Free The Messy Maiden by Shona Husk Page A

to. That was strangely comforting.
    “We never have to talk about it again. But at least we can maybe move forward…” He hopped that they could get past their online personas.
    She stabbed at her tiramisu and took bite. It looked as though she wasn’t enjoying it. He moved the berries around his plate still unable to eat.
    She ate another bite, but this time she was looking at him and he wasn’t sure he liked the look. It was too calculated. “So when you eat dessert what are you thinking?”
    Ian put down his spoon. While she hadn’t called him a pervert yet, her tone was less than friendly. “I like dessert. I like trying new things. Yes sometimes I think about the sensual possibilities. Food is a pleasure. The taste, the texture…” He could see he was losing her. “Do you not stop to think about that?”
    “I look at the mess factor.” She sighed and grimaced. “I’m in it for the money.” Her shoulders sagged a little. “Since we are being honest.” She glanced at him. “It’s an act. I’m sorry if you were expecting something, someone else. Maybe I should go.”
    He reached out a hand. “Stay. Part of me always knew it was an act, but it was still enjoyable to watch. It’s more fun to play with someone than on your own.”
    “You’ve done both?”
    No he hadn’t. He’d never played by himself like she did for the camera. He knew it wasn’t the food, it was being with someone else and tasting and teasing and touching. But he wasn’t going to explain all of that now.
    “No. Food alone doesn’t turn me on.”
    “And yet…” She frowned. “Why subscribe?”
    “I stumbled across your site after my fiancée threw me out.” The memory repeated. At least it hadn’t got that far this time. He’d never let it get that far again with being honest.
    Her head tilted a fraction. “Because you told her what you liked?”
    “I made a couple off suggestions and it all spiraled out of control. Needless to say some names were thrown around. Since then I haven’t told anyone. I thought I could tell you because…well, we have something in common. Is dating a subscriber too odd for you?”
    Again she pulled a face. Her nose wrinkled like she’d just discovered a rotting fish head in her dessert. “Compared to some of them you aren’t weird.” She shrugged. ‘But I don’t know. This is new ground for me.” She shook her head and closed her eyes. “The things you’ve seen.”
    At least she was no longer angry, but the tension was still between them. It would’ve been one hundred times worse having this conversation later after they’d gotten more serious.
    “I enjoyed them all.”
    She opened her eyes. “Why?”
    “I don’t know. Maybe some wires got crossed in my brain. What you do is sexy. You always made it seem like fun. It was never sleazy or dirty. It was nice not to be made to feel ashamed.”
    She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry your fiancée wasn’t more understanding.”
    “I guess it’s not something everyone can deal with.” Could she? She’d already admitted that it was just a job. Would she be interested in experimenting or would she run a thousand miles?
    “I’ve never had a partner in crime.” Her gaze narrowed as she considered him.
    “You stumbled on sploshing by yourself?”
    “Pretty much. I heard about webcam girls and did some research and…well here we are.” She gave her tiramisu a poke with the fork. “Would you have asked me out if you hadn’t recognized my voice?”
    “I can’t answer that honestly. I certainly would’ve noticed you. You’re very beautiful without all the makeup and the wig. But I probably would’ve talked myself out of it for all the reasons we’ve discussed.”
    “You haven’t dated because you were afraid of what the woman would say?”
    He nodded. He’d let his ex’s reaction color the rest of his life, making her and her attitude part of his life. Would she be pleased with the damaged she’d caused? He hoped