“You said you moved to Pleasant Valley from Seattle a few years ago. Where did you grow up?”
“Oregon.”
“You’re a Pacific Northwest native?”
She laughed. “Not really. I lived in Oregon for a few years. Before that, I worked back East. I got my degree from Maryland University. What about you?”
“I’ve lived in Washington all my life. In different cities, of course.”
“That must have been nice.”
“I was lucky. Family?”
“My parents live in Florida now and enjoy their life there.”
“No siblings?”
“No.” Her gaze slid away from his and to her plate. Rafe wondered about that, but he wouldn’t ask more right now. He didn’t want to make her sad.
“I’m sorry. I have two younger sisters.”
Brianna coughed and took a drink of her water. “Your sisters must love your protectiveness.”
Rafe heard the sarcasm in her voice and grinned. “Not really, but they tolerate it when I see them.”
They finished eating, and Rafe paid the bill over Brianna’s objection.
“I like paying my own way,” she said.
“I’m a little old-fashioned and prefer to pay for my date’s meal.”
She sighed as he helped her into his SUV. Once they were on the road to the club, she turned to him. “What is going to happen tonight?”
“What would you like to happen?” He wanted her to tell him what she was expecting. He'd played with subs but had never had a full-time relationship with one, and that’s what he wanted with Brianna.
“I really enjoyed what you did last week.”
“I’m glad. How much further do you want to take it?” He didn’t want to push her, not yet.
“I’m not sure.” She shifted. “Give me some ideas of what you’d like to try.”
“You know this is for your pleasure, not mine.”
“But I want you to have pleasure, as well.”
“Thank you.” Brianna was so giving; that’s probably what made her a good teacher. “How would you feel tonight going topless in a scene?”
“I think I can do that.”
“Good. I’ll use a feather again and play with your breasts and nipples. After that, we’ll see how you feel.”
“That works.”
Rafe turned into the driveway of the club, punched in the gate code, and parked. He helped Brianna out, then grabbed their bags. Once they signed in, he watched her go into the women’s bathroom, and he went into the men’s. Thankfully, he could change quicker than she could.
* * * *
Brianna went to an open locker and put her purse inside, then set her bag on the bench. A sob echoed through the room. “Hello,” she called out.
