Page 24 of David's Proposal

I could let her drop off the groceries and pretend I’m not home.

Or I could put something on and walk to the next block, making sure she doesn’t see me while I wait and wave at my ride.

This way, things look all right. The driver picks me up, and off I go.

She does her thing. I’m not home. And all is well.

This sounds like a great plan.

And then I’m back to square one.

What am I supposed to wear?

My goodness. This stresses me out.

I have renewed admiration for what Rain Sexton used to do before she was a Sexton.

‘Move, just move…’The voice blares in my head.

I send Mom another message.

Me: Sounds good.

And then I spring into action.

The first thing I put my hand on goes on my body. A tiny piece of underwear––a thong highlighting my butt cheeks and barely covering my smooth front.

That is no not good.

But there is no time for second guessing.

I will pull a…?Oh.I saw that in a movie.

Lacy underwear and a long jacket. Yes… Yes, yes. I’ll do that.

Hopefully, he’s in the mood for sex, or I’ll look like a call girl out of work.

I frantically search for the matching bra. Can’t find it. Give up on it. No bra. The bra won’t make a difference.

It’s cold to go outside without some nylons or thigh-high stockings or something, but there’s no time to search for them.

My racing pulse confirms that.

My heaving chest says that.

Heels, a thong, and my jacket.

That’s it.

It’s a black wool jacket that hits about mid-thigh. One of the better pieces of clothing I own, it has a nice nipped waist, double-breasted button closure, and a self–tie belt.

Utilitarian pockets, so I don’t need a bag.

The smooth lining is cold against my back, and as goosebumps spread across my skin, it dawns on me how risky this business is. Walking around town virtually naked before going into that nice hotel downtown––if it’s the one I have in mind, although they’re both nice––and meeting him.

I don’t have time to dwell since I need to get out of my place as soon as possible.

As in right now.

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