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needles; I avoid pain at all costs. I’m happy to hear the new manager’s on your side.”
    “ Yeah. You know, Lane, I love the work. I get paid well and I still get to do my art. Kev’s not into tattoos anyway. I mean I’m not saying that would necessarily stop me, but the pain certainly does.” She hopped out of the chair and said, “I know you’re closed out for the night, but can I shop and you charge my card tomorrow?”
    “Of course.”
    
    A fter my nightly ritual of a cigarette and TV, I debated emailing Mason. I never knew if a text or call might show up at the wrong time so I stuck to email while he was in town. I decided to hold out and instead I wrote in my journal for a while and crashed for the night.
    My phone sounded, jarring me awake from a de ep sleep.

    MM: I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me sooner. You know how Victoria can be once I get back from a trip. I miss you so much. I need to hear your voice. Can I call you?

    I stared at the message, willing myself to deny him. No such discipline.

    Me: Okay.

    A couple of heartbeats past and then my phone rang.
    “Hunan Chinese takeout, what is your order please,” I said pinching off my nose and using my best Chinese accent.
    “Very funny, silly woman,” he whispered. “Damn it’s good to be able to talk to you.”
    “Where are you calling from?”
    “The bathroom downstairs. I’ve missed you so much. I can’t believe it’s only been two days. Please tell me you’re free tomorrow evening.”
    “Well , I ... when were you thinking?”
    “Six or Seven. I already told Victoria I have a client meeting. Please let me come over.”
    I sat up in the bed and hung my legs over the side. “Fuck,” I breathed out silently. “I’m supposed to be meeting up with Jacqs and then hanging out with the gang.”
    “Baby, please consider rescheduling. This weekend might be crazy , and I have long days with a new CEO Thursday and Friday.”
    “I’ll talk to Jacqs tomorrow. It’s already late.”
    “Thank you, babe. I need to see you tomorrow.”
    “ I’ll think about it. It’s good to hear from you, but I would have appreciated a text, a note, something from you yesterday. I felt like a stupid woman checking her phone and email obsessively.”
    “I’m sorry it took so long. I promise you were on my mind every second of the day.” The tenor of his voice became deeper when he asked, “What are you wearing?”
    “Mason,” I stammered.
    “Come on, baby, help me out here.”
    “Boy shorts and a T-shirt.”
    “I bet your long legs look amazing. Why don’t you lay back for me and get comfortable.”
    “Shouldn’t you be getting back upstairs?”
    “Shh. Just listen to my voice and do what I say,” he said in a gentle whisper that still conveyed his authority.
    “Okay...” I put his call on speaker and set it down on the end table. I pulled off my top and shorts, folded them neatly, and set them to the side. Just resting back against my pillow and waiting for his instructions stimulated my body. Mason always seemed to be pushing me to try something new and although I resisted at first, I always ended up experiencing abundant pleasure. What had happened to the woman who would have picked missionary sex every time? He had somehow eradicated her.
    “ Close your eyes ... imagine that your hand is mine and follow my voice.”
    “Mmmhmm,” I muttered as my eyes shut.
    “ Imagine me cuddling you in close and hearing your soft moans and sighs as I trail my hand across your cheek just before I devour your lip, sucking it into my mouth.”
    I bit my lower lip without thinking, listening as his gravely masculine voice washed over me as if caressing my naked body.
    “ Feel my hand tickle down your neck followed by nips of my teeth. You pull away and laugh, like you always do and say, ‘that tickles.’”
    I could almost feel him t here, breathing against my neck, surrounding me in the warmth of his body and love. As he