by Karen Nappa
"Well, Josh has been over with us to give James and Laura some time off. I gave Joseline an advance on her paycheck when her car broke down," Suzie answered.
"Yes, and your family has been over for dinner how many times, and you've baked goodies for the club every week since you've joined? Also, I'm fairly certain you gave Mrs. Wilson extra cookies every Thursday," Connor said.
"She's crazy about them and can't afford much with just Social Security."
Connor chuckled. "You're a giver, and you don't even realize how much you give and how little you ask for yourself. I'll let the subject rest for now. All I ask of you is that you think about it a little. At first, I didn't want you to know about my investment, because I was afraid you wouldn't go through with the café. Later, when the subject came up, there always seemed to be more important things, and before I had time to tell you about it, the momentum seemed gone. I'm sorry I kept it hidden from you."
"I believe you, Connor. I'm sorry I didn't give you the opportunity to explain it to me." Suzie couldn't remember who moved first, or maybe they both did. The next moment, they were kissing and all their past differences seemed trivial. After making love to her mouth for God knew how long, Connor moved over her naked body, kissing and worshipping every welt and mark Kate had left. Suzie's eyes drifted shut as she gave over to the sensations as Connor moved lower and lower, until he settled between her legs and paid as much attention to her pussy as he had to the rest of her body. Connor drove her to the brink of orgasm over and over again. She needed to trust he would let her come at some point.
Suzie's eyes flew open at the distinct sound of a lid of a bottle popping, and she lifted her head from the pillow. Connor was kneeling between her legs, the bottle of lube in his hands. "I don't think we need lubrication, I'm embarrassingly wet."
"Tell me your safewords, Suzie."
"Green, yellow, and red, Sir."
"Good." Connor pulled on a nitrile glove and sent her a bright smile. "Trust me. We're going to try something new."
Suzie flopped her head back to the fluffy pillow.
Connor squirted a dollop of lube on his index and middle finger from his right hand and eased into Suzie's pussy. She had been right; she was soaking wet, but for what he had planned, he needed all the lubrication he could get. He skimmed the pad of his thumb over her clit. The little nub was swollen and an angry red. She squirmed and he clamped his left hand over her leg and squeezed hard. "Don't move."
She stilled, moaned, and managed a, "Yes, Sir."
He pumped his fingers and let go of her leg to squirt more lube on his hand. He added his ring finger and pumped several times. "Color?"
"Green."
"I love you, my rùnag." He pressed a tender kiss on her belly and continued to stroke inside her with three fingers.
Suzie held perfectly still as she realized what he was planning to do. He was going to insert his entire hand into her pussy. He had huge hands. She felt a twinge of panic when he added yet another finger. His thumb still skimmed her clit from time to time. Another squirt from the bottle. She started to tense, and then his tongue touched her clit and she shuddered. Before she could tense again, she felt a strong pressure on her pelvis.
"Bear down on my hand, rùnag. Don't fight it, go with it."
Suzie did. The feeling was amazing. It hurt to feel his knuckles pass her tight entrance, but in a good way. Then he was in. She felt so full and so connected with Connor in that moment. She let out a long, shuddering sigh.
Connor looked at his wrist locked at the entrance of her pussy. His rùnag, his little love. "I love you, Suzie." He twisted his hand inside of her and bent to lick her clit again. Suzie could feel the tension building, and her nipples tightened to hard peaks. Her body started shaking and she knew something had to give. She was on a roller-coaster ride and heading for the peak. Connor kept on alternating his movements and teasing her clit. Sexual signals from all over her body started to move toward her pussy, and she moved her head in the throes of passion from one side to the other.
"Come for me, Suzie," Connor ordered, and he pulled out his hand at the exact moment her vaginal walls started to convulse.
Suzie erupted in a massive orgasm, riding the wave down from the peak, and she ejaculated clear fluid. Connor growled his satisfaction as he kept licking and sucking.
Their gazes collided. "You taste so sweet, rùnag, as sweet as you are. Thank you for trusting me with this tonight."
Suzie held his gaze and replied, "I do trust you, Connor. As my partner, as my sadist, and as the father for both of my children."
Within two weeks of their reconciliation, it was as if Connor had never been gone. Abby was thrilled to have him back, and Tim was as friendly as a middle school boy was capable of being with an adult. Connor was also staying over more often, relieving Dan and Mary of some of their childcare duties. Now that James and Laura had Josh, they had started alternating childcare on Saturday nights and meeting at church on Sunday morning to reclaim their own kids.
Suzie was over the moon with things being back to what she had started to consider normal. She still got up ridiculously early for work, but that was just the nature of the beast. She liked how things were but wondered if it was enough for Connor. Should she invite him to move in, or was that too forward for a sub? How to bring it up? What about play? They went to his house on their free Saturday nights if they didn't go to Club Indigo. If he moved in, would they lose that opportunity? What would he do with his brownstone? It was nicer than her house but not big enough for her family. There were so many ifs. After debating with herself, she reached the conclusion she had to let things be for now and deal with changes as they came.
Chapter 20
N o, he didn't! Suzie didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. She slipped into her clothes and stomped down in search of a very stubborn, arrogant Highlander.
"You took my panties. Again!" Indignation shook her voice.
"Sit." He pushed at the chair opposite of him, so it skidded away from the table. He looked at her over the rim of his coffee cup, steam billowing up from the dark liquid.
That arrogant— Suzie felt her temperature rising and she imagined steam coming off her, like it did from the coffee. For emphasis, she crossed her arms as she slumped into the chair on a huff.
Humor was shining in his eyes as he maintained a stoic expression. "If ye're adamant about wearing knickers, we're buying proper ones today."
Suzie's mouth dropped open at his statement then snapped shut. There was too much she didn't understand. Proper ones? What was wrong with her cute boy briefs? And we? Was he serious? She couldn't begin to imagine him in a lingerie shop.
The oven beeped, and Connor said, "After we have breakfast."
Suzie watched in stunned fascination as Connor fixed them both plates of bread pudding made from his mother's recipe and gave her a cup of coffee. "L-lingerie s-shopping? Today, now?"
Connor glanced at the wrist watch Suzie had given him for Christmas. "They don't open until ten, so we've time for breakfast."
Suzie stared. Connor looked up and gestured with his fork to her plate and grinned. "Eat, rùnag," he said before loading his fork and continuing to eat with gusto.
Suzie followed his example and started to eat. The bread pudding was rather good with sausage and dried fruit, making a sweet and savory combination. She was actually feeling hungry, since she had barely eaten yesterday. Before she knew it, Connor had put their empty plates in the dishwasher and pulled her into his arms.
Connor kissed her slowly, and she could taste the coffee on his tongue. It suited the man, strong and pure without artificial sweeteners. He ground his hardening cock against her pelvis and groaned against her mouth, "I could fuck ye right here and now. Are ye wet for me?"
Suzie nodded. Embarrassingly so, actually. A sharp nip at her chin made her eyes fly up to his. This morning, the deep pools of his eyes resembled a Scottish loch. She marveled at the way his eyes seemed to change wit
h his moods. "Verbal answer, please, and as a punishment, you need to describe how wet you are for me."
Damn the man!
"Er, yes, Captain, I'm wet for you." Suzie contemplated how to describe her pussy in a way that he would like. "If you would push my pants down, you would find me hot and ready for your hard dick." As she started the dirty talk, it became a bit easier. "My pussy would feel like wet velvet surrounding your hard flesh, and my muscles would squeeze around it. You would hear wet, sucking sounds every time you pull out and push back in."
Connor bit down a moan, and Suzie couldn't help but chuckle, which cost her a reprimanding bite on her shoulder.
"Ye're getting better at dirty talk, rùnag. Let's go before I test your words."
"Where are we going?" Suzie inquired as she followed Connor outside.
"We're going to MADI Apparel on Summit Street. Do you know it?" Connor said.
"No." Suzie frowned.
"I helped them start up in 2013. Their name means 'Make a Difference Intimate Apparel.' They have good stuff made by local women, and they use sustainable fabrics like viscose from bamboo and long-lasting USA-made lace. What I like the most is that they donate underwear to women in need, here and abroad."
"Women in need?" Suzie asked.
"Women in domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and rape crisis centers." Connor stole a glance her way. "Did you know that underwear is one of the most needed items of clothing, but it isn't often donated?"
"No, I hadn't realized that."
Suzie didn't have much time to think about it, because they pulled up to a dark brick store with big windows. As soon as they entered the building, a good looking, slender, reddish-blonde woman approached them. "Well, if it isn't Connor Carmichael."
Connor smiled and hugged the woman briefly, before introducing them to one another. "Suzie, meet Hayley, the owner and founder of this business. Hayley, this is Suzie, my girlfriend."
"Girlfriend, huh," Hayley said with a grin. "Good for you. What can MADI Apparel do for you two?"
To Suzie's relief, Connor answered, because she still didn't have a clue what Connor's issue with her panties was. "This missy wears these god-awful cotton panties. Could you get her to wear something more suitable?"
Suzie couldn't suppress a frown. "They're not awful; they're comfy and cute."
"Ah," Hayley reacted, "I have exactly the right panties for you. Hold on a sec." she scurried to the right side of the shop.
Connor cleared his throat. "They're not cute."
Before Suzie could answer to that, Hayley returned with an off-white pair of lace panties. "I think this model is perfect for you. It's our Kaydee. This color is called 'Blush' and the fabric is hand-dyed with avocado. This style is sexy and feminine but has a comfortable fit." She pushed the flimsy material into Suzie's hands. "Let's get you measured and see what else you might like."
Suzie tried on lingerie for the next thirty minutes, since Connor also insisted on two sets of loungewear and a couple of bras. She enjoyed herself, when she had gotten over the embarrassment of lingerie shopping with Connor. She had a difficult moment when Hayley told her how Connor was a wizard with numbers and how he had whipped their books into shape. She just hoped she'd concealed her laughter with a bout of coughing, and she hadn't dare look in Connor's direction.
That evening, Tim, Josh, and Abby were playing with their trains in the basement. Josh was staying over to give Laura and James some time to themselves. Suzie had been wearing one of the new pairs of panties all day, and she had to admit that they were indeed comfortable.
"Connor?" Suzie called over her shoulder. "Can you fetch the kids? Dinner is almost ready." She turned back to the stove, keeping a close eye on her risotto to keep it from sticking.
She felt Connor rise from the table and walk past her. She kept working at the stove, and he halted behind her. Suzie's senses went on alert. She was always so aware of his presence, but she needed to focus on dinner. His hands landed on her hips, and he squeezed very gently. Suzie looked over her shoulder at his amused face.
"It doesn't always have to be pain, missy," he mentioned, chuckling, and placed a tender kiss on the junction between her exposed shoulder and neck. "I'll get them."
Connor sauntered off and left Suzie staring after him. Damn the man. Even when he wasn't dominating her, he was. And her panties were wet. It was probably a good thing he had bought her so many.
The next few weeks seemed to vanish in a heartbeat. She had her sister's wedding to organize. The children were busy with end of school year activities. The café was thriving, and she and Sonja were considering hiring more help to deal with the added business. Neither wanted the café to be their entire life. Suzie didn't worry about work, and she was even ahead in paying on the bank loan. They were doing fine.
Sonja, Connor, and she were having their monthly business meeting. Since Suzie had discovered Connor's investment, she had insisted he participate in the meetings as well. Sonja had agreed and confessed to Suzie that she hadn't been comfortable with keeping his involvement from her. Suzie had hugged the woman she had come to care for since they'd become business partners.
"I think we have to change the name of the café," Sonja said after they went over last month's figures and discussed plans for the next month.
"Why do you say that? People know The Savory Table. We have a strong reputation in Kansas City," Suzie responded.
"You might be right, but since we make the most profit from your sweets now, I don't think the name fits anymore," Sonja interjected.
"Hmm," Suzie conceded, "you're right about that, although there's always a wait for a table at lunch. Maybe we should think about trying to expand our table space?"
"Now you're just changing the subject. You know we don't have room for more tables," Sonja said.
Connor stretched his long legs in front of him. "I know I'm not an active partner and not involved in the business, but I might have an idea about that."
Two heads snapped up at him.
"What about The Sweet and Savory Table?" Connor proposed.
Connor enjoyed the stunned expressions on their faces, and he smiled. Both women looked at each other and nodded.
Sonja was the first to find her voice. "Great name, Connor. The Sweet and Savory Table, it is," she stated.
Suzie started to make slow and lengthy nods and gradually started to move her head more quickly as a radiant smile appeared on her face. "I like the name very much." She narrowed her eyes. "How about we do a grand reopening week, with specials for every day?"
Sonja piped in, "With discounts for people who come back within the next week."
"Or, or," Suzie all but bounced in her chair now, "buy one, get the second half price?"
Connor chuckled. "I can see where Abby gets her rambunctious nature from." He put a hand on her leg and continued. "How about we each write down some plans for the reopening and compare notes. We want our regulars to know about the new name, and it would be nice to attract new customers. We also need to come up with a good moment for the reopening. Why don't we think about that, too, and discuss it at our next meeting? Is there anything else?" When neither Suzie nor Sonja brought up another topic, they adjourned until next month.
That evening after the children had gone to bed, Suzie put a plate with snacks on the side table and snuggled next to Connor on the couch. She loved the way their bodies fit together and the easy way his arms held her close to him.
"I never told you what 'rùnag' means," Connor stated.
"I thought it was your father's pet name for your mother?"
"Aye, it was. It's Scottish and means 'little love.'"
Was the big man blushing?
"I love you, Suzie."
Suzie hugged him, and he held her so close in his arms, Suzie couldn't tell where she ended and he began. She pushed back so she could look into his eyes. "I love you, too, Captain Connor Carmichael."
Connor kissed her. A feather light touch
to the lips had Suzie swooning from the tenderness of it. "Marry me, rùnag."
"Yes, Captain."
"Master."
"Master?" Suzie looked up at him, a bit confused.
"Aye, Captain isn't special, but you are, and our relationship is. Call me Master, rùnag."
"Yes, Master."
There was nothing light in the next kiss, but although fierce and possessive, the tenderness was still there.
Suzie had something on her mind, so when Connor finally broke the kiss, she said, "Are you sure you want to marry me?"
"Why on earth would you doubt that?" Connor looked nonplussed.
"Well, for starters, you have more money than I have," Suzie said, although that wasn't her biggest concern.
He scoffed at that. "Not after we marry." Figures, the man would think of it that way.
She tried again. "I have two children." She peeked up at him.
"I've noticed." Mischief sparkled in his eyes, and she swatted his arm. "I know Tim and I didn't get off to the best start, but we had a great talk today. His main concern was having promised his dad he'd be the 'man of the house.' I told him I am not trying to take his father's place or his. I'm just another man."
Suzie gave him a kiss. "I'm so glad you've made peace. But are you sure you want to raise another man's children? I don't know if you even wanted kids before you met me."
"I don't care if Tim and Abby aren't from my loins. I love them because they're part of you and they're great kids, rùnag." He kissed the top of her head. "Being an only child, I always wanted a big family."
Suzie stiffened in his arms and whispered, "But I can't have any more kids." She started to struggle to get away.
"Stop." Connor tightened the grip with his left arm and swatted her behind. He brought his right hand to her chin and took a firm hold on it. "Plans and dreams change, rùnag. I'm more than happy with the two of them, and if we want to expand our family, we could always adopt, like James and Laura."
