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“Wow,” Elisa said, holding up the piece of paper. “That's incredible.”
We were sitting at our little table in the tiny kitchen, eating our lunch and admiring the design I'd spent four hours on. When I'd returned home from the office, I'd soaked in the bath and thought about my assignment. I didn't want to remember the beatings of my foster father, and yet, the emotions that had arisen within me were still close to the surface. If I could design something beautiful, maybe they would go away.
And so I did.
“I've always loved the way you draw, it's so intricate. However, this... it's something else.” Sitting back in her chair, Elisa lifted her phone and aimed it at my picture.
Launching forward, I knocked her hand away, almost toppling the phone from her fingers. She yelped and fumbled, just about catching her precious gadget.
“Sorry,” I said, getting up and tucking the paper into my folder, “but I'm not sure I want it on social media.”
Tucking her long blonde hair behind her ear, Elissa raised her eyebrows at me. “Or is it because you want your boss to see it first?”
My phone beeped as I put my plate into the sink. Dashing back to the table, I read the text from said being. Of course that was the main reason for not wanting Elissa to share my piece, but also, I wanted to keep it private. It had been inspired by my experience with Joe and I wasn't ready to let the world see it.
“That's him,” I said, flashing my phone, “I need to go.”
Jumping to her feet, she crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her gaze on me. “Don't let him take advantage of you. It's a Saturday, you weren't supposed to be working.”
Waving a hand in dismissal, I grabbed up my bag and headed out of the kitchen, shouting over my shoulder as I went. “We're not working today, apparently.”
“Ah, okay then,” she said, appearing in the kitchen doorway, “I want to hear all about it!”
Grinning, I wiggled my eyebrows and left the apartment, running down the stairs and out of the front door. Joe's car was parked out front, the engine running and the steam puffing out of the exhaust. I shuddered, just slightly, as I climbed into the passenger side and leaned over to him. He blinked, his eyes widening as I planted a kiss on his cheek.
“What are we doing today?” I asked, trying not to hop up and down in my seat.
As I'd cleaned myself up the day before, I'd reflected on our experience. I'd never orgasmed so hard in my life or felt so vulnerable. My walls had crashed down while I rode on the chair, my trust completely and utterly given over to my boss. I'd slept soundly for the first time in a long time, shocked when I'd awoken to a text informing me that we were going on a date. I hadn’t really wanted a date on my day off – said no one ever.
“We're going for a walk in the woods.” His words were accompanied by a wink as the car set off.
Speechless, I gaped at him, not sure what to reply. I had to admit, walking had been the last thing I would've pictured us doing. And yet, the idea of being out in the open air, with trees for cover, was a little titillating.
“I love nature,” he said, surprising me, “ever since I was a boy. I lived out in the countryside with my mother and father and I'd always escape to walk in the woods.”
I smiled sideways and tried not to blush when he glanced over and smiled back.
“You do seem the down to earth type,” I mused, “but I have to admit, you've shown me a richer side to yourself now. I'm not sure I know who you really are yet.”“
Clearing his throat as he drove, he nodded. “I understand why, I haven't exactly been straight with you.”
“The owner of a club,” I said, glancing down at my unsuitable footwear. “Wait, I haven't got shoes for walking in mud.”
The corner of his lip lifted. “It's okay, I have some for you.”
Narrowing my gaze on him as the car made its way out of the city, I pursed my lips. “Do you now? Is that because you take a lot of women walking?”
“Jealous, are we?” he quipped, taking my hand as I went to playfully smack him. “There's no need. I know your size so I got you some boots, that's all. Now, let's go back to the club.... Do you know anything about it?”
Sneaking a glance down at our joined hands where they rested on the gearstick, I shook my head. “Just that it used to be a theatre back in the day. Tell me more about it. How did you come to own a club? Oh, you probably did a design job there and fell in love with the architecture.”
“I don't need to tell you anymore, then, do I?” He chuckled. “You basically know it already. Except, it used to be the place where high society held private meetings, away from the public eye. Aristocrats would come together to share their fantasies.”
“Fantasies?” I blurted, “I was not expecting you to say that.”
Shrugging, he took his hand away to flick on the indicator and drive us into a wooded car park. I'd been so intent on his face and the touch of his hand, I hadn't noticed that we were out of the city and in the countryside.
“You'd be surprised by what went on in these places,” he muttered, parking up and turning to look at me. “And still does.”
