I hung my keys on the hook in the front hall. Thank goodness I was home for the night. Work had been crazier than usual, with people running in and out of the store looking for the perfect last-minute Valentine's gifts for their loved ones. Of course, at the last minute, everything perfect was sold out. Which was somehow my fault.
On the stand beneath the key hook was a small box of conversation hearts. You know, those little candies with the cute sayings on them. I was addicted to the things; I was lucky they were only available around Valentine's Day, or I probably would have gained about a hundred pounds eating them.
I picked up the box and a piece of paper fluttered to the floor. A note. I picked it up and read:
"Dear Lara,
"I know these candies are your favorites, so they're part of my Valentine plans for you. These aren't your typical conversation hearts. Each one has a special saying on it. Before you can eat the heart, you have to do what it tells you. Don't cheat; I'm watching.
"Love, Brett."
Sounded intriguing. Since I'd met Brett, he'd pushed my comfort zone, never farther than I could stand, but just enough to help me open up to things I never would have imagined doing. When we'd moved in together just before Thanksgiving, the zone pushing had increased. A small smile on my lips, I rubbed my wrist where a couple nights earlier, Brett had tied a scarf to secure me to the post on our queen-size brass bed. I'd been reluctant to try something that left me unable to move, but I trusted Brett fully and the experience had turned out to be more exciting than I could have anticipated. I couldn't wait to see what he had planned for me today.
I opened the box and took out the first heart. "Hug Yrslf," it read.
Easy enough. I crossed my arms over my chest and squeezed. "That's one," I said aloud, figuring that Brett had to be somewhere within earshot.
I ate the heart. Before taking the next one, I took off my shoes and curled up in the corner of the couch. Might as well be physically comfortable; my mind was churning at the possibilities of the hearts.
I took the next one out of the box. "Lick lips."
Another easy one. I slowly ran my tongue over my lips, the way Brett loved. He always said it drove him wild. I hoped he really was watching. I wanted him to be as excited as I was becoming. Following his orders was making me wet.
I ate that heart and took the next one. "Topless."
Now we were getting somewhere. My only problem with stripping off my shirt was the picture window across the room from the couch. I got up to close the blind and found another note from Brett on the table in front of the window. "Leave the blind open, no matter what the hearts say. And remember, I'm watching."
When Brett and I went out, he loved showing me off. Low cut tops, short skirts, high heels. The kind of thing I'd never worn until he started talking me into it. The idea that our neighbors might see me if they looked at the window probably didn't bother him in the least. It bothered me, but if Brett wanted the blind to stay open, it would stay open. Probably none of the neighbors would look at the window anyway. I sat on the couch again and took off my blouse. Beneath it I wore a lace push-up bra, which I also removed. In the cool air of the house, my nipples hardened, adding to my excitement.
"Where are you, Brett?" I asked loudly, hoping he would answer. I was still learning to be comfortable with my body; if I had to be half-naked, I wanted him there to encourage me.
But I got no answer. If Brett was in the house, he was staying hidden for now. I took another heart out of the box. "Dance."
Dance? That was too open ended. I could dance normally, or I could do the sexy, striptease style dance Brett had taught me by having me watch online videos. Since there were no further instructions, I decided it was up to me. Dancing was easier with music, but I wanted to get this over with, so instead of taking the time to turn on the radio I hummed quietly as I moved my body around the room. Glancing at the window, I saw someone on the street, looking toward the house. I quickly sat down.