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Calista: Yes. I was just wondering what time I’ll see you tonight?
Hayden: The case I’m working requires more attention than I’d like. I’ll be home a little later than usual.
Calista: Oh, okay. Well, good luck. See you later.
Hayden: Thank you. You too.
With a sigh, I put the phone in my apron pocket. Maybe I need to follow Harper’s advice and tell Hayden I’m interested in sex. My plan won’t involve a fondue machine, but my friend has the right idea. With Hayden working late, I’ll have plenty of time to freshen up and put on something enticing.
I walk over to the now empty tables and wipe them down. A flash of color catches my eye and I pause, lifting my head to peer out the window. A small girl in a magenta jacket walks down the sidewalk with an older woman that I know to be her mother.
“I’ll be right back,” I call to Harper.
My co-worker nods at me and I grin as I dash outside. My assigned bodyguard, a bald man who’s over six feet tall and built like a mountain, steps forward the minute my feet hit the pavement. I wave at Sebastian—who may or may not be part of the Russian mob—and point to the child to indicate my intention. Before I can second-guess myself, I call out the girl’s name.
“Erika!”
The girl and her mother turn around, eyes widening in surprise. Erika’s face splits into a toothless grin at seeing me and my heart expands in my chest. I kneel down and hold my arms out.
“Miss Calista!” Erika tugs her hand from her mother’s to launch herself at me.
I meet Sebastian’s gaze and he gives me a quick nod. Now that any potential issues have been averted, I look at Erika, willing myself not to cry. “How are you, sweet girl? It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you like crazy.”
Erika’s beams at me. “I’m doing good. Mama got a new job so we got our own apartment now.”
I release the little girl and look up at her mother. “That’s wonderful, Alice. I’m so happy for the two of you.”
“We couldn’t have done it without your support, Miss Green,” Alice says. “You helped me with my resume and talked to the boss. I’m convinced you putting in a good word for me got me the job. Although, we’ll miss seeing you at the shelter.”
“I appreciate that.” I hug Erika again, tighter this time. “I’ll miss seeing you too. I’ve been busy so I haven’t been volunteering at the shelter, but hopefully I can after the holidays.”
The lie chills my bones faster than the winter afternoon. The very idea of stepping into that place makes me want to throw up. My stomach begins to churn and I push away the thoughts of my assault.
“You should go back to volunteering,” Alice says. “You made such a difference. Not just in our lives, but for other families as well.”
I dip my head in acknowledgment. “Thank you.”
“Well, we better get going. It was so great to see you, Miss Green.”
“Please call me Calista.” I look at Erika. “I’m going to miss you most of all. Don’t tell the others, but you’ve always been my favorite.”
* * *
I’m naked.
With step one complete, I walk into Hayden’s closet, looking for something to wear as a surprise for when he comes home. I’ve already reapplied my makeup and run a brush through my hair, leaving the long tresses unbound the way he likes them. Hopefully this plan will “encourage” him. I think about having sex with him all the time and I can’t believe it. I was never this way with my ex. I may not have been a virgin when I met Hayden, but he’s definitely ruined me for any other man.
Just like he wanted.
I sift through the different articles of clothing, undecided if I should wear one of his dress shirts, his jacket, or his trench coat. I could also choose something from my new wardrobe, but in the end it won’t matter. If he’s not interested in the fact that I’m completely nude underneath, then nothing else will get his attention.
My gaze lands on his favorite suede jacket hanging neatly on a hanger. I visualize myself wearing it for him and enjoying his smile of approval. Decision made, I slip my arms into the buttery-soft sleeves. The hem brushes my knees and the garment immediately swallows my petite frame, which is perfect for the reveal I have in mind.
A sigh escapes me as I run my hands over the supple leather and leisurely trace the fine stitching. My fingers encounter strange lumpy objects deep in the right pocket and I purse my lips at the discovery. I insert my hand into the opening and nearly yank it right back out when I feel the smooth texture of the objects inside.
With my heart galloping in my chest, I grab a handful of the items and withdraw my fist. I stare at it, watching my knuckles begin to lose their color and feeling the first tremors streaking through my forearm from my tight grip. Trepidation fills me until my breathing thins and becomes difficult, my body acknowledging what my brain is refusing to.
With aching slowness, I uncurl my fingers, revealing the small, round objects resting on my palm. Over half a dozen loose pearls sit in my hand, with several more still resting in Hayden’s pocket. I stare at them until my eyes dry out and force me to blink.
