Page 19 of Ashley
"It's not?" Ashley was surprised at her friend's ready agreement. She had expected more push back from Natasha, seeing as her friend didn't trust people easily and had identified James as one such person.
Natasha shook her head, eyes still on the dancers and production crew enjoying their lunches. "No, not if it makes you feel safe, Ash. You have to put yourself and your comfort first. Never forget that. You are giving the Dom power, but that doesn't mean that what you want doesn't apply. What you want is the basis of everything. James would tell you the same."
"So he won't, ah, push back if I tell him what I want?"
Natasha snorted, green eyes sliding to her friend. "That man is going to give you exactly what you want and how you want it. Just ask for it. You've got him wrapped around your little finger."
Ashley flushed at that. It had never crossed her mind that she would wield that kind of power over the Dom.
"You didn't even realize that, did you?" Natasha laughed.
She shook her head and mumbled a quick "no."
"You're going to find that you have more power than you think and that James is going to care about what you want. Talk to him. Tell him what you're thinking, but I don't see why asking for a learning dynamic, where you explore, would be anything to be nervous about asking for. If, after you learn more and you feel comfortable, the two of you can talk about a permanent relationship on more equal footing."
"That sounds more like what I want."
"Good, then he can earn the title of Daddy. You deserve the best.
Ashley's chest bloomed with a warmth of love for her friend, and she blinked back unexpected tears. "That means a lot. Thanks for talking to me, Tash. It helps trying to get my head on straight."
"Of course, that's what friends are for, besides, you'd do the same for me, and I couldn't have you over here talking to yourself like a bag lady while the rest of the production looked on."
Ashley rolled her eyes and took a bite of her sandwich. "Gee, thanks."
Natasha bumped her shoulder and grinned. "Any time, Ash."
