Risky Proposal

by Marie Tuhart

  A bell rang, letting him know someone was at the gate. He wasn’t expecting another delivery.

  “Yes,” he said into the speaker.

  “Hey Josh, open up, and let us in.” Jessie’s cheerful voice came over the speaker.

  What was she doing here? Jessie and Caleb weren’t due until Friday. Josh pressed the button for the gate and walked out of the club.

  Jessie pulled up in a bright-blue SUV. The engine was barely stopped when she jumped out and threw herself into his arms.

  “I’ve missed you.” She hugged him.

  “I’ve missed you, too.” Jessie was the one person he could talk to about everything until Claire had come into his life.

  “Hey, Josh,” Caleb, Jessie’s husband, said, holding out his hand.

  “Caleb.” They shook hands. “You guys are two days early.”

  “Someone decided you might need some help.” Caleb pulled his wife into his arms.

  “I appreciate that. Why don’t you go park at the house, and I’ll get you two settled.”

  Jessie opened her mouth, but Caleb spoke first. “Sure. Come on, honey.”

  Jessie stared at Josh for a long moment before she climbed back into their SUV with Caleb following. Josh’s lips turned up. Jessie wasn’t going to let him get away with not telling her what was going on, but he’d do that later. He jogged behind their car all the way to the house.

  ****

  “So how is the long-distance relationship going with Claire?” Jessie asked after dinner. Thank goodness Josh had stuff to eat in the house. After a steak and potato meal, they now sat on the back porch with coffee. He was glad Jessie and Caleb came early.

  “It’s not.” Josh was going to be honest. Her job was interfering with their relationship and more. “She’s been working her tail off, and she sent me a text stating she might not get here until late on Saturday.”

  “I’m sorry.” Jessie reached out and squeezed his arm.

  “It is what it is.” Could he sound any more like a greeting card? Seriously. It sucked.

  “So what still needs to be done?” Caleb asked.

  “I need to put some of the equipment together and get it in the right place. Then set up the tables and chairs. Move the sofas and overstuffed chairs into place. Stock everything.” So much to do yet.

  To stop himself from missing Claire so much, he’d thrown himself into the store and the club just so he could sleep at night. There had been a few hiccups with the inspection. While it was now all worked out, it had put him behind schedule.

  “Well, we’re here to help,” Jessie said.

  “I appreciate it.” Josh grinned. “How is everyone doing in Lobster Cove?”

  Jessie filled him in on the latest gossip and the details about everyone at the club. By the time they finished catching up, it was after ten. Caleb and Jessie retired to the play bedroom which doubled as a guest bedroom, and Josh fired up his computer. Maybe he could video chat with Claire. He missed her so much. Double checking the time, he opened the video chat program and waited. Nothing. Damn.

  Josh switched over to his email, and there was one from Claire. His gut clenched as he read it. She wasn’t sure she was going to make it to the opening of the club at all as there had been a big snafu with her job, and she couldn’t leave until it was fixed. She wasn’t happy about it. She wanted to be there for him, she said.

  A sigh left his lips as he shut down his computer and flopped onto his bed. Disappointment hit him. Why didn’t he just fly out to where she was and kidnap her? Josh smiled. Claire wouldn’t tolerate that caveman attitude, no matter how submissive she was in bed. Damn. He had to do something, but what?

  ****

  Claire pushed open the door to her apartment on Friday night, set her luggage down, and flopped on the bed. When had her dream job turned into such a nightmare? This last mess with equipment made her wonder why she’d wanted this job in the first place. Maybe it was horrid because she missed Josh, and it seemed like everything went wrong every minute of the day, from missing invoices, to lost orders, to the wrong equipment being delivered. She’d been told this was rare, but it comprised most of her experience in the last month.

  She grabbed her cell phone and called her boss.

  Saturday morning was bright and sunny when Claire woke. She glanced at her clock. Ten. Not bad. She’d been exhausted last night, especially after she had talked to her boss. Linda had understood Claire’s frustrations, and they talked out possible solutions and changes. A weight had lifted from her shoulders after the talk.

  She calculated how long it would take her to drive to Willow Springs, but first, she needed to do some shopping, so she could surprise Josh. Claire jumped out of bed and did a quick packing job. Then she looked up the store she wanted to visit.

  Once inside the lingerie shop, she looked around. She wanted to make Josh proud of her, but within minutes, she realized she needed help. She scrolled through her phone until she saw Jessie’s number. Jessie and Caleb were coming to the opening of the club.

  Before she could talk herself out of it, Claire hit the dial button.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, Jessie. It’s Claire.”

  “Oh, hi—”

  “Don’t say my name. I don’t want Josh to know we’re talking.”

  “All right. Just a second.” Claire heard muffled sounds, and then Jessie came back on the line. “I’m outside. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m trying to find an outfit for tonight, and I’m not sure what to wear. I was wondering if you could help me.”

  “So you will be here.” Jessie’s voice held skepticism, and Claire didn’t blame her for it.

  “Nothing is going to stop me from being there for Josh, but I want to surprise him.”

  “I’m glad. So how are you going to do this?”

  “Let me put you on a video call, and I’ll show you what I’m looking at.” Claire punched the icon on her phone, and a beautiful redhead with hazel eyes stared back at her. “I appreciate the help, Jessie.”

  “I’m just happy you’re coming. Josh has been a regular Dom with a sore paw.”

  Claire laughed. “Well, maybe you can help me cheer him up.”

  “Let’s get shopping.”

  ****

  Jessie was waiting outside the Tangled Knot when Claire parked. The parking lot outside the club was about half full. The light gleamed in the early evening hours, and excitement shimmered in the air. Josh had done a great job with everything. He even had security checking off names before the gate would be opened.

  Claire stepped out of her Jeep and pulled out the bag she would need as Jessie walked up to her.

  “We’ll have to be quick. I let my husband in on our little game so he could keep Josh busy as I sneak you into the ladies’ room.”

  “I can’t thank you enough, Jessie.”

  “You make him happy. That’s thanks enough.” Jessie threaded her arm through Claire’s and led her into the club.

  Claire didn’t have much time to see all the changes to the reception area. It had been empty the first time she had seen it, now there were two desks set up with computers. The light, paneled walls gave the area a cozy look, but also made her smile. No more exposed plumbing. On the other end of the room, a display case was filled with toys.

  Inside the bathroom, one side of the room was filled with lockers where one could secure their belongings.

  Jessie took the bag from her fingers. “Okay, girlfriend, strip, and let’s get you decked out for your man.”

  ****

  Josh surveyed the crowd with pride. He still had some staff to hire, but thanks to Caleb, Jessie, Robin, Bill, and others in the community, he had staff for the night. Music played softly in the background, the lights were on, and people milled around all the stations, asking questions.

  He’d made sure everyone knew that if they were planning to come to the Tangled Knot, they had to RSVP, or they wouldn’t be let in. He hired special securit
y to check everyone’s ID and make sure their name was on the guest list.

  It was an extra precaution he was taking tonight. He didn’t want any under-aged people finding their way onto the property. He liked the idea of having security, and since the club would only be open on the weekends, it wasn’t beyond the scope of what he could afford.

  He smiled at several Willow Springs residents as they walked by. He knew they were curious. The mix of dress in the club seemed to intrigue a lot of them. Josh was used to it—anything from jeans and T-shirts to fetish wear. He had asked for no nudity on this opening weekend.

  Caleb stood by the St. Andrews Cross, answering questions. The bondage stage and spanking horse seemed to have the most action right now. Well, they did have demos going on. Just curious people milling about the rest of the space.

  “Everything going okay?” Josh asked, walking up to Caleb.

  “Fine. Lots of questions. It was a good idea to keep the equipment roped off for tonight.”

  “I thought it might. People are curious. I will say, I’m surprised at how quickly the membership forms have disappeared.” He’d put a stack out when he’d opened the doors an hour ago and already had to put out more.

  “It’s a good thing,” Caleb said as his eyes widened. “You might want to turn around, Josh.”

  “Why?” he asked as he turned.

  Josh blinked several times. Claire was here and what the hell was she wearing? His gaze took in the black-and-red corset hugging her waist and pushing up her breasts. A short black skirt, black fishnet stockings, and ballet flats completed the outfit.

  Jessie said something to her. Claire nodded as Jessie walked over to them.

  “Go say hi, Josh,” Jessie said softly.

  Josh strode across the room to stop in front of Claire. “You came.”

  That wasn’t what he wanted to say. His brain was still trying to process what she was wearing. He tried again. “Damn woman, you look delicious.”

  She laughed, and the musical sound caused several heads to turn. “Hello to you, too, Josh.”

  “Oh, screw it,” he muttered, gathering her into his arms and covering her mouth with his.

  She opened her mouth to his questing tongue as her arms entwined around his neck. God, she felt good in his arms.

  He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. “I missed you,” he whispered.

  “I could tell.” She ran her hands over his shirt-clad back. “Nice look. All in black. The ever-present Dom,” she said in a low tone.

  “Josh, Claire,” the mayor said, walking up to them. “I just wanted to congratulate you on opening your business, Josh. I like how security conscious you are, and how open you and your staff are to questions.”

  “That’s what the Tangled Knot is all about,” Claire said before Josh could. “Education and a safe place for people to explore their sensuality.”

  “That’s right.” He stared at her, and she winked at him.

  “I like it. I was right when I championed you with the town council.” He stepped closer to Josh. “And I have faith you’ll win this lovely lady over to your side as well.” Then he turned and left.

  Claire’s cheeks turned pink, and this time, Josh laughed. “Shall we?” He held out his arm.

  “Yes. I want to see everything.”

  ****

  Josh woke Sunday morning with a smile on his face. Claire lay in his arms and in his bed. They’d made it back to the house after one in the morning, both exhausted. Together, they’d climbed into his bed and fallen asleep.

  A slight bang on the floor reminded him he had guests. He gently slipped out from beneath Claire, pulled on a pair of sweats, and padded out of the bedroom. Caleb and Jessie were in the kitchen, making coffee.

  “Sorry we woke you,” Jessie said.

  “No worries. I know you two wanted to get away early.”

  “Yeah, Ryan and the others are holding down the Red Club, but we should get back,” Caleb said.

  “Thank you both for coming. I really appreciate it.”

  “Josh.” Jessie walked up to him and pulled him into a hug. “We’re always here for you. And I’m glad Claire made it last night.”

  “I suspect she had some help in the clothing department.” While Claire was daring when they’d been alone, he’d been surprised at what she wore in the club last night.

  “Actually, she picked it out. I just helped her accessorize and get dressed. Don’t make me regret helping her.”

  “Never.” Josh put his hand over his heart.

  A few moments later, he walked Jessie and Caleb to their car and waved them off before going back inside.

  Claire stood in the kitchen in one of his shirts. “Did Jessie and Caleb leave?” Her voice was husky from sleep.

  “Yep.” He poured himself a cup of coffee.

  “You should have woken me.”

  “They wanted to get away early, and you had a very late night.”

  “So did you.” She glanced at him over the rim of her coffee.

  “Best night sleep I’ve had in a month.” Hell, he hadn’t meant to bring that up.

  “Me, too.” She took his hand and led him over to the sofa. She set her coffee cup on the side table before sitting down, tucking her legs under her. Josh sat next her, keeping their bodies close.

  She sighed. “This last month has been horrible.”

  Her words surprised him. “You never said anything.”

  “No, I didn’t. This was a conversation to have in person.” She picked up her coffee took a big sip and then set it back down with exacting care.

  This did not bode well. Was she about to break it off with him? Had her job become that important to her? More important than him? Than them?

  “I’m in love with you.”

  Josh froze. What? Had he heard her right? He hadn’t expected that.

  “Damn, I shouldn’t have blurted that out like that.” She started to shift away.

  “No.” Josh almost dropped his coffee cup on the table as he pulled her stiff body into his lap. “I’m in love with you, too.”

  Her body sagged against him.

  “Having you by my side last night meant a lot to me.”

  “I know it did.” She traced her finger over his forehead and down his cheek. “I enjoyed being by your side, answering people’s questions, and overall, I enjoyed how receptive everyone was of the Tangled Knot.” She smiled. “By the way, love the logo.”

  He laughed. It had taken him the better part of two weeks to get the logo done. He’d made a wooden sign that said “Tangle Knot” with two knots entwined. “I wanted something special.”

  “That it is.”

  “So what does this mean for us, Claire? I’m not sure a long-distance relationship will work out.”

  “I know.” She blew out a breath. “I’m going to put all my cards on the table. I talked with my boss on Friday. There’s an opening in the Burlington office. She’ll allow me to take it as long as I promise not to quit for at least a year. I’ll be home every night, and I figured you said you still needed a receptionist at the club. I could work there on weekends with you.”

  Josh was stunned. “You’d leave Boston for me?”

  “I don’t think I’ve been honest with myself. I pinned so much on this new job, but I haven’t been happy there in a while. After my sister passed away, nothing felt the same and probably never will. It’s under a four-hour drive, so I can visit my parents anytime I need to.” She lifted her chin. “My dream job turned out to be a nightmare, I wasn’t expecting perfection, but being away from you made it even worse.”

  “Claire, I didn’t expect this.” He’d figured they’d talk, have the weekend to work out a plan, and he’d tell her he planned to visit her wherever she was.

  “I know.” She placed her palm on his cheek. “Before Peggy passed away, she told me to take chances and to not let life pass me by. I didn’t expect to find you or love in Willow Springs, but I did. And I’m not
going to let that get away from me.”

  “Me, either.” He held her against him as they kissed. Maybe his life would work out without a fight for once.

  Epilogue

  Claire put the finishing touches on her makeup and then made the trek from the house to the club. Tonight, they were having a special celebration. The Tangled Knot was a year old.

  So much had happened in a year. She’d moved from Boston and in with Josh. While it had been an adjustment for both of them, they made it through by talking to each other.

  Josh had cut back on his hours at the hardware store, promoting Peter to manager and hiring another person to help. Claire commuted to Burlington when she needed to, but after the first big snowstorm, her boss allowed her to telecommute more often than not.

  A smile crept over her lips. Weekends were for the club, but the weeknights were all for them. Last night, Josh had proved that to her by showing off his new shibari skills on her. Her skin tingled in remembrance of his ropes wrapped around her.

  The club was doing a booming business. They had people from all over the neighboring cities coming to the club on weekends. Many of the people spent the weekend in Willow Springs, which really boosted its economy.

  Inside the club, she booted up the computer. Her IT skills came in handy. She had about a half-hour before people started arriving. They no longer had security at the gate. Claire had suggested cameras instead. They could check ID and then open the gate when the bell rang. Plus, guests knew they had to arrive by a certain time, or they wouldn’t get in that night. It worked for everyone.

  “Hi, sweetheart.” Josh was a little out of breath as he sauntered into the room and dropped a kiss on her lips. He’d come down earlier, saying he had some things he wanted to do.

  “Hi. We have a full house tonight.”

  “Yes, we do.” He took her by the hands and pulled her to her feet. “But first.” He slipped a blindfold over her eyes.