He drew his cuff back into place.“If you’re not intending to do something I ask of you, Kelsey, please have the courtesy to say so.”Despite his words, his tone was light, but direct.“Give us the opportunity to discuss it.”
“It’s not that,” she said.It had been on her to-do list since Monday.When she’d been making arrangements with Thompson for the family gathering, she’d considered sending Martha an email or phoning her, but she’d put it off.“I hadn’t decided whether or not I want to go.”
“My point remains.Please let me know if you’re not going to do something I asked.”
She exhaled.“You’re right.”And he was.“I’ll contact her tomorrow.”
“I’ll handle it.”His tone said the conversation was over.
“I apologize, Nathan.”She reached across the compartment to put her fingers on his wrist.“It won’t happen again.”
“I know.”He sounded sincere, and she exhaled.
A few minutes ago, she’d been prepared for an argument, but she realized that he had the knack for making a point then moving on.It was a skill she could learn from.
He pulled into the parking lot of a small strip mall.Nonina’s was at the end and took up two storefronts.
After he’d parked, he met her at the front of the vehicle and placed his fingers at the small of her back as they walked to the door.
The restaurant was small, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths.Empty chianti bottles served as candleholders, and the scent of garlic and fresh bread greeted her like an old friend.Her mouth watered.Suddenly she remembered how long it had been since lunch.
“Nathan!”A petite woman with short blonde hair beamed a smile across the distance.
“Elena, meet Kelsey.”
“Delighted,” the woman said.
“Elena and her sister make the best food on the planet,” he said.
“I can’t wait to try it,” she said, noticing that he hadn’t introduced her as his employee.
“Your pizza will be right out,” Elena said, wiping her hands on her apron.“Wine with that?”
Nathan looked at Kelsey with a raised eyebrow, and Kelsey said, “I’d love a glass.”
“Make it two,” he said.“Chianti.”
“Should I bring a bottle?”
Kelsey shook her head.
“Just the glasses, Elena.Thanks.”
Nathan led Kelsey to a small table in the back of the dining room.The plug felt even more rigid against the wooden chair.“Is there a reason you didn’t choose a booth?”
“Yes.”
“You did this on purpose?”
“Knowing you’re uncomfortable with the plug I put up your ass?Yeah.I did it on purpose.”
She shifted her weight to one butt cheek, hoping for a little relief.
“Imagining you enduring it all day on Friday makes it even better.”
Elena walked over carrying a tray with silverware, napkins, plates and their wine.
When she left, Nathan offered a toast.“To your first experience on the spanking bench.”
