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Those abdominal flutters changed into slow rolls as Allie stepped back and opened the door, telling herself it was the food she wanted, not Brett. “I’ve worked off the salad and cheesecake I ate earlier.”
Brett ran a finger across the top of her damp cleavage exposed by her sports bra. “I can see that.” Stepping around her, he strode to the small corner table, set the food down, and glanced over his shoulder. ”What kind of workout were you doing to that music?”
Trying to ignore the tingling from his finger caress that spread to include her nipples, she followed him into the kitchen with her answer. “Belly dancing.”
Facing her, a slow smile curled his lips. “I should have taken a page out of your book and peeked in the window. I would have liked to watch.”
“Save your voyeurism for your kink parties,” she retorted with a grin, the spread of damp heat filling her pussy not boding well for keeping her distance, or even wanting to. She liked the idea of dancing for him. “What do you want to drink? I have water, juice, and some alcohol, but not much.”
“Water, please.”
He had several box lids flipped up when she carried the glasses over. “I can get plates and forks,” she offered as he opened a plastic silverware packet.
“No need.” Taking a seat, he handed her the other packet. “These will do, as will eating from the containers. That way I won’t leave you with dishes.”
“I like that you don’t act the rich snob, Brett.” Sitting across from him, she dug her fork into the fried rice. “Now, tell me why you’re here. As I recall, you made it clear the other night was a one-time thing and only because I was distraught, which doesn’t happen often, I’ll have you know.”
Tossing his hat on the empty chair, he pinned her with a direct green-eyed stare. “Getting distraught or indulging in a one-night stand?”
“Getting distraught. You were my first one-night stand.” She took a bite of the sesame chicken, humming with the taste. “Mmm, good.”
He speared a hunk of beef then pointed the fork at her. “Don’t make that sound if you want to finish eating.”
She teased him with a wry grin “You’re not that easy. Trust me, I know.”
“Apparently, I am with you. I spent the entire night in your bed without once taking you out, remember?”
I’ve been unable to forget.Curious, she asked, “Do you date the women you tie up in that second floor playroom?”
He frowned, swallowing before answering. “No, but that’s different, and you aren’t one of those women. They aren’t interested in a relationship. Some are dealing with issues they’ve found relief from by turning themselves over to a Dom. Others prefer to give up all control for sex, freeing them from the stress of decision-making they might have to deal with on a regular basis. There are a myriad of reasons why people gravitate toward the lifestyle.”
Allie started to remind him she only wanted to take a short walk on the wild side with him as her tutor, but the fact she couldn’t put him out of her mind these past few days was a sure sign that wasn’t necessarily still true. Instead, she braced for his rejection when she said, “I could be one of them if you would give me a chance to see if it’s for me, like I first asked. You still haven’t told me why you’re here.”
Brett put his fork down, pushed the food away, and leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms. Allie decided she was definitely an arm girl when his taut, thick forearms revealed by his rolled up sleeves rippled with his pose and she started fantasizing about his controlled strength.
“I’m worried about you, and that the incidents might be someone who frequents Casey’s. We’ve opened our annual Fourth of July gathering to neighbors and residents of Eagle’s Nest. I’d like you to come as my guest. Maybe spending time together other than at Casey’s will help us figure out who this person is and give us a chance to get to know each other better.”
A quiver of excitement danced down her spine, but she remained cautious, not wanting to read too much into the invitation. To accept would be a public acknowledgment of an interest in each other that went beyond the one night of supportive sex they had shared.
“What happened to our age difference and that I’m too flamboyant for your tastes? I’m not going to change,” Allie warned.
“Neither am I, so let’s spend a day together and see where it leads, if anywhere. Then I’ll consider letting you try a scene or two upstairs at Casey’s. Either way, I want to get to the bottom of who is harassing you. Are you sure you can’t think of anyone, a disgruntled ex or co-worker?”
“No. My ex has an alibi for the message on my car, and I’m assuming it’s the same person.” Allie almost shook from the depth of her longing to jump in and accept his offer. What did she have to lose other thanmaybea minor and short-term heartache if she let herself yearn for more than what he was suggesting? Before giving him an answer to the invite, she asked, “What about your ex? From what I’ve heard, she’s refusing to let you go.”
Brett shook his head. “Gina is as up front as you and that’s not her style. She is more likely to claw your face in front of witnesses than stab you in the back. Besides, there’s no way she could handle a vehicle as large as the one you said rammed you, not without practice and adjustments made to the driver’s seating, as well as access to such a vehicle.”
She stopped short of calling him naïve, thinking if his wife was so determined to fight the divorce this long, she wouldn’t hesitate to harass anyone who might stand in her way. Allie couldn’t fathom where she would get such an idea about her, though, and decided Gina was a longshot culprit to pin her troubles on.
“So, we’re nowhere on that, but I accept your invitation.” Gathering up the empty containers, she stood with a smile. “Can I ride one of your horses? It’s been ages since I’ve ridden. I have my Girl Scout Horsemanship badge.”
“Sure. I’ll pick you up at three and have time to take you along a nearby trail up a mountain ridge slope. Keep the leftovers.”
“I won’t turn down that offer, but I’ll drive out to the ranch on Saturday.” That way, when it came time to leave, she could do so without expecting an invitation to stay over and avoid any awkwardness at the end of the night. “There’s no sense in you taking that time when you’ll have things to do getting ready for your guests.”
Brett hesitated then nodded and helped her put the leftovers in the refrigerator. He took her by surprise when he pivoted, backed her against the counter, and braced his arms on either side of her, caging her in. Leaning down, he nipped her lower lip, the slight sting snagging her breath, her pulse jumping in a quick response she was getting used to. “We’ll have lots of desserts for you to indulge in, but you have to try my smoked pork first, and eat a green thing.”
Allie chuckled, placing her hands on his chest. “I said I’m interested in a little bondage, and admit you’ve whetted my curiosity about the whole spanking thing, but I don’t need another daddy.”
