Chapter 41
As I tidied up the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher and washed the pans, I tried not to let myself imagine Cheryl tied spread-eagle on our bed with Lydia over her, or sliding down between her thighs.
It seemed like too much to be able to take in and imagine. There had been a time, back when I made an attempt at opening up some of my kinks to Cheryl, that we had played a bit with handcuffs and blindfolds and even some vibrators and things. I had been so focussed on my own feelings of submission that I had always tried to cast her in the role of Dominant. I wondered now if she had wanted to be the one tied up all along.
Maybe it was just Lydia that had awoken those desires in her. I didn't know and I wasn't sure I was at all ready to ask. I pushed those thoughts away.
Cheryl finished her shower and I gave her a kiss as I passed by and went in to take my own shower. It was a bittersweet feeling, finally easing the plug out of my well used ass. I took my time, getting myself all clean and smooth once more. I could feel its absence, not just because I felt like I was stretched open wide still, but also missing the sensation of it. I could feel my little cock completely soft again without that stimulation.
I hid the plug away, making a mental note to move it back to my basement room when I had the chance. As I stood in front of the mirror, I noticed that I was starting to see the changes to my body more and more obviously. My belly was tightening and my hips were softening. I didn't have to shave anywhere near as often as before, and it seemed as if even my facial features looked a bit softer. I wondered if Cheryl noticed, or if the day-to-day changes were too subtle for her to notice. I got myself dressed. Being in my normal clothes also seemed to hide the changes, or perhaps they were larger in my imagination.
We hopped into the car and drove downtown, parked, and just started roaming around. The city was still new enough to us both that it felt like an adventure to explore the streets, parks and shops. The weather cooperated and the sun shone without being too hot, with just enough breeze to make our outdoor lunch on a corner patio almost idyllic.
Conversation was easy between us and we chatted about what was happening around us, plans we still had for things to see and do, and memories that the surroundings triggered in us. I don't think either of us picked up our phones once.
We were still feeling full of energy after our meal break, so we decided to continue walking and exploring. It wasn't too big a city, but it had a remarkably vibrant and active downtown core. We kept finding little book shops or artisan's galleries that kept us going into new shops and down new streets.
Perhaps it was because of our roundabout route while exploring, or maybe it was because I was lost in our conversation, but I had no idea that we were near Ashley's adult toy store until we were right in front of it.
Cheryl seemed a little less surprised and she turned to me with a sheepish smile as she reached for the door.
"Shall we have a look?" she asked.
I felt my chest tighten and I was terrified how my face might be reacting.
"Sure," I said, trying to remember to breathe, "If you'd like to."
I walked in behind her, my eyes darting around, trying to see who was working behind the counter. With every step, I was terrified that I was walking into disaster.
Cheryl was walking in front of me still, starting to look over the aisles and racks of toys and clothes, making her way deeper and deeper into the store. She almost seemed like she was looking for something specific.
I saw Ashley first, as she approached us. She gave me a quick smile and a knowing wink while Cheryl's gaze was on the displays.
"Is there anything I can help you find?" she asked.
"Oh, not right now, I think. We're just looking," Cheryl replied, her words quick and nervous.
"Absolutely. We have some good sales this week, so just let me know if I can be of any help."
My heart was still pounding as Ashley slipped away, but at least I knew that she was going to keep my secret.
Once we were alone again, Cheryl turned to me and whispered.
"Do you remember some of the things we bought before, back when we were trying out those kinky games you liked?" she asked me.
"I think I remember some of them," I answered cautiously. "What kind of thing are you thinking of?"
She blushed.
"I was remembering those handcuff things," she whispered.
Instantly, my thoughts were back on those marks on her wrists. A good pair of leather cuffs would certainly avoid leaving evidence like Lydia's ropes had.
"Oh yes, I remember. Leather cuffs with some padded or fur lining. They buckled on."
"Yes, that's what I remember," she said. "Do you think they have those?"
"I would guess so. I think that's a pretty popular idea," I answered, not wanting to seem too knowledgeable. "Do you want to ask the girl?"
"No, not yet at least. I think I'd get all nervous and stammer or something. Let's just keep looking."
We kept browsing, meandering through the aisles, and I was perversely fascinated seeing how intensely Cheryl was looking over everything. I had to wonder just what kinds of desires Lydia had managed to unleash inside her.
We found the display of cuffs and bondage sets and, while she still seemed rather nervous about it all, Cheryl started looking through what was available.
"Are... are you looking for just a pair, or a whole set?" I asked.