile, confident attitude, and a sexy as sin outfit.”

“I’m not seeing an issue, Haedyn. You need to get over yourself. Do your body a favor and let the man tap that ass already!”

“You’re impossible, I swear. Maybe you need to get laid just so you’ll leave me alone about my dating life.”

“I’m just saying. He’s hot. He’s obviously interested, and he doesn’t seem to shy easily. There’s no reason not to go for it.”

“Except the blatantly obvious one.”

“At least do it once. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

“Oh my God. If it will get you to shut up, I’ll text him, okay?” Am I insane? I have to be because there’s no other explanation for what I’m about to do.

Haedyn: Hey, sorry about today. You caught me off guard, and I didn’t know what to say.

Charlie: No harm done. How was your shift?

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