Читать книгу The Scantilly Tales - Danielle Shoebottom - Страница 10

Thursday

Sorry, we missed you.

‘Not as sorry as me’, I think, as if a delivery note could reply to my thoughts.

It’s 8.30pm but I head straight to my neighbour’s and knock loudly. Still in work dress, I shift impatiently in my heels. ‘Come on’, I plead silently, ‘hurry up’. Excitement flares as I hear the door unlocking and yet it has nothing to do with Mark answering in a towel – that’s fairly normal.

“Sorry, just back from the gym,” he explains, his hands indicating himself.

His smooth pecs bulge and droplets drizzle a six-pack as he runs a hand through wet, black hair. To the point, I flash the courier note.

“Hi Mark,” I say. “Have you a delivery for me?”

“Yep, just here,” he replies, disappearing behind the door. Returning, he passes me a black, ribboned box and asks with raised eyebrows: “Anything nice?”

“I hope so,” I reply, reading the note.

“You can show me,” he says amiably then: “Time for a glass of wine? I’ll just put on some clothes.”

“Don’t worry about it…” I reply absent-mindedly as, confused, I re-read the sender’s note. “The wine that is…” I say, “not the … er, another time maybe? And thanks.”

“Sure,” he says with a little side-grin that hides in dark shaded stubble. “Anytime.”

Already turning for home, my mind elsewhere, I check the note again. Three simple words yet so much joy:

Peek-A-Boo!!

I want to scream it. My key rattles in the lock and before I am through, the ribbons are stretched off and the black box clatters to the floor. A mischievous twin to Monday’s gift, the seductive crimson lingerie exceeds all expectations. The familiar centre-piece – a rose-gold charm etched with an enigmatic, curvy ‘S’ – glistens invitingly. I glide my fingers along the sultry, rouge fabric and take a deep breath, savouring the tension.

My skin needs this and I capture myself in moments. I gasp, just a little, relieved, as my fingers explore the soft satin and textured mesh. Remembering the delightful cut-outs, I dash to the hallway mirror and watch my skin glowing in two shades of red. It is perfection. I am Peek-a-Boo the Scarlet Woman.

Suddenly, I don’t want to stay in anymore. I can’t now. I put my clothes back on, the heels too, and leave the house.

I wonder if I’ll surprise someone with my surprise.