“If that’s all you want to hear, that’s fine. I wasn’t looking for anything either. I don’t date at work. I’ve observed that you don’t seem to either.”
“No, I never thought it was a good idea. Certainly not before I get tenure, but I’d always thought I’d meet the right man before now. I like my life, but I’m tired of trying so hard with the wrong men,” she confessed.
“I know exactly how you feel.”
“I’m working on a paper. I’m very close to sending it off. Hopefully, it’ll help me secure tenure this year.”
She noticed he’d let her change the subject. Maybe he didn’t want to play with her.
“I’m free for another hour. If you are, why don’t we grab an early lunch?” he asked.
She kept her seat as he stood. “We can’t talk about this stuff in the cafeteria. I’m not sure what you’re up to.”
Slowly, he walked around the side of her desk. “We can talk about anything at lunch. Those books, history. As far as what I’m up to… Nelson thinks he’s a matchmaker. He’s a friend of mine and knows me better than most people. I don’t ignore the advice of my friends.”
“So he’s not at all interested in me. It’s you?”
“Is that okay?” he asked.
Warmth rushed over her. She didn’t need to reject a good guy like Nelson because she’d always want his friend more. Scott wanted her! He was a good guy. He’d walked Colleen to her car when she’d worked late. He never let the elderly admin in his department carry heavy things. For eight years, she’d seen him be a quietly helpful and strong nice man. He’d never made a move in her direction.
She wanted to say something special, but nothing clever came to mind so she nodded. “Very okay.”
* * * *
Scott hadn’t planned on inviting Bridget to dinner, but he’d never been the type to meander around a decision. They needed to be alone where they could speak frankly and sort it out. The limits, the potential and the desire to enter into a Dom/sub relationship.
The memory of her blushing and how her entire body had been at attention for him when they’d spoken in her office fed his need. She was submissive, and if she was ready to turn down Nelson, Scott had to believe she wasn’t desperate but knew what she wanted.
Apparently, she seriously wanted him. Good! He didn’t want a sub who’d settle for anyone so long as her limits were respected. That was a basic necessity, but not a good match. At lunch, they’d discussed where they came from and their interests outside of work. Small talk wasn’t his area, but she made it easy.
Nelson had quizzed Scott all afternoon, but Scott wasn’t planning on any actual play tonight. The woman knew her mind, and she might want to proceed slowly. Still, he’d pulled out his basic accessories in the bedroom and made sure things were neat. His phone buzzed, and he hoped it wasn’t her canceling.
There were two messages. One text was from Nelson informing Scott that if he hurt Bridget in a bad way that Scott would answer to his friend. Nelson even acted like her brother. Scott didn’t want to compete with Nelson anyway. The hacker was more personable. The other text was from Bridget saying she’d gotten stuck at work in a meeting about her paper. She’d have to come straight from campus.
He replied, telling it was fine and dinner would be ready. No doubt she’d planned to change for him. If he got beneath her clothes tonight, he wouldn’t judge her undergarments. He liked her, and the fact that she wanted to be on time pleased him.
Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. He checked her out through the peephole and caught her smoothing her hair nervously. The ice had to be broken soon, or they’d both crack. It felt so different to know someone then discover an entirely new layer of mutual desire. The idea of her on her knees and naked for him had plagued him all day.
He opened the door. “Come in. Was your meeting good?”
“Yes, I think so.” She shrugged off her wool coat, and he took it. “Thank you.”
“No problem. I made chili. I’m not the best cook, but usually, I don’t screw that up. Sit down.” He gestured to the small square table.
“It smells great. I spent summers with my grandmother so I got the cooking boot camp. All I wanted to do was read, but it’s a handy skill. Do you need help?” She paused before sitting.
“Nope. Anything special to drink?” he asked.
“Water is perfect.” She sipped from the glass he set out and sat down.
He filled two big bowls and joined her. “You’ll have to cook for me one night.”