Chapter 38
Avery
Mini boudoir session
Something’s going on with Cas. And from the look on his face yesterday, it’s something terrible. He acted weird at Uncle Tito’s Taco Joint and again when I returned with popcorn ready for our movie night. I just have to trust that in time, he’ll tell me what’s going on when he’s ready.
It’s the face he made before he noticed me coming from my kitchen that is burned in my brain. I can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen, but I push the thought down. Clearly, I’m overreacting.
The sound of meowing startles me and all those anxious feelings melt away.
Cas went out of his way and adopted a cat for me.
A cat. The little creature saunters toward me and cuddles on my stomach, headbutting my hand for pets.
When he took me to the shelter yesterday, I was devastated that she was adopted.
Of all the cats I’ve grown attached to over the years, she’s been my fave.
Then, Cas carries me upstairs, and what’s waiting for me? A freaking cat!
I scratch underneath her chin, her purrs vibrating against my finger, and my love for Cas flows through me. How is it that one person can provide both stability and spontaneity all at once? I wanted to show him my thanks that same day, but he had other things on his mind.
I have no idea what to do to thank him, but I know of the perfect person to ask. I place Binx next to me so I can reach for my phone and dial Bri’s number.
“Hello?” she answers, her voice coated with sleep. I glance at the time. Shit. It’s 6:00 a.m.
“Damn it, Bri, I didn't realize it was so early. I can call back later,” I say, feeling slightly guilty.
“Bitch don't you dare apologize. What I want to know is why are you up so early? Did someone get some last night? Say hi to Cas for me,” she teases.
“He’s not here, Bri. I, um, it’s easier if you come over,” I plead.
“On my way,” she says, hanging up the phone before I can mutter my thanks.
I make my way downstairs with a hungry cat meowing in my hand.
I reach for the wet food, and the second it’s in her bowl, she races over and scarfs it down as fast as she can.
A few minutes later, the door opens and Bri’s voice comes barreling through.
“I have arrived to help. Now, what do you have to tell me that can't be over the—" Bri stops mid-sentence staring at Binx. “What is that?”
“This, Bri, is what we call a cat. You know, those pets some people have?” I say humorously.
“Fuck off. I know what it is, but why is it here, and how did it get here?” she asks. I recall everything that happened yesterday.
“So the boy got you a damn cat, huh? And you need my help with what exactly?” She smirks.
“I need your help figuring out the perfect way to thank him for this.” I sigh, looking at the ceiling and trying not to meet her smug expression.
“Oh, I know the perfect way for you to thank him. Here's what we’re going to do. We’re going to get you a whole new outfit, come back, and take some sexy pictures to send to him. Then I’m getting the hell out of here, and you, my dear friend, will ride him like a cowgirl.”
Usually, I would roll my eyes and let her know the flaws of her plan, but honestly, it’s kinda genius. In fact, I’m actually excited and a whole lot turned on. I look up at her smiling. “Let's go!” I say, momentarily surprising her.
“Damn right! Let’s fucking do it,” she says while dragging me out the door.
Hours later, we returned home with two bags filled with everything I need and then some.
Bri went a little crazy at the sex shop, throwing this and that at me, and I was a tad bit overwhelmed.
I excuse myself to put on the outfit we agreed would make Cas the craziest. Inside the bag is a dark green corset with black lace detailing throughout and a zipper down the back.
To top off the outfit, I pull out my favorite pair of black, suede, thigh-high boots.
I put everything on and take a deep breath before exiting the bathroom to get Bri’s opinion.
She looks at me and her mouth drops open.
“Damn, girl. From now on, you should only wear lingerie because you look hot as fuck,” she exclaims. I head over to my full-length floor mirror and stare at myself.
She's right. I do look good. The corset hugs my curves in all the right places and pushes my boobs up so high they’re practically spilling over.
I slowly turn to the side to find that the material in the back barely covers my ass.
“Okay!” Bri states and rubs her hands together. “Now, let me do your hair and makeup, and then we can take pictures that will have Cas running over here panting and ready,” she says and then gets to work.
Once she is all done, she brings me back to the mirror and I’m stunned. My hair is in voluminous, beachy waves. My eye makeup is smoky and my lips are a deep red. I place a hand to my face, then my hair, and turn towards Brianna. “Thank you, you’re a genius.”
“I know. Now let's take some sexy photos,” Bri says while shimmying her shoulders.
I lay on my new black, silk sheets, Bri insisted I needed for the photoshoot.
She directs me to pose in what feels like a million different ways.
We sit next to each other on the bed, scrolling through them all and finding the ones we like best.
“This one,” we both say at once. It’s of me laying down, head placed at the end of the bed, arching my back with my hand between my legs. My eyes are open, looking playful yet seductive at the camera while biting my lower lip.
“Yes, this is the one you’ll send him. He’ll be over here within a matter of seconds. Now I’m getting out of here before he arrives. I expect a detailed report on what happens.” Bri’s about halfway out the door when I shout at her.
“I’m submitting the song I wrote for Cas to that songwriting competition.” She whips her head around, staring at me in shock.
“You are? Oh, Ave, that’s incredible. Have you told Cas yet?” she asks.
“No, but I plan to soon. Maybe tonight? I’m not sure. I’ll know when the moment feels right.”
“Just do it soon. And don’t you dare back out. Send it now and think about it later. Okay, I love you, but I don’t want to be around when Cas gets here,” she says without glancing at me before bolting out of the room.
I grab my phone and pull up the application. Everything is filled out. I just have to be brave and hit send. I let oxygen fill my lungs in hopes of it giving me some courage before pressing send. There, I did it. No going back now.
Now, for the photo. I stare down at my phone, feeling self-conscious. I have never sent a sexy photo before. Before I can chicken out, I pull up our text conversation to type out my message.
Me: Hey, can I get your opinion on an outfit I bought?
Cas: Sure, but don't you have Bri? She might be better at this than I am.
Me: I want your opinion, though.
Cas: Okay, go ahead and send it.
Me: * image*
My heart pounds as I wait for his reply forever. Five minutes pass and I panic, thinking he doesn't like it. Before I can send another message, my phone pings, and three seconds later, my front door opens. Bri must have left something. I take a steadying deep breath and open my text.
Cas: Fuck.
The door to my bedroom slams open, but Bri isn't walking towards me. It’s Cas.
“Goddamn it, Avery, you’re trying to kill me, aren't you? Come over here and let me take care of you,” he says, voice husky.
A sudden burst of confidence flows through me and I throw my phone down on the dresser before turning around with lust in my eyes and a seductive smile.
“Oh no, my dear Cas, it's time I take care of you,” I purr.
I walk over towards him, grab his hand, and shove him down onto the bed, causing his head to bounce a few times.
I stand over him, looking down at this man for a minute, before straddling his lap.