Page 35 of Wicked Queen

My fingers drifted up to it, a funny sensation washing through me at mention of the term, but I nodded. “Every dress I own makes it look like I’m a bar wench. I like it.”

“Don’t worry,” she whispered conspiratorially. “I have a few that will put the ladies on display for Alexander.”

Belle joined us a moment later wearing a pair of white, wide-legged pants that rose high to sit over her tiny baby bump and a black shirt.

“I look pregnant,” she announced, “and I love it!”

The outfit did an amazing job of accentuating her pregnancy while still being sophisticated. It was the perfect fit for a powerful female entrepreneur.

“I want a pair of those, too,” I said, eyeing them. “Unless I’m too…” I ran a hand over my much larger bump.

“No, it’s genius.” Belle trotted over and showed me how the high waist, which looked tailored into a perfect waist, actually expanded where the fabric gathered. “And she has these nifty buttons that keep the shirt in place. Tamara, you are a genius!”

“I definitely deserve a finder’s fee,” Edward grumbled good-naturedly.

“I’ll make you some silk pajamas,” Tamara promised, pushing another choice into my arms.

By the time I said goodbye, Belle and Tamara were discussing how many pieces she could have produced for the website and arguing over colors, since Tamara had insisted our pieces be unique. I kissed everyone and headed to the door, feeling lighter than I had in ages.

“Is all that coming with us?” Georgia asked as an assistant carried a stack of bags and boxes behind us. “I should have brought a second car.”

“You could have stayed,” I told her. Norris had always sat out on shopping dates, but Georgia might have been interested. I’d rarely seen her wearing anything other than black, but on the occasions when she’d been dressed up, I knew she had style. She’d probably get along with Tamara, too.

“Not really my thing,” Georgia said, waiting for me to get into the car. I hesitated before choosing the front passenger seat. Surprise flashed over her dark features for a second, but she didn’t say anything. I usually rode in the back, but I had something I wanted to speak with her about. I’d been thinking about it since Tamara had mentioned the word collar.

“I wanted to ask you something,” I said with a little hesitation when she started the engine.

“Sure.” As usual, Georgia maintained a disinterested air. But she’d butted into my business enough times for me to know she wasn’t as detached as she let on.

Over the years, I hadn’t been very welcoming to her input, not since she’d revealed to me the nature of her prior relationship to Alexander. I’d been jealous, but not because she was an ex-girlfriend. She and Alexander had never been romantically involved. I envied what they’d shared—a place he’d been unwilling to take me. We’d dabbled. We’d played around before. Nothing had ever gone as far as yesterday. I had the sore spot to prove it. Now I had questions and I wasn’t sure who to ask.

“The anticipation is killing me,” she said dryly, maneuvering a turn.

“Can we go somewhere and talk?” I blurted out. There wasn’t enough time between now and our arrival to discuss this and I didn’t want anyone overhearing. Georgia had always been discreet. I knew she would keep my confidence.

“Is that what you wanted to ask me? On a date? You’re not my type.”

“Never mind.” It was a stupid idea.

“You could just order me to take you somewhere,” she said. “If you don’t want to go home, just tell me where to go.”

“That’s not it.” I shook my head, trying to find the courage to ask her about submission. “I want to talk to you.”

“Really? I thought that was an excuse?”

“If you don’t want to…”

“Your wish is my command,” she muttered. Her eyes searched the street until they landed on an open parking spot. “I guess this will do.”

She parked the car and swiveled in her seat. “Hit me.”

“Do you want to get coffee or something?” I asked, looking around for a café.

“Let’s cut to the chase. We’re busy women, and I’m guessing whatever you want to ask me is something you want to stay private.”

She made a good point. I took a deep breath and called on my courage. It was easier to find than I thought it would be. Maybe because I’d already faced what really scared me. “You said something once about talking girl to girl.”

I wanted her to fill in the blanks and remember that conversation. I wasn’t quite ready to come out yet.