Risky Proposal

by Marie Tuhart

  She smiled as the driver waved to someone as they crossed the street. Peggy was right. Claire needed to seize the moment and not let life pass her by. She’d sit here for a few more minutes, then go back to the inn and figure out what she was going to wear for dinner. The wardrobe she’d brought with her was pretty casual, and she wanted to blow his socks off.

  Chapter Three

  Josh put the groceries in his truck and looked at his watch. Six-fifty. He had ten minutes to get to the inn. He hoped Claire wouldn’t mind eating at his house. With the Red Clover closed on Mondays, the other restaurants would be flooded with guests and locals alike.

  He wanted privacy with Claire so they could both talk freely. He’d bought steaks, potatoes, broccoli, and a cake. If he’d had time, he would have baked one. He enjoyed puttering in his kitchen.

  He chuckled as he parked his truck at the inn. If the gang back in Lobster Cove could see him now. They’d be astonished that the quiet dungeon monitor could cook with the best of them. Josh pushed open the lobby door.

  Claire stood by the reception desk. He took a moment to take in her appearance. She wore a pair of black slacks and a colorful top. She had on a pair of sneakers instead of her boots. She held a light jacket along with her purse.

  “Gorgeous,” he said as he approached her.

  Her cheeks turned pink. “You didn’t say where we were going. Am I dressed okay?”

  “About that.” He cupped her elbow and led her to the side of the lobby. “The restaurants in town will be busy, and we won’t have much privacy. I picked up some food to make us dinner. That is, if you’re willing to come back to my house to eat.” His words tumbled over each other. She did that to him.

  Wariness entered those beautiful blue eyes, and he couldn’t blame her. They’d only be on one date with other people around. He was asking her to trust him. He wanted her to trust him.

  “How about I follow you to your home? This way, I have my car, and I can leave when I want. According to the people in town, you’re a ‘good kid’ as they say.”

  His lips turned up. “You checked me out.”

  “Sort of. Apparently, you’re quite the local celebrity. You and a woman having lunch at the tavern was a subject for gossip. Since I’m new in town, it wasn’t hard for people to put two and two together.”

  Josh laughed. Willow Springs was a lot like Lobster Cove; everyone knew everyone’s business. In a way, that’s why he’d been so surprised when he approached the city council with his plan for the club. He’d had all the facts and figures at his fingertips. While they had been skeptical, they had given him the go ahead and the permits.

  Of course, it could have been the tax revenue the club would bring into town, along with more people visiting Willow Springs. Plus, his club was out away from town, so those who weren’t so sure about the club didn’t have to worry about infringing on those in town.

  “I can agree to that.” He held out his hand, and his heart lightened when she placed her hand in his.

  “Be good to her, Josh,” Liz yelled from the other room as she waved at them.

  Josh raised his free hand and wiggled his fingers, then guided Claire out the door. They walked down to the parking lot, and Claire showed him her Jeep. He was glad to see she was driving a four-wheel drive vehicle. She had good sense. She followed him out of the lot and within five minutes they pulled into the driveway.

  He really did love the place. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed it until he had come home. Although things were a little different now. The driveway from the main road was the same, but in a few hundred yards, it forked. To the left was the road to the club, to the right his home. Both had eight-foot fences, security gates, and call boxes. He hit his remote, and the house gate opened. A moment later, Claire’s car cleared the gate, and it closed.

  He’d paid a small fortune for those gates, but they were important. Not only for the club, but the privacy of his home. Willow Springs was not a hot bed of crime, but people had become curious when he started building the club, so he had to find a way to keep them off his property.

  He’d planned to hold an open house to all of Willow Springs so they could see what the club would be like, but that was still over a month off.

  Josh parked, grabbed the bag of groceries, and jumped out of his truck. He made it to the side of Claire’s Jeep before she exited so he could open it for her.

  “Such a gentleman.” She flashed him a grin.

  “My mom drilled manners into me.” His chest tightened. His mom had been gone since he was eighteen, but he could still hear her voice, telling him to mind his manners.

  A warm hand on his forearm brought him out of his past. “I’m sorry. Did I bring up a bad memory?”

  “No, a good one. My mom passed right before my eighteenth birthday. She was a force to be reckoned with.”

  He hadn’t thought about her in a long time. What was it about Claire that brought back all these memories? Josh stared at his home. He was making changes. Ones that would turn it back into the home his mother would be proud of.

  A home that, with an intensity foreign to him, he wanted Claire to like. He pushed the door shut, tucking the unusual emotions inside for another time. Turning to Claire, he held out his hand. “Come on, I’ll give you the nickel tour before I start dinner.

  ****

  Claire took a deep breath and followed him into his home. It was a little remote, although it was only a mile or so out of town. Trees blocked the view from the main road, and she caught a glimpse of groves of trees at the back of the property, too.

  Her nerves danced with excitement. Was she taking her sister’s words to seize the moment too far? No, Peggy had set her up with Josh in the first place, and her sister had a way of knowing about people.

  Could she have a vacation fling? Why not? There was nothing stopping her. No one waited at home for her, and it would be nice to explore with Josh. It would just be a fling. No worries about losing someone she loved, like her sister. It was temporary.

  The house was a nice, ranch-style painted in muted browns and beige. The colors worked well together.

  Josh pushed open the oak door and gestured for her to enter.

  Hardwood gleamed beneath her shoes. Thank goodness she was wearing sneakers; heels would have made a hell of a racket on these floors. There was a small bench with baskets beneath it. Josh set the bag of groceries down and began to unlace his boots.

  “I don’t wear shoes in the house.”

  “Oh.” She never did when she was home, either, but then her place was carpeted. She toed off her shoes, reached down and put them in one of the empty baskets as he did the same with his boots.

  “Are you okay walking in socks? I have a pair of slippers if that’s more comfortable for you.”

  She glanced at his feet and laughed. “I doubt they would fit. I’m fine. I like walking around in stockings.” She straightened and looked to her left to see a big office.

  It was apparent he’d taken two rooms and made them into one. There was a desk, chair and computer in a small area. The rest of the room held bookcases filled with books. There was a large overstuffed chair and a wooden side table near the window.

  “You have a library.” She rubbed her hands together. She didn’t have as much time to read as she’d like, but she loved books.

  “I see. The way to your affections is through books not food. Noted.” He grinned at her. “I promise you can explore the library while I’m fixing dinner. Come on.”

  He led her down a short hallway. There was another hallway to the left, but the room in front of her was open and big. To the left was the kitchen.

  “Now this is a kitchen,” she said. Lots of counter space and room for people to move around without stepping on each other. The stainless-steel appliances gleamed.

  The family room was big with a vaulted ceiling. There were forest green sofas and chairs arranged in a comfortable cluster. A large nook held a small table and chairs. She
grinned when she saw the big TV. It had to be at least sixty inches. “Men and their toys,” she muttered.

  “You have no idea.”

  His husky tone had her staring at him. What did he mean by that? There was something behind his tone and secretive smile, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

  “There’s a pantry back here.” He pointed to a doorway from the kitchen. “There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the library-combination-office you saw already.” There was a sense of pride in his voice.

  “Big house.” She thought back to the tiny place she grew up in with her parents, sister and brother.

  “Sometimes, it’s too much for one person. I was surprised when my dad didn’t move to one of the apartments in town after I left, but he was determined to stay in his home.”

  Claire watched as Josh took out a pressure cooker, washed and put the potatoes in a basket. “Can I help?”

  “I’m fine. Have a seat at the breakfast bar and tell me more about Claire.” He washed the broccoli and then sliced the stems off, wrapped it in foil and put it on top of the potatoes.

  “Not much to tell.” She ran her finger over the granite counter.

  “I don’t believe that. Let’s see if I remember right…tell me more about this new job.”

  “Basically, I’ll be setting up new offices. Helping install all the company computers and new programs and anything else they want to throw at me.”

  “And before the new job?”

  “Mainly doing remote installations, and trouble shooting from a desk and phone.”

  “Do you like your job?”

  “I do.” Sometimes it was a challenge and other times routine. “The new job means I’m finally going to start working in more of the satellite offices. And more travel. I’m tired of sitting in an office all day.”

  “You mentioned you’ve been waiting for this position.”

  She nodded. “For a couple of years now. It’s been my dream job, so when the position came open, I jumped.”

  His hand paused as he prepared the steaks, then he nodded and continued seasoning the meat. “How do you like your steak?”

  “Not bloody, that’s all I ask.”

  “I can do that.” He glanced at her. “Dang it, where are my manners? I forgot to ask you if you wanted something to drink. I have water, soda, iced tea, beer, and wine.”

  “A soda would be nice.”

  He opened the fridge pulled out a can, popped the top, poured it in a glass and handed it to her.

  “Thanks.” The pressure cooker beeped, and she jumped.

  “Now, I can start the steaks.” He moved back to the stove. “Tell me how you got into IT. I don’t remember you telling me that.”

  “That’s a boring story.” She’d watched her family and friends’ eyes glazed over when she talked about her day. Her life was anything but exciting.

  “I have a feeling nothing about you is boring.”

  Claire laughed. “I might surprise you.” She slid off the stool thinking how boring her life was compared to his “Someone promised I could look at the library while he cooked.”

  “Go for it.”

  She smiled and went down the hall to the library, intrigued to see what kinds of books he read. Maybe she could figure out some of his likes and dislikes from his books. She was a bookworm and curious.

  ****

  Josh shook his head as Claire left. She was different from other women he dated. How could he explain it? There seemed to be a shyness…no…she seemed reserved. As if she was afraid of getting too close. He wanted to get closer. Maybe after dinner. Yes, they’d had the one date over a year ago, but he was going to enjoy getting to know her better. He liked she was honest enough to say she wanted her own car.

  He set the table, thinking about how he was going to approach her tonight. He’d told her he worked in a club in Lobster Cove on their previous date, but she hadn’t asked what kind of club, and he hadn’t elaborated. That wasn’t first date material.

  At least tonight wasn’t their first date, and he sensed she had this natural, submissive air about her, one that brought out his dominant side. Heck, who was he kidding? His dominant side had sat up and taken notice from the second he walked into her room at the inn.

  But she was only in Willow Springs for a short time. If she showed any indication she was into kink, he’d talk to her about exploring it together and tell her more about his club. But otherwise, he’d just take this week for whatever they decided to do together.

  The food was done. He grabbed bowls and a platter out of the cabinet and set the steaks on simmer to keep them warm. He walked down the hall to the library.

  Inside, Claire was standing at his “kink” bookcase. He had books on D/s relationships, flogging, spanking, bondage, and other topics.

  She ran her fingers over the spines as she read the titles. Was she interested? She wasn’t backing away. A good sign. He was about to go in and talk to her when he heard the timer ding. Dinner. After dinner, he’d talk with her about kink.

  Claire hadn’t moved so he tiptoed back to the kitchen and called out, “Claire, dinner is ready.”

  “On my way.”

  Josh turned the stove off, slid the steaks on the waiting platter, and then put the broccoli and potatoes in bowls.

  “Everything smells delicious,” she said as she walked into the room.

  “It better.” He split the potatoes open. “Go sit down at the table, and I’ll bring everything over.”

  She snagged her soda glass then sat where indicated. He placed the food on the table before taking his seat. Her stomach let out a growl.

  “Oh my goodness.” Her cheeks turned pink.

  She was charming. “Someone is hungry.”

  “That is so embarrassing.”

  “Not to me.” He grinned. “It means the food smells so good, your stomach can’t wait to taste it.” He gestured to the food. “Go for it.”

  Claire picked up the smaller steak and set it on her plate. They ate quietly for several minutes. “You’re a great cook. A master chef.”

  He grinned broadly. “Master?”

  She cast a glance back to her plate as she meticulously cut steak into bit-sized pieces. A delightful pink shade colored her cheekbones. He frowned. It wasn’t his intention to make her uncomfortable with his comment.

  He cleared his throat. “Thank you. I enjoy cooking. It’s relaxing, especially when I can cook for others.” He polished off his meal. “I’m trying to remember… you mentioned another sibling besides your sister.”

  “Yes, my brother. Both parents are still living and dealing with Peggy’s passing the best they can. Luckily, there’s a passel of aunts, uncles, and cousins to help. What about you? I don’t remember you saying you had any siblings.”

  “Just me.” In a way, it made him sad that he didn’t have brothers or sisters to share things with. “Both my parents were only children, too, and they only had me. So technically, I’m the end of the line.”

  “Until you have children.”

  “If I find a woman who can accept me for who I am.” Those words slipped out before he could stop them. Several of his relationships had ended due to his interest in kink, and sometimes, those who wanted kink wanted far more than he was comfortable giving.

  “That shouldn’t be too hard.” She set down her fork. “You’re a handsome man. Women should swarm to you, unless…” She stared at him and her face grew serious. “You’re a serial killer, aren’t you?”

  He burst out laughing at her soft, fierce tone. “I promise I’m not a serial killer.”

  She placed her hand over her heart with a wide smile. “That’s a relief.” Laughter filled her voice, and he found the tension from the moment seeping away.

  He stood with a grin on his face. Claire was good for him. She reminded him what it was like to have company in his home. “Go sit in the family room while I clean up, and I’ll make us some coffee.”

  “You cooked th
e meal, the least I can do is help clear the table and load the dishwasher.”

  “No, you’re my guest. I’ve got it. Go relax.” He shooed her away with his hands and waited until she settled into the family room.

  He watched her out of the corner of his eye as he cleared the table. He had a stack of books sitting on the side table. She picked up the one on carpentry. He bit his lip to keep from telling her she wouldn’t be interested in that. Then she picked up the next book. It was one he was reading on what medical supplies to keep and other items to keep in your dungeon.

  Josh stayed busy, putting things away and starting coffee while watching her. Was Claire curious? She turned the book over and over in her hand. Then she opened it. Josh kept his gaze on her as she flipped the pages. There was nothing explicit in the book. Jessie had recommended he read it. He’d based a lot of his club on hers, mainly because he had loved her club.

  The coffee finished. He poured it into a metal carafe to keep it warm, added it to the tray with the mugs, cream and sugar, then he picked it up and carried it into the family room.

  He cleared his throat as he set the tray down on the coffee table. Claire jumped, slammed the book shut, and held it to her chest.

  Josh sat down next her, reached out, and ran his fingers over the back of her hand. “Are you interested in kink?”

  ****

  Claire blinked at Josh, her fingers gripping the book as she tried to breathe. She’d been so engrossed in turning the pages, she hadn’t heard him come into the room, and he had caught her red-handed. How the hell did she answer his question? Hell, yes, a part of her screamed, but she held that part back.

  She glanced up at him. His green eyes were serious. His fingers were gentle and soothing on the back of her hand. If his library hadn’t told her he was into kink, then this most certainly did. And earlier, when she had remarked on men and their toys, his response of “you have no idea” now made sense.

  “No pressure.” He removed his hand and sat back. “Let me pour us some coffee while you think this over.”

  “Yes. I mean no.” She shook her head and took a deep breath to gather her scattered thoughts. “Yes, I’m interested, and yes, let’s have coffee and talk.”