Kelsey Stevens.
The woman has been on my mind from the moment I met her.I never should have invited her to apply for a position with my company.I never should have thought about her as much as I have.And I certainly shouldn’t be standing here ogling her naked body.
I lift her robe, holding it out to her.
We haven’t exchanged any words.We’re simply staring at each other.Her gaze doesn’t leave mine as she takes the silk garment from my fingertips.She’s trembling, but that could be a consequence of the scene.
Claudia’s voice interrupts my thoughts.“Hey, Hendrix.Haven’t seen you in a while.Do you know Kelsey?”
I turn my head toward Claudia.“I’ve been overseas.Just got back.And yes, we’ve met.”I don’t tell her where or why.That’s personal, and honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it.
I’m aware Kelsey is still staring at me.She doesn’t cower.Her shoulders are pulled back.She doesn’t even rush to cover her body.She takes her time putting the robe on.
Fuck me.Her body… Jesus.Pert high breasts with dark-rose nipples.They’re so hard they must ache.Does submitting to Claudia do that to her?I doubt it.Madison has never mentioned Kelsey being with a woman.It’s possible that Kelsey is bisexual, but Claudia is a very professional Domme.She’s all business.She dominates both men and women.There’s nothing about the scene I just watched that would suggest Claudia’s thoughts were anywhere but on her role as a Domme.
“I thought you were returning next week,” Kelsey finally says.
Claudia looks back and forth between us before focusing on Kelsey.“You okay?I can sit with you for a while.”
Kelsey slides her gaze toward Claudia.“I’m good.Thank you.That was exactly what I needed.”
Claudia turns back to me.Her lips part.
“I’ll make sure she’s in the right headspace before she leaves the club,” I assure Claudia.
I’m not surprised when the Domme hesitates.It’s inappropriate for her to walk away from someone she just topped.She knows me, though, and she has no reason not to trust my word.She finally nods and turns away.
I hold out a hand to Kelsey.“Come.”I have no business issuing orders.The word slips out sharper than I intended.I’m not her Dominant.I’m not heranything.I’m her friend’s father.I’d be smart to remind myself of that.
Kelsey sets her fingers in my palm.
As I guide her out of the main room, I quickly consider my options.I should escort her to a couch in the aftercare area, make sure she drinks enough water, and watch her for signs of subspace.
That’s not what I do.No.Fool that I am, I guide her directly to the second-floor exit.
“Uh… Where are we going?My clothes are in the locker room.”
I don’t respond as I lead her into the reception area and nod at Marny.I still don’t say anything as we step into the stairwell.
Kelsey flinches when the door closes behind us.“Mr.Kennedy?”
I type my code into the keypad to open the door that leads to the third floor and pull it open.With a hand on the small of her back, I lead her through the opening.
“You’re taking me upstairs?”
I press my fingers into her flesh, right above her bottom.“Yes.”
She doesn’t say another word or ask any more questions as we ascend the steps, nor does she speak when we step through the entrance to the third floor, where all the top-tier private apartments are located.
I haven’t been here in two months, not since I last came to Seattle for my daughter’s graduation.It was Kelsey’s graduation as well.I did check in with the owners, Easton and Drake Riley.They made sure my apartment was cleaned and ready for my return.
As we pass their office, I pause at the open door to acknowledge Easton, who is currently sitting at his desk.
He swivels around to meet my gaze.“Good evening, Hendrix.Kelsey.”He nods toward her but gives no indication he’s surprised to see us together.He undoubtedly knows we’re acquainted.After all, Myles is my best friend.He also has a top-tier apartment, and he’s engaged to my daughter.Nothing gets by Easton or Drake, including who knows whom.But they are polite and discreet.
Pressing against Kelsey’s back, I urge her down the hallway until we arrive at my apartment.After quickly typing in my code, I open the door.
Kelsey’s breath hitches as she enters.She doesn’t wait for an invitation to explore.She simply starts wandering around.“I wondered what the private apartments looked like,” she murmurs.
