Page 65 of Tasty Cherry

“Hey. It’s fine. You figure things out. There’s no deadline.”

But she glances at my phone and Mila’s picture.

And maybe she thinks there is one.

I text Mila back.

Me: Love it.

Mila: We’re heading into town later, but tonight should be free. Anything else you want to teach me?

That sets me on fire. I shift uncomfortably in the deck chair. Maybe I need to take this one inside, away from Arya.

I quickly tap out a line.

So many things.

Time to flee. I hurry inside, feeling the buzz of another message.

I leave my cup in the sink and race up the stairs like a teen boy trying to get away from prying eyes.

Mila: I’m starting to understand the whole hot for teacher business.

I lie across my rumpled bed. I can picture her tangled in the sheets.

Me: Should I procure glasses and a tie?

Mila: As long as there’s nothing else.

She’s killing me.

Me: And you in a tiny plaid skirt, thin white shirt, no bra?

Mila: This is hot.

Me: You’re hot.

Dots appear, then disappear.

I can sense her hesitation. She’s unsure of herself. How many times has she said she’s never anyone’s choice?

Me: I will choose you every time. In jeans. In a Castle Hotel-issue vest. In a sexy nun costume.

That gets her. The text comes quickly.

Mila. A NUN????

Me: Wrong kink?

Mila: Kink is fun. Except when you’re handcuffed to a wall and hotel staff has to rescue you.

Me: Welcome to the industry.

Mila: I want to hear all the stories.

She must be away from the others for such a long text conversation.

Me: I’ll tell you more tonight. Show you a few.