I was still daydreaming about letting Sean unlock me when I reached Howard's front door. Despite how long it had been since I was last unlocked, my thoughts mostly dwelled on soft, romantic images, picturing exactly how I'd look up at him as I place the key in his hand and how I'd look into his eyes as he turns the key inside my lock, freeing me. Although, as I walked closer and closer to where I'd regain my key, my thoughts drifted more to how I'd struggle to hold myself up as he bends me over the kitchen table we'd just shared breakfast at. I still knew I'd never actually follow through on this wild fantasy, I'd drive back home and take care of myself in the privacy of my own apartment, but the idea just wouldn't leave my mind.
All of the cars from last night's party were gone and everything was quiet when I rang the doorbell. Once again, I was greeted by the housekeeper who let me in to wait in the entry while she told Howard I was here to see him. Standing there, my excitement slowly turned to apprehension as I remembered how he'd teased me the night before. I crossed my arms in front of me, preparing myself to stand my ground if he tried to make me do anything to get my key back.
Eventually, Howard walked down the stairs, greeting me warmly. I could already see the key in his hand and I relaxed slightly, feeling so close to getting a bit of relief.
"How was your night, Holly?" He asked
"Oh, it was fine. Thank you for inviting me last night." I replied, eager to get past this small talk and get out of her with my key in hand. After so much time denied, I just blurted out "Can I just get the key and get going?" almost involuntarily. Just a few weeks ago, I never could have imagined being so forward with a subject like this. I'd handed over all of the power to Howard and I waited with baited breath for his response.
"Sure, I have it right here," He said, handing it to me to my relief. "There's a guest bedroom with a private bath down the hallway you can use. I'm here all day so feel free to take all the time you need."
I blushed hard at his suggestion. Although the immediate gratification was tempting, I declined. "Thank you for the offer, but I think I can control myself enough to wait until I get to my own bedroom."
"Oh. I must not have been clear, Holly. I can't let you leave with that key. I don't just keep spares around so that's the master key for all the locks with your pattern. It will be a few weeks before I can get copies made since the shape is so unique. You can borrow it here, but I can't let you take it with you. You already lost one and if that one went missing, there'd be hundreds of belts with no backup."
"What!? You weren't 'not clear' you didn't tell me that at all!"
"I know, that was my fault and I apologized already," He replied, remaining infuriatingly calm
"Why can't I just take it and give it back to you some other time? It's not like I just threw mine away or anything"