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“Thought so,” said Elle. “I’m not good enough at lip reading to know what they’re talking about, but I was pretty sure he said ‘Maisy’ at one point.”
“I wonder why they’re meeting up,” said Havana, shuffling forward in her seat slightly.
“I don’t think it was arranged,” Blair claimed. “He was sitting alone, and she just turned up. He looked surprised. Then awkward. Now he’s looking impatient and annoyed. I think she’s coming onto him.”
Bailey was thinking the same thing. There was pure longing in the human’s eyes—eyes that were regarding him with more familiarity than a stranger should.
“Go save him, Bailey,” Elle urged. “Just walk over there and act as if you’re his girlfriend. It’ll make her back off. I’d do it myself, but you’re on your feet, so …”
Every female at the table looked at Bailey, expectant. Aspen was all-out smirking, clearly thinking that Bailey would refuse. Pfft. Like she’d pass on an opportunity to dick with him. This could be fun.
“I’ll be back in a sec.” Humming to herself, she headed to his table. Both he and Maisy looked up. The human’s eyes widened in surprise. Deke’s narrowed in what appeared to be suspicion. Ha. She did love that he was so wary of her motives at all times.
Bailey sidled up to his chair and bent down just enough to press a kiss to his cheek. “Sorry I’m late. Who’s your friend?”
Deke curled an arm around her waist and gripped her opposite hip, clearly deciding to play along. “Bailey, Maisy. Maisy, Bailey.”
Ignoring that even through her clothes his grip was like a red-hot brand that she’d swear she could feel beneath her skin, she smiled at the human. “Yo.”
Maisy’s brow creased as she turned to him. “Your online profile says you’re single.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, are you a prospective play partner?” Bailey asked her. “Deke, you should have told me you were interviewing one today.” She frowned down at him. “Did you forget or something?”
He watched Bailey for a long moment. “Yes,” he finally said, his voice hesitant.
Bailey turned back to Maisy. “Just to be clear, we’re not officially in a relationship. I’m just one of their current toys. Deke and Isaiah have … specifications for whatever partner they’ll eventually commit to.”
Maisy frowned. “Isaiah?”
Bailey lifted a hand. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d have no problem being part of a triad. But I don’t meet their other specifications.”
“Specifications?” the human echoed.
“I’m no virgin, for one. I don’t get off on pain, for another. Swinging ain’t really my jam either. And I’m not good at puppy play—I kept laughing instead of barking, and I got stage fright every time I was supposed to pee on the newspaper.” She chuckled to herself and then looked down at Deke. “Remember that?”
He stared up at her, his eyes narrowing even further. “I remember.”
“Your punishment was a little harsh.” Bailey gave him a playful look of admonishment and then turned back to Maisy. “Outdoor kennels are seriously cold. Especially when you’re naked. Then again, it was better than when he poured candle wax on my nipples. I got him back for that, though. Poured it on his balls. But he likes pain, so it worked out well for all, I guess.” She cocked her head. “What kind of kinks are you into?”
Maisy opened and closed her mouth a few times. “Uh …” She glanced around, as if hoping someone would save her from the conversation. Abruptly, she stood. “I have to run.”
Bailey frowned. “So soon?”
“Yes.” Forcing a smile, Maisy quickly edged out of the booth, hooking the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “It was nice to meet you, Bailey. Deke, it was good to see you, I hope you enjoy what’s left of your dinner. You both take care now.” She rushed to the doorway, grabbed her jacket and umbrella, and then scampered out of the diner.
Releasing her hip with a sigh, Deke fired a glare at Bailey. “You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”
She smiled, shrugging. “A girl has to get her kicks where she can.”
“Does she really, though?”
“Yes.” Bailey glanced at the door. “Am I right in guessing she was looking to start something with you?”
He exhaled heavily. “You are. I think it’s safe to say that you officially changed her mind.”
“Then my work here is done. Peace out.”
He fisted the bottom of her tee before she could walk away. “Don’t forget about tonight,” he said, lowering his voice, his eyes heating.
Huh. It turned out that Bailey hadn’t needed to worry that he would change his mind. Well, how about that. “I won’t. Ten pm at your place, right?”
His jaw tightened. “I said eight pm. As you well know.”
“I’m pretty sure you said ten.”
“No, you’re not. You’re just trying to irritate me. And don’t think you won’t pay for it later.” The sexual implication there made her blood sing.
