Chapter 6
SIX
Mia
The power surge or whatever the hell happened in the office earlier still has me a little shaken up. I’ve been in there once, but only to make sure my computer isn't fried. I hope whatever is wrong will not interfere with the launch of the new site this Sunday.
“The house was built in the 80s, so I’m sure it was just the wiring or something. It's probably in need of repairs. I know a couple down the street had to get rid of their popcorn ceiling after finding traces of asbestos.” I lean forward and brush the second coat of black polish over my toenails.
“Well, you’re more than welcome to crash here for a couple of days,” Erika dips out of the frame, and I see her crossing the kitchen and opening the fridge.
She’s been keeping me company since dinner, and I’ve been offering moral support while she tries out a new brownie recipe. I also have Tobias propped up at the other end of the couch with my comfort rewatch of Criminal Minds as background noise .
“I would, but I’m on call this weekend. Hopefully, I can get someone to look at it soon.”
She looks over her shoulder, “Jason could check it out. He is a licensed electrician. I’ll even tag along to run interference so you don’t drool all over yourself.”
Of course, Jason. Erika’s older brother, who, besides being covered in tattoos, is devastatingly handsome and aging like the finest wine. It’s really a shame that he is a fuckboy of the highest caliber.
I close my eyes, scrunching my nose. It would be nice to have the extra reassurance that the house won’t burn down while I sleep, trapping me in a fiery blaze. Plus, there’s no guarantee my landlord will send someone out before Thanksgiving, this might be the hot water heater all over again.
“Okay,” I look down at my toes, dipping the little brush back in the polish. “If it isn’t a big deal.”
“I’ll send him a text tonight,” Erika grabs her phone.
“No—that’s okay. It’s almost midnight, it can wait. Erika.”
Her video call screen goes gray and if I listen hard enough, I swear I can hear her fingers on the screen as she types out the text.
“Sent,” she smiles at me when the video returns, “Hey, so, I’m planning to have Friendsgiving next Saturday since I’m flying with Paolo to meet my parents. I know it’s kind of short notice. If you’re free?—”
“Are you kidding?” I sit up. “Is there anything specific you want me to bring?”
“What is that thing you make with the fruit and marshmallows?”
“Ambrosia?”
“That’s the one!” Erika looks at something out of frame, “By the way, Paolo is going to invite a few of his friends.” She glances back at me, biting her lip and raising her brows suggestively.
“I’m not sure I’m up for dating right now.”
“Because of Jeff? Has he answered any of your texts?”
“Nope. He’s listed as ‘Do not Disturb’ on Slack.” I paint my last toe and screw the top back onto the nail polish.
“Men are a mystery.” Erika shakes her head, looking down at her countertop. She straightens, waving her silicone spatula in my direction, “You deserve so much better, Mia. Someone who won’t leave you guessing and who isn’t afraid to shove your head down into the mattress?—”
I watch her take out her aggression on the brownie batter.
“On that note, I’m gonna get in bed and read. Good luck with your baked goods.”
“Thanks, babes. Love you.”
“You too,” I blow her a kiss and hang up, falling back against the couch.
I shut off the TV in the middle of Dr. Reid’s speech, then look at Tobias. Sometimes I swear it feels like he’s watching me with those rich brown eyes. It’s the same sensation from Jeff’s car, but I don’t feel threatened or like I’m in danger. I’m just aware of his attention.
What am I saying? He’s a teddy bear.
After checking all the doors and the locks, I pick up Tobias and bring him along as I get ready for bed. I follow my normal routine, brush my teeth, and go to change into my pajamas.
The moment I take off my shirt, I sense someone staring at me again, but it’s only me and Tobias, like always. The attention is a gentle caress down my spine that makes my skin heat.
I must be crazy, because I imagine that it’s Tobias watching. It’s driving him crazy, being so close to me and without being able to touch me.
I bite my lip and turn around, unclasping my bra. With one arm covering my breasts, I let the straps fall over my shoulders. Yep, I am insane. That’s the only explanation for me going full voyeur in front of a teddy bear, but I can’t help it. It makes me feel powerful. I can almost hear him whispering his encouragement with every move.
“Fuck, do you have any idea what you are doing to me, little doe?”
I lean into the sensation, untangling myself from my bra and letting it drop to the floor. With a deep breath and my heart hammering in my chest, I lower my arm, my nipples hard from the cool lick of the air conditioning overhead.
My hands glide down over the curve of my soft stomach, and I hook my thumbs under my shorts, shoving them over my hips until they clear my thighs to fall around my ankles. I step out of them and kick them towards the bed.
I’m left standing in my black panties, almost drunk on this fake scenario that I’ve drummed up in my head. It’s taken me a while to feel comfortable in my body, and right now I am proud of my B-cup and the way my soft stomach curves into my full hips and thighs.
Part of me wishes Tobias was real, and he was standing there appreciating what he’s seeing. The complete package, not just the pieces of me that past partners have picked out to enjoy.
“This is so stupid,” I laugh, dropping my sensual facade and climbing into bed beside Tobias.
The comforter is cool against my freshly shaved legs, its weight making it feel like they’re being gently nudged apart. The top hem of the flat sheet brushes over my nipples, stoking the flickering ember of desire.
This doesn’t feel like a joke anymore.
I breathe out a moan, squirming in the sheets as I stare up blankly at the dark ceiling above me. Slowly, I run my hand over my breast, squeezing my eyes shut.
In my fantasy, Jason is at the door of my bedroom, watching me. His predatory hazel eyes wrinkle at the corners, and his knowing smile feels like a noose slowly tightening around my neck. I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe until he touches me.
He climbs onto the bed, hovering over me. I want to run my fingers over his buzzed hair as I guide his head between my legs, feeling his beard brush against my thighs.
With a groan, I take my nipple between my fingertips, rolling it and squeezing, allowing my other hand to travel down my stomach and under my panties.
I’m already wet from my little strip tease, so I fully shove them off and kick them down towards the end of my bed, letting my legs fall open.
Jason’s image looms over me, his lips parting as he stares into my eyes, ready to devour me.
“Let me touch you,” the deep voice says with a feverish timbre. “Please, little doe.”
That’s . . . not Jason’s voice.
The fantasy shifts, and my breath hitches at the sight.
It’s the tattooed stranger from my dreams, well, not as much my dreams as the few fleeting moments before I fall asleep.
He leans down, dark brown hair falling over his sharp red-brown eyes, kind but hungry.
This is the first time I can clearly make out his face, and he’s gorgeous, with a straight nose leading down to a playful and teasing smile. The way he stares at me feels like a dream come true, like I’m a being fully worthy of worship .
I caress my clit in slow, deliberate circles. Heat coiling low in my stomach with every brush of my fingertips. His pink tongue darts out, licking his lips, flashing sharp canines.
I reach out for something to hold on to, coming up with a fistful of soft faux fur, dragging Tobias on top of me. As I cling to him, it feels like the weight of his velvet paw brushes over my breasts with intent.
Please . The voice echoes through my thoughts.
“God,” I cry out, putting more pressure on my clit, “Touch me, please.” I dig my heels into the bed, my orgasm building quickly.
“You look so beautiful, Mia.” He breathes out, and I feel the ghost of something nudging my legs open and settling between them, but never fully touching. “I can’t wait to taste you and feel you writhe under me just like you are right now.”
“More. I need more.” I squeeze Tobias closer.
“Fuck,” He growls close to my ear, “This is the best I can do for now.” His voice drops an octave, “Come for me, little doe.”
I shatter, rubbing my clit in slow, firm strokes, wringing my orgasm of everything that I can.
As the shocks subside, I let out a heavy sigh and giggle. I can’t believe I just did that. Tobias’ comforting weight on my chest threatens to pull me into a deep sleep, so I imagine my tattooed stranger holding me as I fully surrender.