Page 50 of The Unexpected

I can’t help but grin. “They’re both massive. But in different ways. Hunter is… you know, more like long, at least ten inches with bulging veins. I can feel him so deep, and he always bangs against my cervix. Lachlan is thicker, but less length, but the stretch is soooo good.”

Chloe groans. “You lucky bitch.”

I tip my head back and close my eyes. “That’s not even the half of it. The things they do to me. I didn’t even know you could come that hard. Like, I saw god last night, and she was laughing at me.”

Chloe bounces on her stool, then drops her voice even further. “Are you scared your dad is going to find out?”

I nod, slowly. “Terrified. But I don’t want to stop. I can’t.”

She’s quiet for a second, then says, “When is Thomas back though?”

I do the math in my head. “In two more weeks. He extended his vacation.”

Chloe whistles. “So, like, you need to keep going with the fuckfest, girlfriend. Seriously, the clock is ticking.”

I roll my eyes. “I know.”

She reaches over and squeezes my arm, her hand warm and strong. “You’re amazing, Stella. And you have to keep me updated, okay?”

I promise, then add, “Yeah sure. But I’ve been blabbing all about me, so it’s your turn. You’ve been weird all morning.”

Chloe stiffens a little, then glances away. “It’s nothing.”

“Liar,” I say. “But what’s up with you, Chloe? I’ve spilled the beans, so what’s new in Chloe-land?”

My friend sighs, then looks back at me. “My mom leaves for Oahu tomorrow. To film the next season of her reality TV show. And I’ll be alone with… you know.”

“Your stepdad?” I say, slow, the pieces falling into place.

She nods, cheeks pinking up. “Yeah. And I know it’s wrong, but sometimes I think about… like, what it would be like. If I let him…”

She doesn’t finish the sentence, but she doesn’t have to.

I stare at her for a long second, then say, “Do you think he’s into you?”

She considers it, then shrugs. “Maybe? He looks sometimes. Like, at the pool, or when I wear a party dress. But he’s never said anything, or done anything.”

I nod, thinking of Hunter’s hands, the way they move without words, always telegraphing intent. “Sometimes you just know,” I say. “It’s in the air.”

Chloe bites her lip, then leans forward, the space between us suddenly tight. “Is it always this hot though?” she asks, voice small. “The attraction, and then giving in?”

I think about it, then nod. “I think so, especially if it’s the right person. But seriously, Chlo, this dude is still married to your mom. Are you really going to go there? And what happened with that guy you met at the party? Aiden, I think.”

She exhales, tension dropping from her shoulders. “That dude ghosted me after texting for a while. Can you believe it? So predictable and disappointing. But yeah, about my stepdad, probably not. It’s too taboo.”

We sit there, two girls in a cave of fluorescent light and almond milk creamer, secrets stacked up around us like sandbags against a flood. There’s a knock on the door, and both of us jump. Miriam’s voice, sharp as a blade: “Break’s over, girls.”

Chloe stands, smooths her skirt, and winks at me. “You’re the best, Stells.”

I smile, and this time it feels real. “You too.”

We head back onto the sales floor, shoulders brushing, and for the first time all day, I feel lighter.

Maybe even happy.

Because as much as I want to be used, sometimes I want to be understood more.

And with Hunter and Lachlan, I can tell that we’re getting there. Our communication is still imperfect, but it’s only been two weeks. As time passes, I know things will only grow hotter …so long as my dad doesn’t find out.