Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
He pours the wine and hands me a glass. "It's been a project, that’s for sure. But I wanted it to be a sanctuary, you know? Somewhere to escape from the craziness of work."
"I can see that," I say, taking a sip. The wine is rich and smooth, and I savor its taste for a moment. "Tell me about your life after escaping from New York." I intended to tease him, but the hurt is evident in my tone.
He leans against the counter, glass in hand, and sighs. "Where to begin? After college, I started my consulting firm and it was a rough start—long hours and lots of trial and error. But eventually, I found my footing. Getting this place was a way to reward myself for those grueling first years."
When Lorenzo told me about Ryan working a second job, I wondered why he would need to do that. Now my curiosity is getting the best of me. "And the bouncer job?" I ask, curious to hear more about that surprising twist. “Lorenzo told me you have a second job.” According to my brother, Ryan is raking in the dough hand-over-fist, so there’s no reason for him to work a second job.
Ryan laughs, the sound genuine and warm. "That was kind of a crazy decision. I wanted something different to balance out my work life. Something physical, you know. Keeps things interesting."
I giggle at the thought. "I can picture it now—Ryan: businessman by day and burly bouncer by night."
"Hey, it’s a fun side gig. Keeps me on my toes." He shrugs nonchalantly. "And I’m actually a security specialist, not a bouncer. I’ll take you to the Sterling Rope sometime to check it out.”
“The Sterling Rope?” It’s a crazy name for a bar. I investigated this town when Ryan moved here, and I never came across The Sterling Rope.
Something undefinable enters his gaze as he stares at me silently. He rubs his bottom lip for a few moments before admitting, “It’s a BDSM club, kitten.” Oh my. I feel my eyes widen as my mouth falls open before I’m able to control my reaction to his news. “A very private club. I’ll show it to you sometime.” My lady parts wake up at the heat shining from his dark brown eyes, and I almost forget he used the silly nickname he gave me years ago.
“I don’t think ‘kitten’ really fits me anymore.” I glance down at my full figure.
“You’ll always be my kitten.” He grabs the bottle of wine and refills my suddenly empty glass. I take a huge sip to cool the heat coursing through my body.
“What made you want to work in a BDSM club?” And do you use the club yourself? That thought causes my heart to squeeze.
“A friend of mine works part-time as a security specialist. He caught me at a weak moment, and I agreed to give it a try.” Ryan refills his glass. “It gives me something to do.”
“Do you use the club?” I can’t keep the question to myself anymore.
He shakes his head and stares into my eyes. “I haven’t,” hunger flashes through his dark eyes as he adds, “yet.”
“Oh.” I barely resist the urge to fan myself as I drink my wine.
Ryan takes mercy on me and dials the heat down a notch or two. “Enough about me. How have you been?"
I play with the wineglass stem, gathering my thoughts. "Well, I worked two jobs to get through school, but I loved every minute. I graduated top of my class and got a job teaching third grade at Silver Spoon Falls Elementary. Plus, I saved enough money to buy a nice little starter home.”
He frowns at me. “I can’t believe Lorenzo and your uncle let you work two jobs to get by.”
“I didn’t give them a choice.” I had no idea Lorenzo never discussed the situation with Ryan. “I wanted to do it on my own.”
“I bet that went over like a fart in church.” He chuckles as I roll my eyes at his silly analogy.
“Pretty much.” I smile back and shrug. “It was harder to convince Uncle Leon. Lorenzo stopped trying to tell me what to do years ago.”
“He might act like he’s letting you do what you want, but I’m betting he’s still trying to run the show,” Ryan tells me unnecessarily.
“By the time I was six, I knew how to make Lorenzo do what I wanted,” I admit, giving away one of my biggest secrets.
“You are something else, kitten.”
We fall into an easy rhythm, sharing stories of our respective struggles and triumphs over the last few years. The ambiance of his home, combined with the wine and the crackling fireplace, makes this evening feel almost surreal. It's as if the years apart evaporate, leaving us with the connection we always had. Now, I just have to hope he’s feeling the same way I do.