Risky Proposal

by Marie Tuhart

  “All right.” Josh waved as he walked to the back door and out to his truck. He could work on the club until he heard from Claire—if he heard from her. And he hoped he did. The club was going to open in a little over a month. He’d finished laying the flooring over the subflooring. Now, he was building the platforms for each station.

  He pulled into his driveway. He didn’t even bother to go into his home; he went straight to the club. Within an hour, he had all the boards cut, and he carried them inside. His phone pinged.

  He’d set it inside the club as he cut the wood. He picked it up and looked at the screen. Missed call from Claire. His mood lightened as he pressed the voice mail button.

  “Hi, Josh, it’s Claire.” Her voice was clear, but there was a slight hesitation. “I did some research, and talked with Jessie, but I still have some questions.”

  That didn’t surprise him.

  “I’d like to buy you dinner so we can discuss things. I want to do this in public, but I’m not sure where we could go without being overheard.”

  True, but he had an idea.

  “So, give me a call when you get a chance.”

  No time like the present. He quickly sent the call through.

  “Hello.” Claire picked up on the third ring.

  “Hi Claire, Josh here.”

  “Thanks for calling me back.”

  “How about dinner at the Stone Hearth Tavern? We can grab a booth and sit close together to talk. It’s usually busy and noisy in the evenings.” When she didn’t say anything, he continued, “Or we could grab something to go and come back to my place?”

  He heard her breathing, so he knew he hadn’t lost the call.

  Finally, she said, “Let’s go to the tavern. If there’s something we don’t feel comfortable talking about in public, we can talk about it later.”

  Later. She was giving them a chance. Elation filled him. “Sounds good. Give me an hour. I have to shower and change. I’m all sweaty. I’ll pick you up at the inn.” He was already to the door of the club when she agreed and hung up.

  He locked up and jogged up the stone pathway to his home. At least she hadn’t shut him down. She sounded willing to try, and that was all he could ask for.

  ****

  Claire slid into the high-back booth, and Josh followed. She had her tablet in her bag so she wouldn’t forget her questions. When Josh’s thigh touched her, heat flooded her body like someone had lit a match and set her on fire. She should shift away because she needed to be able to think, a tall order with him around, especially with what they were going to talk about. A stimulating topic for sure. But she didn’t move.

  Since she had called him, all she could think about was the possibility of them enjoying some kink together. They didn’t have much time. It was already Tuesday night.

  “Specials are on the board. Anything other than water to drink?” Their waitress asked.

  They ordered iced tea, and Claire glanced around the tavern as the waitress swerved to avoid other people as they sat or got up to leave. “You weren’t kidding about it being busy.”

  “A lot of people kick back here after work.” Josh read the specials. “Do you trust me to order you dinner?”

  Trust. That word had come up a lot in her reading today. “Go for it.” Why not? If she was going to trust him with her body, then food should be easy.

  His green eyes lit up, and happiness flooded her body. By letting him make the decision about dinner, she didn’t need to worry about what she wanted to eat. Funny how she demurred to him on this so easily. A novel feeling that was nice. The waitress came back with their drinks. Josh ordered, and then they were alone again.

  “Since food will take a little bit, we have time to talk.” He turned to her, his thigh rubbing against hers.

  Claire inhaled at the shot of awareness flowing through her veins.

  “Yes.” She swallowed, trying to concentrate. Why was this so hard? Maybe because she’d never talked to a man as frankly as she was going to talk to Josh. This was new to her. She fumbled to get her tablet out of her bag.

  Josh reached over and covered her hands. “Are you scared or nervous?”

  “Honestly?”

  He nodded.

  “A bit of both.” She wasn’t going to change her level of honesty just because some of the material made her nervous. She may not know or understand what she was feeling, but honesty was a good place to start.

  “It’s natural. This is all new to you.” He caressed the back of her hand before releasing it.

  “In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. But I now understand what you meant about some of the authors I’ve been reading while doing research.” She placed her tablet on the table. “I noted my questions, so I wouldn’t forget them.”

  “Good idea. Where do you want to start?”

  “I have no clue.” She let out a laugh and shook her head. “After my research and talking with Jessie, I found I knew more than I realized.”

  He tilted his head and watched her.

  “Some of the fiction I’ve read got everything wrong, but others had a lot right. Authors have to have some creative license.”

  “I agree, as long as those reading the books realize the author has creative license in creating their own world. How did you feel after researching today?”

  Claire took a breath and blew it out. It was time to take the plunge with Josh. “I’d like to explore kink with you.”

  ****

  The noise of the restaurant faded, and Josh’s muscles loosened at Claire’s words. She’d taken the first step. “I’ll be happy to teach you.”

  They didn’t have much time, but he’d do everything in his power to introduce her to his world.

  He placed his arm around her, and his fingers played with her hair. “Is this okay?” His fingers brushed the nape of her neck, and she shivered.

  “It’s fine.” Her voice was hesitant, but she didn’t pull away from him.

  “Ask your questions.” Take it one step at a time. The important thing was Claire and making sure she enjoyed her experience with him.

  He knew some men didn’t feel this way. But for him, it was all about the woman’s/sub’s experience. That didn’t mean he didn’t get enjoyment, too. He did from watching his partner, bringing her pleasure, making her cry out in response to him. He loved when that caused her to go limp, unable to move while he cradled her in his arms. That ultimate power exchange.

  “Since I’m only here for a week, how are far are we going to take this?” Her tone carried a note of seriousness.

  “You’re fairly new to kink, so I’d like to take it slow. We’ll see how far we can progress before you leave.” He wanted to add there wasn’t any reason she couldn’t come and visit him on weekends, but that would be too presumptuous. Especially right now, just at the beginning.

  “All right. How do we go about limits?”

  He let his fingers trailed over the back of her neck, enjoying the feel of her skin against his. “Since we do have short time, tell me what you would like to try.”

  She titled her head and stared at him. “Bondage, toys, maybe a little flogging.” She kept her voice low. “Sex.”

  He let out a chuckle. “Those are all doable. I’ll keep the flogging light. Toys are their own category, but I can mix it up. I enjoy bondage. And as for sex…” He shifted and brought his lips next to hers. “Sex was always on the table.”

  Her cheeks turned pink as he sat back. Based on her reactions so far, he was going to have so much fun playing with her.

  “Safewords?” Her voice trembled. He hoped it was with excitement.

  “Always. We can use the standard red and yellow.”

  “Okay.” She glanced at her tablet. Then she switched it off and looked back at him. “I know neither of us has been in a relationship in a while. I can promise you I’m clean. But I have access to my last set of labs.”

  Josh appreciated her forthright manner on sexual health. “I’m fine wi
th your word. I have my doctor’s report from four months ago. And I’ve never had sex without a condom.”

  She nodded. “That’s fine. So we will use condoms, too?”

  He nodded.

  “That’s fine. I’m on birth control, so we’re double protected.” There was still some hesitation in those blue eyes of hers.

  “What else do you need answered? Something is still bothering you.”

  “I told you I talked with Jessie today.”

  “That’s good.” He was glad she made that phone call. “What did Jessie say?”

  “Good things. She wants you to call her, and…” Claire glanced down at the table.

  Josh reached over with his free hand, cupped her chin and turned her face to his. “And what?”

  She blinked. “Jessie wanted to know how things are going with the Tangled Knot. What is that?”

  This was unexpected. Why would Jessie tell Claire about the Tangled Knot? “And you’re curious what it is? Or are you worried?” Would his owning a BDSM club be different than working in one to her?

  “I’m curious.”

  He released her chin as he caught sight of the waitress walking toward their table. “Dinner is here, we’ll discuss it in a bit.” He smiled at the waitress as she set the food down in front of them.

  The aroma of beef made his stomach growl. Lunch had been a sandwich on-the-go. This was real food. Two steaming bowls of beef stew and fresh yeast rolls.

  “If you need anything, just give me a wave,” the waitress said and left.

  “This smells heavenly,” Claire said.

  “Eat up, and then, I’ll tell you about the Tangled Knot.”

  She picked up her fork and dug into the stew. Josh was glad she didn’t seem to be one of those women who only ate salads. He watched her while he explained more about kink. Claire had an expressive face, showing excitement with a little bit of fear. He would be careful not to push too hard.

  ****

  Claire pushed her bowl away fifteen minutes later. It was only half empty, but she couldn’t eat another bite. The meat had melted in her mouth, the potatoes were cooked to perfection along with the carrots and the rolls. Oh, the rolls. She could have pigged out on a dozen or so of them. So light and fluffy.

  She hadn’t found anything like this in Boston. She wondered if she could pry the recipe out of the owner. Oh heck, who was she kidding? She didn’t have time to make rolls from scratch. Maybe she’d just take a couple dozen home with her when she left and freeze them.

  Josh was polishing off his bowl as she studied him. He really was a handsome guy—short dark hair, dreamy green eyes, straight nose, a strong chin. Claire chuckled inside her head. She was sounding like she was taking inventory of him.

  He’d answered all her questions without hesitation, and that went a long way in her book. He was being honest with her.

  He set his fork in his now-empty bowl, and he looked at her. “Done?”

  “Yes. I can’t eat anymore. It was delicious.”

  “I’m glad you liked it.” He pushed the remnants of their meal to the opposite side of the table and scooted closer to her. “I haven’t forgotten your question.”

  “About?” She could barely remember what she’d asked earlier.

  “The Tangled Knot.” He shifted, and their thighs rubbed together.

  Hot tendrils of heat wrapped themselves around her skin. She swallowed. Now she remembered. “Please, tell me.”

  “I told you a little bit about Lobster Cove and the Red Club.”

  She nodded. He had.

  “I decided, since I’m staying in Willow Springs, to build a BDSM club here.”

  Her mouth dropped open, and she blinked several times. “In Willow Springs?”

  “I wanted to do something like my friend and old boss Jessie had done.”

  Willow Springs was pretty small, but there were larger cities within an hour drive, and Boston was only about four hours. If his club took off, he’d have people from all over. “Tell me more.”

  “Some perspective first. The Red Club was handed down from mother to daughter and has been part of Lobster Cove since the town came into existence. Jessie took over when her mother passed away. One of the things she started doing was providing educational classes.”

  “That sounds interesting.”

  “I wasn’t sure how it was going to work at first. Lobster Cove is very tolerant of the club, and it has brought in a lot of revenue for the town.”

  “So you’ll provide educational classes?”

  “Yes, along with a safe place for those who want to explore the lifestyle and for those who are already in the lifestyle.”

  “How are the people of Willow Springs reacting to this?” She was intrigued. The one time she tried to go into a BDSM club, the darkness inside had turned her off, and she’d walked back out.

  “Mixed, but mostly positive.” He rubbed his chin. “They’re pretty mellow here.”

  “I never would have thought.” She could only imagine the hoops someone would have to jump though in Boston.

  “Vermont is pretty progressive. Even though same-sex marriage is now legal in all states, we were only the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage?”

  “Massachusetts had allowed that for a long time.”

  “True. When I approached the city council with my plan for the club, there was some minor opposition. I had a business plan, and since I decided to put the club on land I owned, it wouldn’t be using up city resources. Plus, I showed them spread sheets that focused on the extra revenue the club could bring in.”

  “I bet they jumped on board fast.”

  “Yup.”

  “Will you show me the club?”

  “You want to see it?”

  The surprise on his face almost made her laugh. “I would. I’ve never really seen one, and I’d love to see yours.” She smiled. “If I’m going to understand more, this is a way for me to do so.”

  “It is.” He dropped a kiss on her nose.

  “Dessert?” The waitress intruded.

  “Claire?” His green eyes twinkled.

  “No, thank you.”

  “Just the check, please.”

  Claire let out a laugh when the waitress left. “Talk about an abrupt interruption.”

  Josh curved his arm around her shoulder. “Are you feeling better about kink and us exploring it?”

  “I am.” She was excited to start exploring. While she was only here for a week, this would help her understand her wants and needs better. Why not with someone she was attracted to? Be bold.

  Claire’s chin lifted. Yes, she needed to be bold. Josh had answered all her questions; now was the time to act. She could do this.

  The waitress strode back to their table, set the bill down and left. Josh reached for it.

  “That’s mine,” she said, trying to take it from him.

  “Never.”

  “Josh.”

  He put his fingers over her lips. “It’s my turn.”

  His fingers slid from her lips over her neck, sending flutters over her skin. He pulled his credit card from his wallet, put it on top of the bill, and motioned the waitress, who immediately picked it up.

  “You cooked me dinner last night; it’s only fair I pay.” She huffed out a breath and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I let you pay once; that was more than enough.” He kissed her nose.

  “Not the point.” She was an independent woman now who paid her own way. He was going to teach her about kink, the least she could do was buy him dinner. She bit her lip.

  “There’s something else going on. Tell me.”

  She shook her head, keeping her arms over her chest as frustration filled her.

  “Claire.” His fingers encircled her wrists and pulled her arms apart. “Lesson one. I’m asking you a question, and I expect you to answer it.”

  “We’re not in the bedroom.”

  “I don’t limit my concern for you to the bedro
om. Are you re-thinking our relationship?”

  “No.” She grabbed his arm when he started to slide away. Damn, old habits were hard to break. “Long before our date a year ago, my ex used to complain that I never paid for anything.” Another reason she hadn’t dated much since then. She was always self-conscious about having a man pay for her meal.

  “Ass,” he muttered.

  “He was.” She closed her eyes and willed herself to relax.

  “Look at me, Claire.”

  She shook her head.

  “Open. Your. Eyes.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper, yet each word was a command.

  Her need to obey his command forced her eyes open to see his beautiful green eyes staring at her.

  “He was an insecure ass. He didn’t have a clue how to treat a woman. I’m not him.”

  “No, you’re right. You’re not that guy.”

  “No need to be sorry. For me I feel it is my right and privilege to buy you dinner. Plus, I receive great joy in providing a meal for you.” He slid a finger over her cheek.

  She took a deep breath, and her spine relaxed in relief. “I overreacted.” Her hand fluttered to her stomach, rubbing it to ease the embarrassment ball churning there.

  “Maybe. I want you to remember to talk to me. As long as we keep the lines of communication open, we can tackle anything. So talk to me, especially when we play.”

  Her cheeks grew warm. “You’re right.” Hadn’t several of the websites she read said open and honest communication was a must?

  The waitress returned with his card and the receipt. “Have a good evening.”

  “Thank you.” Josh added the tip, signed the slip, then put his card and receipt away. He slid out of the booth and held his hand out to her.

  She hesitated before putting her hand in his. Another thing she was trying to get used to—Josh’s courtesy. Not to say other men weren’t, just that he did it all the time—helping her from the car, opening doors for her, escorting her to the door of the inn.

  Her ex would just drop her off and speed off before she even got inside. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had done these things. She put her hand in Josh’s as she slid to the edge of the booth.

  He pulled her up, and for a moment, they were chest to chest. The sounds in the room faded, and there was only Josh and the heat coming from his body. Time suspended as she stared up at him. She took a deep breath and the smell of pine and wood hit her senses. Her gaze focused in on his lips.