Chapter One
Hazel
I’m fucking over it all.
No, not life. Life is… well, life. It’s a series of ups and downs, and for the most part, I can take them with no problem.
My job is a whole other beast. The work itself makes me want to rip my hair out. There are days I want to up and leave, but I have awesome coworkers. I’m in the Social Media Marketing Department at the university, a subset of the public affairs office. And by “department,” I mean it’s me.
Every damn time I figure out a platform, they modify it. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind change—just not this kind of change.
I unlock the door to my place and envision the wine I’m about to pour. After locking the deadbolt, I kick off my heels and leave my purse on the chair on my way to the fridge.
Once I’ve poured a generous amount—about three servings worth—I breathe it in and sip. Closing my eyes, I force myself to let it go. The algorithms, posts, and trying to understand a beast which is constantly on the move…
I smile at the peaceful silence which surrounds me. I’m single and have no pets or anyone I need to be responsible for. I date occasionally, but it’s been a while since I’ve lost myself in the arms of a man.
I push off the counter, carry the wine to the bathroom, and take a sip before setting it on the side of my garden tub. Twisting the handle, I watch hot water pour out and set the stopper. Under the cabinet, I find bath salts and sprinkle a liberal amount before adding a few drops of lavender oil.
The scent wafts up, and I smile. Heaven. I can do what I want, when I want, and don’t have to worry about upsetting anyone. Sure, one day it’ll be nice having a man and maybe even kids. In that order preferably. For now, I get to be selfish.
I strip out of my work clothes and set them in the hamper as the bath fills. Stopping by the tub, I check the temperature and adjust it. “Where’d I leave my tablet?” I mutter and sip my wine again.
Remembering my tablet’s last location, I move through my place completely naked and free to do so. It’s a liberating feeling. I see the hot pink cover on the coffee table and grab it. Before returning to the bathroom, where I’m sure the tub is nearly filled, I remove my vibrator from the nightstand.
I sigh. “Should have bought the waterproof one.” I set the water-resistant toy down for use after my bath and remove the wrapper to the new lube I bought, a warming lube that Angela, my best friend, raved about.
Lowering myself into the tub, I set the tablet on the edge, making sure it won’t fall in. After gathering my hair into a messy ponytail, I lean back and sigh. I sign in after a few minutes of meditation and find a book I’ve read a few times.
After flipping the pages to a scene I can’t get out of my head, I lose myself in the story. With my wine in one hand and the novel in the other, I relax, soaking my mind and worries away.
A few pages in, a different kind of tension fills my body, one I know in time I’ll take care of.
Nothing says Ineeda man. My vibrator manages to keep me quite satisfied. Sure, I’d rather have a warm body fulfilling my sexual needs, but I’m not willing to fuck around with random dudes. It’s cool if others do, more power to them, but it’s not in my wiring. The guy I slept with last month was all right, but in the end, we didn’t have any chemistry. So until I can find a man who makes me want more, I’ll stick to Bobby. He always hits the right spots.
Once the water cools and I’ve finished my wine, I drain the tub. Wet and achy, I’m ready to find my release. The calm which follows a great orgasm will put me right to sleep. I love sleep. I skip a lot of TV, so I can read and sleep. If I could get paid to do both, I’d be all over it.
After drying off, I prepare for bed and slide between my cool satin sheets. Closing my eyes, I shift around and the sheet teases my nipples. The scene from the book begins to play in my mind, and I envision myself with the sexy alpha, ready for him to consume me.
Running my hands along my stomach and up to my breasts, I tease myself. I pinch and pluck as I press my thighs together. Worked up from the story and sensual touches, I reach for my toy and lube. I pour a generous amount over my fingertips and rub it over my entrance. I imagine long thick fingers and rub my clit in small circles. My legs tighten and stretch, my back arches, and my tits press into the cool fabric.
The warm sensation feels odd but good. Flipping the sheet off me, I bend my legs and turn on the vibrator. A moan slips free when the tip presses my bundle of nerves, and I smile. There’s no one to hide this from.
I’m in need of some stress relief. Knowing my body and what I like, I pluck and tease my nipples, running the vibrating tip over my clit. My toes begin to curl, and within a minute my back arches with my climax. When my body begins to twitch, I slide the toy through my slick entrance and lose myself in the fantasy, the warming lube creating a new experience.
I come another three times before I shut off my toy and set it aside. My body is lax, and I’ll worry about clean up in the morning. Turning onto my side, I hope to meet my alpha in my dreams. I know it’s silly to fantasize about a fake man, but it’s what I have, so I’ll take it.
***
“Ow!” I cry and press my thighs together.
Despite my four toe-curling orgasms, I’m sleeping like utter crap. Not only have I been restless, but my vagina feels funny. No, not funny… It fuckingburns. I squeeze my thighs together and clamp down, hoping to stave off the feeling, but it doesn’t help. With a flick of my wrist, the sheet flips aside and I hang my legs over the edge.
I stop and stare at the bottle on the nightstand. “What the hell did you do to me?”
After jumping off the bed, I hurry to the shower and turn it on. A cold sweat covers my body as I wait for the water to warm. My legs are crossed, and my pussy throbs. Something isn’t right. Hopping in, I dance around and hiss at the cool water. I wash my body, taking extra care of my aching vagina. The cool water feels great until the moment the water begins to warm. The ache escalates into pain, and once I’m suds-free, I shut off the water.
I grab my towel and pat dry my folds. An idea forms and I lie on the bed spread eagle, hoping the discomfort goes away. I’m exhausted but too nervous to sleep. In my gut, I know something is very wrong.
