Page 112 of Seduction in Spades

Nope. Deletedeletedelete. I rack my brain for something safe to say. The irony is I’m working on being more open and honest with my feelings. But telling him how badly I want him, how much I crave his fingers, his mouth, his cock between my legs isn’t the problem. Sex talk is easy. It’s the from-the-heart stuff that I suck at.

I decide on a sincere reply instead.

Avery:I miss you too. Looking forward to our brunch date.

I insert a heart emoji and hit send. He immediately loves my text. I drain the tub and get ready for bed. Sleep doesn’t come easily as I toss and turn, trying to come up with the perfect birthday gift for him.

It isn’t until close to three in the morning when he’s probably getting home from work, that I know what he wants more than anything. It’s going to cost me all I have, but he’s worth it.

***

Even though I’m cleanfrom my bath, I take a shower and wash my hair, spending extra time shaving, buffing, and moisturizing. I don’t know if our date will end with us naked, but I have time to kill.

It’s only seven thirty, and I’m running on three hours of sleep and three cups of coffee. My brain hasn’t stopped thinking and overthinking. I dry my hair, add soft curls, apply a subtle layer of makeup, then stare at my small closet. I should have saved my purple sweater for today.

The weather forecast shows it’ll only reach fifty, so I’ll be wearing a coat most of the morning anyway. I’ll take it off for our brunch, and then I plan on walking through the park and giving Nolan hisgift.

I’m ready to make a fourth cup of coffee when my phone rings. I see Nolan’s name light up my screen, which brings a gigantic grin to my face.

“You couldn’t have gotten more than four hours of sleep,” I say in greeting.

“And good morning to you, sunshine.”

“Sorry. How was your night?”

“Painful.”

“Your wound? You really should have a professional look at it.”

“Not my cut. My... balls.”

“Oh.” I try to hide my giggle. I’m not very successful.

“It’s not funny.”

“I mean, it kind of is. Did you... did you take care of your... pain when you got home?”

“I took a cold shower, which is all bullshit, by the way.”

“I’m sorry, Nolan. Last night, I wasn’t trying to—”

“Sweetheart. There’s no need to apologize.”

“I shouldn’t have—”

“Babe. I’ve had a constant hard-on since the first time I laid eyes on you.”

“Oh.”

“Tell me you’re up and ready. Or better yet, tell me you’re still naked in bed.”

“What if I’m naked in the tub?”

“Even better.”

I hear a knock on my door and glance at it. I quietly cross my small apartment and look through the peephole. Nolan gives me a wink.

“Chatting has been lovely, but I have a better offer at my door.” I hang up and toss my phone on the counter, then unlock the door.

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