Page 8 of Below the Surface

I roll my eyes. “Kelsey should have a little more faith in both of us. Let’s set aside everything Kelsey has told you about her relationship or me. Let me clear a few things up right now. Ispent three years in a relationship with someone who enjoyed being my submissive—and not only in the bedroom. And I enjoyed our relationship. It hurt when it ended. To be honest, I didn’t see the end coming at all. It took another year before I was intimate with anyone again.”

“That would be Erin.”

I nod. “Erin liked to take charge. I’m not sure what Kelsey has told you or explained to you. I’m comfortable switching roles. There came a time when Erin wasn’t comfortable with that dynamic. She’d say we didn’t communicate well. I saw it differently.”

“How so?” Cameron asks.

“I felt she misled me—deliberately.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, Piper. I could tell how much you cared for her.”

“I did. I pulled myself away from the lifestyle, Cam. Look, I’d like us to spend time together—with open minds. And I hope you feel you can talk to me about anything—even if nothing happens between us.”

“And if it does?”

I smile at her. “Then we’ll talk about what that looks like. Let’s not jump to the finish line when we haven’t even started.”

“Piper?”

“Yeah?”

“I hope we get there—to the finish line.”

My heart speeds at her words. I steady myself and wink at her. “Good to know.”

Two

CAMERON

A month ago, the thought that I would be dating Piper Morgan seemed absurd. Now, the best part of my day is the text messages Piper sends—unless I get to see her. I’ve never known anyone quite like Piper. And I’ve never missed anyone like I miss her when we’re apart. We’ve spent weeks getting to know each otherdifferently, as Kelsey would say. We talk about our days, families, jobs, and things that interest us. We have spoken a little about Piper’s past and mine. And Piper has taken the time to explain many of the things Kelsey talks about that make me zone out. Piper has a unique way of putting me at ease abouteverything. We both know our relationship will take another right turn—right into the bedroom. To be sure we understand each other, she gave me a list of things to consider—bedroom kind of things. I expected to be embarrassed. But Piper explained it over a delicious dinner she cooked for me on Sunday. She said to think of the list as exploring cuisine. I’m supposed to let her know what is off the menu, what I might like totasteas an appetizer, and what I want to be served as mymain course. I laughed. She’s amazing. I haven’t let her in on my secret yet. I’m falling in love with her—hard and fast. Being with Piper is equal parts thrilling and comforting.I look down at my phone.

I just had a male doctor try to give me a lesson in vaginas. Vaginas, Cam. Does he thinkIneed lessons?

I laugh. Cameron has a management meeting today at the main hospital on her campus. I text her back.

Are you getting certified in vagina management?

Less than a beat later, my phone dings.

I could give him a few lessons in management and vaginas. He may be helpless in the managementofvaginas.

I giggle at her reply. The next message makes my heart beat a little faster.

I can’t wait to see you later.

Piper.

Me, too.

“Cam?”

I look up to see my assistant, Sheila, standing in the doorway of my office.

“Sorry,” I say.

“For smiling?”

“For being distracted today.”