Page 147 of Ghosts Don't Cry

The kitchen is filled with the scent of turkey and pie, full of the sound of conversation and laughter. We finished eating an hour ago, and I’ve been helping her mom clear up, and talking about the book I’m working on—poetry and memoir woven together. Cassidy, Lily, and her sister Rose, are bickering oversomething that none of them really care about, their voices a familiar backdrop to my life now.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, surprising me. Lily is here. So is Cassidy. Itcouldbe Tom, but he usually just shows up instead of texting.

When I pull it out, the message waiting for me detonates every rational thought in my head.

One photograph. One message.

Lily: Bet you can’t keep a straight face.

I tap on the image, and my lungs stop working.

It’s a photograph of Lily, spread out on our bed, naked, fingers between her legs, holding herself open to the camera. The image isn’t teasing. It’s obscene. It’s filthy. It’s fucking gorgeous. And she sent it while I’m in the middle of having a conversation with her mother.

Heat licks up my spine like fire, and my dick stands to attention. I spin to face the counter before anyone notices, arousal burning through every inch of control I thought I had. My grip on my beer bottle turns lethal.

Turning my head, I search her out. She’s sitting at the table, sipping wine, completely unfazed.

She knows exactly what she's doing to me.

I exhale hard, dragging my tongue across my bottom lip, fighting to keep my expression neutral. No one else in this room has any idea that she’s just declared war.

I keep my face blank while I type out a response.

Me: You’re going to pay for that.

Lily’s phone lights up on the table. She reads my message, her lips curving slightly before her thumbs fly over the screen.

Lily: I should hope so. Come find me.

Then, as if she hasn’t blown my goddamn mind already, she stretches lazily and stands. “I’m going to use the bathroom. Be right back.”

No one questions it. No one even looks up. She walks out, hips swaying, and disappears down the hall. I give it ten seconds before I push away from the counter.

“Left my phone charger in the car.”

Cassidy barely glances my way. Lily’s mom laughs. “Don’t freeze to death out there.”

I’m out of the door and down the hall before she’s finished speaking. Lily isn’t in the bathroom, but the door to the guest room is slightly ajar. I push it open, step inside, and close it behind me.

She’s leaning against the dresser, arms folded, with the smuggest expression I’ve ever seen on her face.

“Took you long enough.”

I respond by locking the door, then reach out for her, and shove her against it. Her gasp melts into a laugh, breathless and wicked when my fingers curl around her throat.

“You think you’re funny?” My other hand skims up her thigh, pushing her dress higher, and discover she’s not wearing panties. I groan.

She tilts her head back and smiles at me. “I think I’m hilarious.”

My fingers dip between her legs. She’s fucking soaked already. My fingers flex around her throat. “Dangerous game you’re playing.”

She hums, rocking her hips, rubbing against my fingers. “Then punish me for it.”

Fuck.

The last year has taught me a lot about this woman, about me, and who we are together. The more comfortable we got, the easier it was to share the things we liked, what turns us on, and what doesn’t.

Lily likes it when I take control. I love it when she teases.