“Is there anythin’ you really enjoyed that we need to make sure is on your green list?”
I considered his question, grabbing a cream cheese danish from the tray and taking a bite.
“Pet, communication is key. There’s nothin’ to be embarrassed about. It’s just you and me here.”
“The vibrator,” I stated as I finished my bite. “I’ve never had anyone use toys on me, and it was a new and exciting experience. I wouldn’t mind doing that again.”
“Noted. Anythin’ else?”
“You said something about nipple clamps.” I wrinkled my nose. “Do those hurt?”
“Not if they’re used and applied properly. There’s discomfort which leads to pleasure, and when they’re removed, the rush of blood back to the nipple can cause a flash of pain, but trust me to soothe it away for you.”
I nodded. “Okay, I’d like to try those, too.”
“And the restraints?”
I tried to figure out how to put into words how I felt about those. “At first, I was a bit frightened by not being able to move my arms to touch you, but once that passed, it added another level of intensity and excitement. The blindfold heightened it all as well, so those are both green to me.”
Sitting in bed, talking about the acts we had done the previous night, was slightly uncomfortable, but I forced myself to answer honestly. This was the beginning of something new and exciting, and I didn’t want to disappoint Brian. It felt a bit embarrassing to talk about sex, positions, toys, and such. That was always a taboo subject growing up. Hell, my mom had simply given me a book to read and told me to ask her questions if I had any. I learned more about passion, love, and sex through my romance books than through any teaching or talks in real life.
I felt like I was in a scene in one of those books. I chose to act like one of the characters instead of clamming up. It would take some time to get used to being open and frank about things, but watching Brian’s face as we talked, the approval and sly smiles, sent butterflies dancing in my stomach and encouraged my openness.
We finished off the pastries and coffee, and my mind wandered to Jason and what had happened back home. I wanted to know how things were.
“I can see that mind workin’ behind those eyes. What’s troublin’ you?” Brian reached out and rubbed his finger across the middle of my forehead, relaxing the frown lines pinched there.
“Nobody has told us what finally happened back home with Jason.”
“He’s with the FBI. Remember what Brody told us? Carter’s working with them to take down the cartel in Chicago, and when he’s released, he has agreed to come down here and work with the team. They will take him under their wing, train him, and help him find a job and a sub who fits him,” Brian replied.
“And therapy, do you really think it will help Jason?”
He took my hand in his, lacing our fingers together. “Your concern for a man who made some very wrong choices in life and allowed greed to take over is endearin’, but I don’t want you to concern yourself with him.”
“It’s hard. I’ve known him since grade school, and I think Kendra is hung up on him. I want to make sure he does change or find a way to get her to forget him.”
“I can ask Brody to keep us in the loop on how he’s doin’. Would that help?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Done. Now, I think it’s time to get motivated and prepare to fly back.” Brian stood and stretched. “I also want to take you back to Texas to meet the rest of the family. You’ll love my parents, and I want to show you what I love about livin’ there.”
“That sounds nice. I don’t even know what I am going to do with Gran’s house or the things in it. I need to call my boss too. I have another week off, but with all that’s happened, I don’t know if I want to go back.”
“I will support you in any decision you make. Let’s take it one step and one day at a time. Today, we pack and say goodbye to everyone here. Tomorrow, you call your boss and check on your friend. Your gran’s house will be there along with all of her things. There’s no need to rush to make any kind of decision.” Brian leaned over, kissed my forehead, and gazed into my eyes. “My hope is that you’ll fall in love with the ranch and choose to move in with me. Keep your gran’s house as a getaway, rent it out, sell it, or whatever you want to do with it.” He gave me a quick kiss and stood back up.
“Okay.” I didn’t know how to respond. He had given me a lot to think about.
The rest of the day flew by. We packed and met the others for brunch at a cute little outdoor café before boarding Ian’s plane and heading home. The flight home was not as eventful as the one down, but sitting next to Brian in companionable silence gave me time to evaluate where I wanted my life to go from here.
By the time we landed, I had let my boss know I wouldn’t be returning. There were things at Gran’s I wanted to pack up and store. I didn’t want to sell her house just yet. I still had a lease on my apartment that wouldn’t be up for another six months, but I had enough in savings to cover the rent until then, and if things didn’t pan out with Brian, I had someplace to return to.
The landing gear hit the tarmac, and we taxied to the hanger. I stopped Brian as he began to stand.
“Okay, I’ll go with you.” I beamed, excitement bubbling up.
“Since I’m your ride, I would hope so.” He laughed and shook his head.
“No, I meant to Texas. I’ll go with you. Give me a few days to get things settled here, and you can take me home.”
I let the words fall between us; they felt right. And as his smile widened, I felt a piece I didn’t know had ever been missing click into place. He made me whole.
He gathered me up and wrapped me in his arms. “Genevieve, you don’t know how happy that makes me. I can’t wait to show you everythin’!”
He pulled back to look at me, and I closed my eyes, waiting for his lips as his head moved ever so slowly toward mine. This kiss was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, slow and sizzling and full of promise.
Epilogue
Genni
The Evans Ranch
One Year Later
“Oh, darlin’, it’s perfect,” Mrs. Evans gushed as I gazed into the full-length mirror. I touched the necklace she had just secured around my neck, a single teardrop pearl surrounded by sapphires that nestled in the center of my collarbone. It rested on a silver chain, simple yet elegant, and a perfect match to the collar Brian had presented me with at the club a month ago. Three strands of white gold were intricately woven into a delicate basketweave and decorated with small sapphires and diamonds. I had another that was an everyday collar made of durable sterling silver and looked just like the popular tiffany necklaces that were all the rage years ago.
“Thank you.” I smiled at her in the mirror. “It’s beautiful.”
I smoothed the front of my gown, a strapless, empire waist silk sheath with a layer of off-white lace that created the square neckline and cap sleeves. I wore my white strappy sandals underneath and had a baby blue garter nestled on my right thigh beneath my skirt.