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“We all have regrets we have to live with,” she said quietly. “I know it’s not nearly the same thing, but sometimes I have moments where I regret throwing all of myself into my work. Because now that my work is gone . . . well, I guess it’s like I’ve lost who I am. My identity was wrapped up in being Gwen Anderson, kick-ass lawyer. And now I’m just Gwen. And wow, this got really deep really quickly. Anyone ever told you that you’re a good listener?”
“I might have heard it a time or two.”
She snorted. “I’m sure you have. You know, if you ever decided to run for mayor, I’m certain that this town would get down on its knees and kiss your feet.”
“Slightly disturbing thought, but I’ll keep that in mind.”
She snorted.
“Gwen, your career was a big part of you. I get that. But it isn’t all of you. It didn’t make you sweet and sassy, funny and a bit reckless with your safety. Maybe you’re a little lost right now and searching for who you are. But you will discover that. And it’s not too late.”
“Isn’t it?”
“No.” He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. “And if you decide you’d like to explore your submissive side, to know what it’s like to be in Little headspace, to have a Daddy take care of you, nurture, support, and discipline you, I’m here.”
“You . . . you what?”
“I’m offering to be those things for you. To help you explore that side of yourself. If that’s what you want. You just need to say the word.”
16
I’m here to help you explore that side of yourself.
You just need to say the word.
Dear God.
What was he doing to her?
Gwen turned over in bed, looking at the time. She groaned as she saw it was nearly two in the morning and she hadn’t been to sleep yet. Exhaustion dragged her down. She knew it wasn’t healthy for her to miss out on sleep.
But it wasn’t like she could magically make herself sleep. And every time she closed her eyes, his words kept making an appearance.
Fuck.
Had he really offered what he had?
And was she going to accept?
Part of her wanted to fall at his feet and accept anything he was willing to offer. And the other part of her . . . that stupid vulnerable, soft part was sad that he wasn’t offering her more.
Forever.
“You are so dumb, Gwen. Stop it! This has got to be some sort of Daddy issue coming back up.”
Poor little girl whose Daddy didn’t love her. Her mom hadn’t loved her either.
Urgh!
So, was she going to go find herself a Mommy too?
No! This isn’t what she needed.
Sure it’s not. That’s why you can’t stop thinking about his offer.
He was gorgeous. Kind. Stern when he needed to be, but not in an overbearing way.
And he said the sweetest things. Honestly, he was enough to make her teeth ache.
Dominic.
Dom the Dominant. Shit.
Dom-Dom.
She rolled her eyes at her ridiculousness.
What was it about him that she just couldn’t get him out of her mind?
Dominic knocked on Gwen’s door the next morning. He was feeling a bit unsure.
He hadn’t meant to lay that bombshell on her last night. Shit, he’d told her he didn’t want to rush her into sex and then he’d gone and tried to rush her into something even more intimate.
Idiot.
Hadn’t thought that through, had he? It had just seemed like a good opportunity to bring it up.
But what if she drew away from him?
You’ve just got to be patient with her.
He didn’t like the idea she could just disappear. Even though he’d wrung a promise from her that she wouldn’t . . . well, he wasn’t certain that she’d keep it.
Fuck.
He didn’t even have her phone number. That was going to change right now.
The door opened.
“Hi. I just need another five minutes.”
“No problem.” He frowned down at her as he stepped inside and shut the door behind himself.
What was wrong with her?
It took him a few seconds, but then he saw it. Her head was down, her shoulders slumped.
She seemed . . . embarrassed? Ashamed? Unsure?
None of those were working for him. He leaned back against the door and watched her get ready. She was wearing long black pants and a deep green satin shirt.
Stunning.
Maybe a bit overdressed for breakfast at the diner. But he didn’t care what she wore. She should wear whatever made her feel happy, comfortable, and safe. So if she wanted to put on a ballgown to go to breakfast, well, he’d help her zip up the back.
“Are you ready?” She moved back to the door, stopping a few feet away from him.
“Did I ruin everything?”
Hell. He hadn’t meant to start with that. It had just shot out of him. But it had her looking up at him.
