"Because he shows up every single morning even though there are three other coffee shops between his apartment and the base. Because he notices things about you that most people wouldn't. He's already setting rules to take care of you even though you've only been together for less than a week." She leans forward. "That's not casual interest, Chloe. That's a man who's falling hard and fast."
My chest feels tight. "I'm falling too."
"I know. And that's okay. Let yourself fall. Just make sure you communicate. Keep talking to him about what you need."
"He wants to talk tonight about rules and boundaries and the dynamic."
"Good. That's important. Especially if you're going to explore discipline."
I nearly drop the cup I'm washing. "I can’t believe we are talking about this.”
"You said Tyler swatted you and put you in the corner." Emily's expression is gentle. "Are you scared?"
"A little. I've never done anything like that before."
"None of us had until we found our Daddies. But if it's something you want to explore, Tyler seems like exactly the right person to do it with. He’s patient, attentive, and crystal clear about consent. Those are really big green flags in this lifestyle."
"What if I don't like it?"
"Then you use your safeword and you try something else. That's the whole point of exploring, you know. It’s to figure out what works for you." She finishes her smoothie. "Just promiseme you'll be honest with him. Don't say yes to something you're not ready for just because you think it's what he wants."
"I won't. I promise."
"Good. Now, are you coming to yoga tomorrow morning?"
"Can't. I open early."
"What about Wednesday? I'm teaching at the gym on base at six p.m. You could come to that."
"Tyler works out at that gym."
Emily grins. "I know. That's why I'm suggesting it. Let him see you in yoga pants. Trust me on this."
Heat floods my face. "Emily!"
"What? You're allowed to be a little bit strategic. Plus, working out is good for you. Endorphins and all that."
"Fine. I'll come Wednesday."
"Perfect. I'll text you the details." She hops off the stool. "Now I have a private client in twenty minutes. Text me tonight after your talk with Tyler. I want all the details."
"You're nosy."
"I prefer 'invested in my best friend's happiness.'" She blows me a kiss. "Love you!"
"Love you too."
The rest of the day passes in a blur of customers and anticipation. Every time my phone buzzes, my heart jumps, hoping it's Tyler.
Most of the time, it is.
Tyler: How's your day going?
Chloe: Good. Busy. Missing you.
Tyler: Missing you too. What time are you closing?
Chloe: Six today.
