Page 25 of Pretty Please Me
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When Sam said a car would come for me, I expected something more along the lines of an Uber, not a top-of-the-line black Range Rover with blacked-out windows that probably cost more than my entire commercial property. During the short drive to the restaurant, I read through the contract three more times as I try to calm my anxious nerves.
It’s not that I don’t trust Sam; it’s more that I’m afraid to disappoint him. Up until now, I’ve never had to see the guys I slept with again, but I’ll still see Sam all the time, no matter how this shakes out.What if I’m so terrible he can’t stand to be around me anymore, and he distances himself from our friend group?
I shake my head as I tighten my grip on the folded contract. Sam wouldn’t do that. He’s taken so much time and care to prevent that from happening. Besides, this is literally what he does in his normal life. He’s a professional. A sexpert, if you will.
As the driver pulls up to a quaint Italian restaurant, he says, “Here we are, Miss. Anderson.”
He jumps out to open my door, and I take his offered hand as I step into the cool night air. A refreshing gust of wind whips at my long pin-curled hair, and I push it back over my shoulders as I step into the lobby to find the hostess waiting for me.
“Miss Anderson, Mr. Jordan is already seated at his table in the back. If you’ll follow me, it’s right this way.”
Histable. How much does someone have to spend in a place like this to have their own table?
I follow the hostess through the elegant restaurant to the back, where she opens the double doors leading to a private room dimly lit by candlelight. The deep burgundy walls are adorned with oil paintings of the Italian countryside that look like they belong in an art gallery… and probably do.
Looking like a movie star in his tailored black suit and tie, Sam is sitting at a round table set for two, fully immersed in whatever he’s reading on his phone. He looks so effortlessly polished yet casual, and I don’t know how I’ve never noticed how strikingly handsome he is.
“Your server will be by to check on you shortly,” the hostess says before stepping out and closing the doors behind her.
He stands to pull out my chair, giving my a full scan, and my heart kicks up a beat. “Wow, Magnolia, that dress looks stunning on you.”
I think back to the contract.The Submissive will dress in a wardrobe provided by the Dominant.“Thank you. It’s beautiful. I hope you didn’t spend too much on it.”
Sam’s smile falls, and he places his napkin in his lap. “You don’t need to worry about things like that. I’m an adult, and I’ll spend my money on whatever I want.” He pours us each a glass of wine. “Now, tell me, did you read the contract? Do you have any questions for me?”
I open my mouth to speak, then close it, unsure where to begin. “What made you change your mind?” It’s not exactly the question I planned on asking, but I’m curious. Last night, he seemed so against the idea; I really wasn’t expecting to wake up to a contract on my side table.
“I care about you, Maggie, and the thought of you going out and finding another incompetent tool who may hurt you wasn’t something I needed on my conscience. If I can help you gain more confidence and love yourself a little more, then that’s the least I can do for one of my best friends.” He takes a sip of wine and smiles warmly, melting my nervous jitters away.
I let out a sigh of relief as I sip my wine, suddenly feeling a little more normal. This is my friend, Sam, and even though this little arrangement is out of my comfort zone, I know he won’t hurt me.
“I see you’ve brought the contract with you. Why don’t we take a look.” Sam pulls out his own copy and passes me a pen as he walks me through the expectations, reiterating everything thing I agreed to in writing.
“Some of the rules are a little odd and seem like common sense, don’t you think?”
“Could you give me an example?”
I use my finger as a guide as I read, ”The Submissive will eat two healthy meals a day.” I look up. “Is this a blanket rule or something?”
Sam crosses his leg in a figure four position and leans back in his chair, looking sexy as sin as his eyes scan me. “No, that’s a rule I specifically added for your benefit. I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and from what I’ve observed during my time around you, you don’t always prioritize meals. Do you not think that’s fair?” He quirks a brow, and I wave him off.
“No, it’s not that. That seems fair.”
“Then what’s the hesitancy I’m sensing? Let me be clear; I’m by no means asking you to restrict, only to add nutritious foods to two meals.”
I wipe my sweaty palms on the seat cushion. “Yeah, I get that. I guess it just feels a little strange knowing you noticed something like that. I don’t think anyone’s ever paid so much attention to me. I don’t know how I feel about it.”
Sam’s eyes seem to drink me in as if in challenge, and a smug smile pulls at the corner of his lips. “Maybe you just haven’t realized it, but you’re incredibly noticeable, Maggie. Some may even consider you bewitching.” He eyes me over the rim of his glass as he takes another long, slow sip of his wine.
“Great.” I take a long gulp of my own wine. “Thank you for clearing that up for me.”
Sam leans forward, focusing once again on the contract. “Anything else you’d like to discuss? Do you have a clear understanding of the safe words? In my experience, the use of the color system is the easiest thing to remember.”
“Is it common for safe words to be used? I mean, does that usually happen?”
Sam sets down his pen. “It’s not common, but it’s something that happens from time to time. With the sexual activities we’ll be performing, I don’t expect you’ll need to use them, but since I’m not a mind reader, I think it’s important to have communication in place, so we’re both comfortable.” He purses his lips and places his hand on my arm. “I know this seems like a lot, but I want you to know we can go as slow as you like. Ultimately, the submissive is the one who’s truly in control.”
