Caught

She toyed with the cuffs. Did she have the nerve? She could almost see herself, spread-eagled on a bed of red satin sheets, while a strong, firm body stretched over her. Mitch’s strong, firm body. His hands, his lips, caressing her, sliding over her skin.

Though she’d never admit it, being tied up was one of her fantasies. She trembled at the thought of being completely in Mitch’s control, while he touched her, loved her the way she’d always wanted to be loved.

Curiosity getting the better of her, she snapped the cuffs around one wrist and then the other. The sensation of the fun fur, silky and smooth against her sensitive skin, was even more stimulating than she’d thought. Arousal flooded her body. This was it—her big purchase to kick off Operation Get Jane Laid.

She grabbed the key, twisting her wrist awkwardly to fit it into the hole.

It didn’t turn.

She tried again, the cuffs pulling taut against her skin.

Still nothing.

She was stuck.

No way. She’d finally decided to take action, and here she was, locked in a pair of jammed handcuffs. It figured.

“Jane?” Sam called from across the room. “Are you okay?”

“Umm. Not really. Could you give me a hand here?” She twisted her arms again, trying to make the key turn in the lock.

“Sure, what’s up?” Sam crossed to her.

“These seem to have stuck. Can you get them open for me?”

Sam eyed the cuffs that adorned Jane’s wrists and winked. “Nice choice. Got anyone in mind for these?”

“Stop joking around and help me out here. Please.” She felt frantic. She had to get the cuffs off. She was so embarrassed. So much for getting out there and exploring life. If that wasn’t a sign to stick with her books, she didn’t know what was.

Sam took the key from Jane’s fingers and tried the lock. It stayed stuck. She jiggled the key back and forth to no avail.

“Sweetie, I think these are jammed. Let me just go grab Elizabeth and see if she can help.”

“No!” Jane cried. “Don’t bring her here. I don’t want anyone to see me like this. Just get them open.” This was definitely not the kind of attention she was looking for.

“I can’t,” Sam said, patting her arm reassuringly. “I’ll just get her. It will be okay. This probably happens all the time.” She left Jane standing there, staring helplessly at her wrists, willing the cuffs off, turning the key in hopeless frustration.

Elizabeth and Sam rushed to her side.

“Let me help you with that. Usually they open without any problems. Did you turn the key the right way?”

Taking her turn, Elizabeth fumbled and jiggled the key.

Jane was still trapped.

After what seemed like hours, Elizabeth threw up her arms in surrender.

“I’m so sorry. This has never happened before.”

Never? God, she was such a dork. This had to be the most humiliating day of her life. She couldn’t think of anything that could possibly be worse.

“I don’t think we’re going to get anywhere with this key.” Elizabeth held it up, frowning at its bent shape. “I don’t have a saw or anything to get those open. Maybe I should call the fire department?”

Jane gasped. The fire department? She wanted to call the fire department? Oh God. It just got worse.

Finalist

Lori Foster's Brava Novella Contest