His Wanted Plaything

. It was a big foodie event, and he invited me, as he always did. I suspected maybe destiny was on my side when I arrived and, during the cocktail reception, noticed Kat. She wore a tasteful A-lin

d the table, I leaned toward her ear and

ed up the conversation. "I've been really looking forward to this,"

supposed to have a weekend out t

ommendations, let me know.

t I'd come to expect in Houston, which is still pretty damn good. I leaned

oes a lot." There was just enough hint of

asked Kat if she needed a ride. She said she had taken Uber. What a coincidence, I noted, so had I. I offered to share

audible. She surprised me and put her hand on my thigh under the table. "Do you remember where it is? Wait until I'm gone for ten m

thirty minutes saying her goodbyes, and I spent the time tryin

n its metal exterior. It swung open immediately, but Kat wasn't there. I stepped inside, and she closed i

er," she said, "but I have a

dagger, I'm not going to p

"And what cha

"To have

gne helped things along. Next thing I knew, it was nearly midnight.

at the time," she said. "But I don't like to miss

sked. "It seems like you are pr

he 'traffic girl' and, whether consciously or not, a lot of presuppositions about who I am. But I'm also a paradox. I have a side to me that..." she trailed off and paused, "... that I haven't fully let free for a

nd you think I'm one of these rare

utual friends. I've asked around a l

this conversation, so I'm guessing that the blemishes on my reputation m

harming, genuine, big-hearted..." she paused again, crossed her legs toward me and le

or someone like me. Banker, lover o

I think. Go home. Sleep on it. Think about it for a day or two. I think you and I could ha

as simply too delicious. I had always had a weakness for other men's women. It

attering,"

I've also got a certain rep

back here Friday morning. It has to be early. At 3:30 a.m. Don't knock. I'll open

ere was no c