“Nice. You mean the one where you do dance moves while simultaneously battling lethal assassins?”

  She brightens, my humor lost altogether.

  “Yeah, that one!”

  “Did you beat it yet?”

  She grins. “I’m so close! I just need to perfect my Gangnam-style horseback jig, and then I’ll be ready for Terminator Xtra. He won’t be able to handle the jig.”

  I giggle while shaking my head ruefully. Looking at Lizzy, no one would expect her to be a mega nerd because she has straight blonde hair, perfectly-done makeup, and pretty much only wears super-feminine clothing. I know the truth, though. After Lizzy’s finished with work, she goes home, puts on her sweatpants, and kicks ass at whatever new game she’s playing this week. I think she usually competes against a bunch of fourteen-year-old boys, but hey, who am I to judge?

  But more often than not, Lizzy is yawning through her entire shift because she only slept a couple hours. She never changes, and it’s endearing as well as exasperating.

  “I’m sure you’ll destroy the game tonight.”

  She brightens and crosses her fingers.

  “Here’s hoping. I’m going to take my break now that you’re here. Is that okay with you?”

  “Sure thing. Take a nap in the back. I hear Cardine’s not coming in today, thank god.”

  Lizzy grins. “I know. Our manager is the worst. She seriously needs to get that stick out of her butt.”

  I quickly drop my bag in the break room and head out onto the sales floor. It’s already pretty busy at Crème today. The store is small, but it’s got the best selection in the county. We carry a ton of brands, but in addition to the usual lines, Crème actually has its own house brand that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s really good, and I wear a lot of the lipsticks and eyeshadows from the Crème line. Suddenly, a voice comes from over by my elbow.

  “Hi, can you help me? I’m looking for a new concealer because the one I have just isn’t working for me anymore.”

  The young woman in front of me is quite lovely, but I can see the color difference between her skin and her concealer. There’s literally a line near her jaw where her flesh changes from orange-toned to pink-toned. Normal people probably wouldn’t notice, but I have an eye for this kind of thing. It’s why they hired me as a make-up consultant. When I was sixteen, I wandered in to window shop, and I ended up helping some customers. The owners took note and offered me a job on the spot.

  Now it’s two years later, and I still love what I do. I’m only a sales associate, but ever since I turned eighteen, I’ve been hoping to do some of the cosmetic consultations that Crème specializes in. People come in for make-overs, and it’s really fun because I’ll get to paint their faces using many of our latest products. I’ve been dying to start but Cardine’s been hesitant because of my age. Hmph. It’s not like she’s so old herself.

  Meanwhile, I turn to the young woman at my side.

  “Happy to help!” I say. “I think I know exactly what you need.”

  I bring her over to our concealers and search for the one I’m looking for. We have a sample of it, so I squeeze some on the back of her hand and it comes out a blowy, pinky-peach.

  “See how it matches your skin tone almost perfectly?”

  Her eyes widen as she smears it into her hand. It disappears while also rendering her skin flawless. “Oh my gosh, you’re a miracle worker. This is amazing!”

  I smile. “No problem! Is there anything else you’re looking for?”

  She thinks for a moment.

  “Well, since I have you, what would you recommend for mascara? I’m so sick of the drugstore version I have right now because it clumps up way too much. I’ve been using it since I was fourteen, and it’s time for a change.”

  I smile.

  “Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. Well, the Crème mascara is my personal favorite. It’s what I’m wearing right now.”

  I flutter my lashes to show her how smooth yet thick the mascara goes on. I’ve never had issues with clumping. She nods enthusiastically.

  “That’s what I need!”

  “Sure, let me show you where we keep the display.”

  I take her around to a few different areas of the store and end up filling the woman’s basket with a ton of new makeup options. She’s thrilled when we get to checkout, even though she ends up spending a lot more than planned.

  “I just came in for concealer, but I am so glad I met you. Thank you for everything! I’m Mabel by the way. And you are?”

  “Bella,” I reply with a smile, handing her the receipt. “Come by anytime. I’m always happy to help.” She smiles again and waves on her way out as I return the gesture. Perfect. Another satisfied customer. This job is amazing.

  Lizzy sidles up behind me at the register. “Great work, Bells. How much did she end up buying?”

  I turn to my co-worker with a mock frown.

  “You know it’s not just about the sales. It’s about giving customers hope.”

  Lizzy merely chortles.

  “Oh my god, you’ve really drunk the Kool-Aid. But by the way, there’s a man over by blush display waiting to talk to you. That’s what I really came over for.”

  “Hmm, okay. Let me see what he needs.”

  Lizzy’s glance is mischievous. “Let me know when you find out, girlfriend. It could be fun!”

  I merely shake my head while starting for the back of the shop. We do sell products for men, but it’s not often that we get a male customer. More likely, he’s shopping for a girlfriend and wants some assistance, although I’m not sure why he asked for me specifically. Maybe his girlfriend is one of my regulars?

  I turn the corner by the fake eyelash display and then skid to a halt because it’s not any random guy. It’s Marcus Randall, huge and broad, looking even more masculine standing next to a line of pretty pink blushes. What is he doing here?

  He doesn’t see me at first, so I have a chance to take in the gorgeous pilot. He’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt, although I can’t help but remember the shorts he had on this morning. They didn’t leave much to the imagination, and my mouth waters upon remembering the thick snake that wrapped around his waist.

  But now the handsome man looks up, catching me staring. His blue eyes flash mischievously.

  “Hey Bella.”

  “Hi, Mr. Randall!” I chirp with fake cheer, a blush staining my cheeks. Oh my god, everything that happens around this man is so embarrassing! “How can I help you? Are you shopping for a gift for Faith?”

  He merely smiles and shakes his head.

  “No, I’m not shopping for Faith. I came to see you, actually.”

  I flush. “You did? Oh my god, did we spill make-up on the carpet or the sofa? I’m so sorry. I know of some industrial strength cleaner that will get it out—”

  But he stops me mid-sentence.

  “Nope, the furniture’s all fine. Actually, I have something I need to give you.”

  I shoot him a puzzled glance.

  “Oh. Did I leave something at your house? I’m so sorry, I thought I grabbed everything before I left. I even double-checked.”

  He nods, those blue eyes flashing again.

  “You did, and it’s nothing like that. Um, is there somewhere private we can talk?”

  I shoot him a confused look but then smile brightly.

  “Yes, of course! Let’s go out back for a second. I just have to tell my coworker so she can cover the floor.”

  I lead Marcus towards the back door of the shop. As we pass Lizzy, I tell her I’ll return in just a minute. She gives me a smile and a discreet thumbs up as we stroll by and I groan internally. Oh god, please don’t embarrass me even more, is my thought. But why is Marcus here? What did I forget at the Randall home that needs to be returned so urgently?

  I mentally run through what I packed, but I’m pretty sure I gathered my toothbrush, my clothes, and all the cosmetics I brought over. Even if I didn’t, I’ve left stuff at the Randalls’ house before and it’s no big deal. Generally, I just pick it up the next time I’m around.

  The warm, summer air hits me as we exit the back of Crème. This is the loading area for accepting deliveries, and it’s a deserted concrete strip. There are a bunch of stores on this block, but the other businesses don’t use it much, so as usual, it’s just tarmac with a few dead shrubs nearby. I turn to the handsome pilot with a smile.

  “Thanks so much for stopping by, Mr. Randall. But you didn’t have to. I could have picked it up whatever it is tomorrow, or even today. You didn’t have to make a special trip.”

  He merely smiles mysteriously before reaching into his pocket.

  “No, I thought you might be missing this too much to wait. It’s better to get it back to you sooner rather than later.”

  Then, he smirks as he pulls a small plastic baggie out of his back pocket, inside of which is my lube. It’s undeniable because the K-Y brand stands out in big block letters through the clear plastic. My face goes ashen and then bright red.

  “Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”

  How the hell did this happen? Of course, of all the things I brought for the sleepover, I would forget this! I need it when I use my dildo, but why didn’t I remember to pack it away? It must have slipped under the bed or something.

  Speaking of which, where is my dildo? Oh my god, I hope I didn’t forget that too!

  As if reading my mind, the handsome man smirks again.

  “You did forget it. Your dildo cum vibrator is at my house,” Marcus says simply.

  My heart sinks and I silently pray for the world to open up and swallow me whole. “No, that’s not possible.”

  “But it is, Bella. I found it when I was cleaning the guest room today.”

  My mind races. How can that be?

  Then the morning comes back to me in a flash. I hadn’t really put anything away before I went downstairs to make coffee, and then seeing Marcus threw me into a frenzy. I ended up packing like a madman as I left, and I must have forgotten these two items. They were probably under the pillow or mixed up with the sheets, and I didn’t do a thorough scan before taking off.

  My heart crashes into the ground and fire overtakes my entire form. I feel like I’m burning up from the inside out, and I’m going to collapse into a heap of ashes, I’m so embarrassed.

  “Um thanks,” I mutter, staring at my feet. “I really appreciate it.”

  Marcus laughs, although the sound comes out a bit hoarse.

  “Oh no, sweetheart. I don’t have the dildo with me right now. You’ll have to come by and get it.”

  But I’m still not thinking straight.

  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to leave it at your place,” I say, fumbling over the words. “Please, don’t judge me on this. I should have cleaned up after myself. I can imagine what you’re thinking right now.”

  “No, I don’t think you can,” Marcus intones, his voice deeper than usual. “I’m not mad, Bella. Relax.”

  “Do you have it with you? I can go put it in my car really quickly.” My voice comes out in a rush and obviously, I’m totally discombobulated and not thinking straight.

  Marcus shakes his head. “Again, sweetheart, I didn’t bring it.”

  This time, my chin snaps up to look at him.

  “What? You didn’t?”

  He shakes his head. “No. I thought it would be better if you picked it up at the house.”

  I nod furiously. “Oh sure, of course. I can get it tomorrow, whenever is convenient for you. But please, Mr. Randall, can we not tell Faith about this? I’d rather she not know about the situation. She’d never let me live it down!”

  He grins.

  “In that case, we’d better do the handoff when Faith isn’t home. She’s working a double shift at the diner tonight, and she won’t be home until early tomorrow morning. Are you able to stop by after work today?”

  I gape for a moment. Today? I wasn’t prepared for that. I was hoping that I’d have some time to collect myself before showing up at the Randall home. But then, my mouth opens.

  “Um sure! I’ll come by tonight,” I say in a rush.

  Marcus nods, smiling that wicked smile again. “Don’t be embarrassed, Bella. It’s fine, really. You’re a woman and women have urges, just like men.”

  I meet his eyes and I’m almost shocked at the fire burning in those blue depths. But I clamp down on the answering flame rising in my breast.

  “Thanks, Mr. Randall,” I squeak, gripping the plastic baggie tight before stuffing it awkwardly in a pocket. It bulges, but what can I do? “I really should get back to work.”

  “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll see you tonight.”

  With a wave, he strolls around the building to the parking lot out front. Finally, I’m alone, and I take a deep breath, still shaking from the encounter. This is my worst nightmare. I never should have brought my toy to the Randalls’ house! What in the world was I thinking?

  Yet, deep down, it’s also exciting. I don’t know why, but I like the idea of Marcus seeing my personal sex toy, and even touching it. Did he do more than pick it up? Did he imagine me using it on myself?

  But therein lies the question because my conscious brain tells me that the handsome man found it while he was cleaning the room the next day. But in my heart of hearts, somehow I know it’s not true. Marcus Randall saw me diddling myself, and instead of being embarrassed, instead all I feel is a rush of need. What will tonight bring?

  5

  Marcus

  * * *

  I pour rice into the frying pan and flip the chicken a few times over the bed of pilaf. I’m not much of a chef, but chicken and rice I can handle. I even added some steamed broccoli for variety, and it’s a beautiful bright green. I was thinking of having both Faith and Bella as my dinner companions tonight, but that changed after I found the dildo. Now, I’m glad my daughter is working because it’ll make this handoff a lot more interesting.

  The doorbell rings, and immediately, adrenalin surges through my veins. How does she do this to me? I turn off the stove and wipe my hands on a towel before striding to the door.

  Bella is standing on our porch, still in her tight blue cropped t-shirt and black jeans. I love the Crème look because they allow their girls to dress how they like, so long as they put an apron on over it. But now that she’s off work, I can see the outfit perfectly. The fabric hugs her curves, emphasizing that lush cleavage and her wide hips. Of course, this is nothing compared to her nude body and pendulous breasts from last night, but it’s still an amazing view.

  “Hi Mr. Randall,” Bella chirps cheerily, her eyes a bit too bright. “Thanks for having me over!”

  “Hey, Bells, come in. And please, don’t you think it’s time you started calling me Marcus?”

  She steps inside, and her skin is flushed a lovely shade of creamy pink. I didn’t mean to embarrass her, but still, the situation before us is quite unique. This was my excuse to get Bella alone and I’m glad she actually agreed to come over.

  The door shuts and she shuffles her feet nervously in the foyer.

  “Um, sure, Marcus, I can do that. So, uh, where’s my…”

  “Dildo?” I interrupt with a sly smile. “You can say the word. It’s not dirty.”

  She blushes fire-engine red, and I like it.

  “It feels dirty though,” she whispers.

  I grin, my veins already pulsing with fire. “Say it, honey. It won’t kill you. Repeat after me: ‘Do you have my dildo?’”

  Her skin is scarlet now, but it’s fetching all the same. Her brown eyes open wide and her lips move, but they don’t emit any sound.

  “Louder, baby. I want to hear it.”

  “Dildo,” Bella whispers. “Do you have my dildo, Daddy?”

  I stand star-struck for a moment. Wow, adding “Daddy” at the end makes my cock harden until it’s almost painful and a smile crosses my features.

  “I sure do, honey. But come on in, and we’ll talk about what you were doing under my roof with the toy.”

  She swallows heavily, and follows me into the kitchen, her curvy form trembling.

  “I made some chicken and rice for dinner,” I call over my shoulder. “It’s ready, if you’d like some.”

  She swallows again.

  “I really should go, Marcus. After I grab my stuff, that is.”

  “No, sweetheart, stay for a bit. I think you’ll enjoy the food.”

  Bella bites her lip and glances towards the now-closed front door. I can practically see the battle in her mind. She wants to stay, but is also embarrassed and wondering how much more embarrassing things can get. But I can tell she’s intrigued and hungry too, as her stomach rumbles faintly.

  “Okay, sure,” she finally murmurs. “That sounds good.”

  I act like nothing’s wrong.

  “Perfect. Why don’t you take a seat on the couch and I’ll bring a couple plates in?”

  Bella nods again and makes her way to the living room. Faith and I usually eat at the kitchen table, but I want Bella to feel more comfortable. Sometimes, eating in front of the TV takes the atmosphere down a notch. But before I serve the food, I bring out two wineglasses.

  “Don’t tell your parents,” I wink. “But I know you and Faith have had alcohol a time or two. I’ll supervise you this time.”

  Her eyes widen. “It’s not often, I swear! We’re not party girls or anything like that. We’re actually really into the sober life.”

  I grin.

  “It’s okay. Faith knows I don’t mind as long as she’s safe, and I trust my daughter. The more you make something forbidden or taboo, the more your child will want it, anyways.”

  “Thanks, Marcus,” Bella says in a low voice before reaching for a wine glass. Then, she takes a tentative sip of the cabernet. “Wow, that’s really good.”

  I nod, my voice smooth.

  “I picked it up on my last flight to Italy. Just give me a minute to grab the chicken, and I’ll tell you more about the vintage.”

  I plate the food and then join Bella on the couch. She takes the steaming dish from my hands, looking at the chicken hungrily.