Page 7 of Claiming Rose

“I meant you’re the only vet.”

“At the moment, yes. When Dr. Phillips first left it was a bit hectic, but now it’s calming down. Eventually I’ll bring another vet on board.” She took a bite of her food. “Do you own a real estate company?”

“I’m pretty much a one-man shop.” He grinned. “I have an accountant, but that’s about it.”

“You like working alone.”

“I like setting my own hours.”

“Yes, that’s why I need another vet. Not that I get that many after-hours emergencies, but it would be nice to have a day off once in a while.”

“You must take care of some serious cases if you have vet techs at night.”

“I do minor things like spay and neutering. Other small surgery issues. The bad cases go to the emergency clinic in the next town. Sometimes animals just need fluids and to be watched overnight. I’m lucky I’ve been able to hire good people, but I think that’s because they finally opened more classes for vet techs in the area.”

Oliver nodded. “So how did you come to be at Wicked Sanctuary?”

“Another accident. I had a roommate who was into kink. She introduced me to Wicked Sanctuary a couple of years ago.” Rose pushed her empty plate to the side. “I enjoy being able to let myself go at the end of stressful week.”

“Me too. Just being in the club sometimes is very relaxing.”

“It can be. I’ve never seen you play very much. I know you joined in the last two years.”

“I did. Noah and I would hang out together playing basketball and stuff, but he was never available on Friday or Saturday nights, so I finally asked him about it. He told me about Wicked Sanctuary. I had read stuff about the lifestyle and it sounded interesting, so I filled out the forms. I found out thought the classes it was much more interesting than I realized. I became a full member after the classes.” He fiddled with his beer mug. “As for not playing much, the person I wanted to play with already had a partner and seemed happy.”

* * * *

Rose sighed. She’d been happy with Thomas, until…she pushed the memory away. “Thomas was fun to play with, but only in the club. There was nothing outside the club and we all found out why.”

“Did you want a relationship outside the club?”

“Maybe.” Now that she thought about it, she never really pushed for Thomas to be with her outside the club and he never indicated he wanted anything more than a club play partner. “It doesn’t matter now.”

“Oh but it does.” Oliver paused while the waiter cleared away the plates, asked if they wanted dessert which they both declined, and departed. Oliver reached across the table and put his hand over hers. “I’d love to be your new play partner, when you’re ready. I’d also like to see you outside of the club. I understand if you need some time, so until you feel comfortable we can go out to dinner and chat.”

“Oliver,” she started. She’d come to dinner with him because she liked him. She glanced down at where his hand rested on hers. Large hands, but gentle. He’d held the kittens with tenderness, but he was that way with her too. Tender, gentle, yet there was desire simmering beneath the surface.

Her girly parts were screaming yes, but her heart wasn’t so sure all the sudden. Funny, Thomas didn’t break her heart, but she had a feeling Oliver could. “I know I said I wanted to be your sub, and I do, but I need a little bit more time.”

His fingers tightened around hers. “That’s okay. It’s only been a month. I can wait.”

The knot in Rose’s stomach loosened. He wasn’t going to pressure her. “Is it fair to ask you to wait for me?”

“You aren’t asking, I’m offering. I want to be with you Rose, and only you.”

Shock vibrated down her spine. She wasn’t expecting that. “Oliver, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” The waiter placed the bill on the table, and Oliver slipped his credit card into the portfolio. “I know you want to check to see if the momma cat returned before I take you back to your car, so we should probably get moving. I don’t want you to be overtired tomorrow.”

“I do want to see if she’s come back and thank you. I have a seven am appointment.” Within ten minutes they were back at the house, and then on their way to her clinic.

“I’m sorry she wasn’t there,” Oliver said.

“It’s okay. I hope she comes back.” She reached for her door handle as he pulled into a parking spot. “I had a good evening. Thank you so much.”

“Don’t move.” He turned off the engine then hopped out.

Rose looked around thinking something was wrong, but Oliver pulled her door open and helped her out of the vehicle, before walking her to her SUV. “How did you know this was mine?”

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