“The last thing you said was too much.” He tightened his arms around her as his fear of losing her receded.
“The sensations. I’m having a hard time describing them.”
“Was it the ice?” He’d played with ice before but never with her reaction.
“Ice, heat, everything. It was like I was in pleasure overload. That’s the only way I can explain it.”
“I’ll remember that.” His lips brushed her forehead. “Rest.” He reached over and turned the lantern off. Tessa snuggled against him. It took Damon some time to fall asleep. She was safe in his arms. He knew that, but her reaction had scared the crap out of him. He couldn’t lose her. He wouldn’t.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The next morning, Tessa sat at the table while Damon cooked. “You never did tell me what you do with your engineering degree.” She’d offered to help him, but he told her to sit down and let him surprise her.
“I’m not sure you’re ready for that yet.”
“Come on, Damon. We slept together last night.” With the storm last night, power was still out in places, and trees were down on roadways. Though her power had come back on, her boss had texted her that, since there was no power at the library, she should stay home.
He stayed silent as he slid two perfect omelets onto plates and carried them to her small table. Damon set her plate in front of her and turned his head. “I need to hear specific consent that you want to know what I do with my degree.”
Her eyes widened. “Don’t you think we’re past the consent phase?”
“Not for this.” He stared at her. “I’ve had some bad reactions to what I do for a living.”
“I want to hear.” He grinned before taking his seat and setting his food down. “What could be so private you needed consent from me?” She picked up her coffee mug and took a sip.
“Because I use my engineering degrees to make adult toys.”
Tessa almost spit out the coffee in her mouth. Instead, she started coughing. Damon rose, but she waved him back down. She had tears in her eyes by the time she got her coughing fit under control.
“Not what I was expecting to hear.” She took a small sip of water and caught her breath.
“Now you know why I needed consent.”
“How did you get into designing adult toys? Somehow, I don’t think there are college classes for that.” She took a bite of her ham, cheese, and spinach omelet. It melted in her mouth. This man could cook.
“By accident. I was an electrical engineering student, and one summer I took a summer job, not realizing it was on an adult film crew.”
Tessa stared at him. “How did you not know?”
“They advertised for an electrician to help with lighting. I thought it was a wiring job.”
“Must have been a surprise when you found out what the job really was.” She finished her omelet.
“It was, but since I was already in the lifestyle, I decided, why not?”
“So what were you doing?”
“Actually helping with the lighting. Making sure the lights were in working order and holding them when needed.”
“How did that evolve into making adult toys?”
“They were using dildos and vibrators on the set, and the female leads kept complaining how unrealistic they were. It got me thinking. So I started designing some toys. Even when college classes started back up, I’d go visit the film company and talk with everyone about the toys.”
“You had a built-in test group.”
He laughed. “I guess I did. I’ve never thought of it that way.” He finished his food and took a drink of his coffee. “You’re taking this very well.”
“Why wouldn’t I? It’s fascinating.” She rested her chin in her hand. “Have people reacted badly?”