Page 8 of Possess

“I haven’t dated because I haven’t found anyone interesting yet.”

She tilted her head and stared at Dani.

“All right.” Dani ducked her head. “I haven’t wanted to, but that doesn’t excuse you. I’ve been back for close to a year. You, on the other hand…”

Allyson waved her hand. “I don’t want a relationship. Dating means relationship. Now, let’s move on to other subjects. Did you join Wicked Sanctuary?” She was aware her friend was interested in the lifestyle, as was she. But Allyson hadn’t worked up the courage to take the first step.

“I did. Right after I came home.”

“And I’m finding this out now?”

Dani giggled. “I wanted to test the waters so to speak.”

“So how is it?” Allyson was curious. She’d been tempted to approach Max Preston and find out about joining, but fear of someone from her job finding out held her back. She could hear Rudy’s snide comments now. A shiver crawled over her skin.

“It’s great.” Dani lowered her voice. “It’s allowed me to let go of daily life and just be me.”

“Sounds interesting.” It did. Allyson couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t in control. No, that wasn’t right. When her parents abandoned her, she wasn’t in control of her destiny, but after she turned eighteen, she never let anyone have control over her again. Which was why her last boyfriend was kicked to the curb when he tried to control her outside the bedroom.

Giving up complete control to a Dom outside the bedroom…she shivered. She wasn’t sure she could trust anyone to that point.

“I think you’d like the club. I can check with Max and see if I can bring a guest.”

“I’m not ready yet.” She wasn’t. She still had some issues she had to work out in her head. “So what movie do you want to go see tomorrow?”

“Changing the subject.” Dani grinned.

“Movie?” Allyson glanced over Dani’s shoulder and saw Zeke’s gaze on her. She lowered her gaze but not before the heat in his gaze scorched her body. Damn, why did her body seem to have a mind of its own when it came to him.

She concentrated on what Dani was saying and finished her lunch. It was bad enough she was meeting with Zeke afterward, but at least there would be others around to defuse the attraction. Oh yeah, she was attracted to Zeke and more. The question was: What was she going to do about it? One thing was certain: Resisting him was getting harder and harder.

* * * *

“So what do you think?” Zeke asked Allyson after they walked through what had been the old ice cream shop next to Lara’s café.

“Looks good.” She ran her fingers over the cream counters and checked the wood underneath.

“The office is over here.” Zeke gestured to the framed doorway.

Allyson stepped inside and walked around. The electrical had already been inspected, so there wasn’t much for her to do. She checked the framing of the room. It was sound. All of Zeke’s work was. The man never cut corners.

“This is a nice expansion,” Allyson remarked once they were back in the main area.

“It is,” Lara said, walking up to them. “I’m super excited.”

“Of course you are,” a male voice commented. They all turned toward the door.

“Colby.” Lara strode over to him and was drawn into his arms. Allyson looked away as they kissed.

“Embarrassed?” Zeke asked.

“They deserve some privacy.” Allyson stared at the wall.

“What would you do if I kissed you like that?”

“What?” Allyson spun to face Zeke to find he’d moved closer to her, and she was practically in his arms.

“You and me kissing.” His gaze captured hers. “Haven’t you thought about us locking lips?”

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