“Thank you.”
“I guess we should just talk about it?” he suggests, and I’m so thankful he says something first.
“Yes, I’d like that.”
“I think it’s clear we’re both attracted to each other and something’s here. But maybe that we’re both weighing the risks?” he asks and I nod my head.
“For me, the only thing I’m worried about is work. I don’t want anyone to hate me more than they already do.”
He makes a noise in the back of his throat as he shakes his head like he’s remembering Friday night. “I think if we start something, maybe we keep it quiet at the office.”
“And outside of the office?” I ask.
“You’d be my girl everywhere we went. On dates, around my family. I know things are already tense for you at work, and I don’t want to be the cause of any more of that tension.” Am I a psychopath who only notices he’s wanting me to be around his family? I fixate on that for a moment before I speak.
“I think I could do that, could you?”
Taking a sip of his drink, he moves from his relaxed position sitting on the side of the chair. I follow his movements. The way we’re sitting, my knees are just touching his as he looks at me.
“I could. It wouldn’t be my favorite thing.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re someone worth showing off, Jessa,” he says and I’m licking my lips, ready to close the distance and kiss this man.
“I think you’re worth showing off too.” His smile is more of a smirk as he shakes his head.
“There’s probably more we should talk about, if we’re getting involved.” I swallow and nod my head in agreement. “We don’t have to get into everything, but I think I’d like a better idea of your expectations.”
I tilt my head at him. “Like why I was at Avalon?” I ask questioningly.
“Among other things.” I feel nervous and start fidgeting with the end of my dress. His large hand clamping down on top of mine before he squeezes. “We don’t have to get into all of this tonight. It’s our first date, I just didn’t know if it was something you wanted to talk about, and it doesn’t mean that anything has to happen tonight either.” I appreciate his chivalry, but if this man doesn’t touch me tonight in some shape or form, I may scream.
“I don’t mind, but you’ll share too?” I confirm, and he nods. I clear my throat and take comfort in the weight of his hand overtop of mine. “I’ve really only had one serious boyfriend. His name is Sean, and he was my professor.” I gauge his reaction and he doesn’t have any. “He introduced me to the lifestyle. I went to a few places like Avalon with him, but not often. Most of our dynamic was at home. Looking back, I realize that I just went along with what he said, because he was the expert—or so I thought—I was learning what I enjoyed. But I think I have a better grasp of what I’m looking for sexually and in a partner.”
He squeezes my hand gently for me to continue. “I like being submissive, though I wouldn’t consider myself incapable of taking control. I just don’t like to do it frequently. I like impact play, being watched, being praised, but most important for me is receiving affection.”
“Do you like rewards and punishments?” he asks in a deep tone that makes me shiver.
I nod my head and drag my teeth over my lip. “But I would ask that withdrawal of affection or touch is never a punishment.”
He balks at me. “What the fuck?” I knew things with Sean were less than perfect, but I overlooked them because I was so afraid of being alone. I don’t voice that, I just continue speaking.
“Outside of the bedroom, I love flirty play and banter, but if I do something wrong or something that bothers you, I’d rather talk about it then and there and not bring it into our sex life.”
Aiden blinks at me like I’m telling him the sky is green. He swallows and rubs his free hand along his jaw.
“I’m going to be honest, kitten. Your ex sounds like a complete fucking prick.”
“Considering I caught him sleeping with one of his students before I left, I’d have to agree.”
He groans, taking a sip of his whiskey and putting it back down on the table. “I go to Avalon for a few different reasons, but I’ve never really combined my proclivities at Avalon into my dating life.”
“What do you do at Avalon?” I ask, eager to know. I’ve been wondering since I saw him there in the first place.
He grimaces slightly. “I like a lot of the things you’re asking for: being in control, bringing pleasure and praising my partner. I have been involved with a few couples at Avalon before as well.”
“Oh, are you bisexual?” I ask him.
