Page 16 of She Came Upon A Midnight Clear
As she turns back to making breakfast, I can’t stop thinking how lucky I am. How fate has intervened in some strange and wonderful way. We chat as she cooks, getting caught up, and I learn a bit more about how she decided to turn her grandparents’ winery into a dog rescue.
The French toast is some of the best I’ve ever had, made with thick slices of brioche, and of course she has some quality maple syrup from Canada. Dru has always been a bit of a foodie. I have to argue my way into helping her clean up, but she finally relents and lets me.
“When we’re done,” she says, “I need to go check on the dogs. I have staff, but I like to do it myself. Wanna come? Or do you want a shower first?”
“Oh, I can see dogs first,” I tell her enthusiastically.
We get dressed and walk down to the kennels. There are a couple of staff members I recognize from last night, and they greet me with smiles and a raised eyebrow or two, but I can tell they’re more amused than anything. Gretchen is off today, and hopefully she and Sue are getting things worked out. I know I’ll have to check in with her later, but since she hasn’t even texted me, I have a feeling Sue is keeping her occupied.
I get to cuddle the adorable pair of pitbull puppies Gretchen introduced me to the night before, and their big gray eyes make me melt as they wiggle and grin in the way only a pittie can.
Eventually we head back to Dru’s loft, and she makes more coffee and sits with me at the counter to drink it.
“So,” she says, “We have some things to talk over.”
“Do we?” I ask, wondering if I should be nervous. Does she regret asking me to stay?
“Mm-hmm. The whole spanking thing.”
“Oh!”
My insides go warm, and I’m suddenly soaking wet between my thighs. I squeeze them together, trying to ease the ache that’s started there at the mere mention of spanking.
“Is it something you’ve done before?” she asks.
“Yes, a bit. But it’s definitely something I want to explore more.”
“What about other kinds of sensation play? Bondage?”
Oh, this is either about to get very, very good, or very bad. I take in a breath before answering.
“I’ve been tied up with scarves and belts a few times, and I liked it. But…the partners who were doing it sort of didn’t know what to do with me once they had me bound. Do you know how to, um, can you really tie me up?”
“I’m not great with rope, to be honest, but I have some leather cuffs I think you might like. Tell me about spanking and sensation play.”
“One of my exes spanked me a lot, and I really liked it. She spanked me with a wooden spoon a few times. I loved the sensation, and I always wished I could try more. That was the only thing I missed when we broke up, which I know sounds cold, but she turned out to be kind of a jerk.”
“Hmm, okay. Good to know.”
“I can’t tell what that look on your face means.”
They grin, their dimples flashing. “It means I’m thinking of some very dirty things I want to do to you. Let me know when you digest.”
“Um, give me maybe ten minutes?”
“Ten works for me. But first, I need to lay it out in clear terms and ask, are you okay with us trying some spanking? And my cuffs, and maybe a few other things? I mean other spanking implements.”
“Yes, definitely,” I answer, my body heating until I can almost feel myself purring. “Yes to all of it. I trust you. Even more because you were so sure to have this conversation with me first.”
“Consent is everything. But if you ever change your mind—and you are absolutely allowed to—just let me know. I promise I’ll stop whatever I’m doing right away. We should come up with some safe words, though.”
“Oh, my ex and I never did that, but I know about the stoplight system. Green for go, yellow for slow down, and red for stop, right?”
“Yes. Except ‘yellow’ can also mean to check in with you so I know what the issue is. You could just need a drink, or a small break, or maybe you need my bare hands instead of a paddle.”
My cheeks go burning hot. “A paddle?”
“How do you feel about me using a paddle? I have a wooden paddle, and a leather one, and a rice paddle that can work really well. You’re welcome to try them before you decide.” They pause, studying my face. “Is the paddle too much?”
