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Their discussion of the afternoon continued over dinner. Ellison elaborated on his upcoming project. Providing housing and a resource center, which would include medical, educational and recreational facilities to disadvantaged single mothers, would engage Ellison in a way he hadn’t been challenged at work in a long time. Doing projects with adequate resources made problem-solving easy. All you had to do was throw money at an obstacle and it was overcome. But making do with a limited budget meant he’d have to get creative, much like they’d done at the Conway Residence. He couldn’t wait to get started.
“I wonder if I could follow you through the project and write an article about it. I think highlighting these kinds of designs opens up the possibility for more of them. We obviously need to get people out of traditionally monolithic low-income housing and present them with alternatives that enhance quality of life rather than destroy it,” Teigen said.
“I think that’s a great idea. Once the contracts have been signed, I’ll let you know.”
Teigen grinned. “It will also give me an excuse to see you more often.”
Ellison dipped his biscotti into his espresso and took a bite. He contemplated how he wanted to answer her comment. He wanted her to know that he would see her a lot more if she were willing, that putting a collar on her was something he’d been mulling over. But he didn’t want to scare her off by moving too quickly.
“You don’t need excuses, Teigen. All you have to do is text me, and I’ll make arrangements with you. However, I won’t wait for you to make the next move. I promise I will be planning to spend time with you again soon… and often.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Good. Now how about we finish our coffees and you can give me that tour you promised.”
Teigen polished off both the biscotti and the coffee quickly and he followed suit. In no time they were on the road to her house.
The cottage boasted an array of colorful petunias, which found their way inside in multiple vases. They reflected Teigen’s design aesthetic, which displayed elements of boho style. Vibrant colors graced pillows, curtains, and throws covering furniture that had obviously seen better days. Large abstract art pieces adorned the walls painted a pale blue.
Teigen regarded him warily as she showed him around. “I know it’s not the most polished look. It’s taken me a while to put the house together, and admittedly, a lot of the furniture came from flea markets or were hand-me-downs.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of, Teigen. Your place is warm, inviting, and cheerful, much like you.”
“Thank you.” She paused. “Your opinion means a lot to me.”
“I take that very seriously. I want you to know you’ve impressed me in so many ways, not the least of which is in the ingenuity of your home. You have a lot to offer the world. I can’t wait to see what you do next. But I’m ready to see your creativity in your bedroom.”
He would never tire of watching her blush. “Is that another double entendre?”
“Could be. Lead the way.”
He followed her down the hall to the cozy bedroom, which continued the theme of the rest of the house. Her bed was piled haphazardly with a kaleidoscope of pillows on top of a red comforter. The curtains sported a small paisley print, and the rattan loveseat pillow was covered in bright cobalt blue. How she got any rest in here, he wasn’t sure, but since rest wasn’t on his agenda, it worked for him.
“Are there any toys in that nightstand?”
She froze in place, her blush turning crimson.
“Teigen, I asked you a question. I expect an answer.”
She raised her foot as though she were going to stomp it in frustration, but clearly thought better of it. Her foot settled back on the ground, and she nodded.
“Take them out and lay them on the bed for me.”
He didn’t think she could walk any slower, but she made it to the nightstand and took out a small bullet vibrator and a pair of tweezer nipple clamps.
“Is that all? It doesn’t pay to lie because I can walk over there and check for myself.”
“Well, there’s a Hitachi, but it’s too much. It hurts!”
“A bit of pain can be quite erotic. Why don’t you take it out and we’ll see.”
She rolled her eyes at him but did as she was told.
“Have you tried any of these since you had your first orgasm?”
She shook her head. That wasn’t a good sign.
“Why not? You’d probably be successful now that you’ve broken through some of your mental blocks.”
