Page 5 of Spicing It Up

Gentle piano music tinkled around the four walls, which were painted a rich burgundy. Sir’s phone sat on the docking station and it was her favorite pianist playing.

She glanced his way.

He was looking at her.

She smiled. He’d know why she was smiling—that it was a thank you for being so thoughtful.

They all took their seats, sitting next to each other’s partner. Cassandra put her hands on her lap and lowered her head.

“Thank you, Lord, for good food, fine wine and delightful company,” Sir said, “and know we are eternally grateful for everything that you give us. Amen.”

“Amen,” Cassandra murmured. She kept her hands on her lap.

Sarah, James and Sir picked up their cutlery.

“It’s been so busy at the office this week,” Sarah said. “Cassandra and I have been chasing our tails to keep on top of everything the customers want, haven’t we, Cassandra?”

“Yes. We have.” She smiled and watched Sarah pop a prawn coated in pink Thousand Island dressing in her mouth. It looked delicious.

“It’s this new Rawlings account, they’re very demanding,” Sarah went on after she’d swallowed.

“I’ve heard of them,” James said, tearing off a chunk of bread roll.

Cassandra looked at Sir.

He was looking at her.?He took a sip of his wine and stabbed a prawn.

Cassandra licked her lips. When would he say it?

“Aren’t they based in Taunton?” Sir asked, putting the prawn in his mouth then chewing slowly. “Rawlings?”

Say it soon.

“Yes, that’s right,” Sarah said, reaching for the butter to spread on her roll.

“I thought so,” Sir said. He looked at Cassandra and bowed his head a little. “Eat, Cass, it’s delicious,” he said.

“Yes, S—”

“Your favorite,” he said quickly.

She was glad of his interruption. She’d nearly slipped up and called him Sir. How would she have explained that to her friends?

He fixed her with a steely gaze. It lasted only a second then he engaged in more work talk with Sarah.

Cassandra picked up her fork and started on her meal. She’d displeased him with the close call. She should know better than that. Shedidknow better than that.

He wouldn’t forget it either. It would come up again later, likely to be worth a spank to each buttock.

She took a sip of wine and looked at him. Not that a spank on each buttock was a bad thing. In fact, just two seemed distinctly lacking.

A wicked idea came to Cassandra. She wondered if she could up that tally during the evening. Get a few more spanks. Maybe he’d spank her with the ginger plug in place.

Oh God, the thought of that— It was so—?A crumb caught in her throat. She coughed and spluttered then reached for her drink.

James patted her back. “You okay?”

“Yes, yes,” Cassandra said. “Fine, thank you.”

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