Lifting my hand to his mouth, he presses a kiss to the back of it. The gesture is so unexpected, so intimate, that I flinch.
His eyes flash on mine, noting my uneasiness. “I need you to be comfortable with me, Brielle,” he says in a low voice, his mouth still on my hand.
I nod. “I know. This is just all so new to me.”
“How long has it been since you’ve been intimate with a man?” he asks, studying me.
I consider lying, because, damn, the truth is embarrassing. But he’s been honest with me in everything so far, at least I think he has, so I decide to treat him with the same courtesy. “Four years.”
His throat works up and down, the only indication of his surprise. “I promise I will make it good for you. You have nothing to be scared of. We’ll decide on a safe word, and all play will stop when you use it. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” I blink up at him, fighting off the shiver tickling my spine.
“What else is bothering you?”
His ability to read me like a book, despite us having just met, is staggering. “It’s just that I’m not used to a man paying me such focused attention, and you’re a very attractive man, and you said women have gotten attached to you, and I don’t want that to happen.”
Oh God, I’m babbling. Someone shut me up! Was there truth serum in that second drink?
His mouth draws into a tight line. “That would be a very bad idea.”
I swallow and nod.
He draws closer, and I can smell mint on his breath. “I know you think this is about Kirby, but this is about you. I’m going to help you become the woman you want to be. One that no man can resist.”
He’s right. That’s what I want, regardless of what happens with Kirby. I’m tired of dating dickheads. I want a shot with a good guy, and if it’s not meant to be with Kirby, well, then at least the Gentleman Mentor will have taught me some new tricks for winning over my real Mr. Right. I deserve love, and I will work hard to make it happen.
“You have to trust me. Trust in this process. It’s going to be fun, I promise.” He gives me a flirty wink and treats me to that dazzling white smile.
Dizzy, I’m not sure how to respond.
“What have you got to lose?” He leans close, his mouth almost at my neck. My impulse is to lean into him, to give him everything he wants, but that makes no sense. I hardly know him.
His lips brush against my throat. They’re warm and soft, and I can tell he’s restraining himself from pressing me further.
Pulling back, he straightens his jacket. “Good night, Brielle.”
“Night,” I murmur, transfixed by him. I try to think of something witty to say, some comment about my panties that are still in his jacket pocket, but I’m at a loss.
He doesn’t say anything else, almost as if he wants the anticipation to build between us. It’s apparent that he’s intentional in everything he does, and this moment is no exception. He waits while I get into my car before walking over to a black luxury sedan and climbing inside.
• • •
Hale
That was interesting as fuck. When I walked in and saw her, I thought it was a dream. I vowed then and there to treat her as any other client, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everything I’ve built for myself.
I watch her car pull away and wait until her taillights disappear from sight. Then I reach into my jacket pocket and remove the tiniest piece of red lace I’ve ever seen. These are a sore excuse for panties. I ought to punish her, spank her fine ass for torturing me with the knowledge that she barely kept her pussy covered all day while waiting to meet me. Was she trying to tease me? That won’t do. I can’t have her thinking she has the upper hand. I need to show her who’s in charge.
I bring the fabric to my nose and inhale deeply. Sweet feminine arousal greets me. Fucking hell. My cock hardens and tugs at my zipper. Glancing down, damn if I don’t see a tiny damp spot in her panties. Something tells me my new little sub is going to be fun to play with.
But in the meantime, I start my car and head toward Chrissy’s apartment.
Chapter Seven
Brielle
I can’t even put into words what just happened. I ate a meal at the command of a man I didn’t know, responded as he peppered me with erotic questions, and now I’m leaving without any panties under my dress. I feel like I’m in a fog. There could be a six-car pileup behind me, and I’d politely smile and nod and continue holding my hands on the wheel at two and ten. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
When my phone starts ringing beside me, I reach into my purse to retrieve it. I’ve been in such a state of shock since meeting him, I completely spaced on my promise to call Julie.
“Well? Did you meet him?” she asks.
“Yes, we just finished. I’m driving home.”
“And? How was it? What was he like?”
“It was…interesting,” I say, for lack of a better word.
“Is he a psycho?”
“No, he seemed completely normal. He’s gorgeous, actually.”
“So are you going to do it?”
“I don’t know. It’s crazy, right?” As I sit alone in my car, doubt starts to creep its way in.
“I think it’s kinda cool. Going after what you want, putting yourself out there. You have lady balls, and I love that.”
“I don’t know about that.” I realize it was smart of him to tell me to order a drink. Perhaps that’s where my courage stemmed from.