Page 89 of Audiophile

“He’s not?”

It pains me that this is news to him. “He’s all over the place. A bully one day, a sweetheart the next, sometimes caring, sometimes punishing. I never know what I’m gonna get with him.”

Reed doesn’t laugh. “How do you know what you’re going to get with me?”

“You’re flirty and cocky, yes, but you’re also caring and quiet. You love thoroughly, genuinely—it’s easy to see when you talk about your family. You might have a lot of masks at your disposal, but at the end of the day you’re going to hold me and tease me. You’re going to take betting money from my siblings and stick it in my pocket. Right?”

“Pet,” Reed makes my name sound like a swear. “I knew you were incredible the minute I met you. Listen to the drive. Call me tonight, or while you’re in the bath. I’m sure you know my preference.”

“And if I don’t want to talk after?” Listening to us together might break me.

“You will. Talk to you soon,” Reed says, but it sounds more like a dirty promise. He hangs up before I can argue with him.

My heart races as I speed home, and my hands shake as I pour my wine. I sip it as I climb the stairs, and then it’s me versus the drive on my nightstand.

I’m afraid. What if I miss him so much that I’ll cry?Please, God, don’t let me cry.

I plug it in to see a text file that saysReed Me First, and I laugh.

What a fool.

Dear Pet,

There are a few things on this drive. One is our recording together, but I made another. Don’t be mad. This is the only copy. I didn’t even keep one for me. I just want you to know what you sound like when you truly let go. And the other? You said Knight couldn’t compare, so I’ve given you something I’ve never wanted to give anyone before. Me. Just me. Hope these brighten up your bath time ;) Anytime you want a repeat experience, you have my number. Call it.

Yours,

Reed

Sure enough, there were three audio files.This One First, Hottest Session Ever, and Blindfolded Secrets.My blood thunders in my ears, and I nearly shut the laptop on itself and throw away the drive. But too much of me, all of me, wants to know what he intended. I download it to my phone, put in my headphones, and sink into Reed’s voice.

“Hey, baby.”He sounds like he’s smiling, and my lips pull up too.“I could give you a scene, but I’d much rather talk to you. Simply Petra and Reed. You okay with that?”

I blink back fierce tears. His gentle tone cracks open whatever dam held them at bay the last few weeks. “Yes,” I whisper, wiping my face.

“I thought so. Did you have a good day today, Pet? How long did it take for you to break down that last wall and call me? An hour? Five? A full day? If you haven’t called me yet, you better stop and do that now. Or, if you’re not already in, run a bath and then call me. Otherwise I’ll assume you wanted me for my rugby body, when we both know my teasing is your favorite part.”

“Is not.”

“Don’t kid yourself.”Reed chuckles.“There’s no one to lie to but yourself. Who else is going to get you to send your fork flying across the room at the mention of pussy?”

I shake my head, both smiling and embarrassed. “Let it go, Reed.”

“What I wouldn’t give to see you blush right now, Pet. Your eyes brighten when you do. I’m gonna bet you haven’t paused this to call me. Are you in the bath yet? If you’re not, go get in. I can only keep this tame for so long. Go. I mean it.”

So bossy. There’s no reason why I should do what he says—but I want to. I’m not going to play this game on his terms, though. I pause it, bringing my wine to the bathroom. I pace myself as I add bubbles, light candles, and turn off the overhead light.

Getting in the bath now, like you said, sir.

I’m feeling cheeky enough to send him a picture of my setup.

Who’s teasing who, now? I think your camera was facing the wrong way baby ;)

I laugh as I slip my shirt over my head. There’s an intense happiness that comes from interacting with Reed, and no one else.

No way, not happening.

That’s fine, I have you committed to memory.

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