Page 6 of Blush

He sighs. Loudly, might I add.

“Shane, I don’t know if you’re being serious or not. Tell me what’s going on,” he implores, leaving no room for humor.

“I was at Right Spot,” I tell him, twirling to see how fat my ass looks in this thong. “You remember? My planned solo sex marathon? I called you to confirm which brand fleshlight to get?”

“Yeah, Shane. That was half an hour ago, I remember. Can you get on with it?”

Damn, he’s so rude, always in a hurry. I won’t let that stop me from sharing this amazing news though, nothing can bring me down today. Not Micah’s hurried attitude and certainly not the reminders of Jace that have been playing in the back of my mind.

“Well, I hung up on you when I spotted the love of my life.”

Silence.

Complete silence before he says, “I’m not following. How is he the love of your life? Does this mystery man have a name or did you just stalk someone around the store again?”

“God damn it, Micah. That was one time. One time I got told to fuck off and I told you that in confidence!” I shout.

He’s laughing now but it’s not funny. That was a complete embarrassment. I’m not a stalker. I just wanted to see what he was buying, I was looking for something new to try. Whatever, I learned a lesson that day, and it’s never happened since.

“Whatever, babe. Finish your story.” He waves his hand in a ‘let’s get this over with’ gesture.

“His name is Beau and he’s spending Valentine’s with me tonight. I told him to arrive prepped and ready for my cock,” I tell him, head held high as I stare at the phone.

I can see him processing the information and I wish not for the first time that he were close by. I met Micah online. He has a gaming channel that I’ve followed since its beginning, and we connected through the comments. We make the effort to talk on the regular. He’s come to visit once, spending an evening with me at the club, touring my city, and filming a video for his channel.

Pinching my brows together, I start to worry about why he hasn’t replied. “Micah?”

“I’m sorry, Shane, I just needed a second,” he says, rolling his eyes before he continues, “Let me get this straight, you met Beau at Right Spot, asked him on a date, and told him to arrive prepared for your cock?” he asks, his voice pitching higher at the end.

“I know!” I yell. “I knew you’d be excited for me.”

Laughing at me he says, “I’m impressed, I’ll admit. Good for you, babe.”

“It is good for me,” I say. “You know how much I’ve always hated Valentine’s Day, now I’ll make a raunchy new memory.”

“You’re right and I am happy for you,” he says warily. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you hurt again, Shane. That was really tough to watch.” His serious tone shifts the vibes ofour call and it again sounds alarms in the back of my mind. I have to remind myself that Jace left years ago and the past is in the past.

It was tough. When the breakup happened, Micah had to help the best he could from halfway across the country. My reaction to the whole thing had an impact on our friendship but I’m happy that he stuck by my side. We’ve been through a lot together and those challenges allowed us to grow into the solid friendship we have now.

“I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die,” I joke, trying to dismiss the situation and just forget about the breakup. I don’t want Jace to be a storm cloud hovering over me today. I want to embrace the warm, gooey feelings that are meant to be felt on Valentine’s Day and enjoy them for a change. “How do I look in this outfit? Do you think he’ll jump my bones the second I open the door?”

“You look phenomenal. A delicious snack,” he says, only half paying attention now. I can hear his video game playing in the background and I’m sure he’s ready to end the call. “Good luck tonight and call me tomorrow because I need a full rundown. I’m in a dry spell and need to live through you.” He winks at me before hanging up.

I look myself over again and damn, he’s right. I am a snack.

Now what do I do? I have to wait for my kitten for another few hours and I refuse to get off before tonight.

I know, in the spirit of making this the best Valentine’s Day ever, I’ll cook a meal for him and set out a few candles for the occasion.

CHAPTER SIX

Beau

Well,it’s now or never. Everything worked out perfectly for me to be here tonight and I refuse to back out now. So, here I am, test results in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other. This is awkward as fuck.

I lift my hand to knock but stop short when the door swings open.

My heart stops for a beat, time frozen around me as I’m enveloped in Shane’s scent. He smells like fall—a smoky, spicy scent—so contrary to his personality and it takes me by surprise.

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