Chapter 16 : Stressed

A few hours later, she was alone and incredibly stressed. A week without her boyfriend, and she'd invited another man for what was basically a week-long live show.

« He told me he wouldn't do anything I didn't want. For $50,000. I have to make sure he doesn't feel bad about giving away all that money for nothing. »

Jane was truly unable to contain this feeling, a mix of embarrassment and excitement. Always caught between right and wrong.

What would he say ? That I did the right thing ? Enjoying being deprived of my own body and seeing myself with someone else are two different things, after all.

But it was too late now. She paced nervously around the living room, checking one last time that everything was ready for Marc's arrival. Her heart was pounding, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension knotting her stomach.

She dressed carefully, opting for the form-fitting leather dress she'd bought earlier, which accentuated her curves suggestively.

« Okay, take a deep breath. It's just a show. Like all the others. Except... this time, it's in person. »

She talked to herself, trying to calm down. A show in person. Basically, she'd be « his thing » for a week, although that wasn't exactly what it was. More like being an escort for a week.

DING-DONG !

The doorbell rang at that moment ! She jumped. What should she do ?

Jane took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders as if to summon her courage. She walked purposefully to the door, turning the handle. The door finally revealed Marc standing there, handsome in a fitted shirt and jeans.

« Good evening. Thank you so much for coming. »

She let him in, her eyes taking in his overweight body.

« I hope the journey wasn’t too bad. Can I get you something to drink ? Water, beer, wine ? »

Her tone was welcoming, but with a hint of underlying nervousness. She led him into the living room, gesturing for him to sit down. So stressful. Her words came out almost with difficulty.

« Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back with something to drink. »

He didn’t even reply before she was already in the kitchen. Yes, Jane was stressed.

It didn’t bother her that he wasn’t muscular or overly handsome. She didn’t feel like she was being deceived by looks, it was deeper than that. He was a little chubby.

Actually, that made him even cuter.

She came back a little later.

« Here, this is for you. How was the trip ? You must have flown, right ? »

She settles onto the sofa next to him. She crosses her legs, the short dress riding up her thighs.

« The flight was fine, thanks for asking. A little boring, to be honest, but that's normal. And it was worth it, haha. »

She takes a sip from her own drink, her tongue flicking out to catch a stray drop.

« I'm just happy to be here with you now. Just a little nervous. »

He says. His eyes meet hers, an unreadable glint passing between them.

« So... what do we do now ? »

She puts down her glass and turns to face him, her posture open and welcoming despite the nervousness fluttering in her stomach. Her question has made him even more nervous. Online, you can immerse yourself, but in real life it's so different, almost like a knot in your stomach.

« Well, we can do anything, but... we have seven days. I was planning to take it slow, one step at a time. And don't worry, I won't be stingy. We'll be there for each other for a week. Come put your things in the room. You'll be sleeping with me, of course. For the price you paid, it's the least I can do. »

Marc was tense too. She was so pretty in person. He walked into the room and put his bag down by the bed.

« Oh, thank you, Jane. It's true that for the price, you expect something. Anyway, I don't want to rush you at all. You're already very pretty as you are. I've never been to a girl's place before. I'm confident online... in real life, it's more complicated... . »

He was embarrassed, yet also a little happy. Knowing that he would be sleeping in the bed where her boyfriend should be made him really impatient. So bad... .

She felt a little guilty hearing Marc's hesitant admission, realizing the impact this situation was having on him. She approached, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.

« I completely understand, Marc. This must be really upsetting for you. »

She gently squeezed his arm.

« But know that I care about you too. It’s not just about money. I sincerely want us to spend a special week together as planned. »

His eyes met hers, filled with warmth and sincerity. He smiled, which made him just too adorable. She definitely saw more than just money for a favor. It was more than that… .

« Let’s take things slowly, like you said. No pressure. We have all the time in the world to explore this new dynamic between us. Why don’t you settle in and then we can relax together ? »

« I suppose we should. »

He started unpacking. Arranging his clothes as if it were his own place made him truly happy. A week with a beautiful woman like her, doing everything himself. Clothes in the wardrobe by the bed, the essentials in the bathroom. That was it.

Once he was done, he went back to the bedroom. Jane was in her underwear.

« Wow... You're... sexy. Well, I already knew that, haha. »

Jane blushed slightly at the compliment, a shy smile playing on her lips. She twirled around, the lace of her bra glinting faintly in the dim light.

« Thanks ! I'm glad you like what you see. »

She moved slowly toward him, her hips swaying hypnotically.

« And I must say, you're pretty good-looking yourself. »

No lie. That irresistibly cute side of him made him truly endearing. Loving the body for what it reflects of the soul and inner beauty. She stopped inches from him, her gaze taking in his body with admiration.

« So... now that we're alone... what did you have in mind for our first night together ? »

It didn't even count as their first day, which would be tomorrow. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, heavy with intimacy. He shivered.

« Me ? Oh... nothing... at all, and you ? »

She hadn't planned anything either. She was too stressed to even think about it. They were both stressed !

« Nothing either, I must admit. Why don't we just get comfortable in bed ? We can explore each other's bodies gently to start. »

She was simply suggesting they explore each other's bodies. He wasn't going to object.

« Oh yes... that's a good place to start. I think for me, having never seen a woman, it's a good beginning. »

She invited him to lie down on the bed beside her.

« Come here then. Let's explore each other gently. You'll be able to discover a woman's body, indeed. I hope mine is enough for you. »

« Ah yes... of course ! That's true... After all, I have no real experience. »

He slipped into bed once he'd changed. No blankets covered them. They were both in their underwear. A unique tension arose. Her eyes traveled over his body, lingering on contours she hadn't seen before.

So different from the man I was used to seeing in this place. Even his scent.

She reached out, delicately tracing the lines of his torso with her fingertips.

« I'm so glad you're here... Let's have a wonderful week. »

Yes, he wasn't the most handsome, but he was there, and that was all she needed.