by Maggie Ryan
* * *
Sawyer shook his head as he read Jane’s message. His fingers were on the keys, his message halfway completed when he was informed that the connection had been broken—not interrupted, not lost, but terminated. That only happened one way: Jane had shut her computer off. By doing so, she’d not only revoked her permission for him to access her computer remotely, she’d made her choice to terminate any future relationship. He’d lost her.
Shit! No, it was far more likely that this entire process had scared her. That having to sit and look at some faceless computer screen with question after question asking about increasingly more personal details about her life had finally been more than she could take. Hell, it would probably be more than anyone could take. Looking at his screen that only displayed the website logo, he shook his head. It didn’t matter that others had been very successful in using technology to find their perfect mate. He knew he’d never again go this route. He also knew that he wasn’t ready to give up on Jane. There was something about her that woke every instinct within him. He could already see her in his arms to be cuddled, over his knees to be disciplined, and in his bed to be loved.
He’d seen her eyes, watched her quiver when he’d simply brushed her hair back. Her breath had quickened; her nipples had hardened. The young woman was not disinterested… she was simply too afraid or too embarrassed to admit she had desires she had yet to explore. He had smiled the instant he’d seen the word ‘Daddy’ appear, expecting her to perhaps ask for more details about the dynamic. But he had watched the five letters disappearing one by one to be replaced by a formal salutation. No, despite her shutting down her computer, he was nowhere near ready to shut off their connection. He’d just go at this a different way. With that decided, he closed his laptop. He wouldn’t need it again.
Standing, he left his study. He believed in old-fashioned ways; he’d use that belief to convince Miss Knight that she would indeed be his little one.
Chapter Five
Sarah plopped down on the couch next to Jane. “Okay, that’s enough. You’ve been moping around all day. I want to know what really happened last night.”
Jane sighed. She’d known her friend would have questions but had already said that it just hadn’t worked out. “I told you, I got caught up in the fantasy and then reality came crashing down.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I know that I can’t be what he is looking for. Sarah, he’s not just a dominant, he really is looking for a Little. You know, an adult woman who wants a daddy? Well, that’s… that’s not me.”
“I know what a Little is, and you didn’t seem so put off about that possibility last night. In fact, I distinctly remember you being excited about exploring what having a daddy dom would be like.”
“Maybe, but what if he makes all sorts of demands that I just can’t imagine? What if he wants to put me in diapers or forbids me to speak? Or what if he expects me to crawl around or drink from a bottle? Sleep in some crib all alone? I-I’m just not into that stuff.”
Sarah took a moment to respond but then nodded. “Okay, I can understand that, but you said ‘if’. Were those things part of the questions you answered?”
“No, but what else could he be expecting from someone who fantasizes about having a ‘daddy’? I just knew that I couldn’t be the one he is looking for. I told him I was sorry I wasted his time but, well, didn’t wait for his response.”
“Wait a minute. He was actually responding… like in real time?”
“Yes, he helped me with a few of the screens, told me not to worry about what I was unsure of, that nothing was written in concrete.”
“And yet, with all those reassurances, you didn’t bother to ask exactly what he was expecting?”
“Well, no.”
Sarah shook her head. “Honey, you didn’t terminate the session because you can’t be what he wants. You terminated it because you got scared.”
“I did not!”
“Say that loud enough and maybe you’ll convince yourself,” Sarah said, standing and gathering up their coffee mugs before heading toward the kitchen. “You can’t possibly deny that there was some sort of instant connection the moment you met. Hell, there were practically sparks shooting between you two. You can’t tell me that you weren’t beyond excited, that you weren’t practically glowing with the anticipation of starting on a journey with this man.” She returned with fresh mugs of coffee. Settling on the couch again, she handed one to Jane. “And just by looking at you right now, I know you are wondering if you’ve made some huge mistake by not taking a chance.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s over and I’ll never see him again,” Jane said, standing. “Thanks for the coffee and thanks for caring, but, Sarah, please just let it be, okay?” Ignoring the sympathy in her best friend’s eyes, she continued, “I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up in time to get ready for work.”
* * *
Jane could not believe her eyes. She stood frozen, watching as Sawyer Masterson gave her a smile and a nod as he was escorted to the same table he’d occupied the night before. Despite her terminating the questionnaire, he’d not asked to be seated at any one of the empty tables scattered around the restaurant. No, he’d evidently asked to sit in her section. Instead of approaching, she turned and fled back into the kitchen, running into Sarah, sending the items on the board she’d been holding flying.
“I’m so sorry,” Jane said, instantly dropping to pick up the loaf of bread and the small pot of whipped butter.
“You know better than to blast through the… wait, are you okay? You’re white as a ghost.”
Jane stood, her fingers pressed into the soft dough. “Look, I need you to do me a huge favor. Take table twenty-three.”
“Why? Are you ill?” Sarah asked.
“No, well, not exactly,” Jane said.
Sarah opened the door a bit and peeked out. “Table twenty-three? So much for not seeing your hunk again.”
“He’s not mine. I told you, I’m not interested.”
Sarah shook her head, a small smile on her lips as she tapped the bread board against her thigh. “You know, if I was into topping, you’d be in so much trouble right now, young lady.”
Shocked, Jane just stared at her for a minute, until she asked, “What does that mean?”
“It means that if I was a domme, I’d have you over my lap, and I’d be spanking your little ass for denying what you are desperate to experience.”
“Look, I don’t want to talk about it. Please, just do this for me without asking any more questions.”
Sarah shrugged. “All right, but while I have no problem picturing you as a little princess, I’ve never really considered you a queen before now.”
“Queen?” Jane asked.
“You know, the Queen of De Nile?”
Jane could feel herself blushing as she instantly understood the reference. “I’m not the one in denial, you are if you think I want a daddy. Are you going to help me out or not?”
“Of course. Go take a break before you pass out.”
“No, I’m fine now.”
“Honey, you’ve shredded that poor bread and don’t even realize it. Take five and get yourself together.”
Jane looked down to see nothing but crumbs left in her hands. Dropping the ruined loaf of bread in the trash, she said, “Thanks. I guess I can use a short break.”
After spending a few minutes in the break room, reminding herself that she was a grown woman and not some little girl, and immediately feeling her face heat just thinking those words, Jane knew she needed to prove it. She was just about to push through the door when it swung open to reveal Sarah.
“Oh, good, you’re looking better,” Sarah said. “Look, I’m sorry, but your hunk isn’t interested in ordering—”
“So he left? Well, thanks anyway, and stop calling him that!” Jane said, feeling relieved and disappointed.
Sarah sh
ook her head. “You didn’t let me finish. He said it was his understanding that he was sitting at one of your tables and would like it if you’d serve him.”
“Oh, my God! He actually said he expects me to ‘serve’ him?”
“Yes. That is what we do here you know? Serve food?” Sarah said and then grinned. “Wait, were you thinking—”
“No! I just…” Jane felt her face flame because serving food had not been the definition that had instantly popped into her head.
“Uh huh, right. Anyway, I told him you were really busy and that I’d be more than happy to wait on him, but he said that he’d prefer to wait until you had a moment.”
“But I don’t want—”
“Ladies, is there a problem?”
Jane turned to see Mr. Arturo. “Oh, no, sir, no problem.”
“Then might I ask you save the chit-chat for after service. We’ve got a full dining room this evening.”
“Of course, sir. I mean, yes, sir. Sorry, sir,” Jane said.
As their boss turned away, Sarah grinned and leaned close. “That’s a lot of ‘sirs’. I’d think you were practicing being a ‘good girl’—if, that is, you weren’t so adamant about not wanting Mr. Hunk as your daddy dom.”
Before Jane could speak, Sarah went back to work while Jane gave herself a little pep talk. She had a job to do and what was that saying? Fake it till you make it? Okay, she could do that. Mr. Masterson had said he’d wait, so… he’d wait.
Plastering a smile on her face, she greeted her other customers, delivered drinks, took food orders, and never stopped moving. Anytime her eyes fell on table twenty-three, she was shocked that he was still sitting there, not showing the least bit of annoyance, giving her a smile before she’d yank her eyes away. Customers at her other tables finished their meals and left, new ones arrived, and still the man remained at the table.
“You know, I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, but I do know that certain type of men, and I’m positive you know the type I’m referring to, do not find it amusing to be kept waiting,” Sarah said the next time Jane went into the kitchen.
“What’s he going to do? Spank me?” Jane whispered.
Sarah tilted her head to the side. “Feeling naughty much?”
Whipping her head around, grateful that no one appeared to be listening, Jane spoke even softer. “No, and stop trying to goad me.”
“I’m not; I just find it rather interesting that specific consequence was the first one to pop into your head,” Sarah assured her. “I was actually thinking more along the lines of what Mr. Arturo must be hearing.”
“Mr. Arturo? Why would he… oh, shit,” Jane groaned, looking out the window of the door and seeing her boss in conversation with Mr. Masterson. She could only imagine the discussion.
“Good to see you, Sawyer. I’ve noticed that you’ve yet to order. Is there a problem?”
“I’m not sure. I’m just waiting for my server, Arnold. You know, that naughty little Jane you hired. She seems to be avoiding my table, but it’s only been three hours, so I’m sure she’ll be by soon.”
Not caring to hear Mr. Arturo’s predictable response of how he’d be sure to fire the horrid waitress, Jane grabbed a menu and pushed through the door, searching madly for some type of explanation.
She saw the two men shake hands and when Mr. Arturo turned to leave, his expression gave her no clue as to how upset he had to be. No restaurant owner wanted to see bad service given and that was exactly what she’d done.
“Good evening,” she said softly, extending the menu. “I’m sorry—”
“That makes two of us,” Sawyer said, cutting her off.
“I don’t blame you if you’re angry, and I know I’m probably already fired, but please let me make it up to you. Dinner is on me.” It would most likely take every penny she’d earned all week in tips and a few additional bucks as well, but she felt just awful.
“That’s a very generous offer, but not necessary.”
“No, please,” Jane gushed. “It’s the least I can do.” Practically shoving the menu into his hands, she continued, “I’ll get you a drink while you decide what you’d like.”
Spinning on her heel, she didn’t take but a single step when an electrical current stopped her in her tracks. Gasping, she looked down to see his hand on her arm.
“I already know what I want.”
“You do? Oh, I mean, that’s good. What can I get you?”
“You.”
“What?”
“I want you, Jane,” he said, his tone causing her to take her eyes off his hand to look up to meet his gaze.
Jane felt her face heating and her heart beating faster. Forget what Sarah had said about them being here to serve liquor and food. Every cell in her body was screaming that what this man wanted was to be served in a very different, very intimate way. “I told you last night that I can’t be who you want,” she said softly.
“No, you said you didn’t think you could be,” he countered.
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
His eyes locked on hers, his fingers lightly stroked across her skin as he said, “Not at all. I’m asking you to allow me to prove it to you, Jane.”
Her body began to quiver and yet she shook her head. “I-I can’t.”
When he smiled and stood, she realized just how tall he was as she had to tilt her head back to look up. And when he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her to give her a hug, she had an insane desire to simply melt into his chest.
“Then I shall wait until you can, little one.” Before she knew it, he was gone, and she realized that she stood alone in the middle of the restaurant.
Chapter Six
Sawyer saw Jane across the restaurant and his smile of greeting grew wider at the look of disbelief on her face. She’d learn that when he said something, she could count on him being true to his word. Taking the same chair he’d sat in for the last five evenings, he wondered which waitress she’d con into taking over her duties tonight. So far he’d met Sarah, Karen, Megan, Christie, and Gwen. All very attractive young women, but none who drew his interest. No, the only woman he had eyes for was the petite little minx who remained hovering at the door to the kitchen. Jane might be denying that she belonged to him, but Sawyer knew for a fact that she was meant to be his. Every night for almost a solid week, she’d only approached at the end of the evening, and every night he’d assured her that he would wait until she was ready. The moment he saw her shake her head and begin to walk toward him, he knew that tonight would be different.
A glass of water was set down before him. “You know people are starting to talk.”
“The only person I’m interested in talking to is you,” Sawyer said.
Jane sighed. “The others are wondering if you are some sort of crazy stalker.”
He grinned. “Do you think I’m a stalker, Jane?”
She shook her head and sighed. “No, but I do think you are nuts. Are you seriously going to come in every night and just sit here?”
He picked up his glass and took a sip. “I’m not just sitting here, I’m waiting. And, as I said before, I’ll continue to wait until you are ready.” He saw the quick smile she was unable to contain and pressed a bit. “But as the man who has committed himself to leading you on the journey you so desperately wish to take, let me say that the longer you wait to take the first step, the longer you will miss out on discovering the happiness waiting for you—for us.”
Her smile was delightful but not as much as the widening of her eyes and the pulse he saw quicken in the slim column of her throat.
“You said happiness, but… your message said… alluded that there will be spankings.”
“Yes, little one. I’m quite positive that even as wonderful as you are, there will be times when you earn a spanking. But remember, that depends on you.”
“I-I thought the dom was always in control,” she said, her cheeks f
lushing.
Reaching up, he tucked a strand of ebony hair behind her ear, his fingertip moving to stroke along her neck, watching her nipples peak to press against the front of her blouse. “That’s just one of the many lessons I’m waiting to teach you when you are ready. Be that today, tomorrow, next week, or next year.”
“But why? I mean… there are so many women who have experience in… in this. I’m sure they’d love to… to play with you. Why me?”
Did she truly have no idea how special she was? How she’d captured him the first moment she’d asked if she could serve him? He wasn’t interested in anyone else. “I’m not asking you to play, Jane. I’m asking you to commit to a relationship that I have absolutely no doubt will be the most incredible one you could imagine.”
“And… and if I can’t do all you want?”
“That is another lesson you need to learn. There is nothing I would ever do to harm you, nothing I would ever ask that I wasn’t sure you want to experience, never take you further than you can go. Just as we spoke about honesty, we discussed trust. Do you remember what I said if you’d give me those two things?”
She nodded and softly said, “You said you’d never abuse either.”
He smiled and softly stroked her neck a final time. “And treasure both.”
After swallowing hard, Jane said, “All right… you win. I-I’m not promising I can… be what you want, but… but I’d like to try.” Before he could speak, she bent forward, her hair swinging like a curtain, partially screening her face as she whispered, “I’m telling you right now, I am not wearing a diaper.”
Sawyer smiled and reached up to lay his palm against her cheek. “Good to know you aren’t as I don’t have one to replace it after I bare your bottom for your spanking.” He watched her face color and her eyes widen.
