Page 23 of Love on the Line

Mathias grunted and groaned, low andsteady, and there was no mistaking he was coming. “God, Amelia Jane, how I wantyou,” he ground out.

“I … want you … too,” she panted. Thenscreamed as her orgasm ripped through her. She didn’t relent as she continuedto press on her clit, extending her pleasure. Mathias’s plea of encouragementfaded as the hand that held her phone fell away. Lethargy set in as her highsadly and all too quickly began to dissipate. AJ barely registered the tinny voicesomewhere in the distance. She then realized Mathias was talking, askingrepeatedly if she was okay.

She quickly snapped the phone back to herear. “Sorry, sorry.”

He chuckled. “S’okay,post-climax haze,” he returned, his voice sounding sleepy.

AJ couldn’t help her giggles that quicklyturned into snorting laughter.

“That funny, eh?”

“I just can’t believe we did that. I … I’venever done anything like that in my life.”

“Neither have I, but I’m damn sure notgonnacomplain. It was the best orgasm I’ve had in years. Thanksto you.”

“I wouldn’t dare compare you to my ex, butthat was the best I’ve had in years as well.”

“I’ll take that as the highestcompliment.”

After a moment of quiet, AJ timidly asked,“Mathias? Um, you don’t think I’m a freak, right? I mean, doing what I just didwith a stranger?”

“That’s a loaded question. I mean, I couldbe a creep and say no just to hear you do it again. And as much as I’d like tothink we aren’t strangers, given all we’ve shared with one another, I realizewe haven’t even met in person, so…”

“I almost don’t want to meet you. I mean,this way, our relationship remains perfect, right?” She tried for laughter, butit came out choked. “I hope I don’t disappoint you,” she whispered. AJ hated thatshe couldn’t stop those words as old insecurities emerged.

“Don’t, AJ. Don’t do that to yourself. Icould easily say the same thing, because I think you deserve so much goodnessin your life. And I’ll hope to be worthy of you.”

AJ sniffled as she wiped the stray tears fromher cheeks. “Me, too.”

“Do you still want to talk, or would yourather we say good night?”

“Neither?” When Mathias chuckled, shesaid, “I wish we could just cuddle.”

“I think that can be arranged. Go to bedand get comfy while I, um, take care of a few things. I’ll be right back withyou.”

“Okay.” AJ grabbed her discarded clothesand padded up to her bedroom. After using the bathroom, she got naked andcrawled beneath her covers. Didn’t matter that it was still early in theevening, she suddenly felt exhausted. Once settled, she put her phone back toher ear. “Mathias?”

“Yes, AJ, I’m still here. Now, are youcomfy?”

“Comfy enough,” she said as she sighed. Sheput the phone on speaker and set it on the nightstand.

“Close your eyes. Imagine you’ve just comeoff the slopes after a day of skiing.Your body feels alive and exhausted all at once.There’s a roaring fire and its warmthsurrounds you as you burrow into your soft bed.” Mathias began to sing CharliePuth’s“One Call Away.” His voice was soft, comforting, andperfect.

AJ smiled into her pillow as the wordscontinued. Contentment washed over her as the words became softer, dimmer. Shehad already fallen asleep by the time he finished, missing him wishing her goodnight.

****

Darkness surrounded AJ as she startledawake. Sitting up in bed, the covers pooled at her waist as her eyes adjusted,and she caught sight of her phone on the stand. Looking at the time, she saw itwas 5:00 AM and realized she had slept soundly through the night. Never had sheslept straight through like that. She then blushed as the events from earlierflashed through her mind. Her skin grew warm in spite of the coolness in herroom. AJ couldn’t help the smile that formed as she crawled out of bed. Lookingonce again at her phone, she noticed the low battery and plugged it in beforemaking her way to the bathroom.

AJ took her time in the shower, slowlywashing her hair and body, and shaving herself smooth everywhere. She wasexcitedly nervous about meeting with Mathias this morning, and the anticipationmade her aware of every detail in her preparation. After drying, she appliedlotion to her body, dried her hair, and added curl. She then went to her roomand carefully selected lacy lingerie that made her feel fabulous. She donnedthe outfit she had carefully pieced together yesterday, which consisted of ablack fitted top with rhinestones spelling out Idaho Steelheads. It had theirmountain and tree logo off to the side. She slipped on black booty shorts thatbarely covered her rear. They had a blue stripe on the sides that matched theteam’s colors. Next came black socks and leg warmers, followed by black boots.

Going to the bathroom, she began hermakeup routine by adding light foundation, smoky gray eye shadow, and a touchof mascara. She pinned most of her hair up, allowing a few curls to frame herface. Pleased with her look, she grabbed her phone and went downstairs for aquick bite to eat. Once finished, she put a few items into a small shoulderbag, along with her phone, and added the final piece to her outfit—a whitefaux-fur coat that nearly reached her ankles.

AJ couldn’t wait to see Mathias’sexpression when she flung open the coat, revealing the outfit that resembledwhat she imagined an ice girl would wear—if the Steelheadshadice girls. She couldn’t help the little-girl giggle thatescaped as she locked up the house, got in her car, and drove to the park wherethey planned to meet.

During the drive, she began to wonder whyshe hadn’t asked him to wear something distinguishing. Did she imagine theirmeeting to be like a fairy tale—one look and they’d just know? AJ snorted atthe thought. Maybe he’d take her hint and dress like Thor.

“Wouldn’t that be something?” she said toherself.

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