Lace (Just This Once 4)
“What if you bring a guy home?”
“A guy?” I pause as I push my pink hair back behind my ears. “You’re worried that my neighbors are going to watch me fuck? Is that what you’re asking.”
She laughs. “It’s a possibility, no?”
“Not right now.” I give an exaggerated shrug. “I don’t have time to meet men. You can rest easy tonight knowing that my neighbors won’t be getting a free show.”
Her dark brown hair sways as she moves across the room to pick up her purse from the edge of my bed. It’s one of my latest designs. Sophia is my walkin
g and talking billboard and so far, I’ve had a few customers seek me out because of her.
“I have to get home.” She shoulders the bag. “I need to make dinner. Do you want to come by for a bite?”
I look around the apartment. I have too much to do tonight. There’s no way I can spare the time it would take to get to her place, eat, visit and then trudge back here. “I’ll pass this time.”
“I’ll talk to you later in the week.” She moves to give me a warm hug. “Call me if you spot any peeping Toms.”
“Will do.” My reply is swift. “I’m not sure what you’ll do about it, but I’ll shoot you a text if I catch one.”
***
I arch my back in a stretch as I finally put away the last of my dishes. I don’t have many, but they’re enough to keep me eating at home.
I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner, taking a spoonful in between my work.
I’ve accomplished more tonight than I thought I would. I glance at my phone on the counter and realize that it’s nearing midnight.
Since I need to be at work by nine a.m., sleep has to be next on my schedule.
I cross the space toward the bed. It’s not the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, but it’s large and right now it’s calling my name.
Just as I’m about to pull my pink T-shirt over my head and unbutton my jeans, I turn to the windows.
The building next door is close. It’s an apartment building as well with dozens of windows.
Many of the windows are shuttered with curtains and blinds; the hint of light playing around the edges. A few are backlit enough that I can make out what’s happening in the homes of my neighbors.
Television sets flicker, a woman dances past a window, and then my gaze settles on the apartment directly across from mine.
I know that the low light coming from the lamp in the corner makes me visible to the person standing with their back to me.
There’s a light in their apartment too. It’s not too bright, more of a gentle glow that casts just enough warmth that I can make out the shape of a man. He’s tall with broad shoulders.
When he turns, I lean closer to the window to get a better look.
He does the same and when his gaze locks with mine, I feel a shiver run through me.
I can’t make out all of his features, but it’s obvious that he’s gorgeous. He has dark hair and a chiseled jaw and when he slides his suit jacket off, I long for him to open each of the buttons on his white dress shirt.
He does. He unbuttons them one-by-one and as he reaches the last, he stops and leans both hands on the glass.
I hold my breath wanting more, but then he turns abruptly, walks away from the window and leaves me wondering when I’ll see him again.
Coming Soon
Preview of VERSUS
A Standalone Novel