Unfortunately, I won’t see Tanner again until Monday or Tuesday. Images of him in the throes of passion make me hot as hell. Damn, that man knows his way around a female body.
“Stop fantasizing about Tanner’s cock and get your mind back here,” Quinn bitches, bringing my mind back to the small bistro where we’re having a long-overdue dinner out.
“Don’t hate. You wanted me to get laid, and now you’re complaining because I can’t help but relive one of my best nights ever.”
“I’m not hating. I’m fucking jealous. I could definitely use a good ravaging.”
“Ravaging? Really? Is this the Eighteenth Century? Call Alex. You couldn’t stop telling me all about his, and I quote, ‘magic’ penis.”
“Meh, you know how I feel about serials. They get attached to the greatness that is my vagina too easily,” she explains in all seriousness. Quinn really doesn’t like to have sex with the same guy more than a few times.
“Fuck, Quinn. I don’t know whose mouth is worse, yours or Tanner’s. I can only imagine how explicit dirty talk between the two of you would be… Actually, on second thought, I don’t want to imagine it. My mind might explode.”
“Hmm… We’ll see how dirty your mouth is after a few more sessions with the sex god.” She smiles, munching on a fry.
I can’t help but think she might be right. The way that man draws words out of my mouth is uncanny, and the way my body hums from his praises is ridiculous. I think I really do like it, but I don’t think I’ll admit that to him just yet.
“Ack, that stupid lovesick look on your face really makes me want to punch you. I don’t know which Ashley I like better: moping Ashley or I-can’t-stop-thinking-about-Tanner Ashley,” she growls.
“Oh, shut it, bitch.”
***************
The rest of the week and into the weekend goes on in much the same way, with me thinking about Tanner and Quinn bitching about me thinking about Tanner. Tanner’s schedule keeps conflicting with mine, so we haven’t had a chance to see each other since our date. We chat on the phone and text, but that’s about it. We’ve communicated in some form or other every day, so at least I know he hasn’t forgotten about me.
This week, I’ve had three places to review: one new café that opened in Midtown, a small new art gallery that opened last month in Soho, and a boutique that was just remodeled and is having a grand re-opening on the Upper West Side. I had lunch at the café and then checked out the art gallery the same day. They were both quiet and cute, what I would have expected, nothing extraordinary. The boutique wasn’t my cup of tea. Definitely more Quinn’s style. I’m not into shopping small, stuffy stores, and I didn’t care for the snobby attitude of the workers. I have to laugh to myself because I know they’ll be kicking themselves in the ass when they read my review. The bitch at the counter was so pretentious, acting as though I was an inconvenience to her because I wasn’t decked out like the other woman in there dropping thousands on the overpriced clothes. I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of the store and tell everyone how they treat middle-class patrons. Thankfully, all the articles are done and handed in for editing, so my weekend is totally free.
“Heeey,” Quinn says, all smiles as she plops herself down on my bed. “What are your plans for the day? Actually, I don’t care what they are, cancel them. We’re going shopping.” She grins like a Cheshire cat. Never a good sign.
“I don’t need to go shopping. You know I hate shopping.”
“Well too fucking bad.” She smiles. “Make yourself look presentable and get moving.”
“Where are we going?” I ask, heading to my closet to get changed. No point in arguing. If Quinn says so, I’m going shopping whether I want to or not.
“I’ll tell you when we get there. I don’t want to hear all your bitching and moaning on the way. ” I’d known that stupid smile meant trouble. “And you will have a good time. I mean it,” she adds before walking out of my room, presumably to get ready to go out herself.
An hour later, we pull up to Saks Fifth Avenue. Oh fucking lord. I’m going to kill her. Not only am I being forced to go shopping, but I’ve been dragged to a place I don’t even care to shop in.
“Quinn, if this is where we were going, why bring me? You know I hate this place,” I huff. Everything in there is ridiculously priced, and the sales people are usually just as snotty as that bitch from the boutique I just visited.
“Because you’re trying to keep the interest of a very hot quarterback, and it’s my job as your best friend to help you do that.” She flashes that damn smile again.
“What the fuck does any of that have to do with Saks?” Even as I ask the question, I know the answer and shake my head. “No Quinn,” I tell her. “Not happening.”
“Yes, it is, Sweets. And before you give me your next excuse, I’m paying, so shut the fuck up and get your ass in there.”
Of all the places. Agent Provocateur? Leave it Quinn to pick a place like this to take me. Fucking bitch. “Can’t we go to Victoria’s Secret instead? I like it there better.”
“No, and this isn’t our last stop either. Loosen up and have some fun. Christ, it’s not going to kill you,” she says, a nasty tone sneaking into her voice. “We’re going to have fun. Come on.” She nudges me out of the car.
“Okay, jeez! Let’s go. What’s your problem tonight? Need to get laid?” I snicker, proving that I can be a bitch too.
“No, I don’t, but I want to make sure that you keep getting laid, so we have some work to do.”
“Care to explain what the hell that means?” I ask resentfully as I get out of the car, glaring at her. She has a lot of nerve insinuating that I need help keeping Tanner interested.
“Care to stop being such an uptight twat?” she shoots back. “We haven’t even gone in yet, and you’re already being a judgmental bitch. It’s fucking lingerie. I can’t wait to see what happens when we get to the toy store.”
“Toy store?” I gasp. I feel my face turning red at the mere mention of it.
“Yes, toy store. Now stop bitching, and I’ll explain. But not until we get inside.” With those words, Quinn grabs hold of me and drags me unwillingly into the store.
“Okay, we’re inside now. Can you explain?” I ask, suddenly feeling nervous about what she’s going to tell me.
“Okay, so I’m saying this out of love. Please remember that.” Oh man, she sure as hell isn’t about to say something nice. “You’re stuck in ordinary, Ashley. A man like Tanner isn’t going to be satisfied with ordinary. You need to live a little and open up. You need to own up to your fantasies. You’re a hot piece of ass, and it’s time you started acting like it.”
Wow, I wasn’t expecting that. “You think I’m boring?”
“Sorry to say so, but yes, Sweets. You’re as open-minded as they come, and you don’t judge people, but when it comes to you and your wants, you’re boring. Men want wild and sexy, and you can be those things if you get out of your own head. Did you or did you not have the best sex of your life with the man?”
“I did.” Everything that happened between Tanner and me was absolutely fantastic.
“Because he forced you to get out of your own head. I can tell from what you’ve told me about him that he’s a man that likes power and dominance. Regular missionary sex isn’t going to cut it for him for long, Honey,” she says, looking me in the eye for the first time since starting this awful conversation.
“I don’t know what I am supposed to say.” Tears pool in my eyes. I know she isn’t trying to make me feel bad, but I can’t help feeling—well, I don’t really know what I’m feeling to be honest. How am I supposed to feel when my best friend tells me I’m too ordinary to keep a man like Tanner interested?
“Sweets, I’m not trying to be mean here. Please understand that.” She pulls me into a hug. “I’m trying to help you be the Ashley you want to be instead of the Ashley all the losers in your past have turned you into. You already have everything that you cou
ld ever need. I’m just trying to show you how to use it to your advantage. I really think that Tanner can be the one to bring out that Ashley.”
“I know you aren’t trying to be mean, but that’s basically the same thing that Jason said. I was too boring for him, and now I’m going to be too boring for Tanner too.” I sniffle.
“No, you’re not. That’s why we’re here. He obviously isn’t too hard to keep happy if he’s been banging only Melissa for all these years. Don’t worry. We’re going to turn you into the sex goddess you were meant to be.”
I know what she’s saying is true. I need to open up if this thing with Tanner is going to work. It’s time to loosen up. “Okay, I’m game. Where do I start?” I muster up a smile.
“Atta girl. We start with the wrapping. Your body is already hot as hell, so let’s dress it up and make it irresistible.”
An hour later, we’re exiting the store, weighed down by bags filled with dozens of matching bra and panty sets in all the colors Quinn considers hot. I also now own two babydoll nighties, four sets of garters and stockings, and a gorgeous shimmery corset that makes my boobs look like a million bucks. I nearly had a heart attack seeing the price when it was rung up—five grand on lingerie. Quinn is insane.
“See, that wasn’t bad, was it?” Quinn asks once we’re settled back in the car.
“No, I just felt weird when it was time to pay. I felt that lady behind the counter judging me.” That snooty bitch behind the counter gave me the stink eye, but I don’t know why. What does she expect people to purchase in Agent Provocateur?
“Fuck her. Who cares what people think? It’s not like you have to see that lady on a daily basis. And trust me, if she saw who you’re going to wear them for, she’d be giving you an even dirtier look. Your man is fucking fine… So who gives a shit what others think? Get out of your head, Ashley.”
“He is fucking hot. That bitch has every right to be jealous.” I laugh. All in all, the experience really wasn’t anywhere nearly as bad as I’d expected.
“Now, let’s have some real fun. Time for some sexting, bitch. Give me your phone.”
“Do you think that is a good idea?”
“Hell yes, I do. There’s no better way to keep his mind on you than sending him a reminder that you’re amazing. Sexting can be fucking hot,” she says, her tone serious.
I hand Quinn my phone, and she sets the bag up on my lap, making sure the logo is visible. Then she snaps a picture of the bag. She sends the picture along with a text saying “Look at where I spent my afternoon.” No taking it back now.
“Now wait until he texts back.” I’m not sure he will text back. It’s a Saturday, so he’s probably getting ready for tomorrow’s game. There’s also the time difference since he’s in Denver and all. Even so, not two minutes later, my phones dings, and Tanner’s name lights up on the screen. One new message.
“Holy shit! He texted back, Quinn. What do I do?” I fumble with my phone, trying to swipe the screen to open the message.
“Jesus, Ash. Chill the fuck out and read the message,” she chides.
Tanner: Wish I were there. Did you have fun?
“Give me that.” Quinn snatches the phone from me. She types something quickly and hands it back to me.
Me: I sure did. It was fun trying to decide what would make your jaw hit the floor the fastest.
“What the fuck, Quinn? Really?”
“Shut up and wait for his response. You’ll be thanking me when he fucks you into oblivion next time he sees you.”
So I sit there and wait, hoping that letting her send that text wasn’t a total mistake.
He texts back almost immediately.
Tanner: Baby, you in anything from that place would make my jaw hit the floor.
My cheeks burn as I blush fiercely. I feel like they’re on fire. Thank God he isn’t here to see how red my face is.
“Based on the blushing, I guess he sent you something good. Let me see.” She bounces in her seat.
I obediently hand her my phone.
“I told you. Take out that corset and we’ll send him a picture of it. That thing is beyond hot, and you could practically eat off you boobs with it on.”
I pull it from the bag and lay it out on my lap for Quinn to take a picture. She snaps the picture and sends it. No message.
It takes Tanner less than a minute to respond.
Tanner: Damn. Can’t wait to come home and see that on in person. Thanks for the hard on, baby.
Quinn tells me to write back a simple ‘anytime,’ so I do.
We head from Fifth Avenue in Midtown down to Chelsea where Quinn parks on Twentieth Street.
“Give me your phone again,” she demands after we get out of the car. She takes a picture of a store front, a place called Purple Pleasure, and sends it to Tanner as well. “Come on. Let’s go check it out.” She hands me back the phone and walks toward the entrance of the store.
I’m a little apprehensive about heading in. The place looks intimidating. It’s small, but the mannequins in the window are all wearing latex. I can’t even imagine what I’ll find inside.
“Quinn, are you sure about this place?” I ask, following close behind her.
“Yes,” she tells me as we step through the door, but I barely hear her. I can’t believe my eyes. Latex everywhere. Whips, chains, costumes, and an assortment of other shit I have no clue about.
“Seriously? What the fuck do you want me to get from in here?”
“Relax, I picked this place on purpose, Sweets,” she assures me. “I wanted to show you that people have all types of kinks and fetishes and there’s nothing wrong with a single one. Some people like to get all dressed up in this shit and then whip and beat the hell out of each other. All for the sake of good sex! So in reality, what you desire is nothing in the grand scheme of kinkiness. So get over yourself.” From the look on her face, you’d think she’d just made the best point in the history of the universe. I guess if I really think about it, she kind of did. If people can own wanting to dress up in all this stuff and not give a shit, I should be able to own wanting to be dominated. It’s really not that far out there.
“I see some light in those baby blues of yours. Things finally clicking for you?”
“Yes, my super, awesome, amazing friend. I understand what you’re saying, and you’re right. Time to stop being a baby,” I declare confidently.
The ding of my message alert pulls our attention away from the task at hand.
Tanner: Didn’t take you for a full-on submissive, but hey, it’s all fine by me. I have no problem looking at you in some serious latex. What are you planning on getting there?
Me: I’m not. This place was Quinn’s idea.
Tanner: Too bad. I love the thought of dominating you.
“Oh my God! What do I say to that?” I show Quinn the text, feeling conflicted. Here I am, standing in a BDSM sex store, texting Tanner about being dominated, and if I am honest, I’m totally turned on.
“Let me see,” she says, considering. “Damn, this man is perfect for you, Ashley. I’m so jealous.”
“I’m totally hot and bothered right now,” I admit shyly. The thoughts of Tanner running through my mind right now are making me really horny, and I’m so distracted by them that I don’t even check Quinn’s response to Tanner. I hadn’t even realized that she’d taken my phone.
Me: I didn’t say you couldn’t dominate me. Just don’t expect me to being wearing a red leather cat suit while you do it.
“Dammit, Quinn.” I try to grab my phone back. “Give me my phone.”
“No. I’m doing you a favor. Chill out.”
My phone dings again, and Quinn reads the text to me, still keeping my phone hostage.
Tanner: Damn, baby. Are you trying to make my dick explode? First images of you in a corset, and now a cat suit? Show a man some mercy. I’m on the other side of the country.
Me: It’s only fair since thoughts of you owning me are making my panties wet.
And I’m surrounded by a bunch of huge vibrating cocks.
Tanner: Maybe you should get yourself one of the vibrating cocks for when I’m not around. Because that’s the only other cock you’ll be getting.
”This man has it bad, Sweets.” Quinn beams at me. “See the things that you find out when you grow a pair and voice what you desire? Or at least let me do it for you…”
I grab my phone back at last and stick my tongue out at her before heading over to the vibrator section on the far-left wall. Then I text Tanner back.
Me: Oh, I think I will. So many to choose from.
Tanner: You’re in so much trouble when I get back there.
I smile to myself before grinning at Quinn. “Let’s pick out some toys!”
“That’s my girl.” She high fives me.
Chapter 17
ASHLEY
After my shopping trip on Saturday, I didn’t hear from Tanner again until last night when he texted me that he was heading back to Jersey and he wanted to see me tonight. He also said that I’d better be wearing something from my new lingerie collection. I hadn’t been expecting him to be in a playful mood considering the Jets lost on Sunday, but I’m not going to complain.
At the office this morning, I decide to go with the corset set for tonight. I know he likes that one, and it’s also my favorite. When I get home, I pick out a black garter and pair of stockings to go with it. Feeling a bit provocative, I wear the garters and corset under the skirt and sweater I’d worn to work, leaving them just slightly visible. I can’t wait to see Tanner’s reaction. If I’m honest, I know I’m inciting the jealous side I saw come out during our texting on Saturday when he commented that his cock is the only one I’ll be getting from now on. Call me crazy, but I like his covetous side.
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