by A. B. Wilson
Madelyn tucked a curl behind her ear. “Nope, and I’m not planning to—which is why it’s safe.”
“So, what is it on his end, like a prelude to sex chat?”
“No,” Madelyn chided. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Hey, Mads, I prosecute scumbags. My mind gets paid to be in the gutter.”
“Fair point. No, it’s…naked emotion. I tell him things I reserve for my journal—not kinky stuff or fantasies, but my doubts and insecurities. He knows about my divorce, and I get the vibe he’s divorced too. I share my longing and sometimes my loneliness.” Her voice broke, and Viv’s doubtful expression softened.
“Oh, hon… Chris should’ve treated you much, much better. He’s gonna feel the blow of what he lost for the rest of his life. So, what does this online hunk do when you tell him this?”
“He listens. He lends comfort.”
“Huh… You sure he’s safe, Mads?”
Madelyn laughed. “Yes, he is.”
“Be sure. Men always want one thing. Online, it’s sex. If he’s getting his kicks from platonic hand-holding and giving you a cyber shoulder to cry on, something’s not right in Riverdale.”
“It’s not like th— He’s not… He comforts me. He helps me believe in myself. I know it sounds strange, but whatever profession he’s in, it doesn’t allow him to get too close to people. He’s hinted as much, anyway. I think talking on a normal level with people is cathartic for him, and we enjoy each other’s company without the distraction of being hung up on looks.”
“Well, it’s different. I’ll give you that. So what’s he like?”
“Sweet, funny and easy to talk to. We set up a private, anonymous chat with each other under fake names and have talked for about a month now. He lifts my mood, and he’s warm. I can tell him if I’m upset or feeling uncertain. He’s a good listener.”
“Wow. Well, he’s already got my vote, provided he’s not a nut job. My ex had a one-track mind, and I hated being ignored. So dismissive.”
“Exactly. Chris ignored me too when he wasn’t working, so this is refreshing. Easton216’s mature. Plus, I don’t have to worry if he’s attracted to me or not, because we agreed not to show each other photos. It’s about being there.”
“But you like him, right?”
Madelyn nodded. “Yeah. He gets me, and talking to him relaxes me. We level each other out. I think he feels the same.”
“And you’re comfortable not even knowing his name?”
“Yup. I told him I don’t want to hook up with anyone, and he proposed we keep it anonymous and not have any stress. From his talking points, he’s educated, intelligent and witty.”
“Jeez…” Viv lay back down on her stomach, laced her fingers together and tilted her head. “Okay, I’m gonna play the devil’s advocate for a sec here. How do you know he’s not some weird, small-town slacker, jacking off in his mom’s basement?”
Madelyn turned on her side to face Viv. She’d expected this. “Because he’s mature. You can tell. He’s confident, but in a relaxed way. He’s not playing an angle, and he doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. We like our connection.”
“Hmm.”
“Oh no, your ‘hmm’ tone means trouble. Hmm, what?”
“Hmm, nothing.”
“Viv, that’s not nothing. What do you think? Be honest.”
“I think it’s romantic,” said Viv, after a pause. “I don’t know many men who wouldn’t care what the woman they’re talking to online looks like. Most men, whether they admit it or not, are obsessed with the woman’s profile picture, and then some… But I’m gonna throw this out there. What if he’s married and he’s having an intellectual affair with you?”
“I’ve wondered too. I asked him if he was.” Madelyn sighed. “He said he wasn’t, and I believe him. He’s a busy guy, whatever he does. Married to his work, and sometimes he can’t meet because he’s on an airplane. But he did say last night that he’s got too much on his plate right now for a relationship, and our connection helps take away the stress of his job. I don’t think he’s lying.”
“But say you meet him one day… He’s charming and good-looking, but you don’t like the way he chews his food, or he’s a loud talker, or he farts, or—”
“Viv”—Madelyn laughed—“give it a rest, okay? The great thing about this is I won’t ever meet him. I know he has a hectic life. He doesn’t know who I am, which is how it’ll stay. It’s mutually beneficial, and his company is there when I need it.” She relaxed, content. “And it works.”
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About the Author
Amanda (A.B.) Wilson is the pen name for a heat-seeking librarian from the upper Midwest. Long after her sassy five year old and long-suffering husband go to bed, she writes steamy, escapist contemporary romances about celebrities, athletes, and billionaires—with a twist.
Amanda loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.totallybound.com