Macie
By the time Thursday night arrives, I’m exhausted from the week. I’ve had several major catering events this week and if my date wasn’t with Tony, I would definitely cancel. Although I’m excited about seeing him, what I really want is to crash on the couch and just sleep. Netflix and Chill is sounding pretty damn good to me, but my desire to see Tony overrides my exhaustion, and I manage to get dressed for our date with half an hour to spare.
Of course, I spend this time fidgeting and questioning my own sanity. I’m going on a date with a guy I met at a sex club. Who does that? Oh yeah, my besties. I don’t think Lily and Christina are crazy at all for engaging in relationships that started at Anchored, but somehow, when it comes to me, I’m being totally hard on myself.
A knock at the door draws me out of my thoughts.
He’s here.
Anthony Diamond is here.
I take a deep breath, and then I open my front door.
“Wow,” I say, taking him in. He’s wearing a suit that makes him look like a billionaire werewolf shifter. Yeah, I’ve been doing a lot of reading this week.
“Wow yourself,” he smiles and looks me up and down. “You look incredible.” I’m wearing a pink sundress with sandals. It’s nothing terribly fancy, but it shows off my curves and it’s a little low-cut, so I have a fair amount of cleavage showing. I feel great in this dress, and the rush of confidence from his compliment isn’t something I’m going to forget anytime soon.
“I do what I can.”
“Shall we go to dinner?”
“Actually,” I say, pressing my hands to his chest. “I was thinking we could eat here.”
“Is that right?”
“I cooked.”
“Really?”
“You seem surprised.”
“No one’s ever cooked for me before.”
“How is that possible?” I ask. “No offense, but you’re quite a catch. I would imagine all of your ex-girlfriends would be falling head over tail to try to cook for you.”
“That is not the case.”
“Well, why don’t you come inside? I made brisket.”
“That is literally my favorite food,” he says, stepping into my house. I close the door and turn to him.
“I know.”
“How?”
“Zack helped me out a little,” I admit. It’s probably a little weird, calling Tony’s BFF and asking for advice, but he’s smiling at me, and I suddenly feel like maybe it wasn’t a terrible decision.
“Clever girl.” Tony takes his jacket off and hangs it over the back of a chair. “Cozy place you have,” he says, looking around. “I like it.”
“I don’t mean to brag, but I got all of my furniture at thrift stores and garage sales,” I tell him.
Tony laughs. “Did you now?”
“I did. What can I say? I like to save money.”
“Me too,” he says.
“A thrifty lawyer? Oh, you are rare.”
“Does that surprise you?”
“A little,” I tell him, shrugging. “There’s definitely the stereotype that lawyers love to blow money.”
“I’m afraid that’s not me. My colleagues think I’m a little crazy for that.”
“Not at all,” I shake my head. “I like it. Maybe it’s because I grew up pretty poor, but I like to save money, too. I think there’s something to be said for living simply.”
“There’s one thing we have in common.”
“I think we have a lot in common. It’s been really fun texting this week,” I tell him, taking a seat on the couch. He sits next to me and our legs touch. I’m instantly transported back to Anchored. Each touch from Tony somehow felt magical.
“I’ve enjoyed it, too,” he runs his hand over my thigh. With some guys, it would feel forward or aggressive, but not with Tony. Somehow, it feels right when he touches me this way. It feels like everything is as it should be.
“It’s been a long week,” I admit. “And to be honest, I almost canceled tonight. I’m exhausted, and overwhelmed. I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, except that I feel really comfortable with you.”
“What happened?” He asks. “Is it work?”
“One of my employees quit randomly and I’m having problems with my manager,” I shrug. “She’s been flaking on me, and it puts extra pressure on me. I prefer the cooking side of my business. It’s why I hired her. She handles the scheduling and getting new clients, and I get to have fun in the kitchen. This week, though,” I shake my head. “It’s been rough.”
“I’m having a hard time with work, too,” he says.
“What? Why? What’s wrong?” I reach for his face, suddenly worried. “That doesn’t sound like you. You haven’t said anything.” We’ve been talking so much this week that honestly, I feel like I’ve known Tony for years. I had no idea he was struggling with work, though.
“Honestly? It’s not just one thing. It’s a whole lot of things that just seem to be wearing me down.”
I want to comfort him. He looks so stressed, so anxious. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. I shouldn’t, either, but suddenly, I remember all of those books I’ve been reading. What’s one thing subs are really, really good at?
Comforting our Doms when they need it.
I just have to figure out how.
I’ve already made his favorite meal and we’re going to share that soon, but in the meantime, I can do something else for Tony.
“Master Tony?”
“Sweetheart, you’ve been doing a lot of reading. You know that if you call me Master, it’s going to make me think you’re in the mood to play.”
“Let me comfort you,” I tell him quietly, searching his eyes. “Let me help you forget. This week has been shitty for both of us. Let’s just forget, just for a little while.”
“Macie, I like you a lot. A lot,” he says again. “Much more than I should for someone I’ve only known a short while. I think you’re sexy, and funny, and incredible, but there is no pressure for anything to happen between us tonight. There’s nothing wrong with taking things slow.”
“You’re right,” I tell him. “There’s also nothing wrong with letting me take away your pain.”
“I’m not in pain.”
“You’re anxious,” I tell him, pressing my hands to his chest. “And you’re stressed. Please, Master. I know what I’m saying. Let me give this to you.”
“Are you saying you want to submit to me?” Something flashes in his eyes, something sexy. This idea excites him, and that makes me feel like I’m the sexiest fucking woman in the world.
I slide off the couch and kneel next to it, looking at him.
“Take me,” I whisper. “I am yours.”