Page 13 of The Hook Up
“There. That should be nice and snug.” She stepped back, needing to put some distance between them before she climbed his body like a jungle gym.
“How do you get it off?” someone asked.
“Yes,” Ty murmured, giving her a knowing look. “Howdoyou get it off?”
Ellie licked her lips. “You can unwind it, of course,” she said. “It’s reusable. But we also sell bondage shears like these ones.” She picked up the pair on the table, surprised to see her hands were shaking. “Some couples enjoy the thrill of cutting each other out of restraints. These are like the ones medical professionals use to cut bandages, so they’re very safe.”
“Oooh, can I try?” Mrs. Sievers hustled up, and Ellie found herself smiling. This was her ideal kind of party, when women of all ages could be refreshingly open with their sexuality.
She handed the shears to the older woman, who giggled and leaned in close to cut Ty free. “Ooh, you’re a big fellow, aren’t you?”
Ty grinned and glanced at Ellie. “So, I’ve been told.”
Ellie’s mouth went dry. “Right.” She cleared her throat. “So, uh—let’s move on and talk about our lingerie line. Did everyone have a chance to look through the catalog?”
“I have a question.” A shy-looking brunette in the corner had raised her hand, and Ellie nodded.
“Yes?”
“This mesh bodysuit—is this crotchless?”
“Yes,” Ellie confirmed. “All the body stockings on page twelve are open between the legs.”
A woman with apple-round cheeks and pretty blond curls gave a small sigh. “It says it comes in XXL, but I don’t know—would my husband really want to see me in something likethat? Or would I just look like a trussed-up sausage?”
Several women beside her tittered and patted her arm, but the woman looked up from the catalog and pointed at Ty. “No, I’m serious,” she said. “I know men are visual creatures, so I’m curious if this would be a turn-on or a turn-off. You can be honest with me, sweetie—bad idea?”
Ty folded his arms over his chest and met the woman’s gaze with a softness in his eyes. A softness that made Ellie’s belly quiver before he even said a word.
“You’re absolutely right that men are visual creatures,” he said. “And we can see when you’re rockin’ the self- confidence. Put on that body stocking or whatever the hell you want, and tell yourself you’re a sex goddess. I guarantee he’ll feel the same way.”
The woman beamed at him, and Ellie wanted to kiss Ty. His words were one thing, but the sincerity in his voice was enough to make every woman in the room fall head over heels for him.
Not me. I’m not falling for anyone. No, sir.
Ellie cleared her throat and scanned the room. Several women ticked boxes on their order forms and pointed at items on the catalog pages.
“What about toys?” one woman asked.“I’ve got a whole drawer full of ’em, and now that I’ve started dating again, I’m wondering if a guy would be freaked out if I show him.”
“Maybe don’t bust them out on the first date,” Ty said. “But once you’re well-acquainted, any man who gets freaked out by sex toys isn’t much of a man.”
Murmurs of approval rippled through the room, and Ellie telegraphed her gratitude to Ty. Would he take it the wrong way if she offered to buy him a beer later?
She reached into her toolbox and pulled out one of Madame Butterfly’s best-selling vibrators. “This is called the Happy Jammer,” she said. “It’s very popular with couples because of the vibrating nodules here and here and right here—” She held it up, conscious of Ty’s eyes on her as she pointed out all the parts. “It’s designed to stimulate both partners,” she added.
Kellyanne, a stunning Black woman Ellie knew through her cycling club, put her hands on her hips and stared down Ty. “How about now, big guy? Threatened by somethingthatsize?”
Ty smiled and shook his head. “Not even close.”
The woman smiled. “I think I like you.”
Ty smiled back. “I’m a likable guy.”
Ellie’s heart bubbled in her chest.No kidding, buddy.
* * *
“Thanks again for all your help.”Ellie glanced at Ty and tried to decide if she was relieved or disappointed he’d put his shirt back on. At least now she faced less risk of drooling on the carpet.
