“What do you need?” he asked.
Susan held up the feather duster and waved it at him with a smirk.
“Need a price for this feather duster, Matt,” she said loudly.
Ethan looked at Matt and shrugged.
“It’s a prop, for a play. I’m in community theatre,” Ethan said, and then instantly regretted making an excuse.
It only made him look more suspicious.
Susan looked at him again as Matt walked away with the hot pink duster.
“What’s the play?” she asked, making small talk.
Crap, Ethan hadn’t thought that through. He shifted through his memory trying to recall some productions he’d seen in his life, one that included a maid. He could only think of one.
“We’re doing The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” he said. “For Halloween.”
She shrugged, indicating her indifference.
“Don’t care for that play. Too smutty,” she said, scowling.
Ethan chuckled.
“Yeah, it’s pretty far out there,” he agreed.
“What part are you playing?” she asked, looking him up and down. “That fella in the corset?”
Ethan shifted uncomfortably, wishing the conversation was over.
“I’m playing Brad,” he said, thinking it would appease her.
She shrugged again.
“Don’t know who that is.”
Ethan looked back towards the aisle, willing Matt to return quickly. Susan tapped her nails impatiently on the counter, chewing her gum. Ethan pulled his phone out of his pocket, pretending to check his messages. He looked up and saw Susan staring at him.
“What else have you done?” she asked him.
His smile faded. He said nothing, waiting for her to draw her own conclusion.
“You look like that actor, the one in those silly action movies,” she said.
Ethan looked at her with confusion, hoping to throw her off.
“Oh, what is that actor’s name? I can’t think of it,” she said, growing frustrated with herself.
Ethan played dumb and shrugged his shoulders one more time. Susan sighed heavily.
“Ah, never mind. He’s much more handsome than you,” she said in a tone only she could pull off.
Ethan laughed, a little too boisterously. Finally, Matthew came back with a new feather duster, this one had a price tag. He tried to hide his gratitude as Susan finished checking him out. He grabbed the bag of bondage bootie and quickly left the store.
When he got back to his car, he let out a deep sigh. He was both relieved and exhilarated at the same time, his adrenalin pumping. He laughed when he saw that he had an erection sticking up from his lap.
That was a trip he wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
CHAPTER 23
REAGAN
The weekend proved interesting for Reagan. Friday morning with Ethan had set off a curious chain of events for her, events that made her search her soul in a way she hadn’t expected to ever do again in her life. She’d felt joyful after their conversation and impromptu play session and it stayed with her most of the day.
She visited the retirement home and after some heartwarming hugs and greetings from the residents, she spent time with Bill. Normally, he was content to let her read to him, quietly enjoying the stories she shared. This time he was talkative.
He started asking her personal questions about her life.
“You seem so cheerful today. What’s different?” he asked her, right out of the gate.
Typically, she wouldn’t have shared a whole lot of her personal life. She wasn’t ashamed of who she was, just discreet. But she told Bill that she’d met someone she was starting to really like, but was being cautious. He wanted to know more, of course, but she chose her words carefully, concerned that although he would probably never judge her, he would not approve of some of her life choices.
She told him she was afraid to let her guard down, because she’d been so wrong about love once before.
Bill took her hand in his and told her she was a kind and beautiful person and deserved to be happy. He said that if he were forty years younger he’d sweep her off her feet and never let her go. Reagan teased him and said if she were forty years older, he’d have to take a viagra because she wouldn’t take no for an answer. This made him laugh, a lot.
He assured her that a real man would carefully protect her heart, but always encourage her to fly, and that Reagan would recognize him when he arrived. She just had to be willing to look past her fear.
Then he quoted his favorite poet, Rumi, to her.
“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere, they’re in each other all along.”
Those words touched her deeply and she knew she would hold on to them like a beacon, no matter what happened moving forward. Hope had been missing from her life for far too long. Maybe it wasn’t Ethan, but there was someone out there who could claim her heart, and when the time was right, he would make himself known.
* * *
That same evening, Reagan had a session scheduled and although it went smoothly and predictably, her heart wasn’t in it. She was distracted by thoughts of Ethan, romantic thoughts, and it threw her completely off her game.
Even her client noticed, although he was too polite to remark on it until he was ready to leave.
His eyes were still covered as she carefully led him to the door, as was his preference.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking Ma’am, but are you okay?” he finally said, quietly, the way submissive men do.
Reagan sighed deeply, knowing that she hadn’t been herself.
“Part of not using your eyes is that it allows you to truly see,” he continued. “I’m not complaining, Ma’am. I just sensed something different tonight.”
Reagan silently agreed. Something had shifted for her, although she needed time to process it. What she did know for sure was that her work seemed suddenly too small for her. Ethan had unlocked the gate, but Bill had swung it wide open for her that afternoon, offering her a glimpse of what her life could look like if she allowed herself to be vulnerable.
Vulnerability did not serve her well as a Professional Domme.
She assured her client she was fine and closed the door behind him. She was only a fantasy for him, a welcome reprieve from reality. She wouldn’t spoil that for him.
After her client left, she sat quietly on her deck, allowing the warm breeze of the evening to caress her skin, enjoying the view. She had planned to wait to contact Ethan, allowing them both some time to consider their feelings, but after her conversation with Bill that afternoon, she decided to embrace her feelings and face her vulnerability head on.
She wrote him a provocative message, inviting him to come and spend time with her on Sunday, and then for fun added a list of items he could bring with him.
Was she testing him?
Maybe a little, but the playful side of her wanted to push his buttons. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he would find the challenge both sexy and amusing. She took a deep breath and sent the message, hoping he’d accept, but if he didn’t, she would be okay with it.
His response a few minutes later made her giddy.
I look forward to your torture, Milady. But I’m looking forward to talking with you and getting to know you more.
He wanted to know more about her. It was more than just physical attraction for him and that was validating for her. She was relieved that his feelings were parallel to hers and that she could open her heart a little wider to make space for him. Her smile turned into full on giggles when she read his next message.
What do you think the salesclerk would say if I asked them to gift wrap my purchase?
I’m going to. ;)
She adored his sense of humor and that he didn’t take himself too seriously. This was supposed to be fun, sexy and playful and the fact that he got that made him even more desirable. She wanted to plan a date that would fulfill him and make him happy.
; She went to bed Friday night, excited by the possibilities.
* * *
On Sunday morning, she woke with a case of the jitters. She chalked it up to a combination of excitement and nerves. The day before had been filled with errands and shopping. She planned a delicious meal for Ethan and sourced out all the ingredients she would need. She enjoyed cooking, but didn’t have much motivation to cook for herself. It would be fun to share a meal with him.
She was making lasagna and an organic mixed green salad with her own homemade dressing. She picked up some artisan bread, as well as some pistachio gelato. It was her all time favorite.
She got to work, preparing the lasagna from scratch, not skimping on the cheese. She wondered whether Ethan was particular about his diet, but decided that if he had any concerns, he would have let her know. In her experience, most people with food restrictions were not shy about sharing them.
By lunch time she had prepared the lasagna, put together the salad and made her dressing. Everything was ready in the fridge for easy assembly when it came time to eat.
She decided to visit the shelter and take Ragnar for a walk to calm her nerves. She missed that rascal.
* * *
It was almost six and Reagan had everything ready. Spending time with Ragnar really helped her pull herself together. When she got home she took a long shower, taking the time to shave her legs and pussy smooth. She decided to leave her hair down and took extra long drying and straightening it. Her makeup was sparse, just a little mascara, blush and lipstick.
She considered some of her sensual costumes but decided on a simple black leather skirt and a plain white lace tank top. She pulled on a pair of black leather boots with a modest heel. She looked strong but pretty, confident but relaxed.
How did one dress for a date like this, she wondered. She finished her look by putting a Celtic pendant around her neck. It was a good luck charm for her, symbolizing the divine feminine.
She walked through the apartment, humming to herself.
She was happy and she was ready for him. Every time she pictured him entering her apartment, her legs trembled with anticipation and she felt a throb of desire between her legs. She was wet for her man, and she prayed she wasn’t setting herself up for disappointment.
CHAPTER 24
ETHAN
Ethan made his way up to Reagan’s apartment after she buzzed him in. He was excited to see her and couldn’t wait to spend time with her. He hoped there would be no awkwardness between them as he transitioned from her client into something more. He was anxious to get to know her and hoped she felt the same way.
She opened the door for him and he waited a moment, looking her up and down. She was a beauty, and although she looked strong and sexy, her smile softened her appearance. He was thrilled by her curves, her ample bosoms, and her deliciously proportioned ass.
He held up both hands, one holding a bouquet of pink daisies, and the other the bag of goodies she’d requested. She smiled brightly and took them both from him.
“Hello, Milady,” he said coyly, thinking of their last encounter and the fantasy she’d shared with him while he gratified himself in front of her. They’d both seen each other cum, but they hadn’t shared that intimate moment of pleasure yet. He hoped to remedy that, and soon.
Memories of his pleasure flushed his face.
Reagan kissed him softly on the cheek and welcomed him in. She set the bag on the counter and went into the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase.
Ethan followed her. He couldn’t help but notice the enticing aromas of both the dinner she’d prepared and her delicate perfume, each tantalizing him in a different way.
“Smells delicious,” he said, walking up behind her.
She turned and grinned at him.
“The dinner?” she asked.
He nodded.
“Yes, that too,” he quipped.
She chuckled, clearly enjoying the flirtation.
“Here, put these beautiful flowers on the dinner table,” she said, handing him the vase, “and thank you for bringing them. That was very kind.”
Ethan took them, grazing her fingers with his own, his eyes glued to hers. The effect on her was obvious. He walked into the dining area where she’d set up a small table. He didn’t recall it being there the last time he was in her apartment. It was set with wine glasses and pretty dishes and he placed the flowers in the middle of the place settings.
“I just put the lasagna in the oven. Should be ready in about an hour and a half. Would you pour us some wine?”
He nodded in agreement, thinking they could both use some. He picked up the red wine on the table and uncorked it like a pro, raising his eyebrows for her approval. She grinned at him and shook her head slowly as he handed her a glass.
“What are we toasting to?” she asked him.
He thought for a moment and smirked at her.
“How about we toast to breaking the rules?” he teased.
She laughed.
“Cheers to that,” she said, clinking his glass.
They both took a sip. After a moment of silence, he noticed a slight frown on Reagan’s mouth.
“Is everything okay?” he said.
She nodded slowly and forced a smile. He took her hand.
“Can we sit down?” he asked.
Her eyes softened and she sighed.
“Of course,” she said, allowing him to lead her to the sofa.
He sat down beside her, still holding her hand.
“I’m afraid I’m not very good at this dating thing. This, in particular, seems so foreign to me,” she said, gesturing between them.
Ethan nodded, encouraging her to continue.
“I’ve never dated very much, so I’m feeling a little out of my element.”
He stroked her fingers with his and gently smiled at her. He had to admit, he enjoyed witnessing her vulnerability and seeing this whole new side to her.
“The thing is, when I’m working, I know exactly what needs to be done. I have a plan and I am directing the scene, you know?”
He nodded again. He did know.
“I feel safe and in control. I almost always know what happens next and what the outcome will be. But this … this kind of feels like …”
“Improv,” he said, finishing her sentence for her.
Ethan appreciated her offering the acting parallels to explain her feelings. That, he could understand.
“Reagan, I’ve dated a lot. I do know exactly what to do. Trust me, I have enough experience for both of us,” he said, trying to comfort her. “The way I see it, we’re both entering this adventure with advantages and disadvantages. For example, I’m completely at your mercy when it comes to kink. In fact, it’s as foreign to me as dating is to you.”
He smiled reassuringly. He could see Reagan soften her posture and he took it as a good sign. He gently continued.
“Best case scenario is that if we both bring our strengths to the table, we can help each other enjoy new experiences.”
Reagan grinned.
“And worst case scenario?”
Ethan looked at her with mock confusion.
“Hmmmm,” he said, “I hadn’t really considered a worse case scenario.”
She laughed and gave his hand a good natured squeeze.
“Ouch,” he said teasing her, pulling his hand away. “That hurt.”
Reagan smiled devilishly at him.
“Oh, you like that, don’t you?” he said, shaking his hand in jest.
“Yes, you bring out the naughty sadist in me,” she purred.
He gave her a wink.
“Well that was easy,” he teased. “I like that about you, Milady.”
She stood up and walked across the room while his eyes followed every sway of her hips and every bounce of her breasts. He could feel his cock stirring as his eyes landed on her ass. Her thighs looking particularly alluring, peaking out between the leather of her skirt and the top of her knee high boots.
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He wanted to walk over to her, force her over the kitchen counter, and slide into her, cumming in her pussy with the most satisfying orgasm of his life. He shifted in his seat to hide his erection.
She picked up the bag he had brought with all of the goodies in it. He had found a gift bag and thought it would be funny to use it. She held it up by the handles and raised her brows, holding back a giggle.
“You did ask them to gift wrap your purchase,” she said wryly.
Ethan nodded, glad she got the joke.
“Well, I had the gift bag so I ended up doing the wrapping my self.”
He stood up and walked over to her.
“Do you want to inspect the items?”
Reagan nodded.
“Tell me, how was your shopping experience?”
He shook his head, pretending to be dismayed.
“It was a torturous experience, Milady. I’m not sure how I even got through it.”
Reagan looked at him with mock impatience.
“Is that so? Yet, you survived to tell the tale, my Pet,” she teased. “Why don’t you pour us more wine and share your story.”
They sat back down and, for the next few minutes, Ethan recounted his experience in the hardware store, exaggerating the funny parts and offering his impressions of Susan, the sternest cashier ever. Reagan was in stitches, greatly amused by his story. He loved hearing her laugh and it made his sense of humor come out even more.
Reagan looked down at the bag and started to pull out the items. She remarked that she found it especially charming that he’d chosen a hot pink feather duster and duct tape.
“Well done,” she said, amused.
“The flowers almost match. Did you notice?”
She looked at the vase on the table and smiled. Ethan was happy he’d impressed her. She seemed genuinely touched.
“Did you do that on purpose?” she asked.
He nodded.
“Why?” she asked gently.
“Because I wanted you to see that I’m excited by this. And I thought the flowers would make you happy,” he said, reaching for her hand.
Her blush made him pause. Was she not used to gentlemen treating her with gifts? It made him want to spoil her even more.
Fire & Ice: A Ménage Fantasy Page 81
