Page 34 of Master My Love

She gave Sarah a homework assignment, which included practicing the redirection techniques they’d discussed when she had the urge to pop into the boutiques in the strip mall next to where she worked. Or when she felt compelled to press the 1-click button to buy something else she didn’t need that would only leave her feeling guilty when it arrived at her door and more depressed when her credit card statement came in the mail the following month. Her compulsive shopping had resulted in her second bankruptcy and separation from her husband of ten years.

“Remember to journal your feelings before, during, and after any cravings you have to shop, and we’ll discuss them next session.”

Val recognized the irony of the situation. Here she was, struggling to maintain her own composure while advising someone else on how to better handle their issues.

Val tried not to rush Sarah out the door but wasn’t entirely sure she was successful. She made a mental note not to charge for this session. It wouldn’t be fair, considering her lack of attention. The moment she heard the latchsnickbehind her, Val snatched up her phone.

Eric:I’m wrapping things up in San Francisco today. Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?

Val:Yes, I’m looking forward to it.

She hit send and then winced, thinking that sounded too eager. After a 20-year marriage, she was rusty at the dating game.

Eric:I’ll bring the wine. White or red?

Val:We’re having seafood, so we should probably have white. What does it say about me if I prefer sweet red? Do you think I’m a complete barbarian? It’s the only kind of wine I really like.

Eric:It says you’re not afraid to go for what you want. That's a trait I admire in a woman, especially a submissive.

She’d done that by accepting an invitation and stepping into his world. Then she did so again, the other day, when she begged for what she wanted. Yikes.

Eric:Still there?

Val:Yeah.

Eric:Is everything okay, sprite? Have I freaked you out?

Val:Not entirely.

Eric:Good. That gives me something to work with. We’re having dinner at your place because it’s your turf. I want you to feel comfortable with me and for us to build trust. You can trust me, baby, that I promise.

Baby... Although she read it on a screen, her mind conjured his image, and she could see it form on his lips and hear the low rumble of his voice. Before he thought she had checked out again, she dashed off a response.

Val:I like that.

Eric:Feeling comfortable?

Val:Yeah, but also because you called me baby. It’s sweet. I like it nearly as much as sprite.

Eric:I can be sweet. But in the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t become the master dom at a kink club by being sweet.

She knew that, and it was very much part of his appeal.

Eric:Now are you scared?

Val:No. I have goose bumps thinking of you not being sweet and my panties are wet.

Her thumb hovered over the screen. It was the truth, but that degree of revelation wasn’t like her. But this was Eric, who’d had his face between her thighs and his tongue on...well, yeah. She forced herself to press send before she chickened out.

A moment passed then three dots appeared. Time dragged on, waiting for his message to appear.

Eric:And I’m hard thinking about your goose bumps and wet pussy. Guess what naughty submissives get for teasing their doms?

Val:What?

Eric:Anything he wants. Still on for dinner tomorrow?

Like him, she repeated what she’d said when they started.

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