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“I’ve got you covered.” The woman winked at me. “No need to stress.” She put her hands on Effie’s shoulders and led her to a corner of the store.

As I stood in a sea of underwear, bras, and lingerie, I typed out a text to Chloe.

I want you to know that because of you, I’m currently standing next to a mannequin wearing a thong.

The three dots moved around as she responded.

Chloe: You’re wearing the thong? Kinky.

Evan: She’s wearing it. Well, maybe it’s a she. It has no head. But it has breasts, unlike my daughter who doesn’t need a goddamn bra yet.

Chloe: Proud of you for going.

Evan: Did you expect otherwise?

Chloe: I wasn’t sure about this one!

Evan: You had to choose this, of all things…

Chloe: An eye for an eye. You hit me right in the jugular sending me to see my father. I had to pick something I knew would rival it.

Evan: You certainly achieved that.

Chloe: Why are you texting me if you’re supposed to be helping her pick out a bra?

Evan: I don’t have to do anything but stand here, thankfully. The attendant took over.

Chloe: Lucky you!

Evan: Yeah. Lucky me.

Chloe: LOL

Evan: Want anything while I’m here? Like a bra for you, since you seemed not to have one on when we were having wine the other night…

Chloe: Did that bother you?

Evan: Far from it.

What the fuck am I doing admitting that?

Chloe: I did catch you looking at me.

Evan: Was I supposed to ignore it?

Chloe: I don’t wear a bra to bed, so if you ask me to have late-night drinks, I’m gonna get comfy.

Evan: So now I can’t invite you to have wine in the living room without you thinking I want to look at your boobs. Great.

Chloe: You don’t have to invite me for wine if you want to see my boobs. All you have to do is ask.

Damn her. A jolt of arousal shot through me. My finger hovered over the keypad.

Evan: Chloe…

Chloe: Are you scolding me? I can’t tell via text.

Evan: I am fucking scolding you for trying to drive me nuts, yes.