Page 60 of The Way We Win

“Those bachelorette parties could get wild.”

“Allie.” I give her a gentle smile. “I haven’t changed.”

“But don’t you see?” Her voice is quiet. “In those days, you were this gorgeous guy, Dylan’s sexy big brother, an impossible dream I could never have.” Her shoulder rises, and she exhales a little huff. “Now I have you. I just… don’t want to fuck it up.”

Her face is in my hand, and I smooth her hair back with my other one. “I’m more in danger of fucking this up than you are.”

“I don’t mind a little kink.” She tilts her head to the side. “I’m from New Orleans.”

“Right.” I huff a laugh.

“Except… Can we talk about some of them?”

Releasing her cheek, I grow more serious. “Of course.”

“I’m not really into ropes.” She winces. “I mean, being restrained sounds like fun, but some of that tying up looks… painful.”

“How do you feel about neckties or a silk scarf?”

“Better.” Her lips press into a smile, and I imagine her tied to my bed, blindfolded, mouth open.

Fuck, that’s hot.

“And no fisting… or peeing.” She covers her eyes. “Or, oh my god, pooping.”

Reaching for her wrists, I uncover her eyes, holding her hands in mine. “None of that will happen.”

“I don’t want to be hurt with weird implements, like nipple clamps or hooks.”

“How do you know about these things?” I confess, I’m impressed by her knowledge, and wondering if it means she’s hiding her own secret kinks—which I’d very much like to explore.

“I’m a librarian, Jack. I’ve read books.”

“I didn’t know you had books on BDSM in the high school library.”

“I have my own romance novels.”

I smile, exhaling a laugh. “Good to know.”

Her chin drops, and she studies her hands in mine. I look down at them as well, slim and fair, soft in my rough grip.

“How many have there been?” Her voice is just above a whisper. “I won’t judge. I just… I’ve never done this before, and I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want to be bad at it.”

A new feeling surges in my chest, protection, acceptance. “You’re my first.”

“I am?” She peeks up at me. “Well, that’s a relief.”

At last I get a glimpse of the sassy Allie I’ve always known.

“The first person I shared this with called me a twisted pervert.”

“So I’ve heard.” Her eyes narrow. “You’re not.”

“Forget her.” I kiss her cheek. “I have.”

“I’ll tell you what I want now.”

“Okay…”

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