She had more questions than answers.
What were Mason’s specific tastes? Did he like to inflict pain? Would he hurt her? He’d said otherwise, but what about mentally?
How often did he go to Extreme? Weekends? Both days? Every night? Were they open that often?
Would he share her with others? She cringed at the idea and knew she had some hard lines she would never cross.
Would he expect her to expose herself to other people? Probably. Nearly everyone at Extreme had been in some state of undress, especially the submissives.
Was there something inherently wrong with a man who spent all his free time fighting men and dominating women?
The idea frightened her, but she couldn’t help the niggling intrigue she felt also, and the titillating sensation that ran down her spine every time she pictured herself in any of a number of scenes she’d witnessed Friday night.
Plus, Rafe led a parallel lifestyle, and Jenna knew he was an upstanding citizen. Katy loved him.
•●•
By late Monday afternoon, Jenna was a ball of nerves, so preoccupied she kept staring into space and dropping the flowers she held in her hand onto the counter.
“Earth to Jenna. Come in.”
Jenna whipped her gaze up to find David leaning over the counter from the other side. He held a gorgeous bouquet of red roses. Tied around the vase was an enormous wide, white ribbon with far too many loops. It was too big for the vase and gaudy as hell. Jenna scrunched up her nose. “What the hell is that?”
David grinned. “Hey. I don’t question the customers. I just make the arrangements.”
“But that’s awful. You can’t deliver that to anyone.” What was the matter with him?
He grinned wide. “Thank God you agree. Coincidentally I don’t have to go far for this delivery.” He held out the vase. “They’re for you.”
“What?” She set the arrangement on the counter and stepped back. Nope. Even at a distance it was ridiculous. Why so much ribbon? “It’s not my birthday, and I’ve never been a huge fan of eccentric arrangements.”
“Like I said, I just fill the orders when they come in. There’s a card too.” He pointed at the tiny envelope protruding between the loops of the bow and sauntered from the room.
Jenna stared at the roses. The flowers themselves were gorgeous. Fresh from this morning. They would last a long time if she fed them.
Her fingers shook as she reached for the card.
She knew before she opened it they were from Mason. “I’m not a roses and chocolates kind of guy.”
She smiled, unable to stop herself. The miles of ribbon probably had some meaning.
In tiny handwriting, the card was filled with a script that didn’t belong to David or Mariel. Mason himself must have filled it out.
Her cheeks flamed wondering if David had read the card.
Jenna, please accept my apologies for the way I handled things Friday night. I might have been rash in my decision to fling you into the mix without a word. Both mixes. I realize it would be a huge leap of faith for you to give me a chance with your heart. However, I’m hoping you will consider doing just that. I know I can be an overbearing ass at times, but I can’t seem to get you out of my head. Your purity in all things humbles me. Please accept these gifts as a token of my sincere desire to get to know you better. Yours, Mason
Gifts? A bell chimed in front, indicating a customer had entered the shop. David was manning the register. He had everything under control. Jenna stood rooted to the spot, holding the tiny card in her shaky fingers.
A minute later the bell rang again, and David ducked into the back holding a rectangular box wrapped in silver paper and covered with another gaudy white bow far too large for the box, a mile-wide grin splitting his cheeks. “Another awful delivery for you. Someone has been holding out on me.” He handed her the box. “Details please.” He looked at her face and sobered. “Never mind. I’ll wait until later.” He turned and fled the back room.
Do I look that stunned?
Jenna tore the silver paper from the box and dropped it to the floor with the ribbon. Chocolates. Of course. Hence the plural gifts.
A card on top read:
You’re holding my heart in your hands. Please give me a chance to demonstrate some of my finer skills.
M
Holy shit!
When did Mr. Bullfighter become so eloquent and thoughtful? The door to the back room opened again, and she almost stumbled onto her ass. She gripped the side of the counter and lifted her gaze. What now?
She swallowed her tongue.
Mason stood there with a giant smirk on his face. “Hey.” He leaned casually across the counter and toyed with the bow wrapped numerous times around the vase of roses. “I was hoping this would be enough ribbon that I might be able to put it to good use.”