Saturday, I woke up sore and still satisfied. I spent most of the day lounging and thinking of him. God, I could get used to amazing sex. But no, I knew the rules. Sir would eventually move on to someone else. Don’t get attached. I wondered why he didn’t do relationships.
Sunday evening rolled around, and it became clear the low-key evening I had hoped for wasn’t going to happen. I was on my couch with a cup of tea and a book when the knocking on my door began. At first, I considered ignoring it, but then I heard the voice on the other side.
“Kate, get your butt up off the couch and let me in. You can’t avoid me forever.”
How did she know? I moved to the door and unlocked it, letting Jen in. She entered without hesitation.
“Why have you been avoiding me?” Jen asked me, a hurt look marring her face.
I sighed. “I’m sorry, Jen. Come in and sit. Do you want a cup of tea? We’ll catch up.”
Jen nodded, so I set to work preparing her tea and then joined her on the couch.
“So, I haven’t spoken to you for more than ten seconds since the club. What is going on with you?” she asked me, not wasting any time with small talk, which was always Jen’s way.
I wasn’t sure how much to tell her. Would she understand or be creeped out? I battled for a moment in my head.
“You’d better not leave anything out, woman. I see the gears in your head turning,” she quickly told me.
“Fine.” I sighed loudly. “At the club, you know I met a guy. He saved me from falling down the stairs, and then we romped in the coat-check. Well, we didn’t just romp.”
Jen’s eyes grew large, and a huge smile spread across her face. “Go on.”
“Well, he happened to give me the best orgasm of my life. No, before you ask, we didn’t have sex. Anyway, I was going to return the favor, but you interrupted with wanting to leave, so I left him there... unsatisfied.”
Jen laughed. “That wasn’t very nice. I wish I hadn’t bothered you now.”
Sticking my tongue out at her, I continued, “He pushed me to leave. I wasn’t sure why. When he propositioned me in the closet, he was clear that it was a one-time thing. He didn’t want a relationship. Hell, he wouldn’t even give me his name, so when I left the club, I thought I would never see him again.”
“Except, he came after you,” Jen cut in.
“Exactly. He wanted to finish what we started. We exchanged numbers and that was it. I didn’t hear from him until Wednesday night with a text message. I don’t know why, Jen, but I agreed to meet him on Friday.”
Jen looked at me like I was nuts. “Why on earth would that be a bad thing?”
I sighed before responding. “Because what I didn’t tell you is that he is some kind of dominant. Anyway, he took me to this club that caters to those desires.”
“And...” Jen prodded me.
“And, he said he wanted me to become his submissive for a little while-- again with no future in sight. But even though I know I should run far, far away from him and all of this, I couldn’t. I agreed.” I couldn’t even look at my friend sitting there beside me. After a few minutes, I snuck a glance out the corner of my eye at her.
“Are you serious?” she finally asked me with a stunned look on her face.
I nodded. “He is unbelievably convincing.”
“So did you sleep with him?” I blushed and that was enough answer for her. “Oooh, woman, you have been holding out on me! How was he? C’mon, I have to live vicariously through you!”
I burst out laughing. “You have got to be kidding me, right? You get more action than I do! But honestly, Jen, it was the best sex of my life. Like ever.”
“But...?”
“I’m a little afraid to feel like I do with him. He is so domineering, and I don’t know, it’s hard to accept being a submissive, which is clearly what he wants.”
“But you said that all he wants is sex. What’s the harm in just letting things play out?”
I sighed. “I want permanent. Not necessarily with him, but I want it eventually. Should I not be looking for that, instead of wasting my time on a dead end?”
“Only you can answer that, Kate, but you are young. Maybe you should try your hand at just having a bit of fun for a little while.”
“Maybe.”
“Okay, change of subject,” Jen stated. “How is work? Tell me all about it and your boss.”
Yet another confusing situation. “Well, I like my job. Thank you again, by the way. I’m good at it. I like being busy, and Ben definitely keeps me busy.”
Jen cut in, “Ben? Are you...”
“NO! No, God no. I’m so not going there again. He insisted that I call him by his first name, though I’m not sure why.”
“So what is he? Old, bald and fat?” Jen said laughing.
“Actually, no, he is gorgeous. He has unruly chestnut hair and amazing green eyes, and from what I can tell, his body is mouthwatering.” Jen gave me a look, so I continued quickly, “But it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to go after my boss. Besides, we actually already discussed all of this. I walked in on him in the bathroom by accident, and I, of course, was mortified. I mean, he had it out, for goodness sakes. He admitted to being attracted to me but decided that he wanted to be friends instead. So, we’re friends.”
Jen didn’t look convinced. “He’s hot and into you, and you are impervious?”
“Well, no, I’m just determined. We spend a lot of time together. It isn’t a good idea to get involved.”
She shook her head at me. “Just friends. So... was it big?”
I sighed. “Yes, very. I couldn’t help a little fantasy after I saw it.” We sat in silence for a few minutes before I took a breath and told her, “Anyway, he took me to dinner on Wednesday.”
Jen’s eyes shot to mine questioningly.
“He took me to a wonderful little place where we ate and chatted. He said that was us being friends. Then he drove me home. He was such a gentleman, opening doors for me. I invited him up. I mean, he had been so nice to me, so I figured I should offer him coffee or something. Anyway, I gave him a quick tour, not that there is much to see,” I said, waiving my hand around, “and he asked to see my bedroom. Strange, I know. And you know that picture you took of me a couple years ago?” She nodded, “Well, he loved it. When I told him it was me, he bolted, but not before I noticed the effect the picture had on him, there.”
Jen smirked at me. “Yeah, he doesn’t want you at all. You never know, maybe he is the Prince Charming you are looking for.”
I glanced out the window beside me. “I don’t think so. And I’m not willing to find out.”
“We’ll see,” Jen stated.
It was finally Monday. God, the weekend had dragged on excruciatingly from the moment that I put Kate into a cab outside the club. The night’s events had played over and over in my head until I was almost crazy, and it had taken every ounce of my self-control to not call her or text her to invite her to the club again. Pathetically, I had even come into the office on Sunday, just in case she had decided to work. But she hadn’t, and I couldn’t help my disappointment.
But today I would see her, and not just in the office. I had promised to get her a company car.
I had arrived early as usual, and I was determined to focus on some work, make some calls before she came in. Lord knows I was finding it hard to get anything done with her around me. An hour later, and still an hour before she was scheduled to arrive, there was a knock on our conjoining door and she popped her head in.
“Morning Ben.”
“Ah, Kate, please come in and have a seat.” She entered the room, and I felt the breath leave my chest at the sight of her. She was in a black pencil skirt that flared at the bottom, paired with a sheer plum blouse with fluttery little sleeves just covering her shoulders. I had seen this woman naked, but the way she looked now was going to drive me completely crazy. I groaned inwardly. She sat across from me, and my mouth watered. Then I realized that she
was looking at me quizzically, waiting for me to actually say something.
I cleared my throat. “So, are you ready to pick out a car?” Kate shifted in her seat and looked at her fingers in her lap. “You know, Ben, I have been thinking, and you really don’t need to do this. I am happy to walk. I like having the exercise.”
“Nonsense, we already discussed this,” I scoffed at her. What did she need exercise for? She was perfect. I paused for a moment, thinking, before continuing. “However, I would be willing to compromise. Let me make sure you get home at night at least. I would feel much better if you would agree to that.”
Kate looked at me for a moment before nodding. A smile spread across my face. “Okay, Ben, you win. But only when I work late.”
I laughed. “You always work late, which I appreciate, by the way.”
“True, and you’re welcome. I enjoy what I do.”
Silence fell upon us as my thoughts drifted. Well, it wasn’t what I had wanted to happen this morning, but she was sitting here right now with me, and that was nice. I glanced over, and my eyes rested on her beautifully toned legs.
“What did you mean by you could use the exercise? You look perfectly fit to me.”
Kate rolled her eyes at me. “I used to hike quite at bit back home. I miss it. Walking to and from work is really the only exercise I’m able to get right now.”
A thought popped into my head, and before thinking, I blurted, “There is a gym just down the street that I attend, with state-of-the-art everything. You should check it out.”
She again looked down at her fingers. “Kate, what’s wrong?”
“Um, it’s just...” She sighed. “I can’t really afford that kind of thing right now.”
“That’s easy. Come with me. We’ll get you set up there. I’ll pay for it.”
“Yeah... No, Ben. Thank you for the offer, but I can’t accept that.”
I gritted my teeth. This woman frustrated the hell out of me. “Look, as your employer, it’s my duty to provide the tools necessary to keep you healthy and happy. That in turn keeps you working hard for me. Besides, I am preventing you from getting your exercise by insisting on getting you home each night, so this is a good way to make up for that.” I could see Kate mulling it over in her head, the struggle clear on her face. “You really have nothing to lose. Come on, Kate,” I continued. “I really don’t understand your reluctance.”
Kate sighed loudly before looking me in the eye. “Are we talking as friends here or as coworkers?”
“However you would like to be speaking,” I answered quickly.
Kate shook her head. “Okay, as friends then. I don’t trust easily, Ben, and I definitely don’t like being indebted to anyone, especially someone who also happens to be my boss. Your offer is very generous, and I’m struggling to accept it.”
I looked at her incredulously. “You owe me nothing by accepting this. I meant what I said about keeping my employees happy so that they work hard for me. Why not just go with me tomorrow after work, and if you hate it or still can’t accept it, then I won’t push you any longer.”
“All right, I guess there is no harm in going to take a look,” Kate stated, still looking dubious.
I chuckled. “No, no, bring workout gear. I want you to really get the experience of this place. It’s pretty great.”
Kate nodded. “All right.” After a moment of silence, she cleared her throat. “So, I guess I will get back to my desk and get started. I saw the files on my desk. I will get everything sorted and have them back to you as soon as I can.
I smiled broadly at her. “Thanks.”
I looked at the clock on my computer screen, fife-thirty pm, and eyed my duffle bag in the corner of my office. What was I doing, agreeing to let him take me to his gym? I must have been mad, not to mention I was opening myself up to a whole other world of trouble.
There was a tap on my door, so I glanced up. Ben was standing there, no longer in his suit. He had changed into a delicious pair of faded jeans that sat just perfectly on his hips and a casual button-down shirt that fit snugly to his lean chest. I blinked a couple times, and swore there was a whisper of a smirk on his lips.
“Ready to go, Kate?”
I quickly shut my system down and stood. Why did he have to look so fantastic and casual, while I was still so formal in my pencil skirt and blouse? Grabbing my jacket and bag, I said, “Yup, let’s go.”
We exited the lobby, and Ben reached for my bag. I began to protest, but he raised his hand, stopping me. “Seriously, Kate, who the hell did you spend time with before you met me? Because I’m pretty sure they need lessons in general courtesy and manners.”
I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my lips. As I glanced up at him, I was met with a matching smile. “Thank you,” I managed shyly, my stomach doing somersaults.
We walked the short way to the gym facility, which was only a few blocks away. As we entered the building, I was struck with how beautiful the space was. The entrance was colored in a vibrant blue and steel grey, appearing very welcoming and impressive. Ben nodded to the woman at the front desk as we passed. We stepped into the main room, and I knew I would love working out here. The room was large and open, the walls continuing the steel grey. Contrasting flowing murals decorated every space that wasn’t covered with mirrors.
Looking up, I noticed Ben was watching me intently. I blushed. “This is... wow.”
He nodded. “I agree, but this isn’t all of it, Kate. Come, let’s get you changed, and then I’ll really show you around.”
He ushered me to the women’s locker room, which was just as impressive as the rest of the gym-- clean, open, and bright. There was a door leading off to showers, with racks holding towels at the entrance, and lockers lined two of the walls. I changed quickly into my workout gear and took a quick glance in the long mirror above a low bench. I wore a simple fitted black tank and a pair of track shorts. Nothing too fancy really, but who was I trying to impress anyway?
When I stepped back out into the hallway, Ben was waiting for me. A soft sigh escaped my lips. Was it really possible that he could look even better than he already did? Not only did the man look hot in a suit, and clearly in casual clothes as well, but, of course, he had to rock workout wear as well? It really wasn’t fair. He looked up to me, and an almost pained look came across his face. What the hell is that all about?
He stepped forward and motioned for me to follow him. “I’ll show you all this place has to offer. Then you can decide for yourself if you want to still be stubborn.” I scowled at him and caught the responding smirk on his face.
Apparently, this facility had four floors, which took me completely by surprise. The top floor consisted of multiple rooms, where Ben told me classes were conducted in. The second floor had more rooms, but they were bigger; squash courts he explained. Since the walls facing the hallway were made of plastic, I stopped briefly to watch a couple of men play. I wasn’t familiar with the rules, but it looked like fun. The main floor, which I had already seen a part of, was quite large with an open concept, housing every possible machine you could think of all around the edge of the room. Right in the center of the room, there was a large floor mat, partially surrounded by ropes. A boxing ring?
Ben looked down at me and smiled. “This mat has different purposes. Sometimes it’s used for boxing, sometimes for martial arts, wrestling, what have you. It depends on what is scheduled. There is a board over there that tells you what programs are being run, when, and where,” he explained, pointing to the far wall. He led me down to the basement, where, to my surprise, there was a large pool, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.
“These are co-ed,” he said, eyeing me carefully. “So, now that you have seen everything, would you like to work out while we are here?”
I thought for a moment. What would be the harm in it? I was already dressed for it, so why not? I nodded finally.
We headed back to the main floor, where I picked an elliptical machine to start, and
he hopped on the machine beside mine. I warmed up for 10 minutes before changing to a treadmill, leaving Ben behind. Though I preferred the natural outdoors, I wasn’t in Alberta anymore, so this would do. Looking over a few minutes later, Ben was no longer at the elliptical. I picked up the pace of my run as I looked around the room, noticing he was on a weight machine. He looked mouth-wateringly good, his body now covered in a light sheen of sweat. I shook my head a little, trying to clear my mind of unwanted thoughts, when Ben’s eye met with mine and a smile came across his beautifully full lips. I had to stop thinking about him like that. As I ran harder and faster, sweat slid down my face and back, and before too long, I was wiped. Man, I needed to get to the gym more often. After stepping off the machine and toweling off, Ben walked over to me a moment later.
We were heading toward the locker rooms when Ben stopped by the large mat. I stopped along with him, questioning his sudden interest.
“If I’m not mistaken, there is a class starting right now. Want to give it a go?” he asked.
Furrowing my brow at him, I doubted that his idea was a good one. “Uh, I don’t know about that. What is the class?”
“I have absolutely no idea. Come on, Kate. Be adventurous!”
I shook my head and shivered. “All right.”
Approximately one minute later, I was going to regret that decision.
“All right, folks, the person you are standing with right now is your partner. Doesn’t matter if you are of the opposite sex, this is going to be good fun for all,” the beefy male instructor stated loudly. I instinctively took a step closer to Kate. The instructor continued, “Everyone, find a spot on the mat. Today, we will be trying out wrestling.”
Kate’s eyes widened and looked up at me nervously.
“Come on. You promised,” I pushed her.
Truthfully, I wasn’t actually sure that I should willingly get so close to Kate. I promised her a platonic relationship, and that would clearly be compromised with fucking her, which was exactly what I wanted to do every time she was close to me. But as her boss, I couldn’t do that and then toss her aside; it would ruin our working relationship. Besides, I liked her. I didn’t want to hurt her. I already felt that I was in need of another meeting with Kate at the club... Maybe the next meeting would be the one that would get her out of my system once and for all.
Starting Over Page 7
