“She cheated on me.”
“I can’t imagine any woman wanting someone else when they had you to come home to.” Her cheeks blush, and it’s all I can do not to pull her into my arms and kiss her. “Did you love her?”
“I thought I did, but it was all a lie.”
“I’m sorry.” I ignore the pity in her voice.
“What about you? Do you have a boyfriend?”Please say no.Please say no.
“No. I keep pretty busy with work, and I’m just focused on that right now.”
“About what happened earlier in my office.”
“You mean me giving you an awkward hug? Sorry about that. I’m just so excited to work with you.” She glides straight past the almost kiss. “I need to pinch myself to know that it’s real.”
“It’s real, Aspen.” There’s more to my statement than I want to admit. I’m feeling something for this woman, and I know I can’t have her. She’s not a submissive.
We come to a stop outside her building. “Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ryder.”
“You should go inside before you catch your death.”
She shrugs out of my jacket before pushing up onto her tiptoes and kissing my cheek, lingering a moment too long, and not enough. “Thank you for giving me your jacket.”
“You’re welcome,” I growl as the scent of her perfume intoxicates my senses. I can’t pull away.
“I should go.”
“You should,” I whisper, knowing if she stays another second, I’m going to cross the line. My heart is hammering in my chest at her proximity.
“Goodnight, Ryder.” She turns on her heel and disappears inside, leaving me wanting so much more.
“This looks phenomenal.” Carter, Flex, and Dalton have all come to do the final walk around Rooftop with me before Aspen arrives.
“Welcome to the team, bro.” Dalton claps me on the back. “Did you ever think you’d be part owner of a kink club?”
“I can honestly say it never crossed my mind when they asked us in middle school what we wanted to be when we grew up.”
Carter is the only one of us who’s not in the lifestyle, but his little sister is. I’d have cashed out if that were the case. Anyone dating my sister would get a grilling from all us boys, but if a Dom came sniffing after her, I’d put him six feet under. It’s so fucking hypocritical, but no one ever said being a big brother is rational.
“Am I going to be able to bring Addi up here?” Carter asks. “It’s stunning, and you know she’s already a huge fan of your food.”
“You mean, is it going to be kinky up here?”
“Yeah.” He chuckles.
“Ninety percent of the time, it’ll be a regular restaurant. In fact, why don’t you bring her on opening night?”
“Sounds good.”
“Count me and Helena in,” Flex says over his shoulder as he inspects the finish of everything. This has been as much his baby as it has mine.
“Naddie and I will be here for sure. Wouldn’t miss it.” They’re regulars at Dulip, so I know I’ll be seeing a lot of them up here.
“Excellent. Tell her I’m going to put her favorites on the menu.”
“God, she’ll be here every night.” He laughs.
“Fine by me.” This place is perfect. The kitchen. The dining area. The ambience. It’s going to be great.
