As we walk, a comfortable silence between us, I can't stop thinking about what just happened—or what might happen next. Professional boundaries have indeed been crossed, and there's no going back.

But, as I glance at Sean, watching him manage Lucky with that perfect blend of firmness and affection, I know I don't want to go back. I want to move forward, to explore this unexpected connection, to see just how far this new dynamic between us can go.

Lucky trots happily beside us, oblivious to the seismic shift that's just occurred in his humans' relationship. And I can't help but smile at the irony. I came to train the dog, but it seems Sean Ferguson has plans to train me as well.

And I can't wait for my next lesson.

CHAPTER 5

I'm nervous as I pull up to Sean's house for our next session, a week after the park incident. I've thought about nothing else for seven straight days but the feel of Sean's hand, the authority in his voice, the way my body responded to his discipline.

The Naughty Girls are suspicious about my sudden reluctance to share details. I've been vague, saying only that training is "going well" and Sean is "warming up to Lucky." They don't need to know I'm warming up to something else entirely. I need to do this on my own. Figure out what we both want without their interference.

I check my appearance in the rearview mirror one last time. I've kept my makeup minimal, my pink hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, but I couldn't resist wearing the fitted black training pants that make my ass look fantastic. If Sean is going to be looking at it anyway, might as well give him something to appreciate.

Professional, but with potential. That's the vibe I'm going for.

Taking a deep breath, I grab my training bag and head to the door. I'm precisely on time. I’m not early, not late. Following the rules, as instructed.

Sean opens the door before I can knock, as if he's been waiting. Lucky bounds up behind him, tail wagging furiously.

"Jessica." The way he says my name sends a little shiver down my spine. No one else calls me by my full name. I’m simply Jess. But not to Sean. To Sean, I’m Jessica and it sends a shiver up my spine. "Right on time."

"I can follow instructions when they matter," I reply, meeting his gaze steadily.

His lips quirk in the ghost of a smile. "We'll see about that. Come in."

The house is exactly the same as it was the last time I was there, two weeks ago. It’s pristine, organized, everything in its place, but something feels different. The air is charged, like the static electricity before a storm. I'm acutely aware of Sean as he closes the door behind me, the soft click of the latch sounding strangely final.

I set my training bag down and crouch to greet Lucky, grateful for the distraction. "Hey, buddy! Ready for some training today?"

"We both are," Sean says, and the double meaning isn't lost on me.

I straighten up, facing him. "So... about last week."

"What about it?" His expression is neutral, but his eyes are watchful, assessing.

"I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. About... boundaries. And expectations."

Sean considers this for a moment, then nods. "Fair enough. Let's clarify, shall we?" He gestures toward the living room. "Have a seat."

I perch on the edge of the sofa while he takes the armchair opposite, legs slightly spread, hands resting on his knees in a posture of easy authority. Lucky flops down between us, apparently sensing this is a human conversation.

"I crossed a line last week," Sean begins, his voice measured. "I should have maintained professional boundaries, and instead, I... didn't."

My heart sinks. Is he regretting what happened? I don’t let him finish. "Do you want to go back to just being client and trainer?" Was this a one time fetish thing? Spank the woman half his age in a public park? Did I read him completely wrong? I swallow hard.

"No." The word is immediate, definitive. "That's not what I'm saying. I'm acknowledging that what happened changes our dynamic. I want to make sure you're comfortable with that change."

Relief washes over me. "I am. Very comfortable."

"Good." His eyes hold mine. "Then let's establish some parameters."

Of course he wants parameters, I’m not surprised one bit. I bite back a smile. "Like what?"

"During our sessions, we focus primarily on Lucky's training. That remains the priority." His tone is all business now. "However, if you choose to... test boundaries again, there will be consequences. Like last time."

A thrill runs through me at his words. "And if I'm good?"