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“You know…she mentioned doing some hands-on research into the Dominant-submissive lifestyle. We have several people in Lusty who she could interview, but she didn’t seem comfortable with talking to family about that when I suggested it. Do you suppose there’s someone there she could speak with, maybe get to know?”
Grace could practically hear the fishing line being cast and she giggled quietly. “As a matter of fact, I know a Dominant she could ‘speak with, maybe get to know…’”
Kate’s giggle made her smile. “Mightn’t Ethan speak with her? Hmm?”
“I’d be fine with that, but I was thinking about introducing her to Hank Stinson. He knows a thing or two about the subject. He’s also starting a women’s self-defense class soon. And he’s single,” she added, stifling a snort of amusement when Jack shook his finger at her and grinned. Her matchmaker instincts were on alert. She couldn’t help it.
“I remember Hank. I think I might like to take a self-defense class if he’s teaching it. A Dom, you say?”
Grace smiled, imagining Hank’s reaction to that question. “Not openly, but yes. Since he’s an elected official, he stays well below the radar.” Grace and Kate had talked before about the differences between Lusty, where the ménage and other alternative lifestyles were practiced out in the open, and Divine, where they were still very much the minority of the population. Grace knew Kate was discreet and trustworthy.
“You know, I’ve always thought there was something about that man. Couldn’t put my finger on it. He’s not exactly…”
“Pushy? Domineering? No, he’s not, although I’ve seen him take complete control of situations when it was called for. He has a burden for taking care of people in need of protecting. I think they might get along well. If Veronica wanted to stay on for a bit and enjoy the peace and quiet of ranch life while she writes that series, she’s more than welcome to extend her visit. I’d love to get to know her better.”
“Would you mind if I revealed your alternate identity to her?”
“No. It would be hard to hide that fact, and I see no reason to do that. Plus, it’d be kind of cool for Rachel and me to have another author in our genre in the area for a visit. I’m sure the guys would enjoy showing Veronica around the ranch, too.”
“Then it’s settled. I know Veronica will be in capable hands.”
“Very capable, I’m sure.” Grace could barely contain her glee. “While she’s down here, if you’d like, I can get in touch with Ace and Kemp, and maybe Duke Rivers and Gage Randall. They could teach her how to protect her privacy and her persona online, as well as look at putting a stop to that troll’s harassment of her. They can be extremely persuasive.”
“I’ll leave that to you to organize. One last question and I’ll let you get back to those adorable men of yours.”
“Sure.”
“Do you have a vacant pasture that’ll be available the day I arrive?”
After the last details were worked out, Grace ended the call and went back to searching the scrapbook.
“Judging from what I heard of the conversation, someone is in need of a place to stay and rest for a while?” Jack asked as he placed a warm, comforting hand on her knee. She tried to picture herself navigating the waters of a public persona on her own and shuddered. It was challenging for her, with the wonderful support system she had, and she couldn’t imagine doing it alone.
“Thank you for being open to Veronica staying in the old foreman’s house. I think she’ll like it there.”
“Sounds like she’s having troubles.”
Grace laid her palm over his work-roughened hand and said, “I think a stay in Divine is exactly what she needs.”
“What are you doing, darlin’?” Jack asked as he looked over her shoulder.
“Justine needs some pictures from last Fourth of July for a school project. I told her I’d see what I had.”
She slid her hand over a picture in the lower left corner so she didn’t have to look at it and carefully removed another picture from the page. Jack kissed her shoulder and lifted the picture she removed to look at it.
