Page 52 of Grace

“Important question—was it good? Did you come? Did you enjoy it at least? Was he good to you? Did he—”

“Slow down!” I squeal.

“Oh, did you yell that or say, ‘harder, Daddy! Faster!’” She teases while pouncing on me and making her voice all high-pitched.

“No, God, no, I don’t call him ‘Daddy’!”

“I would,” she says with a nod.

“Ash!” I shove her slightly.

Ashley and I keep teasing each other and playing around until we decide to watch a movie, and she asks again if I want a tattoo now that I’m coming into my own. But I don’t know, I don’t think it would fit me. Even now with my more daring side taking over, I still don’t think I would like to get something tattooed.

As the sun has set, I realize how much more fun I have with Ashley than I did with Bash. Being with Ashley makes me feel confident and warm. I never had a friendship like I have with her.

And since I screwed up the lasagna for Daniel, I want to try again, make a redemption lasagna and text Daniel a picture. Ashley lies on the couch with her phone, probably texting Markoas I slice and dice my way through the vegetables and make the sauce.

It goes a lot quicker now that Daniel isn’t distracting me with his touches. But still, the thought makes my stomach flutter.

With the oven open, I quickly take a picture and send it to Daniel.

My phone almost immediately rings, and I close the oven, setting the timer so I’m sure I don’t burn it this time.

Are you doing okay? You’re not sore after our fun, are you?

No, I’m okay. How’s work?

My meetings are more fun when you’re beside me. They’re entirely boring now.

I shake my head as I clean the kitchen, keeping myself busy until the timer runs out.

And just as I’m about to open the oven to make the plates, a knock rings on the door joined with a ping from my phone.

My forehead creases as I pick up my phone first, reading Daniel’s message.

Go get the package I sent to you, darling. You deserve it.

I stare at it, unaware Ashley got the door until she tosses the box on the bar top.

“It’s for you,” she says and walks around the counter to open the oven. “Damn, Grace. This smells amazing.”

I only hum and grab the box. I open it eagerly, wondering what Daniel got me. But once I open it, my face goes red. There’s a little box inside the bigger one with a… toy. As I look at it, Inotice the image of a phone on the box with a name of an app. Oh, God, it’s something that can be controlled from a phone. Then I notice the letter with it.

We don’t have to stop having fun just because there’s an ocean between us.

“Holy cow,” I breathe, then shake my head. “He wasn’t kidding about being addicted.”

“What?” Ashley asks as she takes a chunk of the lasagna and puts it on her plate.

Words won’t leave me as I stare dumbfounded at the toy.

She follows my gaze, leans up to check the inside of the carboard box, and squeals, ripping the packaged toy from my hands.

“Oh, my… Grace!” She tears open the box and plugs it into the power socket before I can even take my next breath.

“Ooh, lover boy isn’t cheaping out, is he?” Ashley teases.

I blush and look at her. “It’s just—”

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