I step into the shower, and as the water cascades over me, I close my eyes, letting my mind drift back to last night.
The way Gage looked at me, like I was something precious and rare.
The way he touched me, confident and commanding.
The way he held me afterward, insisting on aftercare even when I tried to brush it off.
That's the part that unsettles me most.The tenderness.The intimacy.Those quiet moments after the scene ended, wrapped in his arms, his voice soft in my ear.
I'm used to having sex.I'm even used to submission.But that kind of care?That's unfamiliar territory.The Doms I had in the past would offer me water and make sure I was okay.They would sit with me while respecting my boundary of not being held.But last night when Gage said the aftercare was for him too...I felt he needed it more than I did, so I gave in.
I step out of the shower and dry off, trying to shake the thoughts away.It was just one night.Just a scene.Just play.
Then why does it feel like so much more?
My phone buzzes with a new text, and my heart leaps, thinking it might be Gage.But it's just my dad.
Dad:The quarterly deposit has been made.Let me know if you need anything else.
Staring at the screen, I can feel my frustration rising.So typical.Money instead of actual attention or care.I don't bother responding.
I never asked for his money.Never wanted it.But my mom made me promise to accept his help with school when she got sick, and it was the one promise to her I couldn't break.So, I take the bare minimum, just tuition and books, and make my own way for everything else.
Heading to the kitchen, I put on coffee and check my work schedule for the day.The salon is closed on Sundays, but I have a personal client coming in at three o’clock for highlights.Just enough time to work on my business plan before I need to leave.
Opening my laptop, I try to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me, the projected expenses for my future spa.But my mind keeps drifting to Gage.Will he text today?Should I text him?Is that too desperate?
God, I sound like a lovesick teenager instead of a grown woman who just had mind-blowing sex.
Forcing myself, I concentrate on the numbers and plans for my future business.This is what's important: my education, my career goals, my independence.Not some Dom with intense eyes and skilled hands who made me feel things I've never…
My phone buzzes again, and this time it is Gage.
Gage:Good morning.(Though I suppose it's afternoon now.) I trust you slept well?
My heart shouldn't race at a simple text.Yet here we are.
Me:I did.Though I'm a little sore today.
Gage:A good sore, I hope?
I bite my lip, fingers hovering over the screen.
Me:Very good.
Gage:Excellent.Drink plenty of water today.And if you're free Tuesday night, I'd like to see you again.
Tuesday.Right.I vaguely remember agreeing to meet him again while in the throes of pleasure last night.Had he planned that?Asked me when he knew I couldn't possibly say no?
The thought should irritate me, but instead, it sends a little thrill through me.
Me:I'm free.Same time?
Gage:8 PM.I'll send a car for you.
A car?I frown at the screen.
Me:I can drive myself.