Page 75 of Hold Me Tight

Callie gives everything she has to the people around her. Nora, her parents, friends, customers at the bakery. And she never asks for anything in return.

She just keeps going.

Keeps sacrificing.

Keeps putting herself last.

Maybe I’ve wanted her for far longer than I should’ve. Maybe it’s selfish of me to want her to see herself the way I do. But she deserves to know she’s more than what everyone expects her to be.

This gift is a reminder of that.

A reminder that she matters. That she’s allowed to want things. To feel good and take up space. Even when no one’s watching.

Especially when no one’s watching.

The sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway has my pulse spiking. Callie steps into the room, and her gaze immediately drops to the bag on the bed.

She stops short as her brows draw together. “What’s that?”

I swallow and nod toward the gift. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”

She hesitates for a second or so before cautiously stepping forward. It’s like she expects something to jump out at her. After settling on the edge of the bed, she lifts the bag into her lap. Her gaze darts to me before she opens it, pulling back the tissue paper carefully and then lifting out the sleek black box.

There isn’t a label or instructions.

She glances at me with curiosity before removing the lid.

That’s all it takes for her to go motionless. “River…”

“Told you I bought some toys,” I say gently.

“There’s more?” Her voice comes out strangled.

“Yup.”

She stares down at the wand, not daring to touch it. “I don’t… I don’t need this.”

I sit beside her, close but not smothering, and slip my fingers beneath her chin until she has no choice but to meet my gaze.

“Yes, you do.” My thumb brushes over her skin. “It has nothing to do with need and everything to do with your pleasure belonging to you. It should never hinge on someone else’s willingness to give it. You deserve to feel good whenever you want.”

Her lips part but nothing comes out.

“I wouldn’t even know how to use it,” she finally admits.

“That’s okay. It’s not about knowing. It’s about learning. Exploring. Getting comfortable with what you like and what makes you feel good.”

Our gazes stay locked as I drop my hand. This time, she reaches back into the bag without prodding before pulling out the second box.

It’s smaller and more discreet.

As soon as she opens it, her eyes widen. With fingers that tremble, she lifts the small oval object from inside.

“It’s a vibrator,” I offer, like it’s no big deal.

Emotion flashes across her face. Embarrassment and then curiosity follow. She nods before setting it beside the other device.

Then she pulls out the next item. Her hand stills. She blinks at it, eyebrows slowly climbing. “This…”