Getting Shy

If Mason cared that Patrick was giving 'Shy presents for Christmas he didn't show it. In fact, the guy spent most of January deeply engrossed in his work and out of the house most days, leaving Pat and 'Shy to do mostly as they pleased. She was able to visit quite a lot and even made Pat come over to Mason's place a few times for a meal. Perhaps she was trying to make herself feel more at home in that house, but it didn't work and their lunches were awkward, overly-cautious affairs. It felt to Pat as if Mason was a constant, oppressive presence in his house even when the man was at work. They'd even tried making love in the small room where Fluttershy lived, but constantly worrying that Mason might come home unexpectedly put Pat off and they hurried back to his place to finish the job.

Life settled into a kind of routine and at times Patrick almost forgot Fluttershy didn't belong to him. The pair spent a lot of time simply sitting on the couch and watching movies, or playing some game or other. Occasionally 'Shy couldn't stand to sit still anymore and she dragged him out to play in the snow. By then she'd acquainted herself with all the neighborhood children and the novelty of a talking pony had faded enough so 'Shy could sometimes join their games. She urged Pat to partake in the fun, but he felt too old. If any of their parents saw him playing with their kids it would undoubtedly look creepy.

He contented himself with waiting nearby and keeping an eye on things while Fluttershy had her share of the fun. There were chases, hide-and-go-seek, several ball games with rules Pat couldn't quite grasp even after observing whole matches. A few times they'd even had a good, old-fashioned snowball fight which left 'Shy covered in snow, her mane frozen together in lumps and shivering, but ever so happy. Her flush of excitement was simply too adorable and Pat snapped a lot of pictures of the mare in that disheveled state. Each time he hurried her home and put her in a hot shower, which would result in a very passionate bout of lovemaking as 'Shy worked out her leftover excitement from the game.

All in all, it was the happiest time of his life Pat could remember. The only shadow hanging above them was the fact that 'Shy belonged to Mason and she was completely at the whims of that man. The one thing he feared above all others was Mason realizing how sexy 'Shy was and ordering her to his bed. He didn't want to share that part of the mare, but if she said no he had no doubt Mason would simply make her. If she persisted in denying him, he might get rid of her which would be the ultimate blow. Many nights, when 'Shy couldn't come over, Pat lied in bed and stared at the ceiling, wondering how he could make Mason give or sell him Fluttershy. He always ended up in the same place: blackmail the man with his suspicions of financial fraud.

The problem was that he needed more proof and Fluttershy was utterly unwilling to spy. Despite him bringing it up repeatedly she remained resolute that she wouldn't do anything quite that dishonest, regardless of how wrong it was for Mason to own her.

"Two wrongs don't make a right," she'd quote. Or: "That may be wrong, but I'm not gonna stoop to his level!"

Surely it was only a matter of time, though. Patrick could see how being a slave was affecting 'Shy and she spent some nights simply weeping on his shoulder over the life she'd lost. Sometimes she opened up about her friends, or her time in Equestria, but it usually ended up in tears.

Patrick's mind flashed through memories of their good times as he held the crying mare in his lap. It was already past midnight and she was still inconsolable. He wanted to get some sleep before his job in the morning, but despite her keeping him up he wouldn't have said no to her visit and the resulting sex. He ran his hand through her mane, careful not to tug when he snagged a tangle or a patch damp from her sweat. 'Shy was trying to stop, choking back her sobs and failing, only making herself feel worse in the process.

Maybe he shouldn't have asked a follow-up question when she mentioned one of her friends, but curiosity had gotten the best of him and he felt like getting these things off her chest was better in the long run. Her outbursts had gotten worse as she began to trust him more, but sometime in the past month she'd plateaued out and now he felt it was a little less bad each time.

Patrick was sitting on the edge of the bed but his legs were getting cold so he carefully rolled on his back, pulling 'Shy down with him. She didn't seem to notice with her muzzle pressed against his bare chest. "Here, let me cover us up so we don't catch a cold or something," he murmured. He laid her on her side and she grasped for him with her hooves when he pulled away. He wasn't going anywhere, but he couldn't reach the blanket without letting her go for a moment.

"Don't leave me!" 'Shy squeaked when she lost his warmth. "I co-couldn't stand it!"

In another instant Pat was back and gathered up the grateful mare in his arms once more. She clung to him with her forelegs and even wrapped her hind hooves around one of his legs. "It's okay, I'm not going anywhere." He placed a gentle kiss on Fluttershy's cheek and took one hand away from her side so he could brush the fur on her muzzle. "Just let it all out. You'll feel better after."

His soft words encouraged 'Shy to speak what was in her mind. She pressed her nose against Pat's chest once more, a point of chilly wetness which he ignored. "I did- didn't really like our Spa visits!" she mumbled. "I'm so sorry, Rarity, but I mo-mostly just went to make you happy!"

Patrick patted the back of her head, then slipped his hand under her mane and took her ear between his fingers. She let out a breath she had been holding which was confirmation enough that she liked it.

"I loved spending time together and I never told her that I'd rather go- go for a nice meal or a walk! She just loved that Spa and I couldn't say no to her!" 'Shy sniffled and plunged right on with her story: "I always went along, but I felt so guilty because Rarity always paid for it. I mean, she was the Element of Generosity, but it still felt wrong to take advantage of it. I meant to tell her but I never did!"

"It's okay, Buttershy," Patrick whispered in the lull which followed. "I'm sure she enjoyed spending time with you and didn't mind paying for the Spa. Rarity sounds like a good friend."

These words made 'Shy nod vigorously, smearing her tears more evenly across his skin. "She was! I mean, she was a bit prissy and she worried about her coat and mane too much, but when it mattered she didn't mind getting dirty! Oh, Pat, I miss her so!"

Talking it out was helping and her sobbing had nearly subsided. He began to hope he might get to sleep sometime soon and placed another kiss on the side of her muzzle. "I know, sweetheart. Don't lose hope, maybe you'll get to go back someday."

This was the wrong thing to say and 'Shy froze in his arms. Her ears folded down and she slowly let out her breath. "No I won't," she said quietly. "I'm stuck here. I'm stuck with Mr. Mason and even if he sells me I'll just be stuck with someone else." A hoof slid up between them to touch the collar on her neck. "I have this and it won't let me go more than a few dozen hoofsteps away before it starts beeping. There's no escape."

The talk about another owner was painful and Pat drew back in shock. "There won't be another owner, 'Shy. I told you, I'll get you somehow and then it'll be just us. You know I won't really be your owner, right?"

She closed her eyes and shook her head, but didn't speak. Patrick wanted to interpret it as a confirmation of his words, but though deep down he knew 'Shy didn't want to belong to him. This lack of trust rankled and he heaved a sigh. "I already promised, what more do you want me to do? Buttershy, I swear you won't be my slave, okay? You'll be free to go wherever you want. I'll set your collar so it never stops you." He gave her his best sad, hurt look he could muster in the dark. "I trust you completely."

She still wasn't having any of it and kept shaking her head. At length she put a hoof against his cheek to stop him from talking. "I know you trust me, Pat," she whispered back, "and I trust you too. I just-"

Pat waited for a few moments to see where she was going with this, but 'Shy didn't continue. "You just what?"

Her head lowered and she pressed her forehead against his chest. "I don't think I could love my owner, even if it is just on paper."

This was a very low blow and he jerked in surprise. For a few moments he didn't know what to even say to that. The words themselves had felt like a sliver of ice stabbing right through his heart. "You don't mean that?" he finally managed. "'Shy, I promised I'll never see you as a slave. What more can I do?"

She was silent for long seconds while Patrick waited with bated breath. At last her tentative voice returned: "You promise you'll let me go if there's a way for me to go home?"

He'd already promised her that, but he still secretly hoped the moment would never come. He knew he could keep 'Shy happy for the rest of her life if she stayed with him, all he needed was time to prove it to her. If she saw that, she wouldn't want to go home. "I promise!"

She watched him in the darkness for a long while, then shook her head. "You promise, but I don't think you really mean it."

The accusation wrenched Pat's stomach despite, or perhaps because of, how true it was. "You don't mean that, 'Shy! I promised, didn't I? Do you think I'm a liar?" He tried to imagine Fluttershy leaving when a way home appeared. She'd be sad, but also happy. She'd leave him alone without a second glance. He had already promised her everything, was going to sacrifice so much to spend his life with her. He'd have to do it in secret, but he was fine with that.

To be so easily discarded...

"No, I'm not saying that," 'Shy said with an even, measured tone of voice, "but I don't think you realize what you're promising. Pat, if I get a chance to go home and see my friends again- my family. My home! I'm going to take it, even if it means I'll never see you again." She heaved a sigh and pressed her hoof more firmly against his cheek. "I love you, but I can't just leave everything I know if I get a chance to go back. I need you to understand that!"

This slap in the face made Patrick grunt and move away from 'Shy. He regretted the loss of her warmth, but he needed her to accept his promise and at least open herself to the possibility of staying with him in the long term. It was supposed to be a compromise, after all. "I get it, 'Shy. I really do, but now I need you to believe me when I promise I'll let you go if it ever comes to that! Can you do that for me?! And I need you to give me- us a chance! You can't just keep talking about leaving and expect me to just take it!"

His tone was a tad too sharp and 'Shy drew back, ears flattening. She shuffled to the edge and the slid out of the bed.

"Where are you going?"

She glanced back at the door, then at Pat. "H-Home," she said quietly. "I need to think."

Pat was instantly sorry for his tone and lifted up the blanket. "Come on, get back in bed. We'll talk tomorrow and somehow I'll convince you I really mean it, okay?"

She took a step back and unsuccessfully tried to hold back a sniffle. "I promise I'll visit tomorrow so we can talk, but right now I think I want to be alone. I need to think," she repeated.

"'Shy..."

She didn't answer. Fluttershy turned around and walked resolutely out the door. A few moments later Patrick heard her open and shut his front door, then the diminishing clop of her hooves down the concrete steps. He sighed and buried his face in the pillow. It didn't help that her scent soaked all his bedclothes. He shouldn't have snapped at her.

Obviously she didn't believe his promise to let her go. More importantly, she was fixated on getting back home, but could Pat blame her? After all, she had lost everything so suddenly. Besides, he didn't really believe his own promise himself. Would he really be able to just let her go? He'd never keep her on Earth by force, but what if he saw a way for her to go home and she didn't. Would he tell her? Wouldn't that be just as bad as chaining her up?

No, Pat was certain he'd do the right thing, even if was painful. All he wanted in return was for 'Shy to seriously give him a chance, to try and have a life together. Somehow he had to come up with a way to prove it to her the next day. She promised she would visit, so he would get his chance. Unless she decided it wasn't worth trying and just broke it off. She was emotional enough to come up with something like that. Hopefully not, though. They had something good and 'Shy would want to keep it. They'd be fine. He'd apologize and they'd make up and that was that. He still had to get through his job before that, so Pat forcibly relaxed his tense muscles and tried to sleep. It was probably a useless attempt, especially without Fluttershy's soft, warm body to hold in his arms, but he still had to try.

Tomorrow would be hell with regret and self-recrimination and lack of sleep would just make it worse. "Damnit, why can't you just believe me?!"

It was about as bad a day as Pat had expected. His mostly sleepless night finally became morning and he dragged himself to work. Several cups of coffee and a cigarette before his shift made it almost tolerable and allowed him to deal with the never-ending stupidity of customers. His coworkers noticed his foul temper and simply ignored him, content to focus on their own work. Well, all except for Paul, who came around to his desk within minutes of him sitting down.

"I know that look," he commented as he pointed at Pat's face.

"I'm not in the mood."

"Fine, fine," Paul added, already backing away, but before he returned to his own chair he asked: "You up for lunch later?"

It wasn't an unusual request, but with how tired Pat's mind was he scrutinized it for hidden meaning. What was Paul after? Maybe he was just being paranoid because of lack of sleep, Patrick decided. Going to lunch with coworkers wasn't something nefarious, after all. Furthermore, maybe some inane chatter would take his mind off Fluttershy, which would be an added bonus. "Fine."

He glanced at the clock and suppressed a groan. It wasn't even ten in the morning yet. It would be forever until he could see 'Shy and clear the air between them. He just hoped she wasn't stewing on their argument. Actually, had it been an argument? The whole thing had been so stupid.

***

"So, what's up?" Paul had waited with the million dollar question until they were seated in the burger place and had placed their orders. Despite having expected it, Pat still flinched at his coworker's nosy, yet sympathetic expression. "Come on, Patrick, it's girl problems, I can tell."

"What?! How do you know that?"

Paul just chuckled to himself. "You think you're the first guy to moon over a chick? Lemme guess, one of you said something stupid but you didn't realize that until it was too late?"

Patrick didn't have to answer as his expression did the work for him. He lowered his gaze to the menu, printed on the table mat, and sighed.

"So, what was it about? Come on, I've been through it all."

Maybe he could get some useful advice, Patrick realized. Sure, his relationship with 'Shy was unconventional, but Paul was right: he'd been through a lot during his marriage and maybe some of it would translate to the mare. The only problem was how to phrase it. He didn't want to discuss slave ownership with Paul, at least not in the same context as his girlfriend. It'd raise too many questions.

He tried to think of an analogue. "Well, I- kinda asked her to move in with me and she doesn't want to," Pat explained. It was close enough to the truth, anyway.

The statement made Paul blink in surprise, then burst out laughing. He held up a hand in apology as he wheezed. "Sorry, sorry," he managed to choke out. "Sorry, Pat, but that's a first for me."

"Why?"

"Usually it's the other way around. Ladies are the ones who prefer some kind of commitment pretty early on. Well, usually they do. So, what exactly did she say?"

This was another problem which needed some translating. Just saying 'Fluttershy wants to go home to her family and friends' would sound like a non-issue if she wasn't a slave. Or stranded in a different world. Pat remembered something vague he'd seen in a movie or a show and decided it was close enough.

"As far as I understand, she's not sure she wants to stay with me. Y'know, long-term."

"Do you?"

The question came out rapidly and caught Patrick off-guard. He blinked in surprise then nodded when he had a few seconds for the words to register. "Yeah."

"Tough," Paul commented. They fell silent as the waitress brought their food, but then the older man continued his thought before getting started on his burger: "Way I see it, you've got two options," he began.

Pat's hand paused on the paper wrapper and he looked up with sudden hope. It sounded as if Paul knew what to do!

Paul's gestures were fully automatic as he lifted the top bun and reached for the salt while he continued to talk. "One: you break it up now. If you have different ideas about the future, it's just gonna be harder and harder as times goes on. It sounds like this girl will get tired of you before you get tired of her, so- yeah. Not pleasant."

Even before he'd finished Pat was already shaking his head. He would not give up on 'Shy, no matter what came. They were in love, he was sure of it! All he needed to do was make her realize that and decide they were more important than her old life. It'd be easier and easier as those memories faded into the past, just the opposite of what Paul had said. Or the same as the man said. Patrick tried to make his tired, sleepy mind work. It'd be harder to break up as the time went on, but that would work on both of them.

"Well, in that case, it leaves you with two," Paul went on. "You keep going, but you gotta accept someday she'll wanna leave. Don't make it too serious." He paused, then replaced the bun on his burger and picked it up with both hands. Before biting in he asked: "She said there's definitely no chance? Like, is she a 100% that this is just a temporary fling?"

Once again Pat had to translate between Fluttershy's situation and his fake scenario for Paul. "Not... exactly," he said, brightening up. "It's like- if something better comes along she'll take it. She pretty much said that."

"Oof," Paul mumbled with his mouth full. He chewed, eyes scanning the ceiling in deep thought. Patrick took the chance to take a bite out of his own burger as well.

At length his coworker swallowed and heaved a sigh. "Sounds like you're some kind of a rebound or something. Tough break, Patrick. It doesn't change my advice. Either quit it now while you're ahead, or be prepared to be dumped later."

This wasn't what Pat wanted to hear, but he told himself the scenario he'd told Paul was different from what was actually happening between himself and 'Shy. He shook his head. "What if that 'something better' never comes?"

"If you're good to her, sure. I guess it's possible. However, it sounds to me like she's already made up her mind to wait for it. You'll always be the second fiddle while she waits for a Prince Charming. I wouldn't be surprised if she starts sleeping around once she gets a bit bored of you. Is that really want you want?"

"I guess not." Fluttershy wouldn't do that, would she? A pang of jealousy made Pat's stomach clench before he could disabuse himself of the notion. He had to remind himself again that the example for Paul was different from reality. 'Shy hadn't really said she doesn't want to be with him for the long term, it's just that she would take a chance to go home if it came along.

The two ate their burgers quietly for a while, until the silence became uncomfortable for Pat and he tried to break it up. "I'll think about it. Maybe we can talk it out or something."

Paul shrugged to forestall his reply while he finished his current mouthful, then he wiped his chin on the back of his hand and went on: "Sure, you can try. Good luck with that." Again the silence stretched until Paul spoke up again: "You really got it bad for this chick. What'd you say her name was?" Patrick nearly panicked as he tried to remember, but luckily his coworker remembered soon after. "Felicity, right? Got a picture for me to see?"

This was easier, because Pat had prepared for just such a request after the last time he'd talked about 'Shy with his coworkers. He pulled out his phone and went to the pictures folder. It'd taken some browsing but he found an average-looking girl with her blond hair dyed partially pink, photographed against believable living-room background.

"Here."

Paul inspected the image on the phone for a bit, then shrugged. "Not bad, not bad. I still think vegan chicks who dye their hair are crazy, but I can see the appeal."

Pat just shrugged, not much interested in what the girl on the picture actually looked like. His mind was set on 'Shy and he suspected she'd ruined him for Earth women forever. There was just something about her wings and her soft coat.

Hopefully their spat the previous night wouldn't prove fatal to their relationship. Pat sighed and put his burger down, not very hungry anymore. He waited patiently while Paul finished his, then fished out his wallet to pay. "It's on me," he said.

This earned him a grateful grin and he waved to the waitress while Paul cleaned himself off with a napkin. The burgers were good, but they always left a mess on face and hands. On clothes too, if you weren't careful.

Pretty soon after that the two were outside and walking slowly back to the office. Seeing Paul light a cigarette reminded Pat to the same and he hoped it would calm his nerves at least a little. He was ready for the day to end so he could talk with 'Shy and see where they stood. The uncertainty was killing him.

"Anyway, we'll talk. I think we can sort it out somehow," he commented.

It took Paul a few seconds to connect his words to their previous topic, but then he shrugged. "Give it a shot, just be careful you don't burn yourself. If it's over, it's over. No sense trying to force it."

"Yeah, I get it. Thanks."

There was nothing else to say and the two focused on finishing their cigarettes before they came back to the office. The day was half over and Pat hoped if he focused on work the second half would pass quickly.

Patrick tried to sit down for the umpteenth time, but he couldn't stay on the couch for more than a minute before jumping up again and going to his kitchen window to look into Mason's house. The man was sitting in his living room with a tray on his knees and apparently watching some TV show. Once again Pat tried to will him to eat faster. He knew Fluttershy wouldn't be able to come over until Mason's dinner was done and the dishes washed. Today of all days he really wanted to see her so he could apologize.

That had been another piece of advice from Paul when they had reached the office, and it sounded like a good one. Start with an apology and take it from there. It certainly couldn't hurt. Pat's nervous pacing brought him around his couch and back to the kitchen. The situation in the neighbor's house was unchanged and he groaned in frustration.

"Hurry the fuck up!"

For a split second he thought about going over to Mason's and asking to see 'Shy, but he absolutely did not want the man to start thinking too much about Pat and his pony. As far as the man knew, they were just casual friends. With luck he wouldn't find out anything more by the time Patrick managed to get 'Shy away from him and their relationship would remain a secret forever.

This evening, not even thoughts of Mason finding out distracted him. He was far more afraid of Fluttershy dumping him than getting found out. He was about to go and try the TV again when he saw 'Shy walk into view in Mason's living room. She talked for a moment and flashed her owner a small smile. Mason responded and punctuated his words with his fork.

If only he could guess what they were talking about! Patrick briefly considered a crazy scheme of planting one of those spy microphones in Mr. Mason's living room, but thought better of it. Even if he ordered one from Amazon he'd probably install it wrong, or the man would notice it, or something.

Fluttershy spoke again and looked at Pat's window. Their eyes met and she blinked in surprise, but didn't otherwise betray anything on her face. She focused once more on Mason's reply, then inclined her head and walked off. Only then did Pat let his breath out. He stayed at the window for a bit longer, but 'Shy didn't come back into view and Mason kept slowly eating his meal. By the look of the thing, it would take him at least twenty more minutes to finish, which meant 'Shy wouldn't be able to come in the next half hour, at least.

Maybe he could play something, or go look at some memes on the Internet. Pat wandered back to the couch and picked up his laptop from the coffee table. A sudden noise from the front door made him sit up. A moment later he heard a distinct hoofstep and shot up, nearly tossing the computer to the floor.

"Buttershy?"

The sight of that beautiful yellow face in the living room door had never been so welcome. "Um, am I disturbing?"

"No, please come in!"

While she made her way over Pat returned the laptop to the coffee table and patted the cushion next to him. Despite his invitation, 'Shy remained standing and lifted up a foreleg to explain: "Wet hooves."

"Oh. Okay."

It didn't feel right talking to her about something important while sitting above and looking down on her. He simply slid from the couch and sat on the floor so they could speak eye to eye. After a moment 'Shy also plonked down on her haunches.

"'Shy, I'm sorry," he began.

At the same time she also spoke up: "I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly-"

They both shut up and waited for the other to continue. Pat was the first to react. "You first."

Her gaze lowered to her forehooves and 'Shy repeated: "I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly yesterday. I-" She swallowed a lump and tried again: "I've done some thinking."

This was the moment of truth. Was she sad? Was this is? Pat held his breath as he waited for the verdict. "And?"

'Shy sighed and looked up, right into his eyes. "Pat, I need you to understand: If I get a chance to go home, I'll take it." Her gaze slid aside and she shrugged a little with her wings. "I love you, but I have friends and family in Equestria. It's my home."

She was probably going to break it off and Pat's heart sank. She was going to end it now in order to save herself greater pain later. His vision blurred and he blurted out the first thing that popped into his mind. "I'll come with you! Please..."

This shut her up and made her look back, frowning slightly when she saw his expression. "Are- are you okay?" Sudden realization widened her eyes and 'Shy gave a small gasp. "No, Pat, I'm not saying we should break up. I just-"

The rest of her response was muffled as Patrick surged forward in sudden relief and wrapped her up in a hug. He buried his nose in her mane and drew in her scent. A hoof carefully patted his back, leaving a chilly wet spot on his shirt. "There, there," 'Shy whispered in his ear. "I didn't mean to make you think that." She pushed away and watched him with a small, gentle smile. "I just wanted you to understand that I will go home if I get a chance, okay? I- I thought it was best we both knew now."

Suddenly that part of it felt like the smallest of issues. The thought of losing 'Shy this suddenly and the relief that it wouldn't happen overshadowed every other concern, even one of losing her at some undefined future date. Pat reached out and picked up one of Fluttershy's forehooves with both hands. It was chilly from the walk she took outside and wet from the slush on the pavement, but he didn't care. He had to slide himself a little closer until he could place a kiss right on her hoof.

"Yes, I understand," he said, words spilling out almost on top of one another. "And I promise I won't stop you if that chance comes, okay? Do you think I could go with you?"

This was a new idea and 'Shy looked around the room as she thought it over. He could see how she turned the problem around in her mind. Eventually she shrugged. "I'm not sure. I'd have to ask Twilight. Um, maybe?"

Would he actually do it? The chance was remote, Pat thought. If Fluttershy's friends had been able to come and get her, they would undoubtedly have done so by now. Pretty soon they'd decide she was lost to them forever and stop trying, if they hadn't already. Pat idly stroked her hoof with his fingers, then let it go and leaned closer to offer her a kiss instead. She accepted and their lips met for a short while. It was a chaste thing, arising not from their lust, but from a simple need to to be together and have the other know that.

"I'll get a towel. We'll be more comfortable on the couch."

'Shy shook her head and stood up. "Actually I have to go right back. I told Mr. Mason I'd only be a minute to say hello."

"Oh." He was sad to miss out on some kissing, especially since they'd only just made up, but Pat could look forward to next time now that he knew there would be a next time.

"I'll try and visit on the weekend, okay?" 'Shy murmured and darted back to steal another kiss. "Um, bye."

"Bye, Buttershy."

Patrick watched her walk away and pause in the door to look back at him. She flashed him a smile, blushed at a sudden thought, then flicked her tail from side to side a few times to tease him with short glimpses of the treasure she was hiding there.

Even that split second view was enough to get Pat instantly hard and he wondered how much trouble 'Shy would be in if he rushed after her and delayed her for just a few minutes. Of course she'd also need a shower, because going back to Mason with his spunk dripping out of her wouldn't be the best of ideas. Then, after the shower she'd need to dry up, and the best way would be to wrap herself up in a big towel and cuddle with him on the couch for a while. The few minutes would probably turn into an hour, if not more.

Mason would be furious and he might start asking questions which 'Shy had no way of answering, so Pat thought better of it and heaved a forlorn sigh. It was going to be just his hand for this evening.

The weekend should be fun, though, if 'Shy was able to make good on her promise. She clearly wanted him. Patrick wondered if she would touch herself late that night as well. The thought was incredibly hot and he resolved to ask her to do it once in front of him. He suddenly realized he could have asked her to call once she was alone and they could listen to each other doing it.

Maybe if he ringed her phone, she would notice it and call back! Pat hurried to find his cell and do just that.