Natalie finishes getting ready to go out

Studying her options inside her drawer, the lingerie sat folded to one side. A mix of colors and materials, from soft silk, to synthetic lace, a touch of items that imitated leather, but moved easier, and even little metal hoops, connecting panels, or delicate chains that crossed the body in sultry accents. Just behind them, a variety of her toys sat discreetly buried, calling to her, and untouched since Saturday night. Her eyes lingered there for a heartbeat.

She pulled the lingerie free she wanted, then closed the drawer before putting on her selection, and moving to her closet.

From the shelf tucked just above her hanging blouses, she reached for the box that held her good stockings. Not the drugstore emergency pair balled up in the back of her drawer. These were matte black, thigh-high, and soft against her hands. She sat on the edge of the bed to put them on, slipping her hand inside the first and gently gathering the length of it before pointing her toes and guiding it up her leg.

She took her time sliding the fabric over her calf, then higher, past her knee, stopping only when the band reached the top of her thigh. The second slid on just as smoothly, and when both were in place, she stood to fasten them, carefully hooking the garter straps into place on each side. The clicks were faint but satisfying to hear the tiny pieces clipping into place.

She checked the lines along her thighs, adjusting the band ever so slightly until everything felt centered and secure.

There was something about the look of them, the way they clung and shifted as she moved, that never failed to pull her deeper into herself. Her reflection in the mirror of the bare legs framed in black, and the distinct lines of the garter straps holding them in place. She adjusted one slightly, then let her eyes linger for a moment before offering herself a quiet, satisfied smile, knowing what lay underneath waiting for Matt.

She crossed to the closet and pushed past a few hangers, making room, before finally pulling the dress free. A pale ivory satin, that was soft and fluid in her hands, with a true wrap closure and long sleeves that tapered at the wrists. It was one of her favorites for certain occasions. Understated and elegant, with just enough allure to feeling like she was unwrapping herself for someone.

She brought it around her, feeding her arms into the slippery material. The fabric slid over her hips before settling into place, cool against her skin. She drew the wrap across her front, looped the sash through the side opening, and pulled it snug around her waist. The satin skimmed her curves, hugging in a way that flattered, but she kept it from clinging. The hem landed just above her knees, long enough to cover the dark lace band at the top of her stockings, but only barely. The contrast was a deliberate choice of soft white over inky black.

The sleeves puffed faintly at the shoulders, then narrowed at her wrists. The dress added a softness that didn’t hint at what lay underneath. She adjusted the tie once more, then heard the chime of her phone.

Moving to the bed, she picked it up, seeing Matt had texted again.

Matt: Just pulling the wine out. You like red or white?

Dropping the phone back onto the bed, she turned toward the mirror and gave herself one last look. The fit was clean. The dress traced the line of her waist, hinted at the swell of her breasts, while displaying a tasteful amount of cleavage, and moved easily when she shifted her stance. Her legs looked longer framed in black, the sheer fabric hugging their shape with every step.

A small smile pulled at her mouth. It wasn’t over the top, but she felt like it already said what she wanted to, without ever opening her mouth.

She stepped back toward her closet and scanned the lower shelves. The dress didn’t need much, just the right lift. She reached for a pair of black heels with a pointed toe and a thin ankle strap, their matte finish against the sheen of her dress created a clean line, with no distractions. She slipped them on, adjusted the buckle, and then walked once more toward the mirror to check the full effect. It was understated and confident, with just enough contrast and material that flowed provocatively to keep his attention.

Reaching for her phone, she tapped out a quick reply.

Natalie: I’ll leave that to you. Whatever you think pairs best with dinner.

Then she dropped the phone into a slim black clutch, added a compact, lip gloss, and her keys, and gave herself one last glance in the mirror over her shoulder before heading for the door.

The moment her bedroom door opened, Aiden was already on his feet. He didn’t hesitate this time, moving toward the hallway with every intention of catching her, saying something, attempting to bring things back closer to where they had been. But the moment she appeared, whatever he’d meant to say evaporated before it made it to his lips. His chest tightened as his eyes landed on her, and the words just slipped away.

She didn’t miss the way he looked at her. Not the stunned silence, or the way his eyes lingered. He wasn’t the intended target for why she dressed this way, but knowing he saw her like this, knowing she’d made him stop dead in his tracks, lit a small sense of smugness in her chest. She tried to not let it show.

“I’m heading out,” she said, in a sing song voice, offering no details.

Aiden barely managed a nod. Just before she reached the end of the hall and turned toward the door, he caught the flash of a smile starting to pull at her mouth, paired with the sexiest look in her eyes he’d ever seen her make, before it vanished again.

He watched as she crossed the short stretch to the front door. The swish of her hips. The click of her heels. The shape of her legs made longer by the stockings he’d never seen her wear before. Every detail etched into his mind, including the flex of her calves in the heels, by the time the door closed behind her.

Aiden laced his fingers together behind his head, as he stood in place for a moment, with the sound of the door closing echoing in his ears, and his eyes remained fixed on the spot where she’d last stood. The image of her leaving refused to fade. It was clear it hadn’t been for him, he knew that, but he’d gotten to see her done up for a night out.

He turned toward the kitchen, moving on instinct. The freezer opened, and he reached in without paying attention, pulling out one of the frozen dinners he had for nights he was eating alone. He barely bothered checking to see what he was about to eat, just tore the box open and peeled back the corner of the plastic cover before tossing it in the microwave. His thumb hovered over the buttons trying to remember the amount of time he was supposed to cook it for. The machine buzzed to life, once he managed a moment to focus on what he was doing.

He leaned on the edge of the counter, arms crossed. The kitchen felt empty, like the whole apartment had a different kind of stillness now that she was gone. He was used to the activity of their separate lives going about their evening, and knowing she was out on a Monday, was throwing him completely off after seeing the way she was dressed.

He knew where she was going, or at least, he was sure enough. Matt was who he knew she had been texting with. He’d seen the notifications light up her screen a few times, combined with their conversation on the couch about oversharing. He had pushed her until she said she’d sent him a picture, and then made a point to clarify it wasn’t a nude. He’d tried to tease her into details, but she shut him down as expected, yet it was too much fun to poke at her.

And now she was gone, dressed like that. Sexy in a way he’d never seen her do. Matt’s probably about to get something a hell of a lot better than a non-nude photo, he thought.

The microwave beeped. Aiden opened it and pulled the tray out, nearly burning his fingers on the edges before dropping it on the counter with a muttered curse. He grabbed a fork from the drawer and started eating straight from the plastic, not even bothering with a plate. He barely tasted it. His mind wasn’t on dinner. It was stuck back in the hallway, watching her walk away.

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