“Yes,” Caroline answered excitedly. “I couldn’t help myself. I went with cream because it reminded me of your perfectly flawless skin. If you’d like it in another color, it’s no problem. They have greens and reds—”

“No, of course not,” Emma said, shaking her head. “I love it! It’s absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to wear it.” Very carefully she laid it over the arm of the sofa. Next were a few small bottles with red labels. She took one out. “Edible body oil?”

“And lube!” Caroline squealed, clapping. “I’m sure you’ve tried things like this many times, or maybe you even have some, but these are imported, and they actually taste good. I found them on a website with rave reviews, and I can vouch for them myself. Don’t hesitate to use them on Pete. They’ll make blowing him an extra welcome experience. I got you strawberry and passion fruit, which are my two faves. There’s one more thing in the box, and then Gillian can continue.” She glanced over at Gillian. “You’re not off the hook. We still need to hear what went down once you got upstairs.”

Piper gave Caroline a look of disbelief as she shook her head. “You are constantly surprising me. Imported edible lube? You are a total sex ninja.”

Caroline shrugged. “Hey, the Internet makes it easy. Jace constantly wants to try new things, and I happily oblige. It’s kind of fun, actually. I usually have lunch at my desk while reading about edible panties and the newest in battery-operated vibrators. Did you know they make them this tiny?” She spread her fingers about an inch apart.

Gillian laughed. “You are a sex ninja, and it’s so funny, because you look just the opposite. I love that about you.”

“Well, thank you,” Caroline said. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Emma lifted up the last of the tissue and picked up a red velvet cloth bag, cinched at the top with a red ribbon. She felt around the outside, giggling. “Do I really want to know what’s in here, Sex Ninja?” She untied the handles and emptied the object out onto the palm of her hand. It was a small plastic cord with three balls attached. Emma knew exactly what it was. “Anal beads!”

“Not just any kind of anal beads. They’re travel size!” Caroline exclaimed as everyone in the room rocked with laughter. “Hey, you can’t knock it until you try it. They’re usually on a much longer, bulkier cord. But I found those—”

“Let me guess,” Gillian interrupted, chortling, “on the Internet?”

“Why, yes!” Caroline laughed. “Those Scandinavian countries really have a knack for toys, I’m telling you. They’re a much better quality than anything made here.”

“Maybe you should incorporate imported sex toys into your stationery business,” Piper suggested. “I bet you’d get ten times as many customers.”

“I’ve actually considered it. I’m not joking,” Caroline said. “Why not be a distributor for high-end toys you can’t find here? But right now I’m too swamped with the cards. But maybe I’ll do it someday. I like the idea of empowering women. Females take much longer to orgasm—and some can’t come during intercourse alone. This would open up a whole new world for them.”

“Wow,” Piper commented. “I’m so impressed by that.”

“Me, too,” Emma agreed. “Caroline, you’re so selfless. I love that about you, and I absolutely love all the gifts. They’re perfect and generous, just like you, and I can’t wait to use them.” Emma set everything back in the box, folding the beautiful teddy nicely and resting it on top.

“Have you tried anal beads before?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, but it was a long time ago,” Emma replied as she bent over and grabbed Piper’s gift, which was lightweight. It was decorative, with white pinstripes, and had “shower” printed in block letters on the side. Piper had used a magic marker to write the word “travel” above that and had drawn a cute little sun and a boat next to it. It was so Piper. “We were young and inexperienced, however. I’m sure this go-around will be much better.”

“The trick is to put them in a while before the action.” Caroline winked. “It gets you all jazzed up. Then put on the teddy, reach for the lube, and you’ll have a beautiful evening in paradise!”

“I’m sure I will.” Emma giggled. “You’ve thought of it all.”

“My gift will help facilitate your everyday experience,” Piper said. “I know the place you’re going is clothing optional, but I figured you can’t go wrong with these—and it gives the watcher something intriguing to look at.”

“Well, now I’m intrigued,” Emma said, setting the bag on the ground and moving the tissue paper aside.

“They’re all wrapped up individually,” Piper told her. “There are three small bundles.”

Emma grabbed the three bundles and set them on her lap. She unrolled the first one. “Oh, my!” She held up a tiny scrap of material.

It was the smallest bikini bottom she’d ever seen.

This one was pure white, with small silver buckles holding the almost nonexistent straps together on the sides. There was a tiny triangle of fabric in the front and only strings in the back.

“I only got you the bottoms,” Piper chuckled, “because you’re not going to need the tops. I picked out the sexiest ones I could find. I figured when you’re on the beach in front of the resort, having them on will only accentuate your beautiful body and make folks look at you, which is what we want. Lots of looking and pining and yearning.” She made a growling noise and pretended to stroke her imaginary penis. “We want all those potbellied rich guys to have stiffies for you.”

“Gross!” Emma squealed, laughing. But Piper was right. The plan was to make Pete jealous of the attention she received from others, so he would notice her more, and these bottoms would do the trick. “I love it. They are ridiculously sexy.” She set the first pair down and unrolled the next bundle.

“No, dude, it’s you who is sexy,” Piper said. “Don’t forget it. The bikini bottoms only accentuate that. Your body is ridiculous from all that dancing. You’re going to turn heads like your ass is on fire, and guys and girls alike will be lined up waiting to put the flames out.”

Emma held the next pair up, and Gillian whistled low.

This pair was jet black, with tiny rhinestones decorating the fabric in front. The thong in back was so small, it almost disappeared. “Wow!” Emma exclaimed. “I can’t wait to try these on. I’m usually conservative in my swim attire. This is a whole new world for me.”

“I think Piper’s right,” Caroline said. “These are definitely going to turn heads. When everyone else is naked, this gives them something to look at.”

“Seriously,” Gillian said. “They are totally hot. It makes me want to get a few pairs.”

Emma unrolled the last one. It was bright scarlet. The back contained a little more fabric than the other two had.

“When it’s on,” Piper told her, “it’s supposed to look like there’s a heart nestled right above your ass. In front, there’s barely enough material to call it a bathing suit.”

“It’s incredible,” Emma said. “I’m in awe. I can’t wait to wear them all. Truly. Thank you for your generosity.”

Piper swished her hand. “I had fun picking them out, but you better take some sexy pictures when you’re in them. We all want to see you in action.”

Gillian got off her chair and walked over to her saddlebag, which was still on the island. She drew out a small, nicely wrapped box and tossed it to Emma as she strode back. Emma caught it like a pro. “This is just a little something from me,” Gillian said. “But I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Emma was beyond curious as to what Gillian would pick out for her. “Once I’m done with this, it’s your turn, you know,” Emma told Gillian. “We haven’t forgotten that you effectively derailed the conversation. You’re going to have to give us something about your night, deal?”

“Deal,” Gillian agreed as she sat back down.

Emma unwrapped the package and pulled a soft leather harness out of the box. She held it up, and it looked like an X, with buckles on all four ends.