Chris chuckled. His dad tended to forget his surroundings when he was working with his beloved plants. After he bid his mother goodbye, he visualized his father and Kate working together, bonding over their mutual interests in plants and gardening, while his mother tried to talk Yvonne into joining one club or another.
He turned back to the present with that image tucked safely inside him, feeling like he might truly have a place in something that could last.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Kate had arrived ten minutes early at the Smokehouse for the munch. Molly, a new Domme Kate didn’t know well, was already talking with Ruby. She went over to them, and after a friendly greeting, Kate listened to the women talking about tattoos.
“Who did your phoenix?” Ruby asked. “It’s a great piece.”
“Thank you.” Molly inclined her head. “I had it done by Marcus Hale from Capitol Ink in Washington, DC.”
“Why there?”
“I stayed with my sister and brother-in-law in DC for my chemo and radiation. I was too weak to care for myself. When I went back there to celebrate the anniversary the next year, I had the tat done,” Molly explained. “I’d seen some of Derek’s work and really liked it.”
Ruby’s head went up and down like a bobble-head’s, but she bit her lip and studied Molly with squinted eyes.
Kate could relate. Having cancer and losing a breast must be hard on a woman, and like Ruby, she had no idea how comfortable Molly was with talking about it.
Molly seemed to understand the dilemma. “I like your tattoos, too.” Molly took in Ruby’s body with apparent appreciation.
Ruby launched herself into an explanation about her tats and their meaning then turned to Kate. “How about you? Do you have any tattoos?”
“No, I’ve never had the inclination.”
Molly nodded. “I didn’t either, before the cancer. For me, it was about starting a new phase of my life.”
“I like the symbolism. You wear it well,” Kate said, noticing a new arrival at the entrance. “Here comes Sonja. You’ve met her, haven’t you?”
“I have and I need to talk to her about something. If y’all will excuse me.” Molly turned to intercept Sonja.
“I guess it’s you and me for the moment.” Ruby grinned. “Alone with the evil Mistress?”
“Is that what the subs think of me?” Kate’s back stiffened.
“Oh, no Ma’am. I was just joking.” Ruby’s eyes widened at Kate’s obvious displeasure.
“I certainly hope so. As a Sadist, I expect to be a bit intimidating, but I have no intentions to come across as evil.” Kate chuckled to show she had no hard feelings. “If you’ll excuse me, I see a Domme I met last month, and I’d like to continue our conversation.”
“Sure. I’m going to go catch up with Sandra. Nice talking to you!”
Kate watched how the colorful subbie scuttled away and wondered if she really was that intimidating.
When Chris arrived at the Smokehouse, the place was buzzing with conversation and anticipation. Several new women and a few men he didn’t recognize were talking with longstanding members. Good, they could use new blood and variety. He looked around for Kate, and his heart leapt when he spotted her. She was beautiful with her fiery hair in a chignon and in casual chic attire. But his Kate always looked gorgeous, no matter what she wore. Or didn’t wear.Fuck.Chris closed his eyes and inhaled slowly through his nose to calm down his unruly body.Why did I have to imagine her naked?Kate seemed to be in a serious conversation with a woman he hadn’t seen before. Chris decided to leave them to it and went over to say hello to Scott and the women next to him.
“Chris, good to see you,” Scott gestured to his companions. “This is Lynn, and this is Erin. Ladies, this is Chris. He’s a popular Dom at the club.” Scott lifted his voice slightly on the word “Dom,” subtly inquiring if this was still his designated role.
“Switch, actually, and my days of popularity are over,” Chris responded. “I’m no longer available for casual play.”
“Oh?” Scott lifted an eyebrow.
“I’m exclusive to Kate and Yvonne for at least the next three months. I have a contract to prove it. Sorry, ladies.” Chris leaned his shoulder against the wall.
“I’m sure we’ll survive, Chris.” Erin curled her lip. “Not everyone swings your way.”
“My apologies.” Chris struggled to keep his casual stance. “No offense intended.”
“None taken,” Erin agreed. “I just like to get my orientation on the record right away. I’m looking for a Dominatrix. What about you, Lynn?”
