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“No, I didn’t lose my job.”
“Then why is money tight?”
He pushed off the counter and strode past me to put on his jacket. “I didn’t lose my job, but I’m going to be late if I don’t leave now. It’s my turn to work the weekend.”
He walked back to kiss me on my forehead. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it.” The smell of smoke clogged my throat and I nearly coughed. My dad didn’t smoke. But before I could ask him about it, he walked out the front door. He likely went to a bar last night. He was entitled to have a few drinks with friends, but I prayed it wasn’t more than that. I couldn’t go back to the way it was before. Even though I still carried Naloxone in my purse, just in case.
Turning to the coffee machine, I frowned at the black screen. No green indicator light meant no coffee. Dammit!
I might as well go for a run, clear my head, and grab a coffee on the way back.
My new plan cheered me up. Plus, I also had the evening with Ryan to look forward to. I wouldn’t let my dad ruin this day for me.
My phone pinged.
Ryan: Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep last night?
Well, the day was definitely improving.
Me: Much better now. How’s your morning?
Ryan: I woke up alone, without you beside me. I’d say it’s not starting off well, but I’m looking forward to changing that.
Me: Optimistic, aren’t you? I said nothing about sleeping over.
Ryan: You didn’t have to. You’ll want to when I tell you what’s for breakfast.
Me: I’m not much of a breakfast person. Just a coffee is all I need.
Ryan: Then, I guess I’ll just have to nibble on you.
Me: I can’t believe you actually typed that.
Ryan: If that made you blush, then darling, prepare yourself for later. I intend to feast on every inch of your body.
Me: Who said anything about blushing? I just meant I don’t usually type what I’m going to do. But if that’s your game, then you should bring it.
Ryan didn’t type for a few minutes. I probably scared him off. Guys usually talked a big game with me, but then didn’t know what to do next when I talked back.
Ryan: I’m going to take that pretty little mouth of yours as soon as I see it. Then I want to suck on those tits until they pucker just for me.
Oh, shit. Ryan wasn’t backing off. I chuckled. I should have a little fun with him.
Me: They pucker when I’m cold. How about yours?
Ryan: You’ll find out tonight. See you later.
I shoved my phone into my pocket. I’d dated bad boys throughout my teens, and later in my twenties, I moved up to ex-cons, and some pretty scary guys when I think about it. So, how did a man in a suit and tie make my knees weak just now? I liked that he didn’t scare off easily. God knows I had tried.
A few hours later, I was lathering shampoo into my hair and scrubbing my scalp until there was nothing but suds visible on my head. Then I took a razor and shaved every inch of skin on my body and used a loofa for good measure. I was going into this evening with eyes wide open. I would take what I wanted from this night with Ryan, with no regrets. I would be myself, unapologetically. If he thought he wanted to run with me, he would have to learn to keep up.
I’d hung the red dress in my closet when I’d returned from the gala. I didn’t think I’d have another occasion to wear it, so I’d put a garment bag over it. When I unzipped the bag, the sparkly red dress seemed to come to life. Smiling, I pulled the dress off the hanger and stood in front of the mirror with it draped over my body. It felt like a dream every time I wore it. As though my past did not exist and I was just Laura. No past, no present, no future expectations.
Scouring my top drawer, I couldn’t find the red lace panties. I knew I’d worn them to the gala, but..
I groaned. I must have left them on the floor of the art museum. Well, whoever found them must have been shocked. Or not. I had no idea what happened at those fancy parties. Maybe finding panties was a usual occurrence.
Staring at my white and black cotton underwear, I couldn’t find anything that felt right against this dress.
