wedding ring had gradually disappeared over the winter. Her thumb still searched for the metal band now and then. “Afterward, I fell prey to the enticement of strawberry daiquiris—and regretted it. My tolerance isn’t what it was.”
“You’re not the first person I’ve heard complain about losing their tolerance.” Josie started mixing a drink.
“Good to know.” Valerie waved toward the room. “So, instead of drinking, I’ll—”
“Wait.” Josie emptied the blenderized drink into a glass. “Why don’t you enjoy this while you stroll around. It’s a strawberry daiquiri without the alcohol.”
Valerie sampled it. Thick and sweet, and filled with crushed strawberries. “Wow. It’s wonderful. Thank you.”
“Have fun.”
Sipping her drink, Valerie headed for the back, figuring she’d see everything and work her way forward again.
Most of the people she passed were friendly, and a few Dominants came close enough to read Ghost’s name on her supervisory collar.
One extremely handsome Dom with a long scar down his face checked the collar. “Ghost, hmm? Good choice.”
“Um, thank you?”
Chuckling, he moved on…and she realized he had a gold band on his arm. Another Master.
As she was watching a flogging scene—and wincing at the welts the Dom was inflicting on the poor woman’s back—someone joined her.
“Hi, there.” The Dom was tall, thin, and wearing a black shirt.
“Well, hi.” She smiled, slightly startled at being approached. But this was why she was here, after all.
“You look like you’re new. Are you enjoying the club?”
“Yes. Everyone seems very friendly.” Why was it so much harder to talk to a man than to chat with her students?
“We are, really. Are you interested in participating at all tonight?”
Went right to the point, didn’t he? But he seemed pleasant rather than pushy. And wasn’t it splendid she’d attracted someone’s interest? In fact, he was the second one who’d asked her.
Unfortunately, as with the first man, she wasn’t interested. After Ghost, they all seemed rather bland. There was no…sizzle.
“Not tonight but thank you. Really.” Because, maybe…once she stopped reacting to being around Ghost, she might be interested. Maybe. “But I do have to be going.” She gave him her best smile, left her glass on a table, and headed for the exit.
Disappointment slowed her feet. After her hopes for sexy times, the evening had been rather a letdown. Time to go home to her cozy apartment and a good book.
Near the front, Natalia was also heading out.
Valerie waved at the short Hispanic woman. “Thanks for the help with rounding up Ghost. Did you find someone fun to play with?”
“Sure, I did. There are a couple of Tops who think I’m cute, and one gave me a nice flogging.” From her unexcited expression, the scene hadn’t been particularly rewarding.
In the brighter light by the door, Valerie noticed Natalia had used nipple clamps with silvery chains to lace her black sleeveless crop top to her cheeky panties. The crop top displayed: PUNISH ME with a paddle below it. “I love your outfit…and the print design.”
“Thank you.” Natalia grinned. “I’m kinda quiet, and this way, Dommes have something to…you know, start a conversation?”
“It’s a great idea.” Would it be a good way to find men who were interested in spankings? “I especially like that somehow you found a cute top instead of a baggy T-shirt.”
“I know, right? I print my own with special ink.” Natalia tugged at her shirt. “Actually, I started selling some for extra money.”
Perfect. “We totally need to talk. I’d love one.”
“Really?” Natalia bounced on her toes. “I can bring in a list of designs and prices next time.”
Valerie winced. “I…I’m not sure I’ll be back. But I’ll walk you out, and we can talk.”
The way she’d reacted to the interested Doms had affirmed her decision to not join the club. The dues were high, even if the people were welcoming. Well, most of the people. After all, her ex and his slave were members…as was Scott who was manager.
“Valerie.” The deep rough voice halted her in her tracks. Ghost. He strode toward her, a bag slung over his shoulder.
“Oh, hi.” She flushed.
Natalia grinned. “You know, I really think you’ll be back. Catch you next time.” With a wave, she continued out the door.
“Um. I was just leaving.” Valerie swallowed.
“Were you?” He studied her, then moved closer and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Merely a small casual touch, but intensely intimate when all his attention was focused on her. “I can see you haven’t had a scene with anyone.”
How would he know?
Then again… She remembered how messy and red-faced she’d