Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

30. Late Night Talking

30

late night talking

Selah

Portland, OR | January 8, 2024

Downtown Portland is the backdrop as I unwind in my hotel room. I’m on my second glass of wine and am currently reading a romance that just got to the spice. I let out a gasp, tapping the screen to annotate the page, when I come across a position I was recently in with him . Shivers greet me as my thoughts flit back to my time with Greyson at my place.

I’ve never been touched like that, and while I may be overthinking per usual, I’m freaking out. I’ve only read about sex like that in books. I’ll admit I’m a bit inexperienced and curious about some of the things he did to me. I also feel silly for not knowing everything about sex. I’m an adult, for fuck’s sake.

Then again, I haven’t had many partners, and if sex is supposed to be anything like what Greyson did to me, then I’m convinced I haven’t fucked anyone before him, and I’d like to be compensated for my wasted time.

Not to mention, he did that solely with his hands and tongue. Sure, the man made me come three times on my kitchen counter before lunchtime, then went on about his day, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Of course I didn’t send him a fucking text message. What the hell was I going to say?

I grab my phone to look at the time; it’s 11:25 p.m . I contemplate sending a paragraph to Greyson and decide against it. Simply because I don’t know what to say just yet. The arrangement conversation is still looming in my mind, but I still have an upcoming SoulBlend date that I’ve been chatting with for about two weeks now. He’s good looking and takes a lot of pictures at the gym. I’m not easily impressed by that, but I’m keeping my word and will see how we vibe in person before giving Greyson a final answer. I’m really burnt out on dates after all the flops, but I could go for one more.

I opt for sending a simple text to Greyson and toss my phone across the king-sized bed immediately after hitting send to avoid chickening out. It lands near the foot of it when I pick up my e-reader. I dive back into my latest novel, looking for a distraction from my anxious thoughts.

Me

Hi. Are you awake?

A few minutes pass, and I assume he’s sleeping, so I start wondering what the hell I’m going to say in the morning when he wakes up to that text. Why didn’t I just wait until I got back into town? He’s probably going to think I was just hor?—

That thought is interrupted by a ding. I jump up and hesitate as if he can see me.

I crawl across the bed to retrieve my phone and see that Greyson responded.

Smell Good Man

Yes. What are you doing up?

Me

I could ask you the same thing. I can’t sleep. I’ve just been thinking.

Smell Good Man

So, you’re up thinking about me? I’m flattered.

Of course, but I won't confirm or deny that. Lifting my glass, I gulp down more liquid courage to guide me through this conversation.

Me

I have a few questions. If you feel like answering.

Smell Good Man

Ask away.

Me

What happened in the kitchen last week…

I take a moment…hesitant of what I’d like to say before I just go for it. Maybe it’s the wine in my system, but I am feeling bolder as my blood warms.

Me

When you wouldn’t let me come. Why did you do that?

And why did it feel better once I did?

Smell Good Man

Oh, that. Edging. That’s the whole point, baby.

Delaying your orgasm to intensify it once you came for me.

I felt how your body responded, but how did it make you feel?

Me

I’ve never heard of that. It freaked me out. It was nerve-wracking, but overall, it felt amazing.

Why did you want to use my toy on me?

Smell Good Man

Is that why you skipped town on me?

Couldn’t even say goodbye. :(

I used your toy because it’s fucking sexy.

I would’ve loved for you to show me how you like to use it, but I get the feeling you are still too shy to perform in front of an audience.

Me

I am not shy. You don’t know me, sir.

I scoff. He’s not entirely wrong, but he doesn’t know me.

Smell Good Man

I’d like to get to know you. If I haven’t made that clear, let me know.

I’m sure you open up once you’re comfortable. Do I make you feel comfortable, Selah?

I’m not sure that I should answer that truthfully, but I don’t want to be dishonest with him. I run through different responses in my head until I settle on one that I feel is good enough.

Me

I think you’ve made yourself clear. Something about you brings me comfort, Greyson.

Smell Good Man

As long as I can make you feel good. ;)

Have you ever touched yourself in front of someone?

Me

I have not. I’ve never been asked.

Have you?

Smell Good Man

Yes. Uh oh. She’s coming out of her shell. lol

That’s a damn shame.

I’d love to know exactly how you make yourself come when you’re alone.

I drop my phone on the bed with a gasp. I didn’t expect that response. I pour myself more wine, needing the courage to guide me as this heats up. I take a big sip when my phone trills. Mid-swallow, I make the mistake of picking up the phone, and Smell Good Man flashes on the screen, causing me to choke.

Shit .

I’m trying to get my coughing under control and end up missing the call.

(1) Missed Call

My life is a comedy hour because it rings again as I am chugging the leftover wine in my glass to get my bearings. I take a deep breath and swipe to answer as I wipe the dribbles from my lip with the back of my hand.

Be sexy.

“Hey.”

My voice is hoarse. I hoped it would sound jazzy and sensual like Audrey, but I’m sure it sounds like I inhaled a carton of cigarettes instead.

“Hey. Are you okay?” His voice is laced with concern.

I clear my throat. “I’m fine! I just…choked…on my drink,” I squeak out.

There’s amusement in his voice when he asks, “Selah, have you been drinking?”

I roll my eyes dramatically when I respond. “If you must know, yes.”

“I knew something was different about you tonight. Truth serum.”

I change the subject. “Anyway, we seem to have gotten a little sidetracked. The orgasms? Three. I’ve never had that many. ”

“Not really a question, but I think I understand what you mean. I’m a pleasure dom. I focus on my partner’s pleasure, often to the point of exhaustion. That gets me off.”

“ And I thought I was a people pleaser. ”

He chuckles softly. “I suppose I am.”

Oh my God . I clasp my hand over my mouth. I said that out loud. It’s safe to say that all this wine wasn’t a good idea.

“Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. What is sex usually like for you, Selah?”

“Usually, I just go with whatever my partner wants. I suppose my people pleasing occurs in the bedroom too, but it’s nothing groundbreaking or passionate.”

“Hmm. And your partners, do they make sure that you’re pleased in return?”

“No. I’m embarrassed to say that.”

“I don’t want you to be embarrassed. We’re just talking. I can assure you that sex isn’t supposed to be like that. That’s not even how it works in the books you read. Everyone involved should be enjoying themselves.”

“I also understand that I’m reading fiction books. I didn’t believe anyone was really having experiences like that until…” I trail off.

“Until what?”

“You.”

“Selah, are you calling me a book boyfriend? That’s a hell of a compliment.”

“Well, I won’t be saying it now. I’d hate to make you even more annoying.”

He snickers. “What are you doing up?”

“You texted me.”

“It’s two in the morning there. Did I wake you?”

He ignores that question, responding with one of his own.

“Have you had an orgasm with a partner before?”

I snort. “Geez. Buy me dinner first. ”

He counters, “I have. Breakfast too.”

I start cracking up, and he joins me.

After catching his breath, he says, “Seriously, if you’re not comfortable answering, I will stop.”

“It’s okay. You’ve already seen me naked.” I sigh. “It doesn’t happen often with a partner, mostly by myself, whenever I can get out of my own head. And with you, the other day.”

“What do you mean by ‘get out of your own head?’”

“I have a hard time focusing. When my brain is bored with something, it seeks ways to entertain itself at any time. I focus better when my mind feels challenged, but when it doesn’t, I struggle. I could be driving, working, having sex and?—”

He cuts me off. “If you can’t focus, you can’t finish. Like ADHD?”

He finishes my sentence for me, and I gasp.

“Do you have it?”

“No, but my brother does, and he’s going to be a doctor, so he’s laid it out pretty good for me.” He takes a breath. “Why do you think you were able to focus with me?”

“I’m not sure why,” I nearly whisper. “Also, I’m starting to think maybe you’re the one with the praise kink.”

“Call me a ‘good girl,’ and I’ll tell you how it makes me feel,” he challenges.

I cackle. This man.

“I’m just making sure I follow you. I won't say it doesn’t feel good to hear that I was able to help because it does. Got any more questions for me?”

I shake my head as if he can see my face.

“Nope.”

“Well, I hope this helped clear your head. You should try to get some sleep.”

“You too. Goodnight, Greyson. Thanks for staying up with me.”

“Anytime, Sunflower. Goodnight.”