Page 18 of Master Cole

She held his gaze—if she looked away, she would appear guilty. But she was guilty. She let out a sigh. She’d tell him at least part of the truth. “Okay, here’s the deal. I went into town today not to shop, but for a job interview.” She didn’t tell him where she’d gotten a job.

“And did you get the job?”

“Yes. I start tomorrow.”

“Good. Where at?”

She shook her head. Did she hear him right? “Good?” She ignored the question of where. He’d said he didn’t want to control her life, but he didn’t seem to have a problem doing that when it came to her going to a club. Would he accept her working at the women’s clinic?

His lips curved up. “Getting some practical business experience makes sense, and I’m glad you’re being proactive with your career.”

“Thanks.” She didn’t expect the compliment, but then again he didn’t know where she’d be working and she wasn't going to volunteer it. Deceit didn’t sit well with her, but for now she saw it as necessary.

“Since you’re starting a job, we’ll confine our play to weekends.”

Janie wrinkled her nose. “We don’t have to do that.” Damn, their play was already curtailed enough.

“Remember you can put your necklace on any time you want, but it’s ultimately my decision.” He put his hand up when she opened her mouth. “I’m not ruling it out.” He tapped his fingers on her journal, and Janie let out a breath. “I have to get back to work, I have a deposition to get through tomorrow.” He paused at the doorway. “I put two new books on the coffee table. As soon as you've finished the other one, please start with those.”

Janie just stared at the now-empty doorway. She finished her sandwich, and then found the books Cole had left for her. One was about bondage and the other about toys. She picked them up and wandered out to the patio. It was a nice day; she’d read out here.

* * *

Saturday morningthe bright sun woke Janie. She was so not ready to wake up. She’d been up late chatting with Alicia, and then her dreams had been erotic, all starring Cole. Sliding out of bed, Janie stretched and padded to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, she dressed and put on the necklace before going downstairs, her stomach growling. Cole was sitting at the kitchen table reading on his tablet. He was wearing only a pair of shorts, and her mouth went dry. “Morning,” she croaked out as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

After her first week at work, they’d decided to trade off cooking. Cole generally did dinner as she wasn’t getting home until close to seven at night, so she made breakfast. “I’m starving this morning. Do eggs, bacon, and toast sound good to you?” She hoped there was enough left in the fridge.

She ached to glide to his side and run her hand over his chest to see if his hair was soft or coarse. So far he hadn’t let her touch him. She was dying to feel his skin beneath hers.

“Sounds good to me,” he said, not even looking up from his tablet.

She stuck her tongue out at him.

“I saw that.”

Ignoring him, she opened the fridge and froze. “When did you go shopping?”

“Yesterday.” He lowered his tablet to the table. “We were out of almost everything.”

“We were. Thanks for doing the shopping.” She pulled out the items she needed and moved to the stove.

“What did you expect?” His tone was questioning.

She turned from the stove. “I thought men hated shopping.” She couldn't remember ever hearing about Cole grocery shopping, but then she had only lived with Cole and his dad for six months before heading off to college.

His husky laugh sent tingles over her skin. “Depends on what or who we’re shopping for.” His eyes narrowed as he looked her over from head to toe. She fought against squirming. He had that Dom stare going, the one that told her he was in control and to behave. The one that sent shivers of anticipation through her body. “Get to work, sweetheart. We’re both going to need our strength for today.”

Her jaw dropped as he picked his tablet back up.

Cole grinned after Janie turned to the stove. He’d expected her to be anxious to play today, since they’d had little time all week. But it still surprised him she’d already put on her necklace, although he was also pleased by it.

He’d thought about having Janie strip after she finished cooking and sit on his lap while he fed her, but he filed the thought away for another day. He kept his gaze on her while she cooked. Her movements were as graceful as a dancer’s; she didn’t waste any motion.

His cock stirred. What was new about that? This week had been torture on him as well. What little bit of time they had together, he concentrated on her. Getting her used to his touch and used to how he made her feel. He hadn’t counted on his own feelings. While he’d told her his emotions weren’t going to be involved, it wasn’t that simple.

His stomach rumbled as she set breakfast on the table. Janie was creative when it came to feeding him breakfast after she’d seen he usually grabbed a muffin or some toast. Omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sometimes oatmeal—stuff he didn’t have time for.

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