Page 100 of On His Terms

The difference from last night to today was almost too much to take, even though she should have expected it.

He placed his fingers lightly at the small of her back as he led her outside to his waiting vehicle.

“You look nice,” he told her as if they were going out to a simple get-together, as if this were just two friends hanging out. Except for the leather pants. The leather pants said this wasn’t an ordinary date.

Until they’d passed through the town of Winter Park, the conversation was mainly idle chitchat.

“About tonight?”

She turned slightly to look at him. “Yes?” Since it had become so natural, not calling him Sir required fierce concentration.

“Does Evan C know you’re coming?”

“He does. I’ve been in contact with him with a few business proposals.”

“Is your approach simply to wear people down?”

“Sometimes it works.” She shrugged. “But it’s an indicator of how much I personally believe in a business. I mean, I don’t send one to every company in the entire metro Denver area.”

Alexander didn’t respond.

“And I’m taking a huge risk. I put tremendous resources into my proposals. I know companies have taken them to their existing PR firms to execute.”

Momentarily he took his gaze off the road to glance at her. “Does that bother you?”

“It’s a risk of my approach, isn’t it?” She grinned. “But no one can deliver on those ideas like I do because they were mine, and I see how they fit into a bigger plan. They’re a cog.”

“Whereas you’re the wheel.”

“Exactly.” Sir. “Back to your question about Evan C. He said he’s looking forward to talking with me.”

“I also assume you want to play with him.”

Was he gripping the steering wheel tighter than usual? “If it works out that way.” The words seemed to catch in her throat.

“I’ll give you the privacy you need.”

Did that also mean he was going to play with some submissives? The idea made her grit her teeth, even though she told herself her possessive feelings were ridiculous. Until this moment, she’d never experienced jealousy, but there it was, raw and awful.

All too soon, they arrived at the Den.

Opting to leave her purse behind, she exhaled, then pasted on a smile at the valet who opened the door for her.

Then Master Alexander met her in front of the hood and offered his elbow as she negotiated the uneven terrain. Spiky heels and the Rockies were not a good mix.

The sun was making its trek toward the Western horizon, and the summer air was as wonderful as could be.

Once they were inside, he said, “I’m with you, but not as a trainer. Stay as close as you wish, or not.”

What would it be like to be here as his submissive? “I appreciate that.”

Master Damien greeted them personally and asked Chelsea if she recalled the Den’s safe word.

“Halt, Sir.”

He nodded. “Enjoy your time with us, Ms. Barton.”

“Thank you, Sir.”