Page 126 of Resisting the Temptation
I love my job. I love watching the progress and knowing it’s my knowledge helping the project get built. I love that the foremen come to me to ask questions about materials or plans. I’m starting to learn Spanish so I can better communicate with members of our crew, but it’s slow going.
My parents have been calling every month to try to guilt me into breaking up with Ben for the “issues” he’s caused. They’ve claimed he’s brainwashed me into cutting off my family and convinced me they’re a problem when reallyhe’sthe problem. They still think he’s just using me or I’m using him to get my job.
They don’t understand he’s far from a problem. He’s finally helped me realize I don’t deserve to be treated the way they’ve treated me. He’s shown me how Ishouldbe loved. I still break down in tears after every call, but Ben’s always there to reassure me he’s not going anywhere. That he loves me and I don’t have to go through this alone.
Tonight, Ben and I are going to another gala, this time for a big retail developer Rossi built a strip mall for in the past.
Ben grumbled when I told him about it, but agreed to go after I told him he could pick out my dress.
It’s a win for both of us because I don’t have to make decisions, and he takes pride in knowing he got a say in dressing me up.
He’s picked out a lovely mauve floral print dress with long balloon sleeves and a top that resembles a corset. The skirt drapes from my hips in flowy chiffon with a slit up the side, which shows a peek of my garter tattoos when I walk—something I’ve learned he loves to see.
I walk out of the bedroom in search of my favorite gold heels when I find Ben in his black-on-black suit sitting on the couch with three boxes of varying sizes next to him and my heels in his hand.
God, he looks delicious. But my focus is on the boxes. Did he get me presents?
“You look incredible,Dulzura.Come sit, and I’ll put your shoes on for you.”
I follow his order, sitting on the couch and watching as he kneels before me and delicately slips the heels on, buckling the clasp around my ankle.
“I have some gifts for you,” he says, picking up the smallest box.
I open it to find a gold key on a pink heart keychain.
“Move in with me.”
“I-I can’t leave Jordan without a roommate,” I protest half-heartedly.
“Jordan already has a roommate lined up. You’re already half moved in, honey. I want you here all the time. You can change anything you want to make this place feel like home to you, but I don’t want to spend anymore nights apart. I need to see you every minute of every day.”
Tears well in my eyes, but I blink them away. “Okay. I’ll move in with you.”
Ben’s smile is radiant. He’s been smiling a lot more lately, and he’s even started asking our crew members more personal questions. I can see how hard it is for him to open up, but I love that he’s trying for me.
He hands me the largest box, and I nearly drop it when I open it.
“Is this—”
“A collar? Yes.” Ben pulls out the hot pink leather necklace with two gold chains attached. I’ve seen one similar to this online. The chain is on a pulley system so it can be pulled tight across the throat.
“B-but isn’t it too soon?” I whisper in disbelief.
Ben shakes his head. “I’ve been waiting years for you, Emma. There’s no one else I’d want to wear my collar. This one is only for at home or if we’re going to the club. This one…” He grabs the third box and opens it to reveal a delicate gold chain with a “B” engraved on the tiny heart pendant. “This one is for every day.”
“It’s—they’re beautiful, Ben. But are you really sure?”
“I’ve only ever been more sure of one other thing, honey. Can I put this collar on you? Please?”
I want to ask what he means, but I’m at a loss for words. I nod, and a single tear falls over my lash line.
“I need your words, Emma.”
“Yes, I’d be honored to wear your collar, Ben. Thank you.”
Ben clasps the gold chain around my neck, nestling the pendant right between my collar bones.
“Stunning,” he whispers, wiping away another tear and placing a gentle kiss on my lips. “Now, about the only thing I’ve been more sure of.” He kneels back down—this time on only one knee—and my heart stutters in my chest.
