Like a chastised child, she followed directions, downing half the tall glass of water. She hadn't realized how thirsty she'd been.
Sean didn't take his eyes off her. She felt as if she was under a microscope. After she drank it down, he took the glass back, turning to set both beverages down on the nearby island. She wasn't prepared for him to turn and pounce on her, snatching her into his arms and holding her tight against his chest before crushing his lips down on her own. There was urgency to his kiss, which was enhanced by his roaming hands. One hand grasped her ass while the other laced through her long hair. He pulled her hard against him with an urgent squeeze to her neck. The swell of his cock pressed against her tummy between them and had her legs turning to Jell-O.
Sean saved her from wobbling over by scooping her into his arms. He strode to her couch and sat down with her snuggled into his lap. Traci buried her face in the crook of his neck, letting the smell of him calm her. She'd just about started to believe she would never feel his arms around her ever again, so his sudden appearance this morning had rocked her.
Traci's empty stomach churned, erupting into gurgles. She briefly worried she was about to throw up the water she'd just taken in, but the feeling passed. When Sean leaned back, he pulled her with him and held her close.
"Damn, I missed you, Traci. As worried as I was about you, I am glad you called. It gave me the push I needed to get my ass on a plane to come and sort things out."
Could she dare hope they might be able to piece together a relationship they would both be happy with? "It's okay, Sean. We live over a thousand miles apart. I'm not really sure what there is to sort out."
He lifted her chin to peer into her eyes. "Just like that, uh? Gonna give up without even trying?"
Traci's emotions were raw. She didn't guard herself. "I don't want to get hurt again, Sean. The only kinds of relationships I've had are the kind that don't end well. I like you... a lot. It hurt enough having things fall apart after only knowing each other for a week. I can't risk it being worse."
"Ah, Trace. What are you saying? You're prepared to be alone for the rest of your life because you don't want to risk getting hurt? I've been alone for a few years now and it sucks. You gave me a glimpse of what I was missing and I'll be honest, I want more. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Sean. I'm just not sure that's enough. I mean how is this supposed to work?"
"Well, for starters, I know the last night we were together I screwed up. I tried to move things too fast and I hadn't done my homework. I'm sorry about that and I promise you—I've spent many hours reading and researching on DD websites to make sure I know what I'm signing up for this time."
Traci's heart was pounding harder than her hung-over head at his words. "And? What have you found out?"
"First, I figured out how silly I must have looked to you that last night in Chicago." When Traci tried to reassure him, he cut her off. "It's okay. I know better now about the lifestyle in general, but more importantly, how I feel about what I've read. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to get caught up in this, yet I find myself dreaming of exploring a relationship of dominance and submission with you."
When Traci was too stunned to reply, Sean continued. "You don't even know how special you are, Traci. That's what gets to me the most. You are this beautiful, strong, intelligent woman who not only helps dozens of patients through therapy, but you're published, sharing valuable research data with hundreds of your colleagues. I'm so proud of that part of you, Traci. But more importantly, I'm honored that you've trusted me to see the other, more private part of yourself. The vulnerable young woman who needs... no wants... to allow a dominant man to guide her. I know you've been doing just fine on your own, but I'd really like a chance to see what we can do together... as a team."
How many times had she dreamed of a man saying those words to her? Of a man who was willing to explore the delicate balance of dominance and submission? But they still had so many obstacles to hurdle first. Like one thousand miles.
"I don't know what to say, Sean."
"Say I can stay the weekend. I have the next three days off and I'd like to spend them here with you trying to figure out what we're going to do next."
"I'd love nothing more, Sean, but then what? You fly back to Chicago on Monday night and things get awkward again?"
"Let's take it one day at a time, shall we? After you hear the rest of what I want to talk about, you may kick me to the curb before Monday, anyway."
"I doubt that. What else could you want to talk about that could be that bad?"
"Let me ask you a question. Do you remember back in Chicago when we were talking about DD for the first time? I mentioned the first and most important rule that I'd instill if I were ever your HoH?"
Traci remembered it well. She just never dreamed he would.
"You do remember, don't you?" He pressured her to answer.
"Yes, but—"
"I told you I would never allow you to put yourself down ever again. You are so fast to doubt your own self-worth, Traci. Don't you see how beautiful and intelligent you are? How you help so many others find happiness in their relationships, yet you don't think you're worth fighting for? Well, guess what. I've shown up ready to fight for you... for us. And step one is to tell you that I'd like a shot at becoming your HoH, Traci."
Sean held his breath and waited for Traci to respond. He'd practiced what he wanted to say in his head on the plane. He hadn't planned on blurting it out like he just had, but regardless, he was relieved to have the words in the open. He just wished she would say something.
"Trace..."
"I'm sorry, Sean. Can you repeat that please? I don't think I heard you right?"
"You heard me just fine. I want to be your HoH. I'd like to know what you think about the idea."
"There are so many problems with that statement, I don't know where to start."
