Page 90 of Axe Marks the Spot

I don’t like that she hung up, and she knows that from my boundaries we’ve discussed previously, but I also screwed up. I may not know Lindsey well, but I know enough to gather that she has confidence issues. A big indicator of that beyond her questionnaire was the way she didn’t want to look at herself on the screen during our virtual role-play.

I wipe my hands off on a dish towel and pick up my phone, opening the messaging app and clicking on her name to text her.

Me

In the future, please do not hang up on me. Remember my boundaries? This is not how we handle our emotions or feelings. We talk through things, even if they’re uncomfortable. That being said, I didn’t mean to upset you and would like to talk about this more. Please let me know when we can discuss what happened.

I hit send and close out of the app for now. She’s driving, and I don’t expect an answer. I also need time to cool off. I’m not used to my submissives hanging up on me, but I also do not have this type of dynamic with them.

I blow out a harsh breath and click to send classical music flowing through my speakers, hoping my nightly routine and work will reground me. I doubt it will, though, because my recent routine involves talking to a certain smart-mouthed brunette with eyes the color of rich cognac and lips that are wholly kissable.

Lips I just fumbled like an idiot.

27

Lindsey

DANE’S MESSAGE FROM LAST night replays in my head in the comical voice Kas uses when she’s sassing back. In the future, please do not hang up on me. Remember my boundaries? This is not how we handle our emotions or feelings. While the boundaries part sucker punches me every time—because I was a jerk for crossing those and do feel bad about it—the rest of his words remind me that being an adult blows. I don’t want to be one. Especially since I feel rejected.

“Mom, can I get these for the car ride later?”

I look down at Kas, who has a packet of something in her hands. We’re at the General Store, grabbing a few things that she can take on her mini road trip with Nathan, Fox, and Morgan to see her dad after the obstacle course.

“What is it?” I ask. She holds up the packet, and I see it’s wasabi dried edamame. “That’s spicy; I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

“I’ll like it,” she insists.

“Have you had it before?”

“Tyler eats it.”

I click my tongue against my teeth. “Does he now?” Kas stares at me, and I wiggle my eyebrows. Her response is to roll her eyes, but I don’t miss how her cheeks flush—oh yeah, the girl’s got a crush. I knew it already, but this is confirmation.

“Don’t be cringe, Mom.”

I laugh. “Is there a reason you want to buy something Tyler likes without knowing if you like it or not?”

“I just want to try it,” she huffs, throwing it in the basket without waiting for an answer from me. “He eats it all the time.”

“Is that the only reason?”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “What other reason is there?”

I lower my voice even though there isn’t anyone around. I think we’re the only ones in the store besides Hollyn, who’s working the front. Her wife might be in the back.

“I don’t know, maybe because you like him?” I ask.

Kas turns red, her eyes darting around the store. “Mom!”

“I’m just asking.”

“You’re being so cringe.”

“I’m not trying to be. I’m just asking a question.”

“It’s just a snack, okay?!” she snaps.

“Kas, don’t raise your voice at me.”