Page 31 of Where You Are

“Drop it, or I post this!” I erupt, holding up my phone so she can see the unflattering photo I took of her. Desperate times.

“Ugh!” she huffs back in her booth with her arms crossed.

Got her.

* * *

The rest of the day is spent in a fun whirlwind of laughs, pedicures, trying on upcoming fall fashions and fro-yo, during all of which, Sarah thankfully doesn’t bring up my mystery man. That is until we’re trying on skimpy lingerie in Victoria’s Secret (her idea). It wasn’t at the top of my bucket list for the day, but the more I saunter around the racks, the more enticed I am by the satin and lace. When I was travelling, I packed light and dressed for comfort, so it’s been a minute since I indulged in some naughty undergarments.

A frilly matching bra and panty set catches my eye and pulls me in with its bold blue color. It’s delicate yet sexy, and it definitely makes a statement. I can’t help it, my mind immediately goes to Matt and what his reaction might be seeing me in it. I kind of like the idea of seeing him lose his mind.

What the hell…

Sold.

I stand in front of the three-way mirror in the lavish dressing room with its plush chair and it’s flattering lighting, taking in the way the demi lace cups push my C-cups together, and how the panties seem to accent my ass perfectly.

“Let me see!” Sarah demands through the door. I carefully crack it open enough for her to stick her head in and her eyes bug out, looking me up and down. “Wowww…” she draws the word out with her mouth agape as I do a playful little twirl around for her. “Just wait until he sees you in that, what was his name again?” She asks with a head tilt and eyes squinted like she’s trying to remember.

“Nice try.”

“Damnit!” she hisses as her eyes shift to the ceiling.

I feel exhilarated as I cash out at the register with Sarah, who insists this is her treat, despite my objections. At least she let me pay for our heart attack lunch.

When I get back to the pool house, my phone buzzes with a text, just as I’m tossing my purchases in their bags on the bed. I pull it out of my handbag, my heart already picking up speed at the hopes of who it is. I feel myself smile when I look at the screen.

The Man of My Dreams: It’s been almost 24 hours

I take a moment to think what he means by this. It’s close to the time he dropped me off yesterday.

Me: So it has…??

I don’t have to wait long for him to continue his cryptic thought.

The Man of My Dreams: What have you been doing all this time?

Me: Shopping with Sarah. You?

The Man of My Dreams: Working on songs with Jack while I try not to think very bad thoughts about his sister.

That mixes a very interesting cocktail of emotions. A flood of warmth rushes straight to my sex at the same time a chill shoots up my spine and a throb starts pulsing in my chest. I’m turned on, excited, and freaked out that he’s been with my brother today.

Me: Are you with him now?

The Man of My Dreams: Relax. I’m at home now where I can think freely. Can you focus on the second part of my last message now?

After letting the relief settle over me, I look down at my screen with a smirk as I type out a reply.

Me: Happy to. In fact…

I leave him hanging for just a moment while I snap a photo of the pink striped bag sitting on my bed and send it to him.

This time, it takes a moment before I get a response.

Just when I’m about to give up and put my phone down, it rings in my hand.

“You do not play fair,” he greets in a low and grumbly voice that’s laced heavily with sex.

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