The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo(5)

Rebecca slid into the chair pulled back from the table by the maitre d’. “Thank you.” He handed them both a menu and then dissolved away. Unsure how the meeting would go, she scanned the mouthwatering options elegantly displayed in gold lettering on premium white card. After making her decision she raised her gaze to Tyler Stone, studying him more closely.

The man certainly had an aura about him. He possessed a confidence that showed in every little thing he did, from the way he held himself to the way he casually looked at the menu, probably already knowing exactly what he was about to order. An impressive Breitling watch circled his wrist, partially covering the smattering of dark, masculine hair that disappeared into the sleeve of his crisp, white shirt. When he casually steepled his fingers together, she noticed a pair of gold initialed cufflinks. His shoulders were broad, and she liked the way powerful muscles filled out his suit. She felt sure he had his own gym and did plenty of workouts. His jaw was strong and well defined, while his nose bore the slightest hint of Roman influence. Intrigued by the man before her, Rebecca observed him more closely. Tyler Stone possessed a pair of rugged creases that traversed the sides of his mouth. She already knew they deepened considerably whenever he smiled. Short, dark brown hair feathered neatly around his face, making the color of his striking amber eyes stand out in stark contrast. They seemed somehow predatory, and at the moment they were focused intently on her.

Rebecca sucked in a long, deep breath, trying to level her emotions. Keeping her attention on the matter at hand was proving far more difficult in the presence of such an attractive man. However, she refused to let him know that his good looks and charisma had any effect on her. She was still emotionally bruised from the breakup of her previous relationship. She and Mitch had been together for almost five years and for the most part had enjoyed the Master/sub relationship they shared. In her career, she was a strong-willed and opinionated woman, but in her private life, she was a natural sub who willingly surrendered all control to her trusted Dom. No, I refuse to even go there. The past is the past. Leave it there.

With almost superhuman determination, she dragged her mind back to the present. She needed to concentrate on the here and now. This meeting was important to her future.

“Did you fly in last night, Mr. Stone?”

“I arrived around six yesterday afternoon.” He placed the menu on the table and then looked directly at her, his uncompromising stare overpowering.

Control your emotions, Rebecca. He’s just a man. No different from any other. She knew she lied to herself. “Have you visited Boston before?”

“Uh-huh, I’m a Harvard man. I lived here for six years, but this is the first time I’ve been back in almost a decade. The place has changed a lot.”

“I see.”

Rebecca felt slightly relieved when a waiter appeared at their table. “Sir, madam, would you care to order?”

Tyler briefly touched her hand. “Ladies first. What would you like, Rebecca?”

“The seared Atlantic salmon with lemon butter sauce looks tempting along with a side salad. I’ll go with that, please.”

“And what would sir care to have?” The waiter appeared to bow in exaggerated deference as he posed the question.

“I’ll have the rib eye steak, rare, salad, and fries.”

“Thank you, sir, madam.” The waiter removed the menus from the table. “Would you like wine with your meal?”

Tyler looked across at her but didn’t wait for an answer. “That would be good.”

“Very well, I’ll send the wine waiter across.”

“Rebecca, I suggest a good Chardonnay to go with your fish.” The way he spoke sounded like he wasn’t really giving her a choice. Before she could reply, the wine waiter appeared, and Tyler immediately spoke with authority. “I’ll have the 2010 Ribbon Springs Pinot Noir, and the lady would like the 2010 Rued Clone Chardonnay.”

Rebecca liked a man to be dominant when he was her Master and she was his sub, but she barely knew Tyler Stone, and already he seemed to be taking control of her decision making. She cleared her throat. “While the Chardonnay would be an excellent choice, I believe I’d prefer the 2006 Bellecourt Beaujolais. In my experience it tends to pair better with salmon dishes.” She couldn’t help smiling inwardly as Tyler held himself motionless for a second or two, clearly surprised by her forwardness.

Tyler nodded knowingly, and she figured he understood her a little better now. “Beaujolais it is then.” When the waiter moved away, he turned and looked at her, appearing to size her up. His pale-brown eyes held a hint of annoyance in their fiery depths as he scanned her face. She had the distinct feeling he was pissed that a mere woman would dare contradict him. Although she didn’t know much about him, she got the impression he was a pretty dominant guy.