Chapter 26 – Cain #2
“Well, one key area is learning each person’s approach to initiating intimacy,” she explains, her tone slipping effortlessly into that of a professional.
“Some people value the lead-up to sex more than the act itself. For example, one partner might feel connected and prepared for intimacy through non-sexual touches during the day. It could be things like a hand on their back, a kiss on the forehead, or even just holding hands. That’s what warms them up to the idea of having sex later.
On the other hand, their partner might be fine just saying, ‘Hey, want to have sex?’ without any of that prework being necessary.
It’s straight to the point for them. But the difference can cause friction because your initiation approaches are in conflict. ”
She leans forward, a dark lock of brown hair falling in front of her face that she doesn’t brush away.
I admire how smart she is, how much her face lights up when she talks about anything she’s passionate about.
Whether it’s her siblings, the family thrift store, Leo or her therapy practice.
She glows when she’s talking about stuff that matters to her.
She’s the definition of good, empathetic, funny and determined. All character traits I never knew I needed in a partner.
I wonder how she looks when she talks about me.
I wonder if she ever talks about me.
“Because while one partner is thinking that everything is fine because they haven’t argued, they’ve talked, maybe even had a nice dinner out together, the other partner might be feeling emotionally disconnected.
Without those small, intentional touches or gestures, the sudden ‘Hey! let’s have sex’ feels jarring instead of welcoming.
And that disconnect can create resentment over time. ”
“Damn,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair and chuckling nervously. “Relationships are complicated.”
She laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Have you ever been in one before?”
“Nothing serious.”
She nods. “They can be, but they don’t have to be. A healthy sex life isn’t just about checking a box like how many times a week you have sex. It’s about connection, communication, and making sure both partners feel fulfilled.”
“How often do you think a couple in a committed relationship should have sex in a week?”
She shakes her head. “I would never suggest a specific number. It’s up to the individuals in the relationship and can wax and wane depending on life circumstances.”
I can think of a number that would make me happy.
And it begins with the word every and ends with day with you.
I nod. “Alright, so you talk about initiation techniques, get some history on their relationship and what each couple wants and needs. Then what’s next?”
“From here, we create a plan that works for the couple. There are specific therapies and modalities we can use, but sometimes it’s as simple as setting small, actionable goals for the relationship.
For example, I might say, ‘Cain, I need you to find five intentional opportunities each day to show Madison that you’re thinking about her.
Non-sexual touches like an unprompted hug, brushing her hair out of her face, or holding her hand at dinner can work.
And if you’re not together, it could be a text.
Something spontaneous, something small just to show her that you’re thinking about her. ’”
I wince at the mention of Madison’s name.
“I could have gone without you using her as the example.”
She smiles and sits back like she knew that’d get under my skin.
“What about individuals? What kinds of things do you work on with them?”
Her gaze sharpens slightly, and I feel like I’ve just handed her the keys to a locked door she’s been dying to open within me.
“Well, that depends on the person. Why? Are you asking for yourself?” She bats her eyes playfully as she leans closer. The liquor has clearly loosened her up now and the anger behind her tone before is long gone.
Playful, witty, silly Rhiannon is back in its place, and it makes me want to banter with her like we always do. To kiss her. To hold her against my chest and ask her again if she’ll just give me a fucking chance or if we’re too damn wrong for each other.
“Depends,” I respond cautiously, her lips are so close I could move my face just an inch and kiss them.
Her pink tongue peeks out, wetting them before she delivers me a blow to kill the mood, just in the way that she always seems to do when things get too serious and she’s trying to deflect my advances.
“Erectile dysfunction, low libido, sexual performance anxiety, pretty much anything you can think of related to sexual health. I can help with it all.”
I know she’s trying to distract me from what’s clearly between us, but this time, I won’t let her.
“Wow. I never thought hearing the words erectile dysfunction would be such a turn on for me,” I murmur.
She laughs and I smile watching her face light up. She’s so damn pretty. In that all natural, down-home kind of beauty you can’t find unless you get away from the city and travel into a small town where the women are home grown, genuine and never leave.
“So, most of your clients meet with you virtually?”
“Yep, I’m not cut out for corporations or private practice, and I enjoy the flexibility of virtual work and doing things on my own.
It allows me to be close by the thrift store if it needs back up.
It’s a lot, but I enjoy it all and need the money.
Plus, most of the sex therapist positions are in NYC and I can only handle two days a week in the city. I actually enjoy living in Brookhaven.”
I nod because that all checks out with what she’s told me.
“Any other questions for me?” She checks her watch. “We have five minutes of our appointment left.”
“How about your in-person clients. Do you ever... take a more hands on approach?”
She raises a brow. “Sort of. We discuss techniques for foreplay that may enhance pleasure, especially if one or both partners feel disconnected in the relationship. I don’t dive into that topic until I’m sure there’s safety for vulnerability.
I always make sure first that a couple is comfortable talking right in front of me about what they like or dislike with zero shame.
Together, we create a plan for what they can try in the coming week.
And sometimes, I prescribe role-playing or other exercises designed to build trust and intimacy. ”
“Hm.” I hum softly. “So, you guide them, but don’t participate?”
Her brows raise. “You’re asking me if I’ve had any physical contact with my clients?”
“Yes.”
“Absolutely not. That would be completely inappropriate.”
I shift a little closer to her on the couch, feeling like a magnet drawn to her presence. My interest is no longer just professional curiosity, it’s personal. Hell, it’s always been that way since she showed up.
And while I know I’m not an actual client, the sound of her voice—confident, clinical, intelligent, yet still dripping with something inherently sensual—has me hooked.
I could sit here all day listening to her talk about sex, pleasure, and intimacy.
Hell, maybe I should book a session with her every week; tell her I have problems just to hear her casually dissect the intricacies of human connection while her lips form around words like arousal and emotional connection.
Maybe that’s how I can convince her to give this thing a chance.
And that’s why the next question out of my mouth is completely off-script and one-track minded.
“What if I told you I needed some tips for pleasuring a woman? Would you be able to walk me through that?”