With today's technology, most people have been approached or propositioned online. I'm not an exception. I've blocked plenty. Luca seems to have the makings of a book boyfriend who just walked off the pages.
I wasn't personally looking for that kind of intensity in my love life. I have too much to do. He has me low-key freaking out from another country.
Yup. I need a break. I text Frenchie to meet me at a restaurant. I'll get back to my book after I have something stronger than coffee.
Chapter 4
Frenchie or shall I say ‘Etié’ walks into the restaurant looking excited like she just broke out of prison. Her braids are in a bun, and she's wearing distressed jeans and a t-shirt that reads: ‘I Didn’t Choose The Author Life; The Life Chose Me. It's black and white like the Chucks on her feet. I know she'll feel this took a lot of effort. She's late as usual.
"Hey, Girl, hey!" She greets me as she eyes the half-eaten appetizer. "Sorry, that took a while. I had to shake the Colombian and the boy. He saw me sneaking out and pulled out that damn calculator." She places her laptop bag and purse on the chair. "I had to put my foot down and tell him I'm grown. I said I just got a royalty check, and I don't need you calculating that into our bill money, Sir!"
She huffs and folds her arms. I know what's coming next.
"Then you handed it over."
"Half! But that's beside the point." She giggles and opens her menu.
"You showed him."
"He is not the boss of me! Why are we here, when you constantly forget to eat?"
Damn it! I'd hoped that she wouldn't notice. I give in, open messenger, and slide my phone over.
Her newly mico-bladed eyebrow lifts, and I chuckle to myself as I remember her bragging about now having expressions. She swears she didn't have any brows before.
"So, you're hiding from Mr. Hot and Extra. Is he an artist? You can be like ol’ girl in Titanic."
"You still haven't watched it, eh?"
"I refuse! I hate that era of Leo's face. Plus, I know how it ends."
Coughing, I put down the water that made me choke.
"His whole face?"
She orders when the server arrives, then picks the subject back up.
"Yes. It used to be everywhere. I was sick of it."
"I love that movie," I tell her. She waves it off like it's irrelevant.
"Back to the naughty Italian."
"Who?"
"Don't play with me. Are you going to answer him?"
"Should I? It's not like I owe him an answer. "
She rolls her big, brown eyes. "But, you are attracted to him. "
"Patrisha Francine Etié Muñoz! I didn't ask you all that."
She squints at me. She's a black woman from the states, and her family has a Creole background, so her mother went French crazy when she named her. Once she got Muñoz from her husband, she stuck to being called by her maiden name. She took the entire theme and named herself Frenchie when she started writing books.
"How dare you, ma'am! Don't deflect. You want to get international just admit it. It's not like you have to be internet hoeing. Just see where it goes."
"We'll see." We eat in silence a beat once our food arrives. "How's the book?"
Etié scrunches her nose. "I'm conflicted."
"Why?"
"Well, you know how as authors we are supposed to remove ourselves and our opinions, tell the story as it comes to us, and always remember that we're not doing it, our characters are?"
"Yes…" I put my glass down until she makes her point. I refuse to choke.
"I just can't quite pull the trigger. I know every couple has their own level of freaky. And, I want to reflect that. I really do, but I can't make my alpha lick an asshole. Ass play? Yes. But, having him face down in her ass cheeks with his tongue doing dark and dirty things has been a ‘no’ for me. Then, I start to think like, if he's driving her wild with his skills like how many assholes has he licked? Then, will my opinion bleed into the woman's? I don't want her side-eyeing him in the next chapter thinking he's literally a butt-face."
I can't breathe by the time her rant is finished. Wiping a tear, I try my best to be supportive.
"Just write it and move on. Try not to dwell on it."
After a contemplative pout, she acquiesced.
"I'll try in the next book."
I'm grateful for her ass eating rant because our focus is no longer dwelling on Satan in my inbox. I'll answer him in my own time. I need to figure out the plot for his book first.
***
Luca
I knew she wouldn't respond to my last message. We haven't been chatting for long, but I can recognize the pattern. If I say anything too crazy, she spooks. It amuses me that she shows signs of shyness even with the things she's written—and, she's written naughty, naughty things.
I know I don't creep her out since I'm not blocked. I just need an angle to get inside of her head. I look out into the ocean. I love coming to the beach, it gives me peace and clarity. There's a lot going on at the vineyard, but I need a moment to breathe a moment to feel something other than busy.
I don't know how that need has me fixated on Ella, but that's where my mind keeps going. Even with her choice to disappear. I glance at the message I'd sent her last night. I needed to share my thoughts.
LucaGirelli: I see you disappeared again. You don't need to do that. I'll behave if you want me to, but just know I've read all your books. I know how dark and dirty your mind can get. You don't need to filter yourself with me.
I'm surprised to see that she's typing.
EllaRoyal: I have to notate this for research.
LucaGirelli: What?
EllaRoyal: Italian men are pushy.
LucaGirelli: Ha! Not pushy, just direct. When you're ready to answer my question, I'll show you just how direct I can be.
My laughter rings out when she sends me side-eye emojis. I shouldn't feel this eager to speak to a woman—a stranger.
EllaRoyal: Is there a female shortage in Italy?
LucaGirelli: Just an Ella Royal shortage.
She doesn't respond, but I don't expect her to at this point. I'll get her to open up, eventually.
Chapter 5
Two Weeks Later
Elissa
It's been a tough round of edits. Not only was it time-consuming, but I also had to debate with my editor to keep a scene that was important for the story. I understand that some information could've been layered throughout, but I felt a nightmare scene that explained everything that scared Bridget was the best way to go.
Hal saw it my way after I threatened to cut him. Luckily, we've been working together long enough for him to not call the cops. Etié finished her book and wanted to go out for drinks. I called my sister, ‘the Amazonian,’ to join us.
Now, we're at happy hour with my engaged sister, overly glammed up for no reason, with a body contouring teal dress, pink accessories, multicolored shoes—stilettos as if she isn't tall enough—and the latest, greatest wig. She has on a full face of natural makeup, but her eyeshadow matches her ensemble. She looks pretty in a dramatic way. I meet mid-range because I don't have time to pretend that I have a glam squad. I did pull out my little black dress in case this night goes beyond happy hour, but I paired it with ballet flats. My makeup consists of foundation and lip gloss. I even put a few curls in my lace front. Etié appears with a different pair of jeans, tennis shoes, and a graphic t-shirt combo. Her braids flow freely, and she has on chapstick. Her expression says ‘be happy she did that.’
I’ve never met a hermit who initiates going out, then looks bothered she has to go out, until Etié.
"So, Richard has a friend," Bianca the Amazonian Sister says to me.
I roll my eyes hard to demonstrate how much I'm not down for this conversation. I also use my big girl words to back it up.
"Fuck Ricky Ricardo and his friend."
Bianca returns the eye roll. "I swear the more smut you write the worse your vo
cabulary becomes."
Etié gasps dramatically. "Erotic romance! Please and thank you."
“Same thing.” My non-creative, corporate sister snorts. She's being butt hurt because I refuse to allow her to set me up. She really doesn't try to downplay my occupation. She just wants to irk me since I was ‘mean’ to her.
"Erotic Romance can have smutty moments, but smut can't be Erotic Romance. Just like, just because you're tall doesn't make you a giraffe although all giraffes are tall…"
She wants to laugh, but she's perfecting her mean girl look. "Good luck reaching your next post-book bottle, bitch."
I cackle because I know she did it on purpose. "Well played, slut."
Etié downs a drink and signals for another. "You two are the strangest set of sisters…"
The sentence trails off when she chugs half of the second cocktail.
"Slow down before you give ‘the boy’ a sibling."
Etié pulls a face. "Listen, I'm tired. These drinks are about to give me some good ass sleep. The Colombian can do whatever he wants as long as he doesn't wake me up."
I laugh in my nachos. Etié is a whole clown, but I understand losing sleep to hit a deadline.
"How romantic," Bianca deadpans.
Etié looks unapologetic. "A bitch is tired. Imma put a note on my shirt before I fall asleep. Something like, "Frenchie the freak is unavailable right now. Please enjoy Sleeping Beauty while you wait."
Bianca laughs and shakes her head at Etié's words.
"You two think I'm playing? Nothing says ‘love’ like fucking your unconscious spouse." She ends that statement with a shot. "Come on, Elissa! Catch up."
***
Luca
It's early, 6:00 in the morning to be exact. I usually pop out of bed and get ready to tackle my fitness routine for the day, but part of me isn't feeling it today. I haven't heard from Ella directly for weeks. She still posts snippets and interacts with the group, just not with me privately. That's not the reason I'm contemplating skipping my Saturday morning session, though. I do feel like I'm supposed to know her more than just some author. I also don't want legal issues if I continue to be ‘pushy.’ I'm hoping this new approach of not initiating the private chats will actually have her coming to me.
I hear a chat notification and almost ignore it since men and women send me crazy shit all day. My curiosity won, and I'm genuinely surprised to see Ella's name. Her message causes a wicked smile to play on my lips.
EllaRoyal: I see you thirst trapping.
LucaGirelli: Did I make you thirsty?
EllaRoyal: If you did, how would you quench it?
LucaGirelli: Depends on what made you thirsty.
EllaRoyal: Is that really how you get undressed? Suit still on. Shirt unbuttoned while you remove your cufflinks. Then tease the world which glimpses of your abs?
LucaGirelli: What if it is?
EllaRoyal: I'd say it's sexy.
LucaGirelli: Do you think I'm sexy?
EllaRoyal: No.
LucaGirelli: No?
EllaRoyal: I think you're highly fuckable.
Now, this is a side of her I can get behind, next to, on top of, and all over. My thumbs fly over my phone's keyboard to prepare my response. I feel my dick hardening, but there's nothing she can do about it all the way in Toronto.
LucaGirelli: Are you serious, or are you messing with me?
I need to know before I get too excited.
EllaRoyal: I'm serious. You wanted my opinion, and I gave it.
LucaGirelli: Well, then that's a thirst I'm more than capable of quenching. But first, are you wet enough to quench my thirst?
EllaRoyal: How thirsty are you?
LucaGirelli: Parched.
EllaRoyal: Then my pussy will satisfy you.
Wow.
I'm almost at a loss for words. Ella moving from almost shy to direct is surprising and arousing. The distance between us is suddenly frustrating.
LucaGirelli: Good. I have a big appetite. You'd have to clear your schedule because I'll start with my tongue. I'll take my time tasting your pussy.
EllaRoyal: And, if I want to sit on your face?
LucaGirelli: Yes, please. I'll do it any way you like.
I adjust myself in my underwear. She has no idea how dirty I'm willing to get with her.
EllaRoyal: Your face looks like a good ride.
I laugh out loud. This version of her is entertaining.
LucaGirelli: It is, but my dick is much more fun.
EllaRoyal: Is it? Usually, guys who say that have disappointing dicks.
LucaGirelli: I'm not one of them.
EllaRoyal: Really?
I can see the challenge in that one word.
LucaGirelli: I do everything I can to please my lovers.
EllaRoyal: Is that so?
LucaGirelli: Yes. I'll make your pussy mine.
LucaGirelli: I can make you not want to give it to anyone else.
I smile at the big eyes emoji.
EllaRoyal: Big words.
LucaGirelli: I'm a big man.
EllaRoyal: Confession. When I got home the day you sent the pictures, I took a closer look at them and discovered the ones I didn't get to see earlier. Each one made me hotter, but one photo had me sliding my fingers into my wet pussy. I finger fucked myself until I came.
My dick hurts. I shift in my bed before I respond.
LucaGirelli: Really?
EllaRoyal: Yes.
LucaGirelli: Fuck that's hot.
EllaRoyal: It was. I chose that picture for the cover. Now, when you see it, you'll always remember that I fucked myself to the thought of you.
LucaGirelli: You're killing me. You have my dick so hard right now.
EllaRoyal: Good. Now, you can fuck yourself to the thought of me.
LucaGirelli: Already have. About to do it again. What did you fantasize about while you did it?
EllaRoyal: Your dick. I wondered if it is as attractive as the rest of you. In my imagination, it feels so fucking good deep inside of me. Promise to make it hurt.
LucaGirelli: You’d like that? You want me to fuck you so hard that you don’t know if you’re screaming from pleasure or pain?
EllaRoyal: Yes!
LucaGirelli: What's your favorite position?
EllaRoyal: Me on top facing the man with him sitting up.
LucaGirelli: So, if I were sitting in a chair you'd climb on for a ride?
EllaRoyal: Depends, is your dick worth the ride?
LucaGirelli: It is.
EllaRoyal: Prove it
She sends a magnifying glass emoji.
LucaGirelli: You won't need one of those to see it.
I take a picture of my dick hard and pressing against my underwear. I erase it and take another with my palm resting next to it. I want to give her a scale; then, I send it.
EllaRoyal: That's impressive. It makes my mouth water.
LucaGirelli: You should see it naked.
EllaRoyal: Show me.
LucaGirelli: Not yet. You have to earn it.
EllaRoyal: Yeah, eh? What do you want to see?
LucaGirelli: Everything.
EllaRoyal: Everything? That's greedy.
LucaGirelli: You make me feel greedy. I want to see every inch eventually. But, I don't need to see anything today.
EllaRoyal: Really?
LucaGirelli: As you can see, the thought of you makes me hard.
EllaRoyal: Then, think about me sucking you into my mouth, slobbering on it to make it wet and slippery while I deep throat. Cum to that.
Fuck.
That has me pulling out my dick. I'm surprised I'm so damn hard. I'm more aroused than I've been with some women in person. Ella is either that potent, or it's been too long. I moan once I fist my dick. It’s so sensitive; I could make myself cum fast. Choosing to savor the feeling, I rub slowly and take my time, spreading the natural lube with my strokes. I reply with my free hand.
LucaGirelli: Are you doing
the same?
EllaRoyal: You should feel how wet I am right now.
LucaGirelli: I wish I could.
To hell with taking my time. I speed up until those familiar sensations begin shooting through my body. I’m so close to cuming, I can feel it. My eyes close, waiting for the climax of this unexpected morning chat. My teeth sink into my lip as I moan through my release. Hot cum squirts into my palm.
EllaRoyal: I just came so hard.
LucaGirelli: Me, too.
I attach a photo of my cum covered palm.
EllaRoyal: Is that your cum?
LucaGirelli: Yes.
EllaRoyal: I’d lick you clean if I was there.
LucaGirelli: I’ll hold you to that when I see you.
About ten minutes go by without a response. I don’t know if she disappeared again or something else. I opt to believe she’s fallen asleep since it’s around midnight in Toronto.
Dropping my phone on the charger, I take a quick shower, then make myself a light breakfast. Checking again, I see that my last message still shows unread. I don’t have time to stare at my phone. I have things to do.
I just hope she’s done hiding.
Chapter 6
Elissa
My pounding head wakes me up, and I’m instantly pissed off at my neighbor for mowing his lawn.
I’ll kill him.
Then, my irritation floats over to Etié and her overzealous drinking. I hate having a hangover, yet I allowed myself to over-indulge. I know without checking that the Corporate, Black Barbie on Stilts isn’t hungover. Knowing her, she got up early and went for a run. It’s not Bianca’s fault I drank like a frat boy, I just want to be mad at everyone.
My head beats my ass as I try to get out of bed. I rub my stomach when it rolls, but I'm distracted when my palm hits naked skin.
Why am I naked!
I silently panic while my head swivels around, looking for and dreading possibly finding some strange man. I roll over, lying on my side after my sudden search makes me dizzy.
Cabin Fever Page 54