Flawless Prize

“But I couldn’t have done any of this without you,” Caleb says, looking into my eyes. “Thank you.”

His voice is low and thick with emotion. I blink.

“Of course,” I whisper. “You can always count on me.”

He looks at the spread of food on the table—and the whispers around us from everyone who just witnessed my outburst. “How about we take the rest of dinner to go?”

I exhale in relief. All this attention makes it hard to relax and enjoy myself. “Sounds good to me.”

The waiter brings us several bags of food boxed up in crisp packages, and we head back to Caleb’s penthouse.

“Are you sure you’re OK?” I check, as we enter the apartment. “It’s all right if you’re not, you know. Today was a big deal. Anyone would be reeling from everything that’s happened. And you’re only human, you know.”

I look at Caleb, concerned.

The last thing I expect is him to pull me into a massive hug.

When he releases me, I see to my surprise that he’s smiling. A genuine, easy smile. “I’ve carried that secret around for years,” he says. “It was a burden I always thought I’d have to bear alone. But being free of it now… I don’t have the words to describe how light that makes me feel. And it’s all because of you,” he adds, leaning in to give me a slow, sizzling kiss.

“I didn’t do anything,” I protest, blushing.

He shakes his head. “You did. You’ve been there for me the way nobody else has. Even when I pushed you away…” He shakes his head, like he doesn’t want to remember that dark chapter in our relationship. “If it wasn’t for your support and advice, I never would have been able to admit the truth to everyone. You changed everything.”

My heart glows.

“Which is why I want to show you just how grateful I am…” Caleb’s voice turns smoldering. He gives me a wicked look. “I have a gift for you.”

My pulse kicks. “What kind of gift?” I ask, flirty.

“You’ll see. Go to the bedroom,” he says. “Be ready for me.”

Now my heart is racing with excitement.

I quickly hurry down the hallway, and into his bedroom. There, waiting on the bed, is a garment box with a fancy Italian designer name on it.

With a squeal, I open the lid and tear back the tissue paper to find…

A gorgeous silk lingerie set.

I lift it out. The silk is deep purple, shifting like ink, and edged with intricate lace. It’s classy and sexy all at once.

Stripping quickly, I put on the bra. It fits perfectly, because of course it does. Caleb seems to know my body better than I do. Then I reach for the panties.

I stop. There’s an opening framed in the silk… In the back.

Excitement shoots through my veins like lightning. Just where is he going with this? I can’t wait to find out.

I slide them on, and take in my reflection in the mirror. I look seductive, elegant, a world away from the inexperienced woman I was before I met Caleb.

He’s introduced me to a whole new side of myself. He’s shown me a pleasure I never dreamed of.

And something tells me that my education is about to continue. Tonight.

“Look at you.”

I turn. He’s in the doorway, sipping a glass of scotch. I slowly turn a pirouette, displaying myself for his admiring gaze.

He looks at me, ravenous. “You’re missing something. Check the box.”