Page 28 of For the Sub

Then at the end of the evening, Niles could walk away.

Wasn’t that every man’s fantasy? Dominating a willing, beautiful submissive, having a hot fuck, and no awkward moments afterward?

Niles turned off the faucet.

Maybe for some. Maybe even most.

But another, deeper and more undeniable truth seared him.

Not me.

Despite his self-preservation instincts, he wanted to know her better, glimpse her in her natural element, surrounded by fun and laughter.

All the things he didn’t dare want.

Rather than drying off, he wrapped a towel around his waist and strode to the closet to grab a tight-fitting pair of boxers from a chest of drawers.

He selected a pair of newish jeans and a long-sleeved, metal-gray T-shirt. Since he was going to be relegated to the outside, he reached for a pair of hiking boots. Definitely not his usual attire for a date.

This isn’t a fucking date.

He was in charge of the grill. Nothing more.

An hour later, in his sports utility vehicle, he had to remind himself of that fact.

Then he wondered if he’d always been so good at lying to himself.

Only one car was parked in her driveway.

He’d planned to arrive early, and it appeared his timing was perfect.

When he stepped out of the vehicle, he was greeted by a cacophony of barks, one ferocious and the other one a higher pitch, but lower volume.

Should be an interesting afternoon.

After grabbing the bottle of wine he’d brought as a gift, he headed for the house. It was a cottage-type with two doors, one at the front and another on the side.

A silver metal tub filled with ice and beverages stood beneath the carport, so he surmised that was party headquarters.

A moment later, she flung open the door and greeted him with a broad smile. “Master Niles! Welcome to my humble abode.” She looked at the two dogs that were doing a small dance behind her and commanded, “Stay back.”

The animals obeyed but continued to vocalize their excitement and wag their tails.

He’d wondered how she would address him, especially as she would be having other people over and they had no agreement outside the Den.

Her words pleased him—a ridiculous amount.

Everything about this woman turned him on. She still wore the short skirt that showed the curve of her hips. While he liked the sight of a woman’s bare legs, he had to admit the boots and tights were doing it for him.

Getting her naked later would be even more rewarding.

Distracting himself, Niles extended the bottle of wine.

Their fingers brushed as she accepted, making him think of the way she’d touched his wrist before they’d parted at the Den.

“Thank you. You didn’t need to bring anything. You’re the chef, not a guest,” she teased.

“I was hoping this would work as a bribe,” he said. “Maybe someone else can cook while I eat those desserts you mentioned.”