Designed for Submission (Devine Designs) (15 page)

''Please, Sir,'' she said quickly, ''I really do apologize for intruding where I didn't belong.  It really is none of my business.  If you want, I … I will apologize to your Sub as well.''

Logan was even more impressed, knowing she would truly do so if he desired.  ''Miss Adams,'' he said softly, ''that is a wonderful gesture but not necessary.  I do not have a Submissive under me.  In fact, I haven't partnered with a woman on any sort of permanent basis in quite some time.''

He saw her eyes and knew she was having a difficult time believing his words.  ''You'll find that I am an honest man, Miss Adams,'' he continued. ''I have very little tolerance for ambiguity or deceit of any kind.  Carol is a Submissive who is undergoing training.  That evening, her task was to maintain the Sub role outside the club.  When she first came to the club for classes, she was an insecure woman who was striving to find her way into her need to submit.  She had been in a few relationships where submission was not truly under her control.  In other words, she partnered with some real assholes that readily took advantage of her need to submit, without considering it the gift that it is.  Fortunately, a friend of mine gave her the club training brochure and she came to us.  She had done very well at dinner but had earned a quick reprimand.  That is what you witnessed.'' Elizabeth listened carefully and could hear the depth of caring and truth in his voice.  She felt her stomach tingle when he had said he had no Sub of his own but also felt a sense of loss when he admitted he didn't let himself get involved in long term relationships.

Logan watched her carefully.  ''Do you understand?'' he asked, quietly.  ''I'm only explaining because I do not want you to feel you need to make any additional apologies or feel any guilt about what you witnessed.''

Elizabeth nodded slowly.  ''I submitted to a spanking because I felt so guilty,'' she said, almost as if talking to herself.  ''I keep imagining what happened later … when the door closed.  I … I dreamed about it.''

Logan bent forward and took her hands from where she had been kneading them together on her lap.  She gave a soft moan as he slowly formed his fingers around hers, entwining them.  She looked up at him, her eyes softening, as if gaining comfort from the gesture.

''Since we are familiar, at least in our dreams, I will address you as Elizabeth,'' he said, softly.  She again felt her stomach clench and a thrill go through her.  She nodded in acceptance, knowing deep inside that it was an important step.  ''Elizabeth, I am sorry you felt the need to subject yourself to such an intense paddling for something you never should have felt guilt for.  It was unnecessary and yet one of the most beautiful things I have ever been privileged to witness.''

Her eyes flew to his, her lips parted, as the realization of what he meant swept over her.  ''How … you … you were the man in the shadows,'' she said, remembering the feeling she had that someone was watching just beyond her field of sight.  ''You were there.  Oh my God,'' she said, her face flooding scarlet as she remembered what Ethan had claimed from her as her penance.  She struggled to pull her hands from his, her desire to run away nearly uncontrollable.

Logan kept her hands locked into his and furthered his control by scooping her up and dragging her onto his lap.  She continued her attempt to flee, pushing against him with her body and pulling her hands.  Logan allowed her hands to slip free but then grabbed both of hers in one of his huge hands, trapping them against his chest.  He immediately put his other arm around her, holding her close as he began to make soothing sounds.  He knew she needed to calm down to hear what he had to say.  Even if it took forever, he would not release her until she had listened.  If he simply stood and walked away, he knew she might never overcome her guilt and embarrassment.  After several more minutes, Elizabeth tired of struggling.  She collapsed against him, her face buried in his chest, her body slack.

''Elizabeth,'' Logan said gently, his lips against her hair.  ''Yes, I was there.  You are an incredible woman, Elizabeth and watching you was a gift.  You were beautiful in your submission.  Honey, you have nothing to be ashamed of.  We both know the club is a safe place.  Adults let themselves be free and experience what their psyche needs to be whole and fulfilled.  You should never, ever feel ashamed or guilty about what you need to feel free and loved, for that is what makes you who you are.  And, that, Elizabeth, is a wonderful, capable, intelligent and extremely sensual, beautiful woman.''

His words were like a balm, his tone gentle and without judgment, his hold comforting and reassuring.  She allowed her mind to accept his words.  After a few more minutes, she lifted her eyes to meet his.  ''Thank you,'' she said, her lips trembling.  ''God, what are the chances of us both going to the same club that night?''

Logan grinned, bent down and gently kissed her forehead.  ''Well, for me it would be one hundred percent.  For you, I hope to find it quite close to the same,'' Logan said, cryptically.  Elizabeth shook her head as if trying to figure out the math. 

''Honey,'' he said, ''I own Tastsinn.'' Her eyes grew huge, her mouth dropped opened.  She pushed against his chest until she was able to get some distance from him, though his arm kept her on his lap.

''You own Tastsinn?'' she asked, as if the thought were unbelievable.  Logan nodded, his smile widening when her own smile reappeared.  ''Oh my God,'' she said, shaking her head.  ''That is incredible; it is such a wonderful club.  The things you've done, the safeword bracelets, the colors, the textures, the …''

Logan stopped her, as he burst out laughing, filling the room with the sound of pure amazement.  Elizabeth looked shocked for a moment, before she joined him, her laughter soft and musical.  ''I can't say I wasn't a bit worried about how you'd react,'' Logan said, continuing to chuckle, ''but, babe, I never, ever, would have bet you'd go directly into designer mode.''

Elizabeth giggled as she relaxed against his chest again, like she'd been there a thousand times before.  ''Sorry,'' she said, giggling again.  ''I am not only that Submissive woman getting her ass paddled in your club,'' she said, her voice now light and no longer hampered by any sense of guilt.  ''I am also that professional designer that will always be looking around to see possibilities, no matter where I am.'' She sighed and then giggled once more.  ''God, you own Tastsinn!''

Logan knew it was getting late, and despite the fact that he wanted nothing more than to just continue holding Elizabeth, she needed time to think about the conversation.  He gently eased her up and then cupped her face with his hands.  He bent forward and kissed her gently, pleased when she eagerly returned the kiss, her body pressing against his.  He felt his cock rapidly rising and forced himself to release her lips.

''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.