Lumberjack Weekend(Divine Creek Ranch 21)(7)
Josh chuckled at the mental blast from the past and shrugged. “I’m more curious about whether Violet accepts the invitation.”
Lucas’s brows shot up, and a big grin crossed his face. “What?”
“He delivered the same type of envelope to her earlier this afternoon. I was across the store from her, but her body language wasn’t shouting no when she looked at it.”
Lucas’s brows knit in a frown, and he said, “Do you think Joseph invited Violet because he’s attracted to her?”
Josh shook his head. “I asked him point-blank a while back. He knows we’re interested in her. This must be his way of providing an opportunity.”
“Why does Joseph think this event might be of interest to you? And why would he do you this kind of favor?”
Josh shrugged. “The invitation was intended for both of us. I’ve been talking to him and Ethan.”
Lucas arched an eyebrow at him. “And that’s all you’re going to say about it?”
Ignoring the speculation in his brother’s eyes, he said, “I’m curious whether Violet is considering it.”
“Come on!”
Josh sighed. “It’s not what you’re thinking, at least I hope not.” Lucas was probably imagining the worst.
“So…you want to be whipped like a bad boy by a flogger-wielding Domme?”
He let out a slow breath, knowing Lucas turned into a comic when he was tense or unsure of himself. “Fucker, I know a Domme who could have you happily licking her boots within fifteen minutes, so don’t disrespect.”
“Sorry. I was injecting humor,” Lucas said, jostling Josh’s chair, trying to lighten things back up. “It’s part of my charm.”
“You have no charm. I keep telling you this. Fine. I talked to Ethan because I was intrigued by the dynamic between him and Grace, and I realized what’s been missing in past relationships. Violet reminds me of Grace in some ways. Ethan said he knew someone who could guide me if I ever wanted to try more formal play. That’s why he introduced me to Joseph.” Ethan had also suggested a beginner’s rope tying and bondage class Sheriff Hank Stinson and Travis McDaniel would be teaching for a private group that was starting soon. Out of curiosity, he’d contacted Hank and signed them up for the first class, which would take place in a couple of weeks.
His brother’s wide, devilish grin was contagious. “So you’re saying you want to do more than just explore your kinky side?”
Josh’s reply was a shrug. “Given our interest in Violet, would it be a problem?”
Lucas’s eyes sparked with interest as he crossed his arms over his chest. “No. I know I kid, but to be honest, I’d be more likely to say kinkiness runs in the family. Isn’t Hazelle House predominantly a BDSM club environment?”
Josh shook his head. “I thought the same thing, but his indoor-outdoor venue is large, and he tailors events to meet the needs of the group. Next weekend happens to be a fantasy-fulfillment-themed weekend. If Violet is going, I plan to be there, too. And you?”
The broad smile on Lucas’s face and the twinkle in his eyes said it all. “Just tell me what to pack.”
Chapter Two
Violet bit her lip as her friends responded to her statement with wide eyes. They were sitting around a tall table at the Dancing Pony, having just arrived after a long day at work. Cassie Resendez, owner of Divine Drip, and Jessica Bright, optometrist at Divine Vision and Optical, blinked at her before taking sips of their margaritas. Violet had her back to the room, so she knew she wouldn’t be overheard.
“Since when do you talk with Joseph Hazelle?” Cassie asked over the loud music. “I’ve met him a couple of times, and he renders me speechless.”
Violet shrugged. “We’ve been friends a while. Grace introduced me to him one night when he came in here. He’s not that scary.”
“The hell you say,” Jessica whispered. “He’s so dark and mysterious. I’m with Cassie. He steals my ability to speak.”
“Funny, he seems to know just how to get me to open up.” Her words really got a reaction from them, and she flapped her hands. “Not like that, not like that! Yes, he’s a Dom. No, I’m not his sub, although he helped me see that I do have submissive tendencies. He’s invited me to gatherings, but my schedule hasn’t allowed it, and to be honest, it never seemed like a great fit, but this one coming up… The timing is better now.”
“What happened?” Cassie asked.
“Bodie called.” She looked down at her hands. She could almost see the pleading in his eyes. It was lucky she’d turned him down over the phone because she knew she could never tell him no to his face. But the deed was done. She was done.