Page 24 of A Good Girl's Guide to Dominance
Jaz’s stone face softens into a subtle smile. “Nia, I honestly am beginning to think that maybe you're just trying too hard. You want it so badly that you think every time you meet someone that they could be the one. That’s very unlikely, especially in today’s social-media-driven world. Everybody is so fucking fake, and all these apps have done is empower people to be pricks and hide who they truly are behind a screen. I hate to sound like one of those thirty-plus people who think so little of today’s generation, but you're probably better off doing it old school.”
I think to reach for the tequila again but decide not to. Instead, I sit back and listen to my best friend. “What do you mean?”
“You need to remove the bullshit filter of apps and meet someone in person,” she answers. “You'll have a much easier time getting to see someone for who they really are if you're face to face. Now, it’s not a one hundred percent guarantee, because people will always be full of shit. However, there's nothing better than meeting someone in person, instead of your first communication being typed messages.”
“So, what are you suggesting? That I go to clubs and bars, hoping men will approach me? I use apps because I'm in the lifestyle, and I know I'm not going to find that randomly in a club.”
“You could go to a BDSM club,” Michael interjects. “I heard there's a place in Center City called The Black Collar. It’s a BDSM exclusive spot that, apparently, is popping. I’ve heardsome crazy stories. You'll definitely find someone who's into what you're into there.”
Jaz cuts her eyes over to her husband. “Now how the hell do you know about that place?”
“Oh, stop,” Michael says playfully.
“Anyway,” Jaz goes on after rolling her eyes. “Michael and I will talk about that later, but he might be right. Maybe go to a club whose patrons are into the lifestyle, too. I promise it'll be better than using those apps.”
“Or, maybe she has already met him,” Jeremiah jumps in, pulling everyone’s eyes over to him.
“What?” Michael asks.
“Who?” Jaz adds.
“Don't,” I demand.
Jeremiah smiles. “Rome Giovanni.”
“The boss?” Michael asks.
“Oh, the boss,” Jaz says.
“No,” I say with a scoff.
“Yes,” Jeremiah continues. “I saw the way the two of you interacted the other day, and it was fucking hot. You're clearly feeling him, and like I told you then, it was pretty obvious to me that he's into you, too. He called you his good girl.”
“Oh, shit,” Michael exclaims.
Jaz gasps as her head snaps over to me, her eyes wide with delight.
“He did notcall mehisgood girl,” I correct Jeremiah with a raised finger. “He just said good girl after I said what he wanted me to. Big difference.”
“I don't think there’s that much of a difference,” Michael says.
“Trust me, there is,” I reply.
“To be honest, Nia,” Jaz says. “Everything you've told me about your boss has made it sound like he is exactly your type.”
“First of all, I don't know what you're talking about,” I reply. “Secondly, even if Rome was exactly what I'm looking for, he's not into me, and I highly doubt that he's into the lifestyle, which is an absolute necessity for me. I'm a submissive woman. I want a dominant man.”
“And what about Rome tells you that he's not a dominant man?” Jeremiah asks. He glares at me like he already knows I won't be able to come up with an answer.
I try to think of something—anything about Rome that would suggest that he's not the kind of man who could be a Dom. I picture the way he carries himself when he walks into a room, and the thought alone makes me want to sit up straight. I remember the way everyone responds to his presence, everybody focusing more and giving him their undivided attention. I think of the way he maintains eye contact, never feeling the need to avert his gaze out of fear or nervousness. When he speaks, everyone listens, and it feels like more than just his position as CMO and owner of Sandcastle. The way he commanded me to repeat that he was in charge, and called me a good girl when I did what he asked … that will never be erased from my memory. Try as I might, I can't think of a single thing that Rome does that doesn't carry the aura and essence of a Dominant.
When it’s clear that I can’t come up with something, Jeremiah just smiles at me, nodding his head proudly.
“Maybe you should go for it,” Michael suggests. “I know he's your boss, and the people at your job would probably feel some type of way about that, but fuck them. It happens all the time.”
Even Jaz agrees. “I wouldn't usually suggest trying to sleep with your boss, but I know you. This isn't about hooking up with him to get a promotion. We all know you're looking for the real deal, and from what I understand, he sounds like he just might be. Don't let fear block your blessing, girl.”
I take a second to soak it all in, shaking my head in disbelief about what I'm considering.
