It was much later than I'd ever planned on when Andrew dropped me back off at Torch. By the time he'd managed to get me back out of the ties and we'd taken a quick shower, it was ridiculously well past midnight. Not to mention that particular session had left me more exhausted and physically drained than any workout routine I'd ever tried. I was more than a little sore, but I was also perfectly happy and fulfilled.
Andrew called his boss in the morning and they eventually agreed to let him come in at noon and stay late to make up the rest of the hours. We slept cuddled together on the same sheets we'd made love on and our scent was still very strong. He whipped up a quick breakfast and we got to Torch around eleven.
We said our goodbyes in the car, kissing and stroking each other like horny teenagers.
"Are you sure you're all right?" he asked for about the millionth time.
"I swear, I'm fine. There aren't even any marks from the belt. Just a couple from your teeth."
He blushed slightly, a small grin on his face. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"Somehow I doubt that," I teased. "You know you love having your marks on me."
"Hey, I owed you. I've only got one tie left to my name."
I smiled back, remembering how he'd had to resort to scissors after trying to untie the knots. It was just impossible. I'd pulled on them too tightly in my many struggles.
"Should I buy you some more for Christmas?"
He laughed and pushed a stray hair back behind my ear. "I'll settle for having you explain to my brother why all of the silk ties he sent me over the years are now in little shreds in the garbage."
"Think he'd believe it?"
"Hell no."
We kissed a little more and I glanced at the clock. "You should really get going. If you get to work any later, you'll be there 'til midnight."
He sighed. "I know. Saturday just seems so far away. Then you have your finals and I won't see you at all next week."
"I'll be over next Friday. You promised to drive me to the airport on Saturday."
"Then you'll really be gone for another week."
I sighed. He was right. I wasn't looking forward to the separation, either, but I didn't really have much choice. Finals week would be hell. I'd be so exhausted all I'd want to do is sleep when I wasn't studying. I'd have a hard enough time just getting through my sessions.
Fortunately, though, apparently the holiday season kept most of our clients home. We'd all be getting a bit of a break. In addition to my time off, I'd only be on duty three nights instead of five.
It was actually pretty funny to think of our clients having sudden attacks of conscience and urges to spend time with their families. It meant less money, but I wasn't about to complain. I was thankful not to have to beg for the time off to go home and of course the extra study time.
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to make up for it when I come back," I said, nuzzling back into his neck and kissing it softly
"Careful," he moaned. "Keep that up and I'll never get to work at all. And I'm already in the doghouse as it is."
A final hug and a restrained kiss, and he was off. I went up to my room feeling totally depressed. I still had no idea what to even get him for Christmas, and now I wanted it to be extra special to make up for the time we'd be apart.
I went into my apartment and locked the door. I threw my bag on the floor and dragged out my laptop, determined to search the net until I found the perfect present.
* * * * *
I was dressed in a super skimpy tank top, mini skirt, and sheer cropped vest. I hadn't gotten any studying done, something I deeply regretted, but I'd gotten some really good ideas for Andrew's present. I'd have to get up to the mall by myself so he didn't see what I picked out. I decided to head out there between classes the next day. As much as I hated to miss out on any studying time, I knew I'd never get out there once finals started.
"Marri, your client is here."