Five
Patrick
Waking up early has never been my forte, but if I’m going to be a farmer and keep a roof over my head, I’ll need to learn to adjust my schedule. Cold water sends a shock to my system as I splash it over my face. It also does nothing to help the red in my eyes from staying up late and watching TV last night. Hopefully my face isn’t what Sheep Finder pays attention to during our call.
My stomach swirls when I look down at my phone—twenty minutes until our private chat. This will be my third, but for some reason this man has my nerves making my head whooshy even though we only talked for ten minutes. As soon as I’d seen his name, I laughed. Did he customize it based on mine? It was his last two messages that stuck with me, though, and now there’s the anticipation of being surprised by what he might want, along with the promise of him seeing me for all of it.
What makes zero sense has me more on edge. They’ve all seen me, but something about him saying the words to me had a wave of electricityzip-lining down my spine. He’s just like the others, except none of them left me breathless as I waited for their call. After brushing my hair and teeth, I hurry to my room and browse through my closet, settling on a pink silky robe lined with feathers. Slipping it over me, I rustle through the top drawer for some matching panties and make my way to my chair.
My alarm going off sends a jolt through me and I sit up, taking a breath as I adjust the camera.
Sheep Finder:Hi there.
“Hey.” I nibble on my bottom lip, tugging on the sash of my robe. “How are you?”
Sheep Finder:Better now.
“Your camera is off and you’re not using the microphone.”
Sheep Finder:Yes, this is good for now.
“So mysterious,” I tease, my body still tense.
Sheep Finder:You look tired. Did you miss your bedtime?
“I got a little sidetracked with a movie I was watching.” I shuffle in my seat, twisting my body enough for one side of my robe to fall open.
Sheep Finder:Is that what has you so jittery? Lack of sleep?
“No . . . maybe. I also haven’t done many of these, and never this early,” I stammer.
Sheep Finder:No? How many have there been?”
“Three.”
Sheep Finder:But I'm the first and only one this early. What else haven’t you done with anyone else on here?
I sputter a laugh. “Talk this long. Normally someone has a request by now. I was just about to remind you that your hour started ten minutes ago.”
Sheep Finder:Who said I only wanted an hour?
“I guess I just assumed . . . I don’t know. How long did you want? I do have chores to get to by ten. Not that I’m trying to rush you or anything.
Sheep Finder:You know you should really stand your ground or else people will walk all over you.
“Stand my ground?”
Sheep Finder:Yes. Tell me you need to be done by a certain time and that’s it. Don’t let me think I have the ability to change your mind or else I’ll try to.
“You saying you’d take advantage of my kindness?” I arch a brow, tilting in my seat.
Sheep Finder:No. I’ll assume you’re giving me an opening to push you more, and if that’s what I think you’re doing then yes, I’ll take full advantage.
“Is talking all we’re going to do? Because I’m sure you could do this with anyone else for free.”
Sheep Finder:Yes, but I want to talk to you, and don’t worry, I’m well aware of what I’m paying for.
I wiggle in my seat, lowering my gaze. “Just wanna make sure is all.”