An hour ago I stood in my bathroom in black lace and an open robe, texting my ex like an idiot.
I felt hot and hopeful. That was the last good minute of the night.
Grayson: You still wearing that little black thing?
Grayson always texted like he was already in the room with me.
Sasha: Yes. And not much else.
Grayson: Good. I'm going to take it off with my teeth.
Sasha: Then hurry up. My pussy's wet just thinking about your cock.
I sent that and grinned at my own reflection. Then I took the photo.
I hit send fast, before I could chicken out. And the photo flew into the wrong thread.
Not Grayson's thread.
Sasha: No. No, no, no.
Dominic Castellan. My boss. Dark suit, no tie, a voice like a door shutting.
He had texted me about a nine o'clock meeting. His thread sat right above Grayson's.
Dominic: Well. That's not the schedule I asked for.
Sasha: That was a mistake. It wasn't for you. Please delete it.
Dominic: Delete it? I've already looked twice.
Heat crawled up my neck. He didn't sound angry. He sounded amused.
Like my shame was a show and he had the front row seat.
Dominic: Don't go anywhere, Sasha. We'll talk about what you're selling.
I wanted to throw my phone in the toilet.
The buzzer went. Grayson.
I shoved my phone in a drawer and told myself the night could still be saved.
Grayson: You look like trouble.
He kissed me before the door clicked shut.
His hand found my breast over the lace and squeezed. My whole body lit up.
Sasha: God, I missed you.
That was the pathetic part. I missed him so much I let him walk me backward into my own kitchen.
He dragged the lace down and put his mouth on my nipple. I pulled his hair.
Grayson: You're so easy for me. You always were.
It should have stung. I kissed him harder instead.
Then a key turned in my front door.
Only two people have a key to this apartment. Me and Britt.
Britt: Oh my God.
My best friend stood in my doorway with takeout and a bottle of wine.
She didn't look shocked. She looked tired, like she'd walked in on laundry.
Britt: Gray. Come on.
Gray. She called him Gray.
Sasha: What the fuck is this?
Grayson: Nothing. You're nothing. Did you think I came back for you?
Grayson: I came back for the free pussy. That's it.
Britt laughed. She actually laughed, with the wine still in her hand.
Britt: He's been at my place all week. I told you to move on, Sash.
I grabbed his sleeve. I don't know why. Maybe to make him look at me.
He caught my wrist and squeezed until the bones ground together.
Grayson: Don't touch me.
Then he shoved me. My shoulder hit the doorframe and my lip caught the lock plate.
Blood filled my mouth, hot and copper.
Sasha: You split my lip open.
Grayson: You split your own lip. Learn to stand up straight.
Grayson: Say one word about tonight and I'll tell everyone you begged me to hit you.
Grayson: Then I'll come back and finish it. Understand?
I believed him. That was the worst part.
Britt: Nobody would believe you anyway. You're the one sending naked pictures to her boss.
My phone buzzed on the counter. Britt flipped it over with one finger.
Britt: Your boss wants you. Right now. Wow, Sash. Busy night.
The screen said: My office. Now. Don't make me send a car.
Sasha: Lock the door when you leave. Both of you.
I didn't cry in the hallway. I didn't cry in the elevator.
Under the shame, something hot and stupid woke up and stretched.
He wanted me in his office? Fine. Let him see what was left.