I step out of the cab in front of the Plaza hotel a few minutes before eight. The grand building looms up in front of me, shining in the dark night. My stomach flutters with nerves.
I’m really doing this.
But what about Ash?
I bite back the pain that still wells whenever I think of him. I spent the day in a state of tortured indecision, trying to figure out what to do about the invitation. Coming so fast after the revelation of Ash’s betrayal, it felt like a cruel joke. But as the minutes ticked closer, I felt a magnetic, primal force pulling me here.
I want to see him. To touch him.
To finally submit to him completely.
Ash is in the past now, today proved that for sure. And even though it hurts to think of him, a part of me is relieved too. I’m released from the hold our past has had over me, free to move on to my future now.
Could that future be with the man I’ll meet here tonight?
I take a deep breath and step through the gleaming doors into the hotel. Inside, there’s a hush of wealth and polished privilege. Fresh-cut lilies set on gleaming antique tables, chandeliers glittering from the ceilings.
My gown swirls around my legs in a sea of silk as I cross the lobby and head for the elevators. I punch in the number on the key card, and feel my pulse speed as the doors slide shut.
In the mirrored interior, my reflection gazes back at me.
I look nervous, like I’m heading to my execution instead of the sexiest night of my life.
Get it together, I order myself, taking another deep breath. This is what you’ve wanted all along.
My mystery man revealed. Nothing dividing us any longer. I’ll be free to feel, to touch.
To see his face for the first time.
I step out of the elevator and walk slowly down the hall to the door. I slide the card into the lock and hear a click.
The door swings open.
“Hello?” I ask, my voice trembling as I enter the room.
There’s silence. I’m alone.
Insecurity strikes. What if he’s changed his mind, and he’s not coming anymore?
I check the time again. A little after eight.
I take another few steps into the suite and look around. It’s gorgeous, a full sitting room furnished in plush cream and gold, and a door leading to the bedroom. The lights are dimmer, but I can see the huge king bed adorned with crisp linens and an elaborate carved headboard.
I place my clutch purse down on a table, and stand awkwardly in the middle of the room. What am I supposed to do now?
Then I notice the box on the coffee table. I open it: inside is another black silk blindfold and the now-familiar instruction.
Wear me.
Frustration rises. This isn’t part of the deal. I’m getting tired of these games. The cloak and dagger routine was thrilling to begin with, but now I need something real.
I want to know what kind of man he is, when all the keys and blindfolds and expensive little toys are stripped away.
“Who are you?” I murmur, stroking the silk.
His voice comes from the shadows in the hall.
“Put the blindfold on, and find out.”