Rebecca (Patreon)

I sat on the edge of the bed, the cool air from the window brushing against my skin as I held the phone to my ear. I could feel my pulse in my fingertips, the faint tremble of anticipation I hoped you wouldn’t hear through the line.

The deep magenta of my outfit felt like a secret only the two of us knew about, the fabric catching the soft light as I shifted my weight. I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, pretending I was perfectly calm… even though you have this way of unsettling me with nothing but your voice.

“Say that again,” I murmured, my lips curving despite myself. I wasn’t sure if you could picture me—sitting here, trying not to smile too much, trying not to let you hear how warm my cheeks were getting—but part of me hoped you could.

My free hand drifted to my thigh, resting there lightly as I listened. “You always know exactly how to get my attention,” I added, quietly. “I’m not sure whether that should worry me… or excite me.”

A beat passed. Then another.

I swallowed, drawing in a steadying breath.

“Tell me,” I whispered, “what made you call me right now? Because something in your voice… it’s doing things to me.”