Page 26 of The Swiping Game
I do as he says, though I feel ridiculous. “Fine. I am.”
“Now, I want you to imagine a place where you are completely relaxed.”
“What’s this relaxation thing you speak of?”
“Quit being a smartass. Work with me here.”
“Fine. I’d be in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. So high up that I can’t hear the hustle and bustle of the town. And maybe it’s raining? The rain on the roof is lulling me to sleep.”
“Perfect,” he says, and strangely enough, I am starting to feel a bit more relaxed. “Now picture a fire in the living area. The crackle soothing you as it competes with the rain. You’re sitting against me, your back to my front, just taking in the warmth of the fire. Neither of us saying a word.”
“Mmm.” I don’t even know where that sound comes from, but I can see, and somehow feel, everything he’s describing.
“My hands are rubbing up and down your arms before moving up to your shoulders. I start kneading at your muscles, doing my best to relax you, trying to release every ounce of stress and worry that you have. I want you to think of nothing except releasing those thoughts. No more thoughts of your ex or the bills or your job. Just focus on my hands and the heat of the fire.”
“James.” I can’t help but moan his name as I imagine everything he just said. I keep my eyes shut because the second I open them, I know the spell is going to break. And this is a trance I never want to wake up from.
“Shh, let me take care of you.”
Oh, holy hell.
Have those words ever been spoken to me? I don’t think so. And the sound of them coming from James’s smooth voice? It’s enough to make me need a new pair of panties, and I’m just lying here.
Speaking of . . .
I roll over and open my eyes just enough to be able to reach into my bedside table. I don’t even know if this vibrator still works—it’s been months since I’ve even felt the desire to use it. But right now? Listening to James tell me the sexiest bedtime story I’ve ever heard? I’m going to need this little guy tonight.
I flip it on, and the buzzing gives me a startle. Shit, has it always been that loud?
“What is that?”
No. No way he heard that.
“Nothing.” I probably say it a little too quickly.
“Tara,is that a vibrator I hear?”
“Um . . .”
“Is that a yes?”
I swallow, trying to work up the courage to admit that yes, his words made me want to break out my one and only sex toy. “Yes.”
“Good,” he says, his voice now an octave deeper—which also means an octave sexier. “Use it while you listen to me. Think of nothing but me and the feelings going through your body. Let go of everything and just feel.”
It’s like his words are hypnotic, putting me into a spell where I’m helpless against him. I do as he says, positioning my toy where I want it while I close my eyes.
“Feel the fire against your skin as I start undressing you, the heat already warming your body as I begin kissing you all over. I won’t leave an inch uncovered.”
Is this man for real? I don’t even care at this point if he’s full of shit or the biggest catfish in the history of online dating. I’m hooked on every word he’s saying, and I want more of it.
I want everything he’ll give.
“Are you still in the cabin with me?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Do you feel my lips on your skin?”
