Page 78 of Touch Me

“So,you making babies with Sexy Sweats yet?” Ashley teases.

I don’t even look up from my laptop. I’ve been doing more research on this gallery opening for Stella Karr. The Arts Department put out a teaser in the latest edition of the magazine about her upcoming event. I rewrote my article, adding more recently released details, hoping to sell my work because I really want to land this gig.

“No, Ashley. For the millionth time, it’s not like that. Do you have to ask me every morning?” I sigh.

I wish it were like that. Somedays.Most days.We could be described as really flirtatious roommates, or a couple that pretends to be a couple in front of their friends, but never has sex. Both scenarios are driving me mad.

“It could be like that. C’mon girl, it’s been months. And you admitted yourself it was eight months before you moved in since you’ve had anyone touch your spasm chasm.”

I slap my laptop shut. “Spasm chasm? Seriously?”

“I need someone to touch my spasm chasm.” Jenny sighs with a far off look in her eyes. “I put my body pillow in the dryer last night so I could act like it was a warm body when I went to bed.”

“You having a dry spell too?” Alex asks.

“Yeah. I went on a date a few weeks ago for sushi. I ended up throwing up before we even got to the good stuff.” Jen says.

“It’s good to let them know right away you have a gag reflex.” Ashley nods at all of us, waiting for us to agree.

When no one says anything she throws up her hands.

“What? There are only so many minutes you can go with more cock in your throat than oxygen.”

I put my head in my hands and cringe. “Jesus Christ.”

Suddenly, the air feels different, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Before I can even process what’s happening I see Ashley’s mouth curl up into a sneer and then Mark is leaning over my chair. Now I understand. It was like a spider shaking its web to catch the prey nearby. I felt the vibrations.

Toxicity ripples out in waves around this asshole.

“Hey, Cassie. Can I talk to you in my office for a minute?” He’s so close my hair moves with his breath.

I don’t even have room to push my chair out and, the way my coworkers are looking at me, they fear for my safety. I mouthfive minutesto the group, hoping they understand that if I’m not back in five-minutes to send a search party. I turn toward Mark’s office, and his hand skims the small of my back, making me speed up to create space between us.

This isn’t a date, you fucking tool.

I make my way to a padded leather chair opposite his rickety panel board desk. Instead of sitting behind the desk, he stands in front of me, leaning on his desk with his crossed feet practically touching mine. His walls are bare, except for a couple plaques that I can’t make out the writing on, and it smells faintly of whiskey and dust. The entire scene is nauseating.

“I thought I would’ve heard from you by now. I’m surprised you weren’t knocking down my door.” He adds a predatory smirk as he finishes speaking. I distinctly remember those exact words ringing in my ears from the scene at the bar with Surfer Suit, and I’m reminded of Alex’s words after.

Abort. Abort.

This whole exchange is playing out like a documentary on the Discovery Channel.

Little did the Rosy Maple Moth know, the Huntsman Spider had been on the hunt long before he was noticed.

Has it been five minutes yet?

My hands are slick with sweat, and my skin pebbles with creepy crawlies. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Your friend, the one with the photographs. I thought we had a plan. I know things got kind of crazy around here with The Hangman popping back up for a bit, but things have calmed down.” He runs his index finger along his bottom lip as he very obviously peruses my body from head to toe.

I shift in my seat and straighten my spine. That's what animals do, right? Make themselves appear larger and less like prey. “Right. He wasn’t interested.”

“Not interested? Does he know what an opening this size could do for his career?”

“Photography isn’t his career. It’s just a hobby. He doesn’t want any recognition.”

“Cassie. Listen. Do you know what getting an exclusive on a gallery opening of this size could do foryourcareer?”

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