Chapter 28 River
River
Nora has been sacked out for fifteen minutes now. She was so tired that she didn’t even put up a fight at bedtime. She just melted against my chest and whispered something about Gaffy before drifting right off.
I couldn’t help but stare down at her peaceful little form for a handful of minutes before returning to the bedroom. In the middle of the mattress sits a small black bag.
It’s unassuming.
There aren’t any ribbons or flashy packaging to disclose what it is or where it came from.
And yet, it’s making me sweat. I scrub a hand over the back of my neck and rethink my decision for the dozenth time.
What if I misread the situation?
What if she thinks this crosses a line?
What if it sends her running?
After gradually chipping away at her walls and earning her trust, that would gut me.
This isn’t some kind of move, and it’s not about sex.
Hell, it’s not even about me.
It’s about her.
Callie gives everything she has to the people around her. Nora, her parents, friends, customers at the bakery. And she never asks for anything in return.
She just keeps going.
Keeps sacrificing.
Keeps putting herself last.
Maybe I’ve wanted her for far longer than I should’ve. Maybe it’s selfish of me to want her to see herself the way I do. But she deserves to know she’s more than what everyone expects her to be.
This gift is a reminder of that.
A reminder that she matters. That she’s allowed to want things. To feel good and take up space. Even when no one’s watching.
Especially when no one’s watching.
The sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway has my pulse spiking. Callie steps into the room, and her gaze immediately drops to the bag on the bed.
She stops short as her brows draw together. “What’s that?”
I swallow and nod toward the gift. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”
She hesitates for a second or so before cautiously stepping forward.
It’s like she expects something to jump out at her.
After settling on the edge of the bed, she lifts the bag into her lap.
Her gaze darts to me before she opens it, pulling back the tissue paper carefully and then lifting out the sleek black box.
There isn’t a label or instructions.
She glances at me with curiosity before removing the lid.
That’s all it takes for her to go motionless. “River…”
“Told you I bought some toys,” I say gently.
“There’s more?” Her voice comes out strangled.
“Yup.”
She stares down at the wand, not daring to touch it. “I don’t… I don’t need this.”
I sit beside her, close but not smothering, and slip my fingers beneath her chin until she has no choice but to meet my gaze.
“Yes, you do.” My thumb brushes over her skin. “It has nothing to do with need and everything to do with your pleasure belonging to you. It should never hinge on someone else’s willingness to give it. You deserve to feel good whenever you want.”
Her lips part but nothing comes out.
“I wouldn’t even know how to use it,” she finally admits.
“That’s okay. It’s not about knowing. It’s about learning. Exploring. Getting comfortable with what you like and what makes you feel good.”
Our gazes stay locked as I drop my hand. This time, she reaches back into the bag without prodding before pulling out the second box.
It’s smaller and more discreet.
As soon as she opens it, her eyes widen. With fingers that tremble, she lifts the small oval object from inside.
“It’s a vibrator,” I offer, like it’s no big deal.
Emotion flashes across her face. Embarrassment and then curiosity follow. She nods before setting it beside the other device.
Then she pulls out the next item. Her hand stills. She blinks at it, eyebrows slowly climbing. “This…”
“Is a dildo,” I supply helpfully.
Her gaze snaps to mine. “It’s pink.”
“I was told aesthetics matter.”
She lifts it, turning the phallic-shaped toy in her hand, like she’s trying to figure out if it came with an instruction manual. “It’s, um… big.”
“I think it’ll fit perfectly.”
She lets out a slow exhale. Then, with a slightly shaky laugh, she reaches into the bag and pulls out the final item—a bottle of lube.
Her brows shoot up again. “Wow. You really thought of everything.”
“When it comes to your pleasure, I’m nothing if not thorough,” I tell her, my eyes locked on the way her lips twitch, like she’s fighting back a smile.
“Sure, I could’ve added a couple more items, but I wanted this to feel simple.
Easy. Something that wouldn’t overwhelm you.
Something you could explore, enjoy, and get comfortable with on your own terms and at your own pace. ”
“Thank you,” she says quietly. “I appreciate it more than you know.”
“You’re worth it, Callie. You deserve to take time out for yourself. To feel desired, wanted, and cherished.”
Her gaze lifts to mine, and this time she doesn’t look away. She searches my face like she’s trying to spot the warning signs or figure out what the catch is.
But there isn’t one.
There never has been.
Not with me.
“You’re making it nearly impossible to keep my guard up.”
“Good.” I reach for her hand, threading my fingers through hers before lifting it to my lips and brushing a kiss against them. “You don’t need it with me. Not now. Not ever.”
She buries her face in the crook of my neck as we sit in silence. Our breaths fall into the same quiet rhythm as her body slowly softens into mine.
I press a kiss to her temple. “When you’re ready, I’ll show you how everything works. But only if you want me to.”
Even though she doesn’t answer right away, her fingers curl into my shirt, like she’s thinking about finally letting someone in.
And I’ll be right here waiting when she does.