Second Touch (Emma's Arabian Nights, #2) by Ann Mayburn

about to strike out at her. It was a warm, beautiful summer morning and she had the patio door open, allowing the noise of the busy street to filter in. She wished she had the view from her deck of Lake Michigan that her parents did instead of a crowded intersection, but that was life. Instead of sulking over it she crossed her legs in her oversized cream leather chair and grabbed her phone, scrolling to Ryan’s last incoming call before hitting the button that dialed his number.
    Her hand trembled as she held the phone to her ear. It only rang twice before Ryan answered.
    “Hello, Emma.”
    A tingle raced through her system as adrenaline and happy hormones filled her blood at the sound of his sexy-as-hell voice. “Hi, Ryan.”
    Words fled her as she struggled to remember the smooth speech she had ready to invite Ryan to the party. Just hearing his voice struck her dumb. He cleared his throat. “Thank you for calling me. I was afraid I’d blown any chance of seeing you again.”
    The vulnerability in his tone helped her find her center and calm down a little bit. She had to admit it was weird that other people being scared made her feel stronger, but that’s how it worked with her. A protective streak a mile wide and deep made up part of the center of who she was and Ryan was obviously feeling hurt and unsure.
    “No, you didn’t. I just needed a few days to collect myself.”
    “How have you been?”
    “Fine,” she lied through her teeth. “And you?”
    His sigh came through loud and clear. “I’ve been driving myself crazy missing you.”
    “Oh.”
    “Do you miss me? Wait, never mind, pretend I didn’t ask that. I’m just happy to hear your voice.”
    “It’s okay, Ryan. I did miss you.” She leaned back in the chair and slung one of her legs over the side. “I’d like to see you again, if you’re up to it.”
    “Really?” His surprise made her smile for the first time in what felt like days. “Of course. When?”
    His obvious eagerness sent a warm wave of happiness through her, easing her tense muscles, then she remembered what she was about to ask him and all humor fled, replaced by a case of the nerves. “Are you doing anything tomorrow night?”
    “No.”
    “Would you like to go to a party with me?”
    “Of course. When and where?”
    The beat of her pulse was so loud in her ears she felt like he could probably hear it on the other end. “Moira, my friend from Kiss of Blue, is having a private party. A play party.”
    Silence filled the line and she had to close her eyes as she waited for his answer. “I’d love to go with you, Emma, but I have a few questions. I’m assuming I’d be going as your submissive?”
    “Yes.”
    “Okay…so…uh, should we negotiate or something?”
    Back on familiar ground, she smiled and let out a soft sigh of relief. “Of course. This will be a private party at Moira’s house with probably around twenty other couples there plus the odd single Dominant and submissive.”
    “What usually goes on there? I’ve been to private play parties before, but I know they’re all different.”
    “Well, Moira is a big time voyeur; it’s her kink of choice, so there will be lots of public play. If you’re not okay with that it’s totally fine, we don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
    “And what about you, Emma, are you an exhibitionist? Do you want me to watch you?”
    The careful way he said that set off silent alarms in her mind. “Why do you ask?”
    “Well, I find the idea of watching you take your pleasure to be really hot.” He gave a soft, husky laugh that gave her goosebumps. “It’s a newly discovered side of myself.”
    “What do you mean by ‘take my pleasure’?”
    “I was thinking that if you wanted to play with someone while I watched I might be cool with that. I know this may be out of line, but I’d like to approve anyone before you play with them.”
    “What kind of play?”
    “Honestly, I don’t know.