by Mia Moore
He smiled, “A sensual kiss for a lovely lady. And I promised you the answer to your questions at the art gallery, if you would have dinner with me. Are you still curious about BDSM?”
She sipped her wine and nodded. "Actually, what do the letters stand for?"
"There's no agreement."
"Well, that’s helpful."
"Some people use it to mean Bondage, Domination and Sado Masochism. Others interpret it as Bondage, Discipline and Sado Masochism for example."He smiled and continued “It’s also known as ‘D/s’; that’s a capital D, backslash, small case s. D/s stands for Dominance/submission. I prefer the term BDSM though. It’s a very plastic term.”
“What do you mean?”
He leaned back in his seat, took a notepad from his jacket, opened it, and wrote down the four letters.
“The letters interplay among each other. The B does stand for Bondage, yes. But the D could be Discipline, or Domination or Dominance. The S could mean Submission or it could mean Sadism, and the M generally means Masochism or the S and M stand for Sado-Masochism. It’s a flexible term.”
“Wait a minute; you’re saying the term has multiple meanings? That’s confusing. What do you generally mean when you use it?”
“Yes confusing. On the other hand, it can mean whatever you want. Anyone’s definition is as valid as any other, Jessica. I just wanted to point out that there’s a lot of variety.” He paused and looked in her eyes. “A lot of… of flavors. Every flavor except vanilla. Although vanilla can also be great.”
“Vanilla?” There's that damn word again. This time, she held her tongue.
“Yeah, you know- conventional, bland."
"Why not mayonnaise?"
"What?"
"That's pretty bland." She smirked.
"Well, we'll take it up at the next convention, how's that? Smartass." He grinned back.
"Anyway," he continued, "BDSM is anything but conventional. Look- they don’t even have a conventional definition of the term! The major difference, at least to me, is that D/s doesn’t have to involve pain like what we saw at the gallery just now. But the term BDSM strongly implies that.” He looked at her. “And the pain, when incorporated properly, can add a dimension that’s powerful.”
She nodded. “We'll see about the pain!"
"Oh really?"
"What I mean is… I don't get how pain can improve sex like you say. Craig, this is really, really different! Go on with the seminar, you got me interested. I mean, this is background for my article of course! That’s ALL!” she said with a laugh. I want to know more about the D/s.
“Riiight. Just background. Got it! We’ll look at ‘Field Work’ later,” he nudged her, smiling back. “So, to continue…” He put his notepad back in his pocket and took her hand again.
Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter bringing their dinners.
He raised his eyebrows at her. “How about we resume this conversation over dessert?”
“For me it IS dessert, without the calories.”
They smiled at each other and tentatively started to eat.
She slowly chewed a small piece of beef tenderloin. I can’t believe I am sitting here with a wickedly handsome man and having a wickedly erotic conversation. A part of her brain, schooled in demure and modesty…what Sigmund Freud would call her Superego, being Ladylike, chimed in, Perhaps I should steer the subject to safer areas, less sexual. He’s going to think I’m some kind of slut.
She was torn when her wanton self-Freud’s id- what she referred to as Tinderbox weighed in. Tinderbox, wearing a leopard skin bodysuit, grabbed Ladylike by her well coifed hair, threw her to the ground and promptly sat on her, muffling Lady’s mouth with her hand. He’s really kind of like the guy in the dream last night. He’s HAWT and I WANT him.
Meanwhile Craig’s thoughts were also conflicted. My God. She’s gorgeous and oh so ready to try this. “Research” my ass!’ He felt a slight arousal press against the zipper of his trousers. Yeah but she’s not anything like the women I’ve
When they finished eating and the waiter had removed their plates, there was an awkward silence as they waited for their coffee.
When the coffee was set before them, she smiled at him. “Well now…where were we? You were about to tell me more about the D/s roles.”
He reached across the table for her hand once more. “Yes, well…back to the surrender of the submissive. Whether the surrender is accompanied by pain or not, when it is paired with the control head space of the dominant, it serves to heighten sexual arousal. But it doesn't necessarily mean that the scene will end with them having sex. It's not uncommon for two people who only know each other slightly to enter into an encounter. A D/s encounter is called a 'scene'. My point is that the power exchange itself can be its own reward.”
She sipped her coffee and then mused aloud “Not necessarily ending in sex....well that’s odd. I wouldn't have guessed that. You know a lot about this subject. Are you well read or do you have some personal experience in this, if you don't mind me asking?”
He continued to hold her hand and stroked his thumb along her fingers, hesitant it seemed to answer immediately. “A bit of both actually. I was interested in BDSM, so I did some reading. Then I found a club; this one’s pretty private and sort of exclusive, where you can experience it. It’s quite an erotic experience to partake in. I hope I haven't frightened or alarmed you.” He looked at her with serious eyes now.
She had been listening intently. He’s actually DONE this stuff’ Proper Ladylike self shied away with apprehension. Yet wanton Tinderbox was blowing on the spark that had found her, coaxing more combustion.
“No Craig. You haven't freaked me out or anything like that. I admit, I'm finding this conversation interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to anyone who’s experienced the…non-mayonaise? But you’re a pretty good teacher.” And, we’re in a public place, so no need to worry about him tying me to the table, and ravishing me.
“Yes, well… being a good teacher makes sense. Before I decided to write full time, I was a professor of political science at an ivy league University. This conversation is much more interesting than expounding on poli-sci.”
“Okay, some other time for politics.”
He paused and then asked. “Have you ever thought about sexual role playing? Or maybe you've done it with your ex?”
Oh God! That was direct. Never been asked THAT on a first date. “Well yes, I’ve had thoughts of being seduced, at the mercy of some big, strong, sexy man; him having his way with me and my loving every minute. I think it’s a common female fantasy. But as for doing it....”
“At the risk of coming on too strong….Jessica, you’re a beautiful and sensuous woman. I'm sure you've had lovers in the past and experienced lots of sexual fun. But, experiencing a Dominant/submissive role playing session is a real head trip. And, as I’ve said before, doesn't have to be sexual."
I’m being propositioned to try kinky sex. Well, not outright; but he’d definitely left the hook dangling. She looked around the dining room, seeing the other customers chatting and eating, the service staff bustling about. The contrast between what Craig had just alluded to and the normalcy of the atmosphere was striking.
The fact that she didn’t run out of the restaurant was all her Tinderbox needed. We have SPARK! Who am I kidding? There was spark from the moment he opened his mouth!
"Was that just a proposition Mister Forsyth?"
Now it was his turn to flush. "Umm… only if you want it to be."
The directness of the conversation was something entirely new. She glanced at her watch. I’ve known this guy for a little over an hour! And he's asking me if I’m interested in playing kinky sex games! And more amazing! It doesn't bother me in the slightest! What the HELL is going on here?
Tinderbox had shouldered a flame thrower and immediately began to napalm her libido. Oh God, this is so hot… She stared directly into his eyes. He's a nice guy, pretty establishe
d in what he does for a living, tres good looking, and charming as hell. If not now, when? If not with him, then who? Oh what the hell…
“I'm still interested. What's next? But you have to know, I'm pretty nervous.” Her heart was thundering in her chest. Surely he could sense that.
His face had become serious, his dark eyes watching her, his mouth straight above the adorable cleft in his chin. "Okay then… What do you say—“
“We make like a banana and split?” She interrupted, laughing, as she gathered up her purse and coat.
He summoned the waiter, paid and escorted her from the restaurant. When they were outside he grasped her shoulders, steering her into the darkened side street. He pinned her against the wall and raising his hands, he ran them through her hair. His face, eyes, lips were mere centimeters from her. He squeezed his hands into fists, pulling her hair that was caught in them.
Gazing straight into her eyes, he whispered in a thick voice, “I want you to be my submissive.”
The sudden change momentarily startled her. But it was exciting as well. This was so much like her dreams…and now here it was.
He pressed against her stomach. She rose up on the tips of her toes to press back and lifted her leg to cup the back of his legs drawing him in closer.
“Did I say you could do that? Jessica this is your first lesson. You will do as I ask. If you’d like me to do something for you, you ask and remember to say please. I may or may not do it. Do you understand?” His voice was firm.
She glanced up with wide eyes, chastened, and brought her leg down, to stand waiting. It was new to her, to ache with desire for his touch. Her heart pounded in her ears.
“Good girl. That’s better. Now I think it’s time I took you home.”
He’s taking me home! Back to his place to ravish and claim me. Oh my God. YES!
She gazed at him, knowing there was bare longing in her eyes. Naked longing. She’d never experienced desire like this. Was it because he was controlling the moment? Normally she directed where, when and if a date ended sexually. Now here she was, lusting for his touch. LUST! Yes, that’s what I want? God yes!
He released his hands from her hair and softly kissed her. He pulled her to him and turned her, guiding her to the main street. Still holding her close, he flagged an approaching cab. She stepped into the cab and he settled close to her.
“Where do you live Jessica? I’ll have the cab drop you there first.”
WHAT! I’m not going back to your place and you’re not coming into mine? How could I have misread that one? “218 De Grassi.”
“Do you have a business card? I’d like to call you tomorrow. Maybe we can get together for dinner again, if you’re free?” He held her hand, stroking it with his thumb.
Ladylike squirmed out from under Tinderbox and shook herself slightly – never know what germs THAT one has. Ladylike was at the wheel now. Jessica fished in her purse and located a business card. “Sure. That sounds good. Here you go. Where’s mine? I mean yours I…”
He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket for a business card. “This is what you’d like, right?” Again, that smile that made her knees weak.
Yes, and I can think of a few other things. Tinderbox sighed wistfully.
“Thanks.” She replied.
The cab pulled up in front of her building and she got out after him. He escorted her to her door and kissed her softly. “I had a great time Jessica. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
She smiled as she opened her door, turning slightly to watch him get back into the taxi.
Well…that was a night! Thank you gods of dating. Still weak in the knees, she climbed the stairs to her apartment.
Chapter 3
Jessica stepped into her apartment and after carefully setting her lock, leaned her body against it. She threw her arms around her body, giving herself a big hug and did a happy dance. Wow! Finally. My God, he’s gorgeous! And this dom and sub stuff! Hawt!
Ladylike weighed in. Jessica, get a grip. You’ve just met him. If he’s all of that and a bag of chips, why hasn’t someone snapped him up already?
Her arms fell to her side and she stepped away from the door. She hung up her coat, slipped her high heels off and wandered barefoot into her kitchen. Yeah. Why’s he still single? He SAID he was, but who knows? She prepared her coffee for morning.
As she turned out the light and wandered down the hallway to her bedroom, Tinderbox chimed in. Hey! No one said anything about marrying him did they? And give the guy a break. MAYBE, just maybe, he’s telling the truth! If you’re so hot and a bag of chips, why are YOU, Jessica still available? Huh?
Yes that’s true. Point taken. Her eyes opened wider as she took her clothes off and hung her dress up. She slipped a cotton nightie on and pulled the coverlet on her bed down.
She settled in and reached for the book she’d been reading. Who am I kidding? No way can I settle down. Ah Craig.
She glanced at her clock, 11:20. I got to get some sleep and stop this. I’ll think about this tomorrow, just like Scarlett.
It was a while before she was able to fall asleep, understandably so. Again, she tossed and turned in her dreams. And guess who her nocturnal visitor was?
***
She woke up, scowling. What the heck is that noise? She opened one eye and glanced at her alarm clock. 6:15am. It wasn’t time to get up, she had twenty more minutes! Again, the buzzing noise. My phone! Someone is sending me a text at this un-godly hour. Can’t be a family emergency. Mom would call, not text. Who…CRAIG?
She leapt out of bed and hurried into the kitchen where she’d left her purse and picked her phone from the pouch. YES! It IS him.
Good morning! Hope I didn’t wake U but if so, TFB. A certain redhead kept waking me last night, so restless sleep, X rated dreams
She grinned.
U woke me up! No wonder you didn’t sleep well. Up half the night @ my place, tying me up, having your way with me. You kept me up too
She chuckled, hit send and then rose to get a coffee. As she was pouring, her cell phone buzzed once more with a text.
Was I good? Did you like it? Really wish I’d actually been there.
She shook her head, grinning ear to ear and wrote.
Yes! First you (CENSORED) and then you (CENSORED AGAIN) It was hot!
Hey! Play nice. Tell me the censored parts. Still up for dinner 2nite?
How about I tell you the censored parts over dinner? What time?
7? holding U 2 the censored thing.if it’s good U may have to hold me down!
Hold U down? Thought that was your thing, Mr. Dom.
Growll !! See ya 2nite. Gotta get ready 4 wrk. TTYL!
With that, she got up and went into the bathroom to shower and prepare for her day.
***
Craig smiled and took his coffee into his office. He booted up his computer and decided to get some work in. The computer whirred, disturbed from its sleep (like everyone else it seems).Jessica. Where should we go for dinner? Maybe dinner and dancing? But does she like to dance? And what will I have her do? Something D/s, I know she’s interested. Put her on the edge but not far enough to rattle her. Maybe I should have had her do a checklist. Damn.
It was difficult, trying to focus on the article he was writing for the Times. This was kind of a first for him. Normally the subject of government outsourcing services to private companies would fire him up and he could rant for hours. He sighed and got up to go into his kitchen for a re-fill of java.
He stood looking out the window over his kitchen sink. But a picture of Jessica, at the gallery and then in the restaurant filled his head. He smiled recalling her comment on vanilla ‘Mayonaise?’ And her texts. She’s funny. I wanna’ hear about the censored dreams. I’ll send her a sexy message later today.
He turned from the window and went into his bedroom to change for his visit to the marina. He grabbed a windbreaker, sunglasses and headed out into the bright spring day.
***
At work, Jessica was quite understandingly distracted. She tried throwing herself into researching more background on Bruno Pasquale, finding information on other artists whose work centered on alternative sexuality, specifically the now very intriguing BDSM.
There was also quite a bit of buzz in the media lately about the bestselling book dealing with a millionaire and BDSM. Maybe I can pitch a story about this. Who knows? I’ll have some hands on research, I hope. But my editor doesn’t need to know that. Oh Gawd! If anyone here knew about my date the other night, they would shit. It’s my little secret.
The idea of an article on non-vanilla sex took hold in her brain. She’d read some more and outline an article. It was just research for the story, right? She searched information on-line regarding alternative sexuality. The fact that in her reading, she was envisioning trying some it with Craig, was beside the point.
A light tap at her office door, followed by Brenda’s head popping suddenly into view made her jump in her seat.
“It’s almost lunchtime Jessica. Got any plans? Do you want to go with me to Sam’s Diner?”
“No plans. Sure why not. Give me two minutes.” Lunch with Brenda was always fun.
When they were seated in the noisy, bustling diner and had placed their lunch order, Brenda asked, “So how was the art exhibit? Any good? Did it float your boat? Ring your bell, so to speak?”
“Well it was pretty …ah..intriguing to say the least. The guy’s got talent. It was pretty crowded…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, the crowds, sure. Who cares? Was it …you know…erotic? Anyone interesting there?” Brenda leaned forward in her seat, eyes bright and peering at her.
She sat quietly, looking at Brenda. Yeah, it was erotic! I got seduced by the most gorgeous guy I picked up there. Yes PICKED UP! And I’m begging for more. Yeah I guess you could say the paintings had an effect.
“Yeah they were pretty stimulating. That’s the first I’ve ever seen any BDSM. Quite an eye opener. And yeah, I DID meet kind of an interesting guy there.” She watched the waitress slam their lunches in front of them and hustle off. They were both used to the bustle of the diner and thought nothing of the service. The food was good, cheap and fast.
