TheOneandOnly (4 page)

All thoughts vanished as he started winding rope just above
her breasts. Slowly, his hands slid across her chest, first above then below
her aching boobs. Her nipples were erect and begging for attention. “Sean.” She
didn’t know what she wanted.

“I’m here, Michelle. Just you and me,” he wove the rope
between her breasts then took it behind her neck and back down, “spending a
little time getting better acquainted. You want that, don’t you, Michelle? You
want to know the real me.”

“Yes.”

“Good girl. I gotta tell ya, Michelle, I like seeing you
bound. You’re so sexy, baby. My cock isn’t fitting in my pants worth a damn
right now.”

Michelle giggled. It was strange hearing that kind of talk
but she liked knowing he was suffering too.

Sean cupped her breasts and gave her nipples a quick peck
before he stood. “Do you like being restrained, Michelle?” He slid one finger
down the side of her face.

“Yes.” She imagined the rope was an extension of him and he
was wrapping her in a hug.

“In the book you read, did Greg give Sophie a discipline or
sensual flogging?” He ran his left hand through her hair then grabbed a handful
and pulled.

Her breathing shallowed and quickened. Wetness was pooling
in her pussy. Heaven help her, she’d never been hotter. “Sensual,” she panted.

“Oh Michelle, what I wouldn’t give to strip you bare and
flog that beautiful skin of yours until it was such a pretty pink. Did you know
that floggers can be made from any number of materials? Each one gives a little
different experience. I’d use one with soft-as-butter suede strands to caress
you with each strike. Would you like that, Michelle?”

“Yes.”

His hand tightened around her hair, pulling on her scalp
with such a delicious ache. He kissed her hard, abrading her skin with his
whiskers. For many blissful hours to come, she’d remember his touch. Wanting
more, she parted her lips and invited him in. From somewhere far away, she
heard a beeping.

“Fuck! We’re about to have company.” Sean was struggling to
get his breathing under control as he quickly began removing the ropes.

“Sean, your kisses are dangerous.” She ran her tongue along
her swollen lips. “I think my panties spontaneously combusted on that last
one.”

He nuzzled her cheek and she could feel his smile. “There’s
a way around that,” he whispered near her ear. “Don’t wear any.”

“Sean, where the hell are you?”

“That’s Steven, who needs his ass kicked for having the
worst fucking timing in history.”

Michelle laughed, just like he’d thought she would. He
quickly released the chest harness. It was the only tie he’d actually knotted.
Once she was free from it, he pulled her away from the cross. The rest of the
ropes uncoiled from her.

His cock was on fire. He hadn’t had such a reaction to a woman
anytime he could remember. Michelle had nailed it—their attraction was potent.
And his response to her was nothing short of intoxicating.

“Come here, you little minx. You can just stand in front of
me and hide my very obvious erection from Steven.” He inhaled her scent and
planted a few kisses along her neck. Damn he had it bad. He pulled away
slightly and raised his voice. “We’re over here.”

She leaned back and wiggled her butt across the front of his
pants, earning her a resounding smack on her ass cheek. She looked over her
shoulder and gave him a sexy smile.

“I see you’re gonna be trouble,” he growled. When she
started to walk back up the path, he put his arm across her chest and pulled
her toward him. His cock nestled perfectly in the small of her back. “Thank you
for trusting me, Michelle. It means a great deal.” He kissed her cheek, then
let go of her.

As they stepped onto the main pathway, Steven was waiting
for them.

“Hi.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Master Steven. It’s nice
to meet you. Master Sean has told me very nice things about you.”

She shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Michelle
Jarrett.”

“Let’s go check out the bar and Steven can give you a
rundown.” Sean kept his palm on the back of her neck and his forearm resting
between her shoulder blades. The contact, he hoped, would help keep her calm.

Who was he kidding? He needed the contact just as much. The
level of intimacy they’d shared a moment ago shook him up. Why he was drawn so
forcefully to Michelle he might never understand. One thing was for sure—he was
too old to play games. For once in his life, he planned to lay his cards on the
table. Winner-take-all style.

“I love your ass,” he murmured after Steven got a few feet
away.

Michelle put her arm around his waist and bumped his hip
with hers. She mouthed, “you’re bad,” and flashed him her killer smile.

“How long have you been tending bar, Michelle?” Steven asked
as they reached the bar.

“About seven months at Tinkers. I also worked at Chuggs,
near Charleston, for a little over a year.”

“Do you have any club experience?”

“Nope.”

Sean sat near the corner of the bar and Michelle stood in
front of him, just like he’d asked. He pulled her onto the stool between his
legs and glared at Steven. He kept his arm around her waist, knowing his
possessive posture would shock the hell out of his friend and, more
importantly, get him to back off.

Steven stood with his arms crossed over his chest staring at
them. Sean sent him a shit-eating grin over Michelle’s left shoulder. Steven
gave an “I give up” gesture and walked behind the counter to the serving area.
“Let me show you the run of the place.”

Michelle linked her hand with Sean’s and gave it a squeeze
before she followed Steven. She was watching intently everything Steven was showing
her. Hell, Sean was half following along as well. Since he was going to be the
one making sure she had what she needed tonight, it might help if he had a clue
where everything was. The bar was one area he never worried about. Steven was
good at his job and Sean left him to it. But with Jared out tonight, he needed
Steven in the basement watching the dungeon.

She asked several questions that he hadn’t thought of and
didn’t know the answers to. Sean was breathing a little easier now that
Michelle was looking comfortable and Steven had relaxed. Maybe this wouldn’t
blow up in his face after all.

“You seem a little short on glassware. Do you have any back
stock or will I be washing dishes on the fly?” She winked at Sean causing him
to smile.

“We have another case in the basement. Has Master Sean given
you the full tour?”

“We were interrupted,” Sean answered for her. “Since she’s
only bartending for us, I didn’t think that was an important area to go over.”

“Some of the supplies are in storage down there. If you need
anything, let a GM know and they’ll get it for you tonight. Did Master Sean
explain I won’t be able to give you any hands-on training tonight? I have to
fill in for another employee.”

“No problem. The only aspect I’m concerned about is how to
monitor when a member is eligible for more than one drink.”

“Once you get to know the members, you’ll recognize their
patterns. We really haven’t had anyone try to circumvent the rules, so it
shouldn’t be an issue. When a member is finished playing for the night, they’ll
remove their wristband. At that point, the bar is virtually open to them.”

“You haven’t had trouble with guests taking off the band,
getting drunk and then putting it back on?”

That was a very viable scenario. Sean looked to Steven,
hoping he had an answer. “No. Again, once you get to know the regulars, you’ll
learn their habits and they all know the rules. You shouldn’t have any
problems.”

“Okay.” Michelle’s gaze met his. Her face read like an open
book. She wasn’t convinced, but didn’t want to make waves.

“I’ll be with you as much as I can tonight,” Sean assured
her. “If the system needs more guidelines, we’re open to suggestions.”

Steven held out his hand to Michelle. “Welcome to Cat
Tails.”

“Thank you.”

Sean cut in. “Let’s go to my office and start the paperwork.
I have some errands to run this afternoon, Steven. I’ll be in and out until we
open. If you need me, text.” Once she left the serving area, Sean took her
hand.

As soon as they got back to his office, Michelle went to her
purse and pulled out a protein bar. “Do you mind if I have a bite?”

“No, of course not. I should have asked if you were hungry.
When was the last time you ate?” Shit, where was his brain?

“I don’t know. When we had the chicken.”

“That was almost twelve hours ago. Fuck, Michelle, you can’t
do that. And a protein bar isn’t nutrition.” He put his hand on her head. “Why
are you sitting on the floor? Are you feeling faint?”

“Sean, I’m fine. Calm down. I didn’t want to chance getting
crumbs on your gorgeous couch. I do this all the time. It’s no big deal.”

“Well, don’t do it again. Consider that an order and sit on
the sofa, for heaven’s sake. It’s just a piece of furniture. You don’t belong
on the floor.”

She started laughing. “You worry too much and the floor is
comfortable. Come join me.” She patted the ground beside her.

He sat down on the couch and pulled her onto his lap.
“You’ve got to be exhausted. Let me take you home. Forget about starting
tonight. You can work Tuesday and we’ll wing it tonight. I’ll have a server
fill in.”

Michelle pulled her head away from his shoulder. “That’s
ridiculous, Sean. I’m perfectly fine to work tonight. I pull back-to-back
shifts all the time. It isn’t a big deal. Don’t get all stubborn about this,
please.”

“I don’t like it.” He wanted to pamper and take care of her.

“Well, thanks to you, this will be the last time. What
paperwork do I need to fill out?”

“Screw the paperwork. We need to get you a real meal.” He
went over to his mini-fridge and pulled out an orange juice. “Drink this on the
way.”

“I can do the paperwork while you drive, too.” She smiled as
if she weren’t trying to work around him.

“You don’t listen very well, do you?” He kissed the tip of
her nose and helped her stand.

“I listen. I just rarely obey. Do you have a clipboard?”

“Obeying is a good trait in a submissive…” It was important
she feel comfortable around him and be willing to speak her mind, yet he wasn’t
going to put up with her pushing herself so hard. He’d have to walk a fine line
until they understood each other better.

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that. Reading about
submission and being submissive aren’t in the same ballpark, are they?”

He handed her the contracts, clipboard and a pen before
opening the door for her and leading the way to his car. Sean decided he would
have to pick his battles and right now getting her something to eat was more
important than anything else. “Submission comes with trust. As we learn more
about one another we’ll find our way. D/s isn’t a one-size-fits-all
proposition. I’m in uncharted territory almost as much as you are. I’ve never
had my emotions involved before.”

Sean took a moment to make sure her seatbelt was in place
then started the car and pulled out into traffic. “I’ve tied more than a few
women to the cross before.” He raised his eyebrows and tossed his head to the
side. “I suppose admitting that won’t win me any points, but I promised you
honesty so bear with me until I get to the reason for my indiscretion here.” He
flashed her a quick smile and plodded along, wondering why in the hell he’d
opened his mouth. “Topping is sexually exciting. I enjoy it, obviously, or I’d
be in the wrong business.”

He was getting offtrack again. Damn it. He drove a few more
blocks, getting his thoughts together. Why was sharing his feelings so hard?
He’d already told her he wanted a relationship.
Just say it, stupid!
“I’m more than just sexually attracted to you. I feel a…deeper connection. It’s
a little disconcerting.”

Michelle put her hand over his as he gripped the gearshift.
“I know what you mean. You were barely touching me and I was trembling. I’m
scared. I’m worried I’m headed for the biggest heartbreak of my life. We aren’t
in the same league, Sean. Not in D/s, or even life. I’m still in college and
you’ve been there, done that and have a successful business. I’ve read books
about D/s and you live it every day.”

“Not really. I have a lot of experience topping. There’s a
difference between that and D/s. I haven’t built a meaningful relationship with
anyone before.” He pulled his car into a parking spot, then turned to look at
Michelle. “No one has interested me in that way until you. It’s exhilarating
and damn frightening.” Sean turned off the ignition. “I’ll get your door. Wait
for me.”

Sean was proud to have Michelle on his arm. Her delicate
hand cupped his biceps as they entered one of his favorite restaurants.

“Mr. Jameson, so nice to see you again,” the hostess greeted
him, as usual.

“Thanks, Linda.”

“Right this way. I’ll put you in Jeanne’s section. Is that
okay?”

“Sure.”

They had barely slid into the booth before Jeanne came over
to the table.

“Mr. Jameson, so good to see you again. What can I get you
to drink?”

“My lady will have a filet mignon, medium, with steamed
vegetables and a diet soda. I’ll have the salmon filet with vegetables and a
tea.”

“Great. House salads to start?”

“Sure.”

“You ordered for me.” Michelle spoke quietly.

“Yes, I did.” He turned sideways in the booth so he could
watch her expressions. He’d wanted her beside him, not sitting across from him,
but it made seeing her face a bit of a challenge.

“What if I didn’t like steak? Or was allergic?” Her tone was
casual, but he sensed there was a dangerous undercurrent he was about to be hit
with.

“It’s a Dom thing. Get used to it. I knew you weren’t a
vegetarian because you had chicken with me earlier. You were eating a protein
bar, so a steak was a safe bet. It will also give you the energy you need to
make it through the night—if you insist on doing this.”

“Yes, I am working tonight and I’m going to let you get away
with being all bossy because steak happens to be my second-favorite food.”

Sean chuckled. Silly woman—she hadn’t begun to see bossy
yet. “What’s your number one?”

“Pizza! It’s the perfect food. No utensils needed. Depending
on the toppings, you can hit all the major food groups and it’s set on bread.
What more could you want?”

“Oh, there are a few things I’m hungrier for than pizza at
the moment. You’ve whetted my appetite and I won’t be denied much longer.” His
hand rode a little higher on her thigh as he leaned in and brushed several
kisses along her neck.

“Potent. Way too potent for public,” Michelle whispered in
his ear. “The crew here is probably used to your dates swooning, but I’m a bit
more private than that.”

“I don’t date, Michelle. I thought I’d made that clear.
You’re the first woman I’ve brought here or anywhere else. I haven’t ‘dated’
since college.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Then I’d better inspect my food
carefully, because Jeanne has more interest in you than a big tip.”

“I hadn’t noticed. You’ve been clouding my brain for months.
You’re all I think about—well, you and business. The club can consume my time
if I let it.” He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “You might find playing
in public to be exciting.”

“More likely I’d get stage fright and faint.”

He laughed. With her, he always smiled. It was a nice feeling.
“Tell me about your food preferences so I can make sure I order what you like.”

“Or I could order for myself. I’ve been doing that for a few
years now. I’ve got that skill mastered.”

“I’ll be the Master in this relationship. You need a keeper
and before you start arguing I’ll give an example. By the time we close the
club tonight, you’ll have been awake for over twenty-eight hours. If it’s more
than that I might just have to turn you over my knee, so don’t tell me. The
temptation would be too much. You also went for twelve hours without eating.
Need I go on?”

“So bossy.” She smiled. “Maybe we could solve this dilemma
another way. I like to cook. Instead of going out and risking death glares from
every server in South Carolina, we could stay in and I’ll play chef.”