Touching Melody - By RaShelle Workman Page 0,53

and a closet to the right. On either side of the bed are identical nightstands. There’s a black bench under the large window, covered in pillows. The room is beautiful. “Wow. It’s—it’s—”

“Really kinky, right?” His features are furrowed. And I realize he’s sad.

Finally I get it. “Kyle, I’m so sorry.” I run to him and hug him tightly. Because I realize I’m letting him down. The things people say about him, the rumors, they’re just that. Rumors. I know the real Kyle. He’s shown me over and over the past few weeks.

He responds by hugging me tight. He tilts back so I can see his face and leans in. Kisses me. His lips are gentle, filled with care.

“Mmmmm, you are a great kisser,” I whisper against his lips.

He smirks, his lips still on mine. “And you’re such an authority.”

“Hey, I have good taste.” My fingers have found their way under his brown t-shirt and are stroking the tight skin over his ripped abs. My pinky fingers keep brushing against the band of his jeans. Goosebumps constrict his skin, and he breathes out slowly. “You smell like garlic,” I say.

He chuckles. “Oooh, tell me how you really feel.”

I know he’s joking, but I decide to take the opportunity to be serious. “So what exactly is kinky?”

He steps back, a questioning look on his face. “You’re joking.”

“No. I’ve heard the word used a lot lately. Those girls said you tied them to the bed.” I step out of his arms. “I’ve seen a video about sex. I get the logistics of the actual act. But... Well, obviously there’s more.” I pause, taking a deep breath to steady my raging nerves. “The way you make me, my body feel. That has nothing to do with having babies.”

Kyle smiles and kisses the top of my head. “I’m not sure why they started saying I like it kinky. I mean I guess…” He trails off and walks to the closet, then turns back. “Can I show you?”

A nervous giggle escapes. This is my worst nightmare. That he would want me to be into whatever wacky stuff he’s into, and I can’t. I won’t.

At least let him show you what he’s talking about, I think. “Okay, but go easy on me. No whips or handcuffs.” My hands cross over my chest. And my mouth is suddenly parched.

“Not until you’re ready, Freckles,” he says sarcastically as he pulls open the closet door. I’m suddenly desperate to see what’s inside, but, at the same time, I’m terrified. What sorts of things are in there? Beyond handcuffs and a whip, I’m clueless. So it’s more about curiosity. But when I move toward him, he closes the door.

“Hey, I’m ready.” I put my hands on my hips.

“Really? Then take off your clothes.” He arches a brow, gauging whether I’m serious or not.

Noise, the likes of which I’ve never heard, escapes my mouth. “Ummmm.” All sorts of conflicting feelings are raging.

He chuckles softly. “The kink in the closet will hurt, but only in a good way.” I get the sense that he’s teasing me, but his words have me quaking in my shoes. I take a step toward the door.

He realizes I’m scared and walks over.

“What’s in the closet?” I ask, anxious.

He lowers his eyes. “Not much,” he says, lowering his eyes evasively.

“W-what?” I’ve decided there’s a reason curiosity killed the cat. I don’t want to know anymore. I’ll stick with kissing.

He sighs and walks back over to the closet. Pulls out black material and a black feather. Both are wrapped in plastic. “See these?”

I nod.

“This,” he rips open the plastic containing the material, “is a blindfold. It’s used to cover the eyes of your lover. It allows the person to feel everything more intensely."

I close my eyes a second. Search for strength. Open them. That might be okay.

“And that?” I ask, pointing at the feather.

He pulls it from the plastic and slides the tip along my inner forearm. Goosebumps grow all over my skin. “It’s for pleasing.” He smiles sadly.

I feel bad about that. I do, but I need to know what sort of stuff he’s into. Better to find out before I fall in love with him. Again.

Too late, my mind whispers, but I ignore it. “Will you let me see what else is in the closet?”

He sighs.

“Are you going to remain jumpy if I don’t?”

I nod my head yes.

“Then of course I will.” He sighs and swings the door wide open.

I peer inside. There are three garment bags