Once the laughter died down, Derek commented dryly. “With lunch it is,” which set the women off into giggles once more.
Conversation flowed easily over the delicious meal of thick, creamy beef medallions over noodles, with salad and green beans. Sadie’s story about how she and her fellow pranksters were trying to train turkeys to line dance for the next event held at the community center in Rawhide Ridge, the gated community Derek had begun for his employees had them all laughing.
By the time dinner was over, Fletcher found himself watching Mallory closely, wondering why she was here. Shedidn’t seem to be Little like Sadie, but he found her interesting, though quiet and a little shy. Her contributions to their conversation were insightful and made him want to spend time with her, in bed and out.
Once the meal was over, they moved to the impressive living room for after-lunch drinks and dessert.
“We don’t usually use this room, except to impress business folks who come calling, but I’m thinking maybe we should spend more time in here,” Derek said as they entered the large room.
Fletcher had to agree when Mallory said, “It’s beautiful.”
The rustic western theme continued in this room, with exposed log walls and wide windows that showed off the beauty of the land beyond them. The furniture consisted of a couple of couches and several club chairs that appeared antique, but sturdy at the same time. The knickknacks on the shelves and side tables also appeared to have come from Derek’s ancestors, adding to the historical feel of the room.
Fletcher watched as Mallory pulled Sadie to the windows across the room. The two had their heads close together as they whispered, though he could not hear what was being said.
“Beer, Fletcher?” Derek asked as he nudged his arm to gain his attention. There was just something about Mallory that he could not stop watching her, even from across the room.
“Maybe you should get to the reason you invited me for lunch. I have a feeling it has something to do with your well-deserved reputation as a matchmaker and that lady over there.”
Chapter Five
“Sadie, what am I doing here?” Mallory whispered after dragging the smaller woman across the living room so the men would, hopefully, not hear their conversation.
“You’re here so we can get to know you better,” Sadie said, trying to look innocent, but the sparkle in her eyes told Mallory she was up to something.
“But why me? Are you trying to play matchmaker? I’m too old for him. Too old and too… whatever for a gorgeous man like him. If this is a prank, it’s not funny.”
That earned her a frown from the Little girl who was known as the biggest prankster on Rawhide Ranch. Sadie was always embroiled in some naughtiness or other, often pulling a number of the other Littles into trouble with her.
“You’re not supposed to talk bad about yourself,” Sadie whispered. “Do you want Daddy to spank you for putting yourself down?”
“I’m not talking bad about myself, just stating the truth. I’m the oldest unattached submissive on Rawhide Ranch. He’s got to be at least fifteen years younger than me, and he’s gorgeous. He could have his choice of any submissive here, why do you think he would choose me?”
Before Sadie could answer, the men approached from where they’d been talking across the room.
“Ladies, what can I get you to drink with dessert?” Master Derek asked. “Coffee? Wine? Or something else?”
“Could I have a ginger ale, please, Master Derek?” Mallory said.
She’d quit drinking years ago after Benjamin had gotten a DUI. After his death, she’d just never felt the need to indulge. And though she had to work later, the last thing she needed right now was caffeine.
“Can I have a ginger ale, too, please, Daddy?” Sadie answered.
“Yes, little girl, you may. In fact, why don’t you go fix dessert and drinks while I talk with Fletcher and Mallory. Fletcher and I will each have a bottle of that new spring beer I got last week.” He brushed a kiss on her cheek before whispering something Mallory couldn’t hear in Sadie’s ear.
“Yes, Daddy,” Sadie said with a giggle before turning to skip from the room.
“Would you like some help?” Mallory offered which had Sadie’s skip stop as she looked back.
“Thank you, but no. You’re our guest! Oh, and don’t worry if this takes a while. I like to make sure everything is just right. Okay?” Not waiting for anyone to respond, she waggled her fingers in a wave and disappeared.
Once she was out of the room, the resort owner turned to face both Mallory and Fletcher. “Why don’t we sit down and talk while we wait.”
Mallory took a seat at one end of the couch while Fletcher and Master Derek settled on leather chairs on the other side of a large wooden coffee table.
“Fletcher has already guessed my intention for this gathering,” Master Derek said once they were all settled. “I wanted you two to meet and see if you might be compatible.”
“Compatible?”
