Page 51 of Bound by Love
Lea decided in the ensuing silence that a joke was in order. “Did you hear about the flasher who was thinking of retiring?”
Mary held up her finger. “This is number one.”
Lea nodded, and then told everyone, “He decided to stick it out for one more year.”
Groans and giggles followed, but Mary’s response had piqued Brie’s interest, so she asked, “What’s with the counting?”
“I told Lea the Lame that she is only allowed three jokes at the party.”
Brie looked at Lea. “And you are okay with that?”
She shrugged. “I think Mary secretly loves my jokes. That’s why she insisted I tell three.”
“Well, that’s one way to look at it,” Mary mumbled sarcastically.
There was a little hiccup sound from the bassinet, and Candy peeked inside to check. “Looks like the baby’s still sleeping.”
Lea let out a peal of laughter as she grabbed the clothespins from Candy’s shirt. “Sorry, missy, but you just said the magic word.”
Brie laughed as she watched Lea pin the three next to hers. “Wow, I didn’t even notice.”
“I didn’t either!” Autumn cried. “Something tells me I am going to suck at this game.”
“But I bet you suckrealgood,” Lea teased.
“Actually, of all the people I’ve met, Mary is the best at sucking,” Brie said.
Mary wiped her lips as if she had just finished off and smiled. “You know it, Stinky Cheese.”
Candy laughed. “You guys are great.”
“So, Candy, how is it going with your new endeavor?” Brie asked.
Candy’s eyes lit up. “I seriously can’t tell you how fulfilling it is to help other subs. When you handed me that business card, you literally changed my life. Now, I get to do the same for other subs who are hurting like I was. I’m so grateful that Baron asked Captain and me to join him.”
“And how is Captain?” Mary asked her.
“He has found his second calling, I think. It’s like he’s a kid again. There was a time when he was considering un-collaring me because of the difference in our ages. He didn’t feel it was right to hold me back. But now? Captain is so passionate about what we are doing he couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else. And he’s gotten so frisky!”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Mary nodded her head to herself, muttering, “Yeah, that makes me happy.”
“So, Lea,” Autumn said, “how are you handling things since moving back to LA?”
“Actually…” Her eyes shone with excitement. “I just met a guy.”
“Really?” Brie asked, excited to hear that Lea seemed to be moving on after the difficult breakup with Ms. Clark.
“Yeah, it’s pretty new, so I don’t want to say anything and jinx it. But things are finally looking up for me.”
“That’s great news, girlfriend.” Brie gave Lea a hug. “I’ll admit, though, I kinda wondered if you and Rytsar might hook up.”
Lea grinned. “Oh, that sexy Russian will always have a special place in my heart.”
Mary frowned, grumbling. “Wish I could say the same…I still haven’t had a scene with that man.”
“Okay, you girls have me curious. What’s so special about Rytsar Durov?” Autumn asked.
Brie sighed dreamily. “He’s passionate on a level most men aren’t. He seems all intimidating and, believe me, hewillchallenge you. But he has a way of making you want it and…his aftercare is enlightening.”
