Page 17 of Wild Tides
“Rae did.” Vi’s face wrinkled like she didn’t understand. “She had me for Secret Santa this year and thought they were hilarious. Claims she bought Zach a pair too.” The novelty briefs were geared toward runners – CHAFING THE DREAM was printed in unmistakable neon across the front, with tiny running legs in athletic shoes scattered across the black fabric. They were atrocious, but oddly enough, some of the best running underwear I’d ever had.
“I’m a little behind on laundry.” Even to my ears, it sounded defensive.
Vi grinned. “I’m not judging.”
“You absolutely are.”
She smirked. “Maybe a little bit. What did you do to earn Rae’s ire?”
I lifted one shoulder, clearing my throat with a cough. “I may have gifted her a set of underwear with Zach’s face on them last year.”
Her muffled laugh was my only answer. She folded the underwear next to the sink and added a pair of blue plaid flannel sleep pants.
“Thanks for helping me.” Maybe the words were grudging, but I meant them. I liked having Vi in my space. Too much. I just hated depending on someone else.
“Are you sure you don’t need help getting in and out of the shower?” Her gaze flitted down to my ankle. Still swollen, it didn’t look terrible, but I was wary of putting weight on it.
It was on the tip of my tongue to turn her invitation into another opportunity to tease her. Push the line between us. But I’d vowed to keep things friendly.
“I’ve got it covered.” She still looked doubtful, so I added, “I’ll call for you if I need help.”
“If you slip and fall in the shower and die on me, I’m haunting your ass, Murphy.”
A chuckle slipped out. “Cupcake, that’s not even remotely how that works.”
She pointed at my chest. “Don’t argue. So maybe you’ll be doing the haunting. I’ll just move in and dance around naked all the time. Taunt you for not letting me help you in your moment of need.”
My mind clouded, my imagination taking over. Vi, sleek skin bare, breasts swaying, curves undulating. She moved with natural grace. I bet she’d be gorgeous if she danced for me. Maybe… to die for.
My underwear caught me across the face with a muffledfwoompbefore falling into my lap.
“Threats of naked dance were supposed to scare you into good behavior, not wool-gathering. Get it together, Murphy. Safety first.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I tried for meek, but my brain was still running in the gutter. I liked it when she got bossy. She wore strength with style.
“Call if you need me.” With that final admonishment, she turned on her heel, closing the bathroom softly behind her.
Leaving me half-naked, restless, and very aware of her. Perfect.
At least a shower gave me privacy to deal with the problem. Carefully, I shucked my sweatpants and underwear in one motion, dragging them off gently over my bad ankle. It was only two short hops to the shower controls. Twisting the spray on full blast, I gave it a minute to warm before bobbling forward like an over-eager puppy, all limbs and lack of coordination.
The spray stung my skin, but the hot water soothed my aching muscles. Bracing myself against the walls, I leaned forward, letting the spray sluice over my head, plastering my hair across my eyes. As I washed the aches and pains from my fall away, a new hunger took control. Damn Vi and her haunting suggestion. Neither of us needed to die for me to be cursed. I was already one hundred percent distracted by the idea of her naked. There was nothing to shield me from thoughts of her.
With a groan, I sank against the shower wall, freeing a fist to stroke the frustration away. Instead of the cold shower walls, I pictured Vi, naked and free, caressing herself as she leaned against the opposite wall. Imaginary Vi wasn’t shy in the least – she cupped her breasts, offering them for my attention. Slow hands traced over her abdomen, delving between her thighs. Spreading her wet pink slit. Taunting me as she showed me what I was missing. What I could never have.
I let the vision play out, watching as Vi’s cheeks turned pink, her eyes drifting closed as she neared her pleasure. My own movements grew faster. Rougher. Each jerk brought me closer to relief. It wouldn’t be enough. Because, in some part of my errant brain, I knew it wasn’t real. I couldn’t smell her musk in the steamy shower. Couldn’t hear the little cries she’d be unable to hide as she hit her crest. No – this was all me. Still, it was as close as I’d get, so I treasured the way her fingers disappeared between her thighs. Wishing for more. Wishing it were me.
One stroke. Two. Imaginary Violet came just as my final jerk ripped an orgasm from me.
Groaning, I sank against the shower wall, breath coming in rough gasps. Heart pounding. Muscles trembling.
I stumbled slightly as Vi knocked, calling out, “Is everything okay in there, Lee? I thought I heard a moan.”
Cheeks flushing, I was grateful she didn’t have X-ray vision. My X-ratedvision was enough drama for tonight.
“I’m good!” My voice came out overly chipper. Like I was trying to cover something up. Maybe because I was.
“You sure? You don’t sound like yourself.”
