“It’s a coincidence.” Scott could give Nelson a dozen examples of how dumb luck had helped or hurt armies throughout history.
“I don’t believe in coincidence. I deal in code. It works or it doesn’t. Something doesn’t fall into place and work because you made a birthday wish.” Nelson stood up.
“What do you think that blog is? She’s getting attention. I bet she has dozens of offers right now. Why would she bother with me?” Scott asked.
Nelson laughed. “She needs attention. No Dom is giving it to her. I’m sure plenty of men think exactly what you did. She’s ugly or unbalanced. Some might reach out to her just to get a picture or a meeting. You, she knows you. She’s worked here almost as long as you. Maybe she’d like you to ask her out, but she doesn’t think you’re into what she is. This isn’t coincidence. She asked for it.”
Scott nodded. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good. Don’t get me wrong. I think she’s attractive. If I have to play with her to keep her from giving up on our lifestyle, I’ll do it. Hell, I’ll enjoy it. But she’s not the one I can’t live without. That sub is still out there for me.” Nelson winked and exited the office.
After a few deep breaths, Scott looked her up online. He knew most of the information already. It was odd how working with someone for so long made their information a part of your life as well. They’d only spoken casually, but he’d never minded chatting with her. Others grated on him, but she was comfortable and so easy to look at, with no extreme makeup or obvious flirtation. She was professional at work.
With no clue what he’d say, he locked his computer and left his office. Never impulsive, he had to see her now to know if that spark was there for real. The nagging in him might go away then. Was the attraction really that strong or was it just Nelson playing with people as if they were bits of data? His friend had the best of intentions; Scott believed that. Still, Nelson wanted romance and kink. Time and again, Scott had seen how love failed to last. He’d closed off his heart years ago, but his sexual appetite never waned.
He nodded to people as he entered the English department. Her office wasn’t far, on the same floor but on the opposite end of the building. Finding Bridget’s office door ajar, he listened.
“I can’t believe your students want to read those books!” Colleen Sheppard’s familiar cackle of laughter caught Scott off guard. He waited in the hall, listening to the conversation—it wasn’t his fault if they were talking loudly.
“It’s true. They say because the author is English we should. Those Greyish books are not literature!” Bridget declared.
Scott cracked a smile. The woman knew her work and had strong opinions. Her voice alone sent desire sparking in him.
“They are popular,” Colleen said.
“Then let the pop culture classes cover them. I have nothing against what people want to do privately or want to read for entertainment, but I won’t turn my classroom into a fan fiction forum,” Bridget replied.
“The department head would never let you teach it anyway. I’ve got to go. Class time. Don’t let some annoying students distract you. Finish that paper and get it published. Your goal this year is tenure.” Colleen pulled the door wide.
“My job is still teaching, but thank you for the reminder.”
Colleen stepped into the hall and smiled at Scott. “Looking for someone, Dr. Kasten?”
He felt out of place, and it seemed as if she knew what he wanted to do to her friend. Work and kink never mixed for him before, but he quickly regained his composure. “I just need a word with Dr. Sanger. Thanks.”
Chapter Two
Bridget had no idea what Scott wanted to talk about, but she ignored the flip of attraction she experienced as he walked into her office. When he closed the door, she grew a bit nervous.
“Can I help you?” she asked politely.
“Good for you, about the books. There’s erotic literature that’s much better.” He nodded to the chair.
“Please, sit down. I’m sure I can find something to teach them a lesson about sensuality in literature. I didn’t think it’d be a subject you’d be interested in.”
He couldn’t be there for that.
She looked into his pale green eyes just to prove she could. No more submissive games, not that he’d play, but it was always her instinct when attracted to a man. Scott aroused something inside of her, though. He always had with that coal black hair trimmed short and his lean muscular form always hidden. He wore long-sleeve dress shirts year round. The rare days when he rolled up the sleeves made her itch for a glimpse of his naked body.