“You okay there, Em?” Sophia asked, one eyebrow raised. “You look a little flushed.”
Emily cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “I’m fine. Just… thinking about tomorrow.”
Sophia cackled. “I bet you are. Gonna need all the nachos to fuel up for that, huh?”
Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn’t stop the grin spreading across her face. For the first time in ages, she felt truly excited about something. About someone.
And if going commando was what it took to keep that feeling alive, well… she was more than happy to oblige.
Emily’s eyes gleamed with mischief as she slid her phone across the sticky pub table. Sophia leaned in, squinting at the bright screen.
“Don’t bother wearing underwear, baby girl,” Sophia read aloud, her voice a mix of awe and amusement. She let out a delighted giggle that turned heads at nearby tables.
Emily felt a flush creep up her neck, remembering Lucas’ commanding tone when he’d said those words to her in person. Her body tingled at the memory.
“So what exactly are you planning to wear that lets you go commando?” Sophia asked, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Emily took a swig of her rum and coke, savouring the burn. “I’ll head straight to his place after work. Figure I’ll wear a dress and just… take them off in the car.”
The thought sent a thrill through her. It was bold, maybe even reckless. But after years of playing it safe with Ryan, she craved a little danger.
Sophia’s eyes widened. “Em! You naughty minx. I love it.” She raised her glass in a toast. “To new adventures and going pantiless!”
Emily clinked glasses, laughing. “Shh! The whole pub doesn’t need to know.”
But part of her didn’t care who heard. Let them talk. She was done living her life for other people’s approval.
As she drained her drink, Emily’s mind raced with possibilities for tomorrow night. What dress to wear? How to keep her cool at work all day, knowing what awaited her?
One thing was certain – Lucas had awakened something in her that had been dormant for far too long. And she was ready to let it run wild.
Emily’s brow furrowed as she twirled her empty glass, ice cubes clinking softly. A nagging thought had been tugging at her mind all evening.
“Soph, is it weird that I hardly know anything about Lucas?” Emily blurted out, her green eyes searching her friend’s face for reassurance.
Sophia shrugged, her auburn curls bouncing. “What do you know about him?”
Emily bit her lip, mentally cataloguing the sparse details she’d gleaned. “Well, he’s ex-military. Now he runs some kind of security firm that hires vets, helps them adjust to civilian life. But that’s about it, really.”
Fuck, she thought. How could she be so drawn to someone she knew so little about?
Sophia’s fingers flew across her phone screen. “Let’s see what Google has to say,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Emily leaned in, her heart racing. Part of her wanted to know more, while another part feared what they might find.
“Got it!” Sophia exclaimed. “His company’s called ‘Sentinel Security Solutions.’ Founded by Lucas Hart three years ago when he left the military.”
Emily’s mind whirred. Three years wasn’t that long ago. What did he done before? Why did he leave the military?
“That’s something, at least,” Emily murmured, trying to quell the unease in her stomach. She took a deep breath, the pub’s familiar scent of stale beer and greasy food grounding her.
Sophia reached across the table, squeezing Emily’s hand. “Hey, you’re just getting to know each other. It’s normal not to have his whole life story yet.”
Emily nodded, grateful for her friend’s reassurance. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Lucas than met the eye.
Emily’s phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Lucas’ name. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the message.
Daddy: Looking forward to tomorrow night, baby girl. Hope you’re ready for a treat.
Emily bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She typed out a response, deleting and retyping several times before hitting send.
Baby Girl: Can’t wait. What’s on the menu?
Daddy: For dinner? I’m thinking grilled salmon, roasted vegetables. For dessert… well, that depends on how good you are.
Emily’s cheeks flushed, a mixture of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins. She glanced up at Sophia, who was watching her with a knowing smirk.
“Lucas?” Sophia asked, raising an eyebrow.
Emily nodded, turning her attention back to her phone.
Baby Girl: Sounds delicious. And after dinner?
Daddy: I’ve got a few ideas. Hope you’re not too attached to sitting comfortably.
A shiver ran down Emily’s spine. She shifted in her seat, suddenly very aware of her body.
Baby Girl: Is that a promise?
Daddy: You know it, baby girl. Remember what I said about underwear.
Baby Girl: Yes, Daddy.
She set her phone down, her heart racing. Sophia leaned forward, curiosity written all over her face.
“Well?” Sophia prompted. “What’s the plan for tomorrow?”
Emily took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “Dinner at his place. And… well, let’s just say I might need to bring a cushion to work on Tuesday.”
Sophia’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and amusement on her face. “Damn, girl. Get it.”
Sophia’s eyes glimmered with a mixture of envy and mischief as she leaned back in her chair, the pub’s dim lighting casting shadows across her face. “God, I really need to find myself an older man,” she sighed, running a finger along the rim of her glass. “Maybe we should hit up that bar again, see if I can snag my own Lucas.”
Emily chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous, Soph. Lucas isn’t some trophy I won at a carnival.”
“No, but he’s certainly a prize,” Sophia retorted with a wink. “Come on, Em. Live vicariously through me for once. Help a girl out.”
Emily’s mind flashed to Lucas his strong hands, his commanding presence. A shiver ran down her spine. “Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” she lied, trying to keep her expression neutral.
Sophia wasn’t buying it. “Bullshit. I’ve seen that stupid grin on your face all night. Spill it, Carter.”
Emily felt her cheeks flush. “Fine. It’s… intense in all the best ways possible.”
“That’s more like it,” Sophia grinned, leaning forward eagerly. “Details, woman. I need details.”
Emily hesitated, torn between her natural reticence and the desire to share her excitement with her best friend. “Let’s just say he knows exactly what he’s doing. And he’s definitely not afraid to take charge.”
Sophia’s eyes widened. “Fuck me. That’s hot.”
“Yeah,” Emily admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. “It really is.”
Emily’s phone buzzed against the sticky pub table, vibrating like an angry hornet. She swiped it open, her eyes widening at the photo that filled the screen. A glossy Victoria’s Secret bag, all pink stripes and promises, with Lucas’ caption: “A little something for you to wear tomorrow night.”
“Fuck me,” Emily muttered, her cheeks flushing despite herself. She turned the phone towards Sophia, one eyebrow arched sceptically. “Not sure how I feel about this.”
Sophia leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she took advantage of Emily’s outstretched arm. Her fingers flew across the screen, scrolling through the earlier messages. A wicked grin spread across her face.
“Oh yes, baby girl,” Sophia drawled, mimicking Lucas’ deep tone. “Looks like someone’s got plans for you.”
Emily snatched the phone back, her heart racing. “Jesus, Soph! Nosy much?”
“Please,” Sophia scoffed, taking a swig of her rum and coke. “Like you weren’t going to tell me anyway. So, what’s in the bag? Something lacy? Something see-through?”
Emily’s mind whirled with possibilities, equal parts excitement and apprehension churning in her gut. She’d never been one for surprise lingerie before. With Ryan, it had always been… Well, boring as fuck, if she was honest.
“I don’t know,” Emily admitted, chewing her lower lip. “It’s kind of hot, but also… I mean, we barely know each other. Isn’t this a bit much?”
Sophia rolled her eyes so hard Emily thought they might fall out of her head. “Em, sweetie, you’ve already fucked the man six ways from Sunday. A little Victoria’s Secret is hardly crossing a line.”
Emily furrowed her brow, staring at the Victoria’s Secret bag on her phone screen. A mix of excitement and unease churned in her stomach.
“Is it not weird?” she blurted out, turning to Sophia. “Victoria’s Secret isn’t exactly cheap. That’s a hell of a lot to spend on someone you’ve only fucked a few times.”
Sophia rolled her eyes. “Oh please, live a little! When was the last time a guy bought you sexy lingerie?”
Emily’s mind flashed to Ryan’s pitiful attempts at romance – wilted gas station flowers and scratchy polyester nighties. She shuddered.
“Fair point,” Emily conceded. “But still… it feels like a lot.”
“Maybe he’s just loaded,” Sophia shrugged, taking a swig of her drink. “Successful business owner and all that. Possibly can just drop cash on fancy undies without blinking.”
Emily chewed her lip, mulling it over. The thought of Lucas carefully selecting lingerie for her sent a thrill through her body. But the independent part of her bristled.
“I don’t want him thinking he can buy me,” she said firmly.
Sophia snorted. “Girl, it’s lingerie, not a diamond ring. Let the man spoil you! Lord knows you deserve to be spoiled after all Ryan’s bullshit.”
Emily’s resolve wavered. After years of feeling unappreciated, the idea of being desired – truly desired – was intoxicating.
“Fuck it,” she declared, grabbing her phone. “You’re right. I’m overthinking this.”
Baby Girl: Can’t wait to wear it for you tomorrow night, Daddy ?
Emily felt the rum warming her veins as she stretched languidly, her muscles pleasantly loose. “I should get home before I turn into a pumpkin. Dad will have my head if I’m late again tomorrow.”
Sophia’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Don’t stay up all night texting daddy!”
Rolling her eyes, Emily retorted, “No promises,” though a flutter of excitement stirred in her belly at the thought.
They stepped out into the cool night air, streetlights casting a warm glow on the rain-slicked pavement. Emily pulled Sophia into a tight hug, inhaling her familiar scent of jasmine and citrus.
“Text me when you get home safe,” Emily said.
“You too, babe. And details tomorrow!”
As they parted ways, Emily’s phone buzzed insistently. Her fingers itched to check it, knowing it was likely Lucas. She made it halfway down her street before giving in.
Baby Girl: So what exactly did you get me from Victoria’s Secret, daddy?
Daddy: Patience, baby girl. You’ll find out tomorrow.
Baby Girl: Come on, not even a hint? Colour? Style?
Daddy: Nice try. It’s a surprise.
Emily huffed in frustration, but couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. The man was infuriatingly stubborn. And sexy as hell. She typed out another plea as she fumbled for her keys.
Baby Girl: Please, daddy? I’ll be a very good girl…
Daddy: Tempting. But you’ll just have to wait and see. Sweet dreams, Emily.
“Damn tease,” Emily muttered, kicking off her heels as she entered her flat. But her body hummed with anticipation for tomorrow night.