Page 55 of Collect the Pieces

His eyes narrow with suspicion. “I’m afraid to ask what’s in it.”

I peer closer, picking up a hot-pink silicone bottle with a white cap. A plastic safety seal indicates it’s new.GentleWarming Lubricant.

Warmth spreads over my face.Look at that—it’s already doing its job!

“Um, these are some interesting amenities.” I run my fingers over the other items, heat building in my cheeks with each one I discover—buzzing cock ring, a package of condoms, an orange candle in a glass jar with a label that readsOrgasmic Manifestation, a twelve-sided die with a different sexual position engraved on each side.

“Uh, yup. Definitely new.” Jigsaw steps up next to me and stares at the basket. “Or at least I’ve never had one of those left for me when I’ve stayed over before.”

Chocolate hearts and a few more practical items like shampoo, soap, lotion, and lip balm round out the rest of the gifts. And finally, a small, white, rolled-up towel that was keeping everything tightly packed into the basket. I open it and blink at what’s embroidered at the bottom in black.

Cum Rag.

“Well, that stole all the romance right out of this.” I toss the cloth on the nightstand.

Jigsaw chuckles. “Now I feel like Stash helped put these together. I can’t picture Trinity ordering these or handing them out.” His lips quirk into a sexy smile. “Although, let’s be honest, it might come in handy.” He picks up the washcloth and drags it over my chest.

If I thought I was hot before, I’m on fire now.

I turn and crisscross my arms behind his neck, dragging him closer while standing on my tiptoes. He drops the cloth and wraps his arms around me.

“I warned you we could be crude at times,” he says.

Before I can answer, he feathers a soft kiss against my lips.

I sigh and drag my fingers through his hair. He lets out a humming noise of approval. Our mouths meet again, soft and exploratory at first, as if he understands I’m still uncertain in this new environment. After a few gentle, reassuring brushes of his mouth against mine, our kisses intensify. He slides his hands to my behind, pressing me against him.

Breaking our kiss, he touches his forehead to mine.

“I’m happy you’re here with me,” he rasps.

“I’m happy too.” Uncertainty still tugs at me. “I did okay at dinner, right? I wasn’t too…much?”

He kisses my forehead and releases me. “You were perfect.”

“Okay.”

“I mean it.”

Outside, people shout and whoop. Jigsaw moves toward the window and parts the curtains. “Looks like they have the fire going.”

“Do you mind if I unpack my bag?” My hands nervously twist together. “I think I’ll feel more…settled if I know where my stuff is.” I wince at how weird that sounds. Easy breezy isn’t my style.

“Yeah. Go ahead.” He drops onto the edge of the bed and leans back on his hands, his gaze completely focused on me. “I’ll enjoy the view.”

“I know it’s only a day and a half but…”

“Margot, it’s fine. Do whatever makes you comfortable.”

We’ve only ever spent time together in my space, where I know where everything is. He has no idea how particular I can be. But I guess if it’s a deal-breaker for him, he should find out now.

I slide one closet door open, and stare at the few neatly hung flannel shirts. “You’re sure this isn’t someone’s room?”

He crosses the room and peers over my shoulder. “I think Trinity just likes to make sure there are some extra clothes around in case anyone needs something.” He quickly flips through the shirts, which range in sizes from XL to 3XLT.

“That’s really thoughtful.” I push the shirts aside and grab a hanger. I didn’t bring much, so it doesn’t take long to hang my jeans, tops, and the one dress I brought. I move to the dresser and open the first drawer—again finding a few items of clothing already stored inside. Unopened packages of plain, utilitarian cotton underwear for women and boxers for men, socks, and a few basic black T-shirts and tank tops.

“Shelby said if I needed clothes to attend yoga class with them tomorrow, they could probably find something for me. I guess she wasn’t kidding.” I close the top drawer and open thesecond. This one is empty. I drop my undergarments and socks inside.

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