Now that he’d mentioned it, this did feel a little... erotic. Hearing his voice while I was stark naked, surrounded by the romantic light of the candles. This was my happy place. I usually set my phone in airplane mode, only using it to listen to music. But I was happy I hadn’t switched it tonight.

“Val....”

Oh God, the way he’d said my name. He’d almost groaned it, as if it was a primal reaction to picturing me naked. The sound sent heat spiraling right to my clit.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you want to punish me for something.” His voice was deeper.

“I want to do no such thing. I’m just relaxing.” Shit, my voice was breathy too.

“You deserve the time out.”

“Thanks. I love this. It’s like my private spa.”

“You don’t like going to an actual spa? With your sisters, or girlfriends?”

“I do, but I’m more of a DIY girl, even for manicures and so on. I don’t like feeling strangers’ hands on me. I went for a massage once. It was weird. I didn’t enjoy it at all.”

He gave a low laugh that sounded suspiciously like he was trying to cover up a groan.

“I’d give you a massage if I were with you. Trust me, you’d enjoy mine. I would touch you so good. Just where you need it.”

My body was already on edge, anticipation building up as if he was just behind the door.

“Maybe I wouldn’t want one,” I replied playfully.

“Oh, I’d convince you. Wear you down.”

“Is that so? And how would you do that?”

“I’ll keep my secrets for now. But I think your imagination can fill in the blanks. Have a good night, Val.”

“You too.”

Holy hell, did my imagination ever flare up after the line went dead. I played music, then I sank into the tub up to my chin, grinning to myself, even though worry nagged at me. I liked that he’d said no expectations. It took off any pressure.

But I already felt a connection to Carter, and it was a little scary.

I was shaking my hips lightly to the rhythm of the slow music, but I wanted a more energetic sound. I hadn’t selected a playlist, just let it shuffle around, and some slow songs had hijacked my evening. I set to rectifying the issue immediately. After drying my hands on a towel I kept nearby, I switched to my favorite playlist, and my mood immediately changed. Oh, yeah.

With a jolt, I noticed Carter had sent me another message.

Carter: How about next Tuesday? I’m not giving up until we set a date in stone tonight.

I had just cooled down from our previous exchange, but now I felt as if someone had poured hot water in the tub.

Val: Next Tuesday works great.