When I got to my bedroom, I closed the door, leaned against it, sucked in a massive breath, and took in the room.
After I had the bathroom remodeled, this was the first room I’d refinished.
The wood floors were gleaming. The threadbare rugs had been removed and a large, thick, attractive one in soft beige with muted pastel green, blue, yellow, and pink swirls on it was under the bed. The two dressers were a mish-mosh I’d located for a deal at an antique store, the wood light and battered but they burnished in way that I thought was pretty. Matching iron nightstands with drawers that had mismatching but lovely lights on them. There were old, framed pieces of faded, but awesome embroidered flowers I’d bought for five bucks each on the walls. Walls that I’d painted a warm, soft oyster.
A year ago, I’d bought a new mattress. On it was a down comforter with a feminine paisley cover that had a cream background and subdued green, yellow, and blue design. Matching shams. Cream sheets. But minimal toss pillows since they finished the look of the bed but were a pain in the patoot to arrange every day.
And my bed had a slatted head and footboard.
Staring at it, I bit my lower lip.
Then I did what I decided I’d do during the movie.
I went to the nightstands and turned on both lights. After that, I went to the closet, got the ropes, took them to the bed, and dropped them in the middle. That done, I went to my drawer and pulled out one of only three sexy nighties that I owned. A skintight red number made entirely of lace. I also snatched out the matching satin panties.
I took them to the bathroom, changed, washed my face, brushed my teeth, put the toilet seat down, and sat on it, trying not to hyperventilate.
And there I sat.
Waiting.
And just like me, I did it hoping.
But (maybe for the first time in my life), I didn’t have to hope.
Because I had a strong feeling that what I wanted so badly was about to be given to me.
Chapter Thirteen
Give the Gratitude
I heard the bedroom door open and my body strung tight.
I waited
I waited some more.
Then I sucked in a huge breath, got up, and walked to the door.
I opened it, walked out, and stopped, my eyes glued to Deacon.
He was standing by the bed, his eyes to me, and it was a wonder they didn’t incinerate me on the spot.
“Nightie’s sweet,” he said quietly. “I’ll enjoy it another time. Now, take it off, baby.”
He’d seen the ropes.
My heart skipped in my chest and I held his gaze as I took two steps to the bed, stopped, and put my hands to the hem of the nightie. Continuing to hold his eyes, I lifted my arms, pulling it off.
“Panties,” he ordered, his voice getting rough. Just that sound doing good things to my body, I hooked my thumbs in the sides of the panties and pushed them down until they fell to the floor.
I stepped out of them.
“Here,” he demanded, voice now gruff.
I didn’t hesitate and I didn’t backtalk.
I went to him.