Текст книги "What Emma Craves"

Автор книги: Amanda Abbott

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“I can’t believe that!” Caroline exclaimed. “That’s so ballsy. Right in your own house? I would’ve been in a white-hot rage.”

“It’s not that ballsy for this neighborhood, let me tell you,” Emma said. “Candace regularly bangs a twenty-two-year-old in her garage, and she apparently discovered that we live an extracurricular sex life, most likely from spying through our windows, and came here looking for some action.”

“Was Pete into it?” Gillian asked. “That doesn’t seem like it would be his style.”

“No, of course not!” Emma said. “But I let him think I was pissed about it. Well, I was pissed, but I wasn’t as mad as I portrayed. Nobody wants to catch their husband kissing someone else.” She nodded at Piper. “That was because you empowered me to not gloss over everything and try to make everyone feel good. I saw my opportunity and took it.” Emma proceeded to give the girls all the juicy tidbits about what happened. “So, in the end, Pete was upset he’d made me mad, and that’s unusual for us. My usual is to make everything fine at all costs. By doing it this way, I’m trying to coax him into seeing me again. Our life has become predictable, but I have high hopes for this vacation. Thanks to Piper’s advice, I’ll be doing some strutting.”

Gillian asked, “So are we going to get to see this interloper Candace at the block party? Because that would be awesome.”

Emma said, “I certainly hope so. It won’t be as fun if she doesn’t show.”

5

__________________________

____________

Pete strode into the packed bar. He was a little late. His workload for the week had been heavy, so he’d worked longer than expected. He spotted the guys at a high-top and made his way over.

“Hey, Pete,” Michael said, holding his hand out. “Nice to see you again.”

Pete shook it and nodded to the two other guys as he took his seat. “Thanks for the invite. It was nice to get the call. Who would’ve thought we’d see each other out socially after our interactions together?”

“I know,” Michael said. “It’s strange as hell, but oddly it works. We all share a pretty hard-core component of our lives, which doesn’t tend to come up a lot in everyday conversation with other people.”

Brad nodded. “I don’t talk about my life ever. Most people at work think I’m socially awkward because I never talk.” He chuckled. “But they can think whatever the fuck they want to. It’s nice to be able to slam back a beer and feel comfortable for once.”

“I agree,” Pete said, nodding. “This was unexpected, but welcome. And if anyone can use a drink, I can. I’ve had a shitty week.” He nodded across the table at Jace. “It’s nice to see you again, man. I hope all is well with you and yours.”

“Things are going great,” Jace said. “In part, thanks to you and your wife. What we did at your house managed to break some kind of a seal for Caroline, and our sex life has never been better.”

“Glad to hear it,” Pete said.

The waiter came, and Pete gave him his order.

“Piper mentioned something about Emma being unhappy?” Michael said.

Pete raised his eyebrows. “Emma hasn’t said anything to me directly about being unhappy, but her actions certainly point in that direction.” He shook his head. “She’s done a complete turnaround from her normal temperament, and I can’t figure it out. Nothing big has changed in our lives. We haven’t swapped with any couples in a long time. Not because we’re not into it anymore, but we’ve just been busy, and all of you”—he gestured around the table—“have left the lifestyle as far as I know, at least for now.”

“We haven’t left,” Michael said, shaking his head. “We’re just experimenting with something new. It was time for a change, and it’s been a doozy. Have you ever heard of the Sexual Underground?”

“No,” Pete said. “Can’t say I have.”

“It’s fairly new, from what I know. It’s basically a well-organized orgy. We’ve been twice now, and it’s fucking amazing—literally,” Michael told him. “But I’m only with Piper now, so that piece has changed. We’ve had our own metamorphosis, so to speak, and we’ve found that we work the best being exclusive but in a highly charged atmosphere.”

“We’re not out of the lifestyle either,” Brad added. “Gillian is in the process of setting up these soft BDSM parties. She’s planning one a month. Similar to the orgy we attended with them”—he gestured at Michael—“but more controlled, and on a much smaller scale. But we’ve been derailed a bit.” He lowered his voice. “Do you guys know Tyler Blackstone?”

“The baseball player who just got traded to the Brewers?” Jace said, his eyebrows shooting up. “Of course we know him. There was a big question on whether or not they would land him. He’s a hell of a player and came with a hell of a price tag.”

Brad replied, “Well, let’s just say we’ve met up with him and his escort a few times and it’s pretty hot. Gillian wants to set something up with him on a regular basis.”

“Is that who you guys hooked up with the night of the orgy?” Michael asked. “No fucking way.”

Brad nodded. “But that stays between us right here.” He circled his hand around the table. “I can’t go into a lot of detail, because the guy pretty much made us swear we wouldn’t talk about it. If he could’ve made us sign a nondisclosure agreement, he would’ve. But I don’t really buy into that shit. If you’re in the lifestyle, so be it. But I guess this guy has a right to his privacy, since he’s in the public eye. Anyway, it was crazy. He’s so rich he’s got everything in spades. He even has this huge decked-out fuck room above the warehouse, and let me tell you, he likes it hard.” Brad shook his head as his voice trailed off, and he took a sip of his beer.

“You can’t leave us hanging like that. Go on,” Michael urged. “We have to hear the rest. We’re a bunch of horny motherfuckers, or haven’t you noticed?”

Brad shrugged. “I can’t, man. Not so much for Tyler, but for Gillian. I promised her I wouldn’t say anything. She’s already going to kill me for telling you his name. I’m in trouble, but I’ll take my licks.”

“Is he a switch hitter?” Jace asked.

“No,” Brad said. “It’s all girl and guy, and completely regimented. It’s right up Gillian’s alley. My wife has never had an issue with this lifestyle a day in her life. She thrives on it, and seeing her hot is what gets me going, so I’m going along with it for now. We’ll see in the future.”

“I wish I could say the same about Emma,” Pete lamented. “If you would’ve asked me a month ago, I would’ve said Emma felt the same way—and had no issue with the lifestyle at all. I would’ve told you she thrived on it. We’ve been in it for years with no complaints. But now I have no idea. She actually told me that if I was sneaking around with people, she could, too. What does that even mean?”

“Are you sneaking around with other people?” Michael asked.

“Of course not. I love my wife. But Emma caught the woman next door, a fortysomething cougar, kissing me. This woman hijacked me in my own kitchen. She came on strong with no provocation on my part, but I couldn’t shake her in time. Emma walked in on us and freaked out. She had to know nothing was going on, but she was bent out of shape anyway. She knows I’d never take Candace to bed. It isn’t even in the realm of possibilities.”

“Man, that’s rough,” Brad commented. “I feel your pain. So what are you going to do now?”

Pete made a face. “I have no idea. We’re going on this big vacation in a few days. We’re hitting the Bahamas. I’m hoping we can work it out while we’re there. Some time alone would be a good thing right now.”

“Caroline mentioned something about that,” Jace said. “She was shopping for your wife. I guess they’re throwing her some kind of vacation shower? I don’t know, I don’t get women stuff. Aren’t you guys going to some kind of secret sex resort?”

“Yep,” Pete answered. “This resort is way under the radar. You actually have to get a referral to book a suite. They only have twenty villas. We were lucky to get accepted and that they had space available. So we jumped on the dates they gave us. But now, the more I’m thinking about it, maybe I should reschedule until things get back to normal. I don’t want to screw up this vacation.”

“Nah, I think it’s a perfect time to go,” Michael said. “What better backdrop to make your wife fall in love with you all over again than white-sand beaches and palm trees?”

“Fall in love again?” Pete balked. “I hope she hasn’t fallen out of love with me. Jesus.” He ran a hand around the back of his neck.

“I don’t think she’s literally fallen out of love with you, but it sounds like she could use some serious wooing again. Was it her idea to go there or yours?”

“Mine.” The waiter dropped his beer off, and Pete took a long drink. He set it down. “But my wife loves watching people have sex. She says there’s art in it, and I agree with her. The place we’re going is ridiculously expensive and exclusive. It doesn’t even have an official name. The guy I know just calls it Paradise. What better place to watch the art of sex than in paradise? I don’t know. I thought it was a good idea at the time.”

“I think she’ll enjoy it,” Michael said. “But from what I know about women, it’s going to take some work on your part to make sure she does. You’re going to have to learn to appreciate her all over again, just like I did with Piper. That means no fucking other women while you’re there, even if Emma says it’s okay. All your attention should be focused on her. Her wants and needs, not yours.”

“That won’t be hard,” Pete said. “She’s all I can think about since we’ve been fighting. I’ve never seen her act like this, and it’s gotten under my skin. If we can’t fix this, it’s going to make me crazy. Sex is sex. But love is something different. I’ve chosen one woman to be with forever, and that’s Emma. Period.”

“Then just make sure she knows that, and you’re all set.” Michael held up his beer. “To the women we love even though they make us crazy.”

All the guys raised their beers.

“Amen,” Brad said as he clinked his glass against the others’ and took a drink.

* * *

Emma had to cover her mouth and look away so she didn’t laugh out loud. Bringing the girls to the block party had been purely for entertainment purposes, which Emma loved in so many ways, but they were all having so much fun they stayed longer than she’d anticipated. It was way past dark, and they were all settled around a bonfire in a neighbor’s yard two doors down. All the folks who were at the fire were the most interesting characters—including Candace, who had slunk over fifteen minutes prior. Gillian currently had her arm draped around The Cougar’s shoulders, and Candace was as uncomfortable as Emma had ever seen her.

It was hilarious. Emma hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

When Candace had first joined the group, Gillian had gotten Emma’s attention and made a face, inclining her head slightly in Candace’s direction, and Emma had nodded. It had been the Is this the bitch? look. And Emma’s reply had answered, Why, yes, yes, it is.

Piper elbowed Emma and leaned over. “I haven’t had this much fun at a block party in ever. These people are nuts! The guy next to me just admitted he wanted to try ‘something edgy’ and would I be interested in seeing his glass art collection. Dude, I feel like if I went with him, he’d slice me up and pack me away in his freezer. Since when is glass art edgy?”

Emma laughed, peering over Piper’s left shoulder. “That’s Steve. He’s fairly harmless as far as I know. He lives at the end of the block. I’ve only met him a handful of times. I don’t think he’s ever been married, and I’ve never seen another car parked out front. So who knows? He could be an ax murderer. My advice is to not go.”

“Have no fear. It isn’t even a long-shot option. Pigs would literally have to start flying through the air, and the only protection would be his house because all the other ones blew up before we could find a safe haven.”

Caroline stuck her head into the conversation from Emma’s right. “You guys, Gillian is killing me over there. Look—”

All three of their heads snapped toward Gillian, who appeared to be giving Candace some much-needed advice in the form of a lengthy oration. Every once in a while she’d slap Candace on the shoulder, and then she’d grip the woman and shake her.

It was hard not to feel bad for Candace, but instead, Emma felt absolutely gleeful. “I wonder what she’s telling her. I hope it’s how not to be a dirty slut.” Emma pressed her palm over her mouth so she didn’t snort-laugh. She didn’t want to offend people she had to see daily. “We should really get out of here,” she said to the girls once she calmed down. “It’s getting late, and I never anticipated we’d stay for so long. Things are getting weirder by the hour.”

“We can go anytime, but I have to tell you, I loved being here,” Caroline said. “Your elderly neighbors, the Dwyers, were so sweet to talk to. But the woman who was just sitting next to me is a stone-cold drunk.” Caroline uttered the word drunk like someone else might say the name of a dreadful disease. “She’s got her own monogrammed flask, for heaven’s sake!” Caroline started to laugh, but kept her voice low. “She seems to think it’s normal to have one and told me how she brings it to all her kids’ sporting events. Honestly, it’s so brazen! Who would do that? And who would tell that to someone they just met?”

Emma nodded. “That’s Tracy.” She said the rest under her breath. “She’s been to rehab twice. She thinks she’s fooling her husband, and us, but we all know. She’s not allowed to drive their kids around anymore.”

“Oh no, that’s so sad!” Caroline said, gasping, covering her mouth. “Now I feel bad for talking about her!”

“Don’t worry about it.” Emma patted Caroline’s leg. “She hires these guys who she calls her ‘workmen’ to come over to ‘work on her house.’” Emma winked. “If they’re not male escorts, then I’m the one who’s drunk. How many workmen look like Chippendale dancers? The answer is maybe two.” Emma held up two fingers and chuckled. “There are a few, but they’re rare. Candace is just completely unhappy and always has been. She got married to appease her family. My guess is she gets divorced in the next year or two and moves to someplace like Costa Rica, ditches the alcohol, and becomes a yoga instructor on the beach.”

“On that note,” Piper interjected, “let’s blow this pop stand. We have presents to open and sex to talk about.” Piper stood, gesturing across the bonfire to Gillian to wrap it up. She glanced down at Emma. “But this was totally fun. Our block parties are few and far between, and never this interesting.”

Emma stood and waved to the Lincolns, whose yard they’d been in. They were an older couple who traveled a lot. They were the most fun and normal of the group—if you call tax evasion normal. Emma had found out that they’d been audited twice for it and had been forced to either pay huge fines or do jail time. “Thanks for hosting this, Sandy!” Emma called. “We’re taking off.”

Everyone said their good-byes.

Gillian got up last, wagging a finger and smiling at Candace as she went. They all heard her say, “If you’re ever looking for a pick-me-up, just give me a call. Emma has my number.”

Piper linked arms with Gillian and Emma as they walked back to Emma’s house. Caroline was ahead of them, carrying the empty bowl and the extra beers Emma had brought to the bonfire.

“What the hell were you saying to Candace the Cougar? It looked intense,” Piper asked Gillian.

“Well, after I lit into her about coming on to married men who aren’t asking for it,” Gillian told them, “I discovered that she’s just this incredibly lost, unhappy soul. So my inner helper came out. Because, you know, that’s how I roll.”

Emma laughed. “Really? Your inner helper? And this for the woman who tried to seduce my husband?”

“Hey, I’m an equal opportunity gal,” Gillian joked. “Candace hinted that she knows you guys are swingers, but, just so you know, I shot her down. I made up something about you guys building playsets in your basement. Apparently, you’re not the only one who snoops in windows around here.”

“I’m sure I’m not,” Emma agreed. “It’s pretty much the standard pastime in this neck of the woods. When everyone knows when you’re coming or going, it’s easy to snoop.”

“You know who else is easy?” Piper said. “Me. Now let’s get in there and open these presents. I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you open mine!”

6

__________________________

____________

Once the girls were all situated in the den, Caroline carried her and Piper’s gifts and set them in front of Emma. Caroline’s was the size of a small shirt box and was wrapped in white paper and topped with a silver bow.

“You didn’t have to go this crazy,” Emma told Caroline as she bent down and lifted the box onto her lap. “But I appreciate it.” As she began to unwrap the gift, she felt a little wistful. “You know, I never had a wedding shower, so it delights me that I’m getting a chance to do it now.”

“What?” Caroline gasped as she sat on the couch across from Emma. Piper sat next to her, and Gillian took her place on a stuffed chair across from them. “I had about ten showers. Where I come from, it’s practically a requirement to make sure every single relative on both sides can attend at least one shower. I had a shower for my grade-school friends, my prep-school girls, my college sisters, and my grandma Betsy’s United Daughters of the Confederacy group had one for me. Goodness, come to think about it, it was much too much! But I’m beyond happy we get to do this for you. That makes it all the sweeter. Now I wish I would’ve bought you even more.”

“Nonsense,” Emma said, waving a hand in dismissal. “This is more than enough.” She tore the paper off and balled it up, setting it next to her on the floor.

“Why didn’t you have a shower?” Piper asked. “I only had two. I didn’t even want one, but Michael’s sisters insisted. Then my mom ended up swooping into town on her broom a week before we got married. It was right before my parents moved to warmer climes, and she insisted on putting together one for her side of the family. I think about ten people attended. It was arduous as hell.”

Emma kept the box on her lap, wanting to savor the unveiling of what was inside for a few minutes longer. “I’d just turned twenty-two when Pete asked me to marry him. We were only engaged for two months before we tied the knot. My entire family and friends were all in Kansas. They were too far away, and we wanted to get married in Chicago. It had become our real home very quickly. We were married in a simple ceremony at the courthouse with one of Pete’s friends and his girlfriend as our witnesses. I’ve never regretted a single day since.” She glanced down at the gift, running her fingers along the top of the box. “But it’s so nice of you guys to do this now. If Pete and I had just met, you three would totally be my bridesmaids.”

“That would be so fun!” Caroline said. “You would be mine, too. I had ten. Yes, ten. It was a circus. I would do it much differently now. Me and Jace, you three, some kind of sunset backdrop. It would be elegant and simple.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I never had a shower either,” Gillian told them. “Brad and I dated for about six months, and then we eloped to Vegas.”

“And you were married by an Elvis impersonator, right?” Piper said.

“Of course we were,” Gillian replied, reclining on the chair, settling a leg over the armrest. Gillian had arresting features. Her hair was black, cut long over her blue eyes, short in the back. With her tattoos, she fit the glam biker chick to a T. “Did you think for a second someone else would’ve married us?”

“Nope,” Piper said. “Gillian, I seriously adore you. Now, while Emma opens her gifts, you’re going to have to spill some details about your recent adventures. And before you tell us you can’t, we’re all willing to swear an oath right now that we won’t breathe a word to anyone. It would break the sacred STD trust if we did.” Piper placed a hand over her heart, her face striving for earnest.

Emma added, “Please, Gillian. Gifts and juicy gossip would make this the best shower ever. I’m with Piper. It won’t go further than this room. I won’t even tell Pete. You have my word.”

“Yes!” Caroline nodded her agreement. “Gillian, I’ve never taken you for someone who would shy away from details about your sex life. If this mystery guy, or girl, or people, of yours opted into the lifestyle, they should be well aware that there will be talk in certain circles. If you don’t share, we’re all going to assume they have some hold over you.”

“No one has anything over me,” Gillian replied casually. “When I’m asked to be discreet, I am. I’d do the same for any of you.” She swept her arm out in front of her. “If you didn’t want me to talk about something, my mouth would be a steel trap.”

“Yes, but we’re your girlfriends,” Piper urged. “Rules get bent for us. That’s just the way it is. And, honestly, who would we tell?” Piper glanced around the group. “We’re the only ones we talk to about this lifestyle. Plus, whoever you met up with was at the orgy—people have to know who they are if they’re members. Michael and I have been twice now, and we’ve met quite a few folks who love to gossip. I’d rather hear it from the horse’s mouth—you being said horse—instead of the rumor mill.”

“Okay, fine,” Gillian answered coyly. “This horse will confirm that he’s a member of the Underground, but he’s what they call an ‘anonymous member,’ so your threat of the rumor mill has no cred. Most people don’t know about him at all.”

“He! It’s a he!” Piper exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “Now we’re getting somewhere. More, please.”

“Well, it’s actually a they,” she corrected. “He always has a submissive with him. He’s the dominant force, though. He has his own suite upstairs in the warehouse. Only the elite members get those, and they cost a fortune.”

“He must be filthy rich then,” Caroline breathed. “Piper told us the annual dues are outrageous.”

“They are,” Piper agreed, nodding. “It’s like remortgaging-the-house expensive to join. But there are different levels. If you want to host parties, like we do, it costs a lot more. We still haven’t officially joined yet. We get a few more ‘experimental’ passes, so we’re taking them before we decide how much we want to spend.”

“What I want to know,” Emma said, “is how in the world did they find you and Brad out of all those people? Piper said you and Brad were there one minute, gone the next.”

Gillian sat up in her chair and grabbed a water bottle she’d set next to her. They’d all stopped drinking a while ago. It was a long drive back for everyone to the city. “Brad and I have a mutual friend in common with this guy. One who happened to be at the orgy. When the action started in the main room, she caught my attention and waved us over. She asked if we would be interested in going upstairs to meet the mystery man, and we said yes. That’s it.”

“That’s so not it!” Piper interjected. “You’re making it sound like you went out and had a casual dinner with them. When we saw you later that week at my house, you raved about it being one of the hottest thing you’ve ever done. So at least spill something about the sex if you won’t say who it is. We need to know why it was so hot. Dude, we’re dying on the vine here.”

“Emma, continue opening your gifts,” Caroline urged, swishing her wrist, “while Gillian keeps talking. We all need to hear this, but you deserve to keep opening.”

“Fine,” Gillian said, crossing her arms. “I’ll talk about some of the particulars, but not the people.”

“We will be mollified with that for now,” Piper said. “Please continue.”

Emma had her hands on Caroline’s gift box, but she didn’t want Gillian to stop talking, so she waited. It was obvious Gillian was uncomfortable divulging information she’d promised to keep secret, but she began, “Our mutual friend took us up a staircase at the very back of the warehouse. It was kind of cloak-and-dagger, which I’m not always a fan of, but this time I was curious. Mostly because my friend was almost jumping up and down because she was so excited for us to meet him. She told us she knew right away that this was going to be a great match.” Gillian stopped her story and gestured to Emma. “Aren’t you going to open that thing up? Come on, I want to see what Caroline got you.”

Emma nodded once, shaking herself out of the story. “Okay, but you’re using this as a stall tactic,” Emma told her as she finally lifted the lid. Setting it aside, she parted the white tissue paper. The first thing she saw was a beautiful teddy. It was creamy silk with a delicate lace pattern edging the top. She drew it carefully out of the box by the straps. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Caroline, is this real silk?”

“Yes,” Caroline answered excitedly. “I couldn’t help myself. I went with cream because it reminded me of your perfectly flawless skin. If you’d like it in another color, it’s no problem. They have greens and reds—”

“No, of course not,” Emma said, shaking her head. “I love it! It’s absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to wear it.” Very carefully she laid it over the arm of the sofa. Next were a few small bottles with red labels. She took one out. “Edible body oil?”

“And lube!” Caroline squealed, clapping. “I’m sure you’ve tried things like this many times, or maybe you even have some, but these are imported, and they actually taste good. I found them on a website with rave reviews, and I can vouch for them myself. Don’t hesitate to use them on Pete. They’ll make blowing him an extra welcome experience. I got you strawberry and passion fruit, which are my two faves. There’s one more thing in the box, and then Gillian can continue.” She glanced over at Gillian. “You’re not off the hook. We still need to hear what went down once you got upstairs.”

Piper gave Caroline a look of disbelief as she shook her head. “You are constantly surprising me. Imported edible lube? You are a total sex ninja.”

Caroline shrugged. “Hey, the Internet makes it easy. Jace constantly wants to try new things, and I happily oblige. It’s kind of fun, actually. I usually have lunch at my desk while reading about edible panties and the newest in battery-operated vibrators. Did you know they make them this tiny?” She spread her fingers about an inch apart.

Gillian laughed. “You are a sex ninja, and it’s so funny, because you look just the opposite. I love that about you.”

“Well, thank you,” Caroline said. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Emma lifted up the last of the tissue and picked up a red velvet cloth bag, cinched at the top with a red ribbon. She felt around the outside, giggling. “Do I really want to know what’s in here, Sex Ninja?” She untied the handles and emptied the object out onto the palm of her hand. It was a small plastic cord with three balls attached. Emma knew exactly what it was. “Anal beads!”

“Not just any kind of anal beads. They’re travel size!” Caroline exclaimed as everyone in the room rocked with laughter. “Hey, you can’t knock it until you try it. They’re usually on a much longer, bulkier cord. But I found those—”

“Let me guess,” Gillian interrupted, chortling, “on the Internet?”

“Why, yes!” Caroline laughed. “Those Scandinavian countries really have a knack for toys, I’m telling you. They’re a much better quality than anything made here.”

“Maybe you should incorporate imported sex toys into your stationery business,” Piper suggested. “I bet you’d get ten times as many customers.”

“I’ve actually considered it. I’m not joking,” Caroline said. “Why not be a distributor for high-end toys you can’t find here? But right now I’m too swamped with the cards. But maybe I’ll do it someday. I like the idea of empowering women. Females take much longer to orgasm—and some can’t come during intercourse alone. This would open up a whole new world for them.”

“Wow,” Piper commented. “I’m so impressed by that.”

“Me, too,” Emma agreed. “Caroline, you’re so selfless. I love that about you, and I absolutely love all the gifts. They’re perfect and generous, just like you, and I can’t wait to use them.” Emma set everything back in the box, folding the beautiful teddy nicely and resting it on top.

“Have you tried anal beads before?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, but it was a long time ago,” Emma replied as she bent over and grabbed Piper’s gift, which was lightweight. It was decorative, with white pinstripes, and had “shower” printed in block letters on the side. Piper had used a magic marker to write the word “travel” above that and had drawn a cute little sun and a boat next to it. It was so Piper. “We were young and inexperienced, however. I’m sure this go-around will be much better.”

“The trick is to put them in a while before the action.” Caroline winked. “It gets you all jazzed up. Then put on the teddy, reach for the lube, and you’ll have a beautiful evening in paradise!”

“I’m sure I will.” Emma giggled. “You’ve thought of it all.”

“My gift will help facilitate your everyday experience,” Piper said. “I know the place you’re going is clothing optional, but I figured you can’t go wrong with these—and it gives the watcher something intriguing to look at.”

“Well, now I’m intrigued,” Emma said, setting the bag on the ground and moving the tissue paper aside.

“They’re all wrapped up individually,” Piper told her. “There are three small bundles.”

Emma grabbed the three bundles and set them on her lap. She unrolled the first one. “Oh, my!” She held up a tiny scrap of material.

It was the smallest bikini bottom she’d ever seen.

This one was pure white, with small silver buckles holding the almost nonexistent straps together on the sides. There was a tiny triangle of fabric in the front and only strings in the back.

“I only got you the bottoms,” Piper chuckled, “because you’re not going to need the tops. I picked out the sexiest ones I could find. I figured when you’re on the beach in front of the resort, having them on will only accentuate your beautiful body and make folks look at you, which is what we want. Lots of looking and pining and yearning.” She made a growling noise and pretended to stroke her imaginary penis. “We want all those potbellied rich guys to have stiffies for you.”