Elaine found Kyle quickly at the small coffee shop. She was sitting in the back corner, sipping a coffee while staring out the window. Her taut muscles showed through her tight T-shirt. Her hair was longer than Riot’s, but her jaw was nicely angled and set, as if she were on a mission of great importance. Elaine refocused and ordered an iced chai latte. When it was ready, she walked slowly to the table and extended her hand.
“I’m Elaine.”
“Kyle.” She seemed pleased as she gave a firm handshake. She motioned for her to sit and Elaine did.
“I have to admit, I’m not usually into the whole meet for coffee thing,” she said with a coy smile.
“I’m not either,” Elaine confessed. But for some reason she needed to meet this woman first. Was it because of Riot? Or was it because of her latest fiasco with a woman? Both were at the forefront of her mind. But with a long sip of her chai latte, she pushed them both firmly away.
“So how do we do this?” Kyle asked.
“I don’t know. I think we’re supposed to talk.”
Kyle sat back. “Is this your first time?”
Elaine laughed, amused. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know. You seem a little nervous.”
“Do I?”
“Yes, a little uneasy.”
Elaine took in a deep breath and sat back to cross her legs. “It’s been an unusual day.”
Kyle leaned forward. “Instead of asking about it, how about I just make it go away?” She reached for her hand. Elaine allowed her to cover hers. The touch did nothing for her. Her skin felt warm but unremarkable. Not like Riot’s.
Elaine stared at their hands and then stared into her face. Kyle was young, confident, strong.
“You don’t want to know all about me?” Elaine asked.
Kyle smiled. “Only what you want to tell me.”
“That makes this very easy then.”
“Good.”
Elaine removed her hand. Her heart fluttered and she felt a little lightheaded. She wouldn’t be able to push things tonight. “I’ll tell you what I like, and you tell me if you’re interested.”
Kyle drew closer and pushed her coffee away.
Elaine whispered, “I like to watch.”
“To watch.”
“Yes.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I want to watch you do things to yourself.”
Kyle looked out the window and mulled it over for a bit.
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
“Do I get to touch you?”
“No.”
“Will you ever touch me?”
“No. Not tonight.”
Kyle sat back as if in deep thought.
Elaine sipped her latte. “I will, however, tell you exactly what to do.”
Kyle raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Oh, yes.”
She smiled. “That sounds interesting.”
“I think so.” She pushed back from the table to stand.
Kyle stood with concern marking her face. “You okay?”
Elaine waved her away and took a deep breath. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“You sure you’re up for this?” Kyle asked.
Elaine closed her eyes and immediately saw Riot. “Yes, definitely.”
“Okay, where are we going?”
Elaine steadied herself and then straightened with confidence. “Follow me.” She knew she shouldn’t do this. She was breaking all the rules. But the way she was feeling, she couldn’t imagine another hotel. “We can go to my house.”