Deep Surrendering: Episode Five (5 page)

“Would you like me to be naked?” I asked, slipping off my shoes. I knew he couldn’t see me, but I kind of liked it this way.

“Yes. I would.” I smiled and started to undress, setting the phone down and putting it on speaker.

“I’m taking off my stockings, imagining your hands on my legs,” I said as I rolled them down, trying not to snag them on my fingernails. “And now my skirt is on the floor and I just have my top and panties on.”

Fin was silent as I narrated the rest of my undressing for him. Under other circumstances, I would have thought this act was silly or awkward, but it wasn’t. When I was fully naked, I settled back on the bed, bringing the phone with me.

“I’m running my hands over your sheets, picturing you here with me, also naked.” Obviously.

“I’m imagining I’m there with you,” he said, his voice dipping low. “And I’m going to—” His voice was cut off by what sounded like a phone ringing. Fin let loose a string of curses, and I sat up.

“What’s that?” I asked. He cursed some more and put the phone down. I pressed it to my ear and listened as he said something and then picked up the phone again.

“Are you in your office right now?” I asked. Hell, I hadn’t known he’d been doing this while he was at work. I guess I’d sort of forgotten about the time change.

“Yes. We’re staying late and I asked for some privacy to make a call, but they need my approval for something. Marisol, I’m so sorry. In more ways than one.” Ditto that.

“
Je suis désolé aussi
,” I said, hoping I’d said it right. High school French had been a while ago, and I’d never been very good with languages.

Fin exhaled and I could feel him smiling on the other end.

“I have to go. I guess we’ll have to put our activities on hold for now. I’ll call you as soon as I can. Sleep well, Marisol.” Clearly, he had to get off the phone ASAP. I tried not to hate whomever was calling him away, but failed.

“It’s okay. I’ll talk to you soon. Sweet dreams, Fin.” He hung up and I fell back against his pillows.

I was naked in his bed and he wasn’t with me. What was a girl to do?

I
ended up putting on one of Fin’s shirts and my panties before going back to the kitchen and starting the mac and cheese again. Once it was cooked, I spooned it into one of Fin’s fancy bowls and headed for the den, turning on some of his music.

His tastes were more eclectic than mine. Seemed as if his love for a wide range of books extended to his music. I fiddled around with the complicated system until I settled on some soft jazz trumpet that made me think of moonlight and swaying slowly in the arms of a handsome man.

I didn’t intend to stay long, just until I finished my dinner, but then I found myself wanting to stay longer. So I got up and perused Fin’s shelves, looking for something to read as the music lulled me into an almost dreamlike state of relaxation.

There were so many titles to choose from, and I didn’t know how I was going to pick, but finally I settled on
Jane Eyre.
I was in a bit of a dark/romantic mood. Plus, I’d always sympathized with Jane. I cracked the spine and settled on Fin’s couch, turning my head to the side so I could smell him on the pillows. If only he were here, things would be perfect.

A thud woke me and I sat up, disoriented. Where the hell was I? It took several seconds for me to realize I was at Fin’s and had fallen asleep. The loud noise had been the book falling from where it rested on my chest to the floor.

I rubbed my eyes and glanced toward the windows. Daylight streamed through them. Crap, I’d spent the entire night here. What time was it? I checked my phone and realized it was eight in the morning. Shit. Très shit.

I had class in a little while, and there was no way I was going to make it on time, even if I left now and the cab driver went sixty miles per hour. Damn. I was definitely going to miss my first class.

Great. Just great. I was pulling up my email to send my professor a note that I had a sudden stomach bug when I was interrupted by a knock at the door.

I froze on the couch as if the person could see me, but of course that was crazy. The knock sounded again. Who would be knocking on Fin’s door? Should I answer it?

Not dressed like this, clearly. I stood up, hoping whoever it was would go away and realize Fin wasn’t here.

But then there was another knock and someone called my name in a familiar voice that had me tiptoeing to the peephole to look through it. Oh, it was Carl. What was he doing here?

“Miss Marisol? Are you there?” How would he know I was here? What was he doing here? My mind was a jumble of questions. It was too early to think this hard.

“Yeah,” I said. “What is it?”

“Mr. Fin sent me to see if you need a ride this morning.” Fin sent him? How had Fin known I’d been here all night?

“Oh, um. Hold on,” I said, rushing to the bedroom to put on a robe so I was at least covered. I was still terribly confused as I dashed back and opened the door.

“Good morning, Miss Marisol,” he said with a broad smile. I hadn’t seen him since Fin left, and it seemed, from his expression, that he’d missed me. I had to admit, conspiring with him to surprise Fin had been fun, and he was a good man.

“Oh, I’m sorry I’m not dressed. I just woke up.”

Carl waved that off and waited for me to invite him in.

“Please, come in,” I said, gesturing and holding the door open. Like this was my place or something.

“Shall I give you a moment to get ready?” Oh, it was going to take me more than a moment to get ready. I was a wreck.

“Uh,” I said, and he gave me a smile.

“Fin asked the front desk to pay attention to you in case you needed anything. I think they gave him a call and said that you’d spent the night.” Oh. That was … a little creepy, honestly.

“He asked them to monitor me?”

Carl shook his head. “No, I think they just took his words and went a bit overboard. But he thought you might need a ride anyway, so he sent me over, and here I am. What time is your class?”

It took me a moment to respond. “Eight forty-five. So I’m … yeah, I’m going to be late.” Even if Carl took me.

“Oh, that’s plenty of time. I’ve got breakfast in the car for you and a change of clothes if you need it.” He pulled a cup of coffee from behind his back like a magician. Where had that come from?

I stared down at the cup. Sure, there wasn’t time for me to shower or do makeup, but really, did that matter?

“Thank you,” I said, taking the cup and walking back toward Fin’s bedroom. I had plenty of clothes here already.

“I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes,” I said over my shoulder, and Carl nodded and clasped his hands behind his back to wait.

“I’m really glad Fin hasn’t been… monitoring me. I know some women might like the idea that their man is concerned about them, but I’m perfectly able to take care of myself.” Had been for a long time. I knew the city well, and most places I went were pretty safe.

“He’s not that kind of man,” Carl said. “Or at least not with you.” Wait, what? Carl sensed he may have said too much, and then zipped his lips and stared humming.

What was he talking about?

Carl dropped me off with five minutes to spare, and I nearly kissed him.

“Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it,” I said as he held the door open for me. A few students walking by gave me weird looks.

“Anytime, Miss Marisol. Shall I be back here later to pick you up?”

“Oh no. You don’t have to do that. I can get home on my own.” He smiled and tipped his hat.

“Call me anytime,” he said, holding a card out the window before he drove off. I waved and headed into the building.

Thanks for sending Carl this morning,
I texted Fin during my lunch break. I was tired, but strangely I felt … rested. Revived. Like Fin’s place had been a spa or something.

I waited for a response, but figured he was busy with work, so I put my phone down and went back to working on my pasta salad.

My phone buzzed and I nearly jumped out of my chair rushing to see what Fin’s response was. But it was from Chloe.

Miss you hardcore. Dinner tonight?

I missed her, too. We hadn’t seen each other in a few days, and I needed my best friend. She’d also get a kick out of the story of Carl showing up and driving me to class.

Absolutely. Six? Your place?

I could almost predict her response and smiled when the answer came through.