Page 27 of For the Sub

Then, with a soft smile, she raised on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Sir.”

With a little wave, she gripped the handle of her basket, and she strolled off.

What in the hell had just happened?

Niles had come to town for a few staples and a bottle of Scotch, just a few things to get him through the weekend, and now a wisp of a woman who was supposed to be a submissive had maneuvered him into doing something he wouldn’t do for any other person on the planet?

And damn if her small expression of thanks hadn’t made him want to wrap up the moon and give it to her.

He didn’t have to wonder how long it had been since he’d shared a small, intimate moment like that with a woman. To the minute, he knew.

Until now, he’d believed that his personal ache had been buried under layers of regret. But Brandy, with her genuine delight and unrestrained appreciation, awakened a part of him that he’d thought had been banished forever.

With a sigh, he headed for the junk food aisle and justified his action by telling himself potato chips were made from vegetables.

Niles hoped to run into her in the checkout lanes. If he did, he’d load her groceries into her vehicle. He didn’t see her again, and he wondered why it bothered him.

After he arrived back at the cabin, he started to put away his food. He held the tomatoes and considered them. Refrigerator or countertop? Did it matter, really? Maybe it did. No doubt Brandy could write a dissertation on it.

Despite himself, he smiled.

Deciding to put them in the refrigerator so they’d last longer, he changed into a long-sleeved flannel shirt before heading outside to chop some wood to stockpile for the upcoming few days.

Up here, nights were already damn chilly, and surely snow wouldn’t be far behind. Doing physical labor was part of the reason he was allowed to use the cabin at no charge.

He skipped the chainsaw in favor of a good old-fashioned axe.

Hefting the substantial weight, he repeatedly brought it down in smooth, powerful moves.

There were dozens of logs to split, and that suited him fine.

The physical exertion might banish the sudden and stark image of Brandy kneeling naked in front of him, her legs spread as she waited for his attentions.

An hour later, muscles straining, sweat beaded on his brow, he sank the tool into a log and stood upright, stretching his sore muscles. He opened the top buttons on his shirt before striding back inside.

Even though he’d drained his energy, he hadn’t exorcised the images of Brandy. And when he saw the rug near the fireplace, he pictured her there, looking up at him, anticipation in her gaze.

Annoyed with himself, he headed for the shower.

Unbidden, his cock throbbed, and as he stood beneath the warm water, he stroked himself.

Ejaculating didn’t vanquish the sexual energy he felt when he thought of her. In fact, it seemed to make it worse.

Niles set the spray to a hot, punishing pulse that hammered his shoulders.

As he stood there, the truth about his own reactions hit him.

Brandy’s curvy body and long blonde hair appealed to him. When he factored in her direct communication and the way she’d kissed his cheek, as if it were a natural impulse, he was done for.

No way should he attend the function at her house.

He didn’t want to meet her friends, answer curious questions, or learn anything more about her. If he went to the party, people would assume they had a relationship.

Even me?

No matter what, he needed to keep distance between them.

If his desire became too strong, maybe they could hook up at the Den under the watchful eyes of Damien and Gregorio.

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