In this cute, very short, white dress, with only a white lace thong underneath, standing in front of an entire wall of windows that looks out onto downtown, waiting for them to arrive, everything seems possible. The sweet bite of anticipation is nipping at my ass, but the icy doubt and the fear it inspires is in my veins.

I press my palms against my stomach and focus on slow, calming breaths. I close my eyes to the amazing view and think about something better, something I can build with Darren and Nadia.

And speaking of Nadia…

The door beeps and whirs as the lock disengages. When I turn, I come face to face with a shocked Nadia. Her mouth falls open, her eyes widen, and not to be too corny or anything, but she takes my breath away.

“Hi,” I breathe, still pressing my palms against my stomach.

“H-hi,” she gulps.

We’re both nervous, but as soon as she sees me, a shiver runs down Nadia’s body from head to toe. She tries to hide it, but I can see it, and it’s actually very adorable. I watch her take each step carefully into the room. She sets her shoulder bag on the table by the door and then runs a very shaky hand over her stomach and takes a deep breath to compose herself.

I can see her lovely brain working as she psyches herself up to look at me. I turn away from the view. Looking at her is much more breathtaking. And I wait until she’s ready, finding a strange sense of comfort knowing that it’s not just me; that I’m not the only one who wants this so badly she can taste it.

Nadia lifts her eyes from the floor slowly. I watch her appreciate my shoes — vintage Galliano that I found at an estate sale, be jealous. I see her lick her lips as her eyes travel up my legs — thank God for body shimmer — and the very brief hem of my dress. I hold my breath until we lock eyes, and then I exhale softly.

“Hi,” I say again.

Her eyes are soft with emotion, and there’s a small grin on her face. I can see it now that she’s let herself feel the nerves; Nadia is as excited as I am, and the relief I feel when I confirm that is immeasurable.

“I thought I’d have time to shower before you got here,” she sighs, with bunched eyebrows and a beautiful smile on her face. “I wanted to look good for you.”