“Oh, god no, please don’t,” he groans. “I really don’t want to picture that. Fuck. Why’d you have to bring that up?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Sorry, had to.”
“Thanks, man.”
“No, thank you … for helping, I mean.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just text me the details. I’ll be there.” He hangs up the phone before I do, making me smirk even harder.
Damn dude is just as savage as I am. No wonder we get along so well.
* * *
Lesley
A few weeks later
On my way home from work, I can’t stop thinking about my own future business. I’ve got everything covered. From the products to the marketing plan and the website. I just need to start everything up. The only thing I’m missing is the cash, but I’m working on that. I refuse to accept TJ’s money, even though he’s offered it so many times. I don’t want him to, despite being thankful. I want to do it on my own. Make it on my own.
So I decided to start from scratch. And last night, I quit selling my panties. It was a huge step; so huge, I lost my shit the moment I cancelled my website. I almost panicked for a moment, but Hailey was there to remind me why I’m doing it. I no longer want perverts I’ve never met to smell my panties and do dirty shit to them. I just want this one perv who I actually know to do it.
I grin when I think about TJ, who’s probably huddled up in bed right now, waiting for me to come home. I wonder which of my panties he sniffed today. He’s got loads. He wants so many that I can barely keep up, so it’s part of the reason I stopped selling them. I didn’t have any left. TJ stole them all. And I’m not even mad.
Why? Because it usually follows a whole lot of kinky sex, and I’ve got no problem with that. None at all. In fact, I think I’m more than ready right about now as I’m walking back up to his apartment. After working a long day, longer than him even, I can’t wait to get back to his home. He said he wanted to go home sooner because he wanted to prepare a surprise for me, so I’m curious what he’s cooking up.
Although, I’m happy either way. We’re together, and I even moved in with him. Everything feels right. Exactly the way it should be.
I even told my parents about him. My mom loved it, and like I predicted, she wanted to know everything there was to know about him. And my dad did want to know why I decided to date my boss and make life so complicated. I told him love wasn’t a choice, and that was that. I didn’t hear another complaint again.
In fact, they even came to visit us last week. It was so weird having everyone in one room, but the awkwardness soon faded the moment TJ made an office joke that my dad liked. Something about losing pens every time they’re at their desk.
I don’t really care. The point is, we’ve settled down and everything feels good.
Except it’s eerily silent when I get home and throw my keys on the cabinet.
“TJ?” I call, but there’s no response.
When I look around, Pepper and Dozer are also nowhere to be found. What the heck?
I walk around the house, but it’s so damn quiet I can hear my own heartbeat. “Are you here?”
Still, no response. He’s not in the kitchen, nor anywhere else, so I walk upstairs. “Stop playing around and just answer me.”
But he isn’t in bed either. I frown and talk to myself. “Where the hell is he?”
I check the bathroom, but he’s not there either. Did he just run off without telling me? He could’ve at least texted me he’d be gone. Maybe he’s walking the dogs and forgot to text me.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, so I go downstairs and open the door. And holy fucking shit. It’s actually Thomas. Hailey’s guy. And … my old teacher.
“Hey, Lesley,” he says.
“Thomas, uh … so nice to see you.” I clutch the doorframe while cocking my head. “What are you doing here?” I ask. “Sorry, that probably sounded way too angry.” I clear my throat.
I’m just surprised he’s here.
He laughs. “It’s fine; I get it. Hailey isn’t here, so you must be wondering why I am.”
“Right. She isn’t?” I glance behind him, but he’s right. There’s no one there. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” He leans in and whispers, “I’m not supposed to tell you.”
A smile slowly spreads across my lips. “Oh, really. What?”
He rolls his eyes. “Don’t spoil it for yourself, Lesley.” He bites his lip and adds, “But Hailey asked me to come and get you.”
“Hailey?”
He raises a brow. “Why else do you think I’m here?”