Page 30 of Our Sadie

“Do you think that should be my grand scheme? Because I can certainly make that work.” His already soft tone has grown more feral. More daring. “I can bend you over that end table or up against that hearth. Is that want you want, Sadie?”

This notion shouldn’t make my nipples pebble or my pelvis ache, but it does. This man has been in more adult films that I can count and has likely bedded even more women than that. There’s no telling what he knows and the extent to which his experience lies.

I swallow so that my voice will sound normal.

“Not necessarily.”

He chuckles under his breath. “Not to say that those things can’t be arranged, but they’re not a part of my plan. Would you be opposed to checking out what I have in store for you?”

In store for me sounds promising.

“I wouldn’t be.”

“Then I’m honored and thrilled to be yours. Are you ready?”

I square my shoulders, my words a challenge. “I am.”

TEN: Basement

JEROME

I’m taking a chance on the choices I’ve made for us today. Making assumptions about people without ever diving deeper to learn more about who they are isn’t a solid policy for the long term. I’m willing to swim to whatever depths needed to better understand Sadie. But I suppose I could look at today as a means to improve how well we mesh.

As research.

We start by aiming for the basement. I know, I know. Not the most logical locale to impress a woman, but this chalet just so happens to have a wine cellar down there. Based on how upscale this getaway of hers is, I’m making an educated guess that her family is not only wealthy but has fine tastes. The kind of tastes that mean I can play sommelier.

Even if I’m not much of a drinker myself.

I could be wrong about this. But why would this place carry a fully stocked wine cellar otherwise? It’s conceivable that it’s been installed for guests only, but I’ve scrolled through the variety and expense of that wine. It’s some of the best available. So, I’m putting my money—or Sadie’s—on this meaning something to her.

And if I’m wrong, I have a backup. I don’t believe in doing anything without a plan B. I even have some extra items in my pocket that could assist me in a best-case scenario. But only the winds decide to blow my way.

“I’d like to blindfold you to make this into a surprise, but only if you trust me.” Sadie may not believe we have enough of a background together to extend that trust, but every couple has to start somewhere.

She scrutinizes me with an upraised eyebrow as if she can read everything she needs to know on my features.

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