by Maggie Ryan
''We've discussed quite a lot tonight,'' he said, softly. ''We have a great deal more to talk about, but it will have to wait. You need to get some rest.''
Elizabeth wanted him to stay, wanted him to hold her. She began to shake her head but Logan shook his more firmly. ''Remember, young lady, I am a man that knows how to keep disobedient little Subs in line,'' Logan said, and she felt a delicious shiver run through her. Grinning, he bent to kiss her again before standing up and turning to place her back on the couch, the small pillow once more under her ankle. Elizabeth's eyes followed Logan as he took the glass of water and the now semi-thawed bag of peas into her kitchen. He seemed instantly at home as he put the glass in the dishwasher and returned the peas to the freezer. He turned to her and smiled. ''Try to keep your foot elevated as much as you can,'' he said, picking up her tea mug, pressing it into her hands. ''Finish your tea and make sure you deadbolt the door when you get up to go to bed.'' She nodded as he bent to brush one last kiss across her lips. Logan walked to the door and opened it. He turned back. ''I will call you tomorrow,'' he said, loving the soft smile his words evoked. ''Until then, I'll see you in my dreams tonight.''
Her face flushed and her eyes seemed to soften as they met his across the room. ''Yes, Sir,'' she whispered. Logan gave her another smile, made sure the lock was depressed on the doorknob and then left, pulling her door firmly shut behind him.
Elizabeth didn't move for several minutes. When she did, it was once more to set aside her tea, pull her knees up to her chin and wrap her arms around them. She laid her chin on top of her knees and realized she felt incredibly relaxed—any trepidation about Logan or working on the project was gone, her spirit calm. She smiled as she slowly stood and made her way to her bed. As she undressed and pulled on her pajamas, she knew that if she dreamed tonight and if that dream involved a limo, Logan would definitely not be in overalls. She climbed into bed and put a pillow under her ankle. Her last conscious thought was to remember Logan had said he'd see her in his own dreams. Her body was instantly aroused, as she prayed she would indeed meet him in hers.
Chapter 11
Elizabeth was standing in front of her open refrigerator, trying to decide if she was hungry, when the phone rang. She slammed the door shut and raced to grab her phone off the trunk. Pressing the button, she immediately began talking: ''Oh God, Nance, you'll never believe what happened last night,'' she gushed, dropping onto the sofa in preparation for a long talk with her best friend.
''Please tell me it was pleasant,'' a male voice said, and she instantly jumped to her feet.
''Logan?'' she said, her face heating, as she could just imagine what he was thinking. She heard him chuckle.
''Yes, good morning, Elizabeth,'' Logan said, his smile showing in his tone of voice. She shook her head and sat down again.
''Good morning,'' she said, and then giggled, ''Yes, pleasant is one word I could use to describe it.''
He chuckled again and then let her off the hook. ''How does your ankle feel today?'' he asked, and she realized she had totally forgotten she had even twisted it.
''It seems you have amazing hands,'' she said, and then flushed. ''I mean, the ice and massage cured it. I had forgotten all about it.''
''That's good to hear. I called to say that the Bayou City Art Festival starts today and was wondering if you had any interest in going.''
Elizabeth knew he was speaking of the yearly event held along Memorial Drive, featuring the wares of both local and professional artists. It was an event she rarely missed. ''I'd love to go, but …'' she hesitated, and then continued, ''in fact, Nancy, Jason and I were planning on going tomorrow, but I don't mind going twice.''
Logan had another idea. ''Why don't you give them a call and see if they'd like to join us today?'' he suggested. ''If my instincts are correct, Jason and I can get to know each other better as you and Nancy act all giddy over all the offerings.''
Elizabeth smiled, knowing how often Jason had stood patiently waiting while she and Nancy tried to decide if found treasures could be incorporated into their design work. ''While I should mention that we are professional designers and don't act 'giddy', it does sound wonderful; I'll call them immediately,'' she said.
He chuckled again. ''Wait until I hang up first,'' he warned, and she smiled. ''Parking can be a problem, so if they agree, see if an hour is enough time to prepare. Oh, and Elizabeth, wear sturdy shoes. I don't want you to aggravate your ankle, even if it feels okay right now.''
She was touched, and nodded, though he couldn't see her. ''I will, and thank you, Si … Logan. Um, do you want me to call you back and let you know?'' she asked, hoping he hadn't caught her slip.
He had, but ignored it, knowing she'd be embarrassed. ''That's not necessary. I'll come pick you up, and if they want to come, we can drive over and get them.''
''Yes, Sir,'' she said, this time not even realizing her form of address. ''I'll call and then get ready.''
''Sounds good, see you in an hour,'' Logan said, and disconnected.
Elizabeth immediately hit the speed dial for Nancy. When she answered, Elizabeth, knowing they didn't have time for an extended chat, spoke quickly: ''Hi. I've got so much to tell you but most of it will have to wait,'' she said, and then quickly extended Logan's offer and asked if she and Jason would mind switching days to attend the festival. Nancy was smiling broadly on the other end of the phone. When Elizabeth finished, she told her to hold on for a minute, while she checked with Jason.
''Jason said that's even better,'' Nancy said, as her husband grinned. ''It seems he's also looking forward to having someone to talk to if we get distracted. We'll be ready, but don't for a single moment think you aren't going to have to tell me what happened. Geeze, you are going out with the Limo Man. Do you think he'll pick us up in a limo? That would be just so …''
Her words were cut off when Jason took the phone from her. ''Hey, Liz, we'll be ready, but only if Chatty Kathy gets her butt in gear immediately,'' Jason said. Elizabeth giggled upon hearing Nancy complain that she wasn't through talking, but the complaining stopped instantly; a loud pop and sharp yelp on the other end of the line revealed that Jason had smacked Nancy's bottom.
''Thanks, Jason; I've got to get ready as well. See you soon,'' Elizabeth said, and was in the shower two minutes later.
She dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt before pulling on her tennis shoes. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail, knowing that, since it was March, it could be windy and she didn't want to be constantly fighting her hair. She applied her make-up sparingly and then went through her purse, transferring only the barest essentials to her pockets. She didn't want her purse to hinder her as she dug through all the delicious items she expected to find. She was considering whether or not to add a cap to protect her face, when the doorbell rang. She turned the knob and pulled it open, a smile on her face.
Logan thought she looked beautiful in her simple clothing. Her face showed her excitement, and he knew he was about to watch some of that disappear.
''Hi!'' she said brightly, stepping back to allow him into the apartment.
He did so, and then shocked her by taking her arm and turning her to place a half-dozen hard swats against the seat of her jeans.
''Hey! Stop whacking me!'' she shouted, her feet dancing, as he swatted her again. He released her arm and pointed to lock on the front door.
''I said to dead-bolt this door,'' he said, and the memory of his words returned. She nodded, her hands rubbing the back of her jeans.
''How do you know I hadn't already unlocked it this morning, since I knew you were coming?'' she tried.
Logan shook his head and raised his eyebrow in that quirky, yet incredibly sexy, way he had. ''Did you?'' he asked. She opened her mouth but then wisely shook her head.
''Um, no, but …''
''It would be 'No, Sir' and there are no buts,'' he said, firmly. ''Safety always, Elizabeth.''
She shivered but nodded. ''Yes, Sir, I'm sorry. I … I won't forget
again,'' she said, embarrassed at the way their date had started. Logan nodded and reached out to take her into his arms. She stiffened for a moment but then returned his hug. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, and she felt a tingling deep in her stomach.
He stepped back and grinned. ''Whacking you?'' he asked, and she relaxed and giggled. ''I don't know about you, young lady,'' he said. ''First I'll never see a limo in the same way again, and now when I spank you, I'm afraid all I'll see is that Whack-A-Mole game.''
Elizabeth's first thought was of being over his lap, his hand on her bare bottom. She shivered and then burst out laughing when she pictured the game where the heads of little brown moles randomly popped out of holes only to be whacked with huge rubber mallets. However, instead of little heads, she imagined little brown bottoms turning redder with each successful whack. Logan laughed with her but had definitely seen the first look that had crossed her face. She left his side to grab her keys and a cap off the counter.
''I guess I can only blame myself,'' he grinned, as they left the apartment and she turned to lock the door. ''It's my own fault that I'm falling for an incredibly beautiful woman with a very creative sense of imagination.''
Elizabeth felt her entire body suffuse with pleasure at his words. She realized they had only just met, but she was a grown woman and had never felt this way before. It didn't matter to her about time. What mattered was that she seemed to be falling for him just as fast. She didn't speak, but simply allowed him to take her hand as they walked down the stairs.
An hour later, the four were walking from the parking lot towards the mass of people attending the festival. Banners and posters decorated the entrance where Jason and Logan bought the tickets. Logan saw the women, heads together, whispering frantically. Jason finished his purchase and immediately put his arm around his wife and pulled her a step away. She flashed him a look that said she really didn't much appreciate the interruption.
Logan stepped closer and grinned. ''Let's face it, Jason,'' he said. ''If you agree, I'd prefer we give the women a few minutes to chat. I'm afraid if we don't, there will be a lot of whispering and giggling until they get it out of their systems.'' Elizabeth was surprised at both his thoughtfulness and his openness. She smiled at Jason and tried to send positive vibes. Jason looked between the women and then grinned.
''I suppose I am fighting a losing battle, if we don't'' he said. ''Even though Nancy has already been over my lap this morning, I would really like to spare her another trip if possible.'' Elizabeth suddenly understood why Nancy was dressed in a skirt instead of more comfortable jeans. She should have known, since she had spent years with the two, learning their personal dynamics.
Nancy shot her a look and then smiled as well. ''I promise to remember what you said, Sir,'' she said, as she placed her hand on his arm.
Jason nodded. ''We will meet you over at the coffee kiosk in a half-hour. I suggest you don't be a nanosecond late, or we'll have another discussion about testing my authority,'' Jason said, firmly. Nancy shivered at the authority in his voice, her bottom still tender from the spanking she had received that morning. Elizabeth had only heard that first yelp; there had been many additional ones as Jason reminded her of exactly who wore the pants in their family. She nodded before reaching up to kiss him on his cheek.
''Oh, yes, most gracious and understanding Sir, thank you for allowing this poor servant a moment, Sir. I swear on my life I won't be late, Sir,'' she said, with mock severity. She turned and grabbed Elizabeth's arm, pulling her away as quickly as possible. Both women were laughing until they heard Jason's voice, which carried easily above the crowd surrounding the gate: ''I owe you three swats for insolence, young lady!''
The women both seemed to hesitate and then laugh louder and wave their hands over their heads, neither seeing nor caring about the looks on the faces of the people around them.
''You are a hard man,'' Logan said.
Jason chuckled. ''She is a spoiled brat, but God, I love her and wouldn't trade her for anything in the world.'' The two spoke easily as they strolled down the first aisle. They glanced at the booths as they passed, but neither so much as paused to really look at anything.
After fifteen minutes, they turned to start back. Jason stopped and turned to Logan. ''I haven't seen Liz so relaxed or happy in a long while,'' he said. ''It seems to have done her some good allowing you to take her home.'' Logan nodded, knowing it was Jason's subtle way of opening the door for further discussion. Being both alpha males as well as practicing Dominants, Logan also knew he could simply say nothing, and Jason, while probably pissed, would not push the matter unless he truly felt a need to protect Elizabeth. Logan found he wanted to be as clear about his feelings as Jason had been the evening before.
''We had a good discussion last night. Elizabeth was embarrassed, as she had witnessed a discipline scene the night of your dinner. I assured her that she had no reason to be embarrassed,'' Logan said. ''Her concern seemed more to be that I would feel she had invaded some private moment.''
''Yes, I can see that,'' Jason said. ''Liz is an extremely sensitive and caring woman. She has a problem with assuming guilt, even when she shouldn't.''
Jason seemed to think about what he wanted to say next. ''It really isn't my concern, but I would appreciate knowing if you also confided your role as trainer in the club.''
Logan didn't try to evade the question. ''Yes, we discussed that, as well.'' Logan paused for a moment, meeting Jason's eyes with his own steely-blue ones. ''I appreciate your position, Jason, and your concern and your protection of Elizabeth. I took your words last night as the truth,'' Logan said, knowing it was highly unusual for one Dom to question the decision of another. ''I will allow some leeway in discussions at this time. However, as our relationship develops, which I assure you I have every intention of encouraging, I will not feel the need to be as forthright. We are all adults who I hope can become friends. We all enjoy being members of a club that demands absolute trust.'' He paused, and Jason nodded, his stance relaxing a bit.
Logan sighed, and after another long moment continued: ''We've discussed the need for clarity, which I also believe the D/S lifestyle demands. Jason, I am not just an occasional trainer at the club. I own Tastsinn. I was there that evening because I was delivering Carol, the woman Elizabeth saw me with, to her Dom. There are training classes for both Doms and Subs available at Tastsinn. I believe that making them available allows both women and men to interact with others in a safe environment where they can learn from trainers that have undergone stringent training themselves, as well as have practiced the lifestyle for at least five years. In case you are also wondering, I am not currently involved with anyone. I do participate in the classes and Carol was a student. I haven't been in a serious relationship for several years. Elizabeth is the first woman in a long time that I feel might be a match for me. I hope she comes to believe the same.''
Jason understood that Logan did not have to be as open as he just been. He appreciated his honesty. ''Good,'' Jason said and then turned to begin walking again. Logan smiled and realized the single word really was enough.
As the men talked, Nancy was trying to absorb all her friend had told her. She was both amazed and thrilled. Her heart told her that Elizabeth was falling hard and fast. She smiled and giggled. ''Your Limo Man, wow. I can't believe you told him you fantasized about him,'' Nancy said, shaking her head as she took a sip of her coffee. ''I'm very happy for you, Liz.'' Elizabeth smiled, though her eyes were looking at the two men standing a short distance away. Nancy followed her gaze. ''I wonder what they are talking so seriously about,'' she said. Elizabeth turned back to Nancy and smiled.
''I'm guessing Jason is warning Logan to take it slow,'' Elizabeth said, ''and I'm hoping Logan is telling him to mind his own business.'' Nancy almost choked as she laughed and swallowed at the same time. As the women broke out into unguarded peals of laughter, their joy caused many around them to wish they knew the source. Logan and Jason had begu
n to walk back to them, and both men smiled. It was a true gift that they alone would have the honor of discovering joy with these two women. The men weren't the least surprised to see the women sitting at a table, large coffee cups in front of them. Logan figured Nancy was as smart as Elizabeth. Not only was she assured she wouldn't be late, she got to enjoy a cup of coffee as she and Elizabeth talked.
Jason bent down and kissed her cheek. ''Smart girl,'' he said, and she grinned, offering to get him some coffee.
He agreed, and she turned towards Logan. ''May I bring you something as well, Sir?'' she asked, sweetly. Logan asked for coffee as well and then looked down to see Elizabeth trying to hide her smile in her coffee cup. Nancy hurried away and Logan heard Jason chuckle.
''I wonder how long she will be perfectly sweet and submissive, hoping I'll forget those swats she has coming?'' Jason asked, and Elizabeth laughed, knowing her friend well. Logan grinned and shrugged.
He reached across the table and took Elizabeth's hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze and then slowly entwined his fingers with hers. She felt her body tingle as he brought their hands up to his mouth and used just the tip of his tongue to slowly swirl against one of her knuckles before he gently blew his breath over the wetness. Elizabeth felt a surge of arousal, her eyes lifting to his as he smiled before gently kissing her knuckles. He lifted his lips just enough to be able to speak softly but clearly, without any hint of amusement, ''I'm not sure, Jason, and since I'm the newbie in this group, I'm not even going to take a whack at a guess.'' Jason didn't understand the reason but had to smile when he saw Elizabeth blush, before breaking out into giggles.
Four hours later the men were definitely done with the festival. There were only so many paintings, sculptures, weavings, and handcrafted items one could take. The women had the exact opposite idea. Not content with a mere glance towards a booth, they needed to take time to actually look at the wares offered as the four of them walked through the crowded aisles.