Page 154 of The Persistence of Thornes
I can guarantee that I’m thinking about you right now.
Miss you.
—Caleb
I smile and tuck the note back into my purse. He’s been in Boston since about two days after I got sick. It took that long to convince him that I was fine. He’s working overtime to wrap up a couple of cases so he can spend several weeks at home over the holidays. I miss him more than seems possible. I don’t like being this lovesick girl, but I wouldn’t give it up if it meant losing Caleb.
Once I’ve checked out, I head to the bookstore and grab a comic book for Quinn and a fantasy for Casen.
Next is wrapping paper and a roll of tape, then I head back home to get this done.
I pull into Caleb’s driveway, and when I catch sight of the men working next door, my stomach dips in dread. I don’t want to go back there.
I’m so fucked.
Caleb’s coming home tonight.
I wish I could say I’m not excited, but it would be a lie.
All day, I’ve teased him, and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Me: I can’t wait for you to bend me over your bed and fill me up with your hard cock.
Caleb: Halle.
I smile, figuring he’s probably sighing at his phoneright about now.
Me: I’m so wet already. You won’t mind if I take care of myself while I wait, will you?
I snap a photo, a teasing taunt of my fingers slipping beneath the elastic of my leggings.
His text comes through seconds later.
Caleb: Don’t you dare touch yourself until I tell you.
I drop my head back and laugh. God, it’s so fun to rile him up. I’ve never experienced this kind of comfort with another person. A feeling of safety that allows me to play.
Me: But I really need to.
I’m actually at my desk, working, not in bed actually touching myself, but this is way more fun than a solo session—knowinghe’sgetting worked up and can’t do anything about it.
My phone rings, his name flashing on the screen. I send him to voicemail.
Caleb: ANSWER YOUR PHONE.
Caleb: So help me God, Halle. If you’re touching yourself right now, I will spank your ass raw when I get ahold of you.
Giggling, I kick my feet, causing my chair to roll. I’ve never been like this in my life, but Caleb makes me feel safe enough to feel happy and have fun. I’m not waiting for the other shoe to drop with him.
Me: I have to get back to work. My boss is kind of a hard-ass.
Caleb: I am your boss.
Me: I know.
Snickering to myself, I set my phone aside, fully planning to torture him more later. It’s too much fun not to.
At the sound of the front door opening, I turn to check the clock. After dinner, the boys asked if they could stay with Cynthia and Thelma tonight. I okayed it with the neighbor ladies first, and the twins left while I cleaned up. When I was alone, I took my time showering, then crawled into bed, knowing Caleb would be late.
