Page 69 of Elevator Pitch

Portland, OR | January 8, 2024

Downtown Portland isthe backdrop as I unwind in my hotel room. I’m on my second glass of wine and am currently reading a romance that just got to the spice. I let out a gasp, tapping the screen to annotate the page, when I come across a position I was recently in withhim. Shivers greet me as my thoughts flit back to my time with Greyson at my place.

I’ve never been touched like that, and while I may be overthinking per usual, I’m freaking out. I’ve only read about sex likethatin books. I’ll admit I’m a bit inexperienced and curious about some of the things he did to me. I also feel silly for not knowing everything about sex. I’m an adult, for fuck’s sake.

Then again, I haven’t had many partners, and if sex is supposed to be anything like what Greyson did to me, then I’m convinced I haven’t fuckedanyonebefore him, and I’d like to be compensated for my wasted time.

Not to mention, he did that solely with his hands and tongue. Sure, the man made me come three times on my kitchen counter before lunchtime, then went on about his day, and I can’t stopthinking about it. Of course I didn’t send him a fucking text message. What the hell was I going to say?

I grab my phone to look at the time; it’s 11:25 p.m.I contemplate sending a paragraph to Greyson and decide against it. Simply because I don’t know what to say just yet. The arrangement conversation is still looming in my mind, but I still have an upcomingSoulBlenddate that I’ve been chatting with for about two weeks now. He’s good looking and takes a lot of pictures at the gym. I’m not easily impressed by that, but I’m keeping my word and will see how we vibe in person before giving Greyson a final answer. I’m really burnt out on dates after all the flops, but I could go for one more.

I opt for sending a simple text to Greyson and toss my phone across the king-sized bed immediately after hitting send to avoid chickening out. It lands near the foot of it when I pick up my e-reader. I dive back into my latest novel, looking for a distraction from my anxious thoughts.

Me

Hi. Are you awake?

A few minutes pass, and I assume he’s sleeping, so I start wondering what the hell I’m going to say in the morning when he wakes up to that text. Why didn’t I just wait until I got back into town? He’s probably going to think I was just hor?—

That thought is interrupted by a ding. I jump up and hesitate as if he can see me.

I crawl across the bed to retrieve my phone and see that Greyson responded.

Smell Good Man

Yes. What are you doing up?

Me

I could ask you the same thing. I can’t sleep. I’ve justbeen thinking.

Smell Good Man

So, you’re up thinking about me? I’m flattered.

Of course, but I won't confirm or deny that. Lifting my glass, I gulp down more liquid courage to guide me through this conversation.

Me

I have a few questions. If you feel like answering.

Smell Good Man

Ask away.

Me

What happened in the kitchen last week…

I take a moment…hesitant of what I’d like to say before I just go for it. Maybe it’s the wine in my system, but I am feeling bolder as my blood warms.

Me

When you wouldn’t let me come. Why did you do that?

And why did it feel better once I did?

Smell Good Man

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