hanging side by side. Underneath are three pairs of shoes. Nothing else. I glance at him, shocked. “Where are the handcuffs, the whips?” As soon as I ask, I regret it.
He goes over and sits on the bed. “I really didn’t want to discuss what I’ve done with other women, but since you keep bringing it up, I’ll tell you, and then hopefully we can put it behind us.”
I nod, kneeling in front of him, placing my hands on his thighs. I want to tell him I’m so sorry and ask his forgiveness, but I can’t. I need to hear what he has to say.
“We’d all been drinking. The girls came over. They brought the handcuffs and the whips. They thought it would be fun. I decided what the hell, and went for it. It was fine. Nothing to brag about. But those girls seem to disagree. Now I’m kinky and like it rough. Every time I hear the rumors, my sexual prowess and need for all things kinky gets worse.” He puts his face in his hands.
Now I really do need to apologize. “But this room? It’s so fancy.”
“Yeah, my aunt picked out the bedding and furniture. She thinks a guest bedroom should be nice. She paid for it.” He puts his hands over mine.
I feel like a total bitch. “I’m s—”
He touches a hand to my lips. “Don’t say it. You’re the first person to give a shit. You asked me about it. That’s more than anyone else has.”
I reach out and pull his face down to me. I kiss him with all the feeling in my soul, for the boy who’s now a man, and a man I adore with all my heart. When our kiss breaks, his sadness is gone, replaced by need. For me.
“Feel better?” he asks, his eyes on my lips.
I swallow. Nod breathlessly. “I’m surprised really. I thought there would be all sorts of weird stuff in there. But I do feel much better.”
“Have I disappointed you?” He smirks.
“A little bit.” Though the truth is I’m relieved.
“Will you take off your clothes?”
“Serious? All of them? Right now?”
“If you want to leave your bra and panties on, I’ll manage.” He sets the blindfold and the feather on the bed and walks to the bedroom door. “I’ll be back in five minutes.”
“Okay. Wait.” I place my hand on his forearm. Kyle smiles, a delicious-I’m-gonna-rock-your-world kind of smile, and I hesitate a second. “Can I brush my teeth?”
Turning so we face each other, he grabs me around the waist and presses my body into his. “You want to brush your teeth? That’s so sexy.” He chuckles and kisses the tip of my ear.
I suck in a breath. “Well, if your breath smells like garlic, then I’m sure mine does too.”
He laughs. “I’ve got something better." From the nearest nightstand he opens a drawer and pulls out a bottle of vodka. The clear liquid glistens in the light of the bedroom. He pulls out two shot glasses and fills each one. Then he hands me one and takes the other. “Ready?”
I gulp, my nerves calming at the sight of it.
“Bottoms up.”
We drink together. When he’s finished, he slams his glass on the nightstand. I follow. The vodka burns its sweet burn all the way down.
“Another?” I ask, eager for the bold abandon that comes with it. It’ll chase away all my fears. Make me brave, less wrapped up in my own head.
“I’ve got something else in mind once you’re undressed.” He kisses me, long and deep, his tongue making me quiver. The warm glow of the alcohol licks its way along my nerve endings. I sigh against his mouth.
“I’ll be right back.” He’s gone before I can respond.
I slide off my shoes, undo my pants, and allow them to fall to the floor. Pull off my shirt and toss it in the pile with my shoes and pants.
That was fast. Now what? I’m wearing a lacy pink bra and matching panties. I walk to the bench and pick up the throw pillows, touching. Pull open the chest of drawers. They’re empty.
“Another shot is in order,” I decide aloud, and pour myself one. Swallow. It burns, burns, burns. So good. Every worry, concern, frustration I’ve ever had diminishes. So I drink one more.
Then fall back on the bed. The comforter is soft. Close my eyes, relax.
I imagine Kyle touching me with the feather and I pick it up, run it through my fingers. I’m warm everywhere. My lower