She rolls her eyes. “Oh, come on. I saw that sexy hunk of man who dropped you off out front. And he kissed you. How long have you been seeing him? Long enough that he dropped you off at work.” She wiggles her brows. “Details, girlfriend.”
I chuckle as I spin back around to grab my cup from under the spout. Why the hell didn’t I plan for this and come up with something to say?
When I turn back around, she’s leaning casually in the doorway, smirking.
I shrug. I’m going to have to wing it. “It hasn’t been long, and I’m not sure if it’s going anywhere, so I don’t want to jinx it.” I sip my coffee, finding my adult. Thank God. My mind wanders to the man who kissed me fifteen minutes ago as I got out of his SUV. Damn, that was hot.
She lifts both brows. “You’re not sure if it’s going anywhere, but you obviously slept over at his place or he slept at yours if he’s driving you to work. Interesting. I think I’m jealous. I want a man to fuck me all night, drive me to work, look at me like he did you, and kiss me as I start my day. Even better if it never goes anywhere.” She sighs dramatically. “Where do I get one? Does he have a brother?”
Finally, Lacy comes all the way into the room and heads for the coffee pot. “Okay. Okay. I won’t bug you for more details yet, but if you’re still climbing out of that man’s car in a week, I’m going to demand a night of drinks and information.”
“You’ve got it.” I’m relieved, but also uncertain. Will I still have him in my life this time next week? The idea of him not being with me every waking moment I’m not at work already stings. I’m getting too attached to him. He’s not mine to keep.
When I get to my desk, my phone pings, and I smile as I reach for it, assuming it will be a text from Colt. If anything, I should be nervous. Yesterday when he texted me, he caused me to slide under his thumb for nearly half an hour. I can’t have him doing that every day or I’ll get nothing done.
It’s not from Colt. It’s from Owen. Jesus. I haven’t spoken to Owen all week. Neither of us has contacted the other since we left the club last Saturday. Though we have a standing appointment for tonight, I cringe as I realize we don’t usually go all week without chatting at some point or meeting for coffee or a drink. We’re friends.
I open the text.
Hey. Sorry I’ve been so busy at work this week I haven’t had a chance to talk. Are we still on for tonight?
I release a breath. He’s been busy too. Good.
Hey, yourself. It’s been crazy here too. And yes, I’ll see you tonight.
He knows where to find me. We have an arrangement. I arrive at the club, change into my little in the locker room, and check myself into the daycare. Most of my club hours are spent in the daycare where I interact with other littles, playing and coloring. Owen will find me there and steal me away for an hour to do a scene. After I recover, he’ll take me back and I’ll continue to unwind by lounging on a beanbag chair and mindlessly watching cartoons in the corner, or reading.
Perfect. See you soon.
I close my eyes and inhale. Tonight isn’t going to be like other nights. Colt will be there. He’ll be with Davis, who has agreed to show him around as if he’s a prospective member. His presence will always be on my mind, distracting me. What is he going to think when he sees Owen dominating me?
I need to do this for multiple reasons. One of them is that I’m aware Colt thinks someone at the club might be watching me. If that’s the case, I need to stick to my routine and not cause anyone to become suspicious. I’ll try hard to pretend he’s overreacting out of an abundance of caution. The thought of someone at Surrender plotting my sale makes me want to vomit.
I’m struggling with the idea of submitting to Owen too. I’ve never once paused to worry about a scene like this. I’m not interested in Owen sexually, even though Leah doesn’t understand my dynamic.
I rub my temples. Leah. Dammit. I haven’t spoken to her all week either. Should I call her before I see her tonight? Tell her what’s going on? Probably not. There are already several people involved. The fewer people who know about my situation the better. Leah’s not going to be pleased when she finds out I kept this from her though.
When I think about her mistrust of Owen, I cringe. Does she have a sixth sense I should have listened to? Speaking of which, Colt mentioned some distrust for Owen also. I somehow managed to ignore this fact all week. Now, I’m feeling a little freaked out.
Granted, even if Owen is a serious suspect, that doesn’t explain the large man who’s been stalking me. That man is definitely not Owen. Owen is too slender to be the man in the ball cap. But maybe Colt has more than one suspect. Or maybe the stalker and Owen are working together.
I need more information.
I yank up my phone and send a text to Colt.
Do you still think Owen is a suspect?
I stare at the phone for several moments, fidgeting nervously while I wait for him to return my text. Finally, I get a response.
What makes you ask that suddenly?
I’m furious and texting back and forth with Colt is not going to suffice. I close my office door and dial his number.
He picks up on the first ring. “Eve?”
My voice wobbles as I speak. “Tell me the truth. Do you think Owen might be involved
