Initiation (Master Class Book 1) by Sierra Cartwright Page B

Needs appliances. All my time and savings are going into it. I told myself the tax write-off is worth it.” She shrugged. “So far I’m not sure it is.”
    “You’re doing the work yourself?”
    “Most of it. I watch a lot of how-to videos online. And I go to classes at the local hardware store.”
    “You’re serious?”
    “This week, I plan to learn how to use an air sprayer.”
    “A power tool?”
    She rolled her eyes at him. “Are you being a pervert?”
    “I might be. Are you going to wear coveralls?”
    “No.” Jennifer laughed. “Sorry. I just want to get rid of the canary-yellow walls as quickly as possible. Though I have to admit that when I don’t have coffee, the color wakes me up just fine.”
    He grinned. “I’d like to see the house.”
    “It’s not much more than a construction site at the moment. You’d have to bring your own hard hat, I’m afraid.”
    “I could teach you about those power tools.”
    His voice was husky, and his tone was somewhere between a tease and a promise. But the idea of having him at her place, dominating her, maybe tying her wrists to the headboard…
    A busboy collected their dishes, and Logan asked if she was ready to go.
    “It’s getting so loud, it’s difficult to hear you,” she said.
    “What?” he mock shouted, cupping his ear.
    Outside, wind had whipped up, blustery and biting. “That snow is definitely on the way,” she said. It would be smart to head back to Denver now, but she was reluctant to end the weekend so soon. She wasn’t sure when or if she’d have the opportunity to play with him again, and she wanted to experience as much as possible while she could.
    “Still want that mocha?”
    She looked at him and scowled.
    “That’s what I thought.” He cupped her elbow and led her toward the coffee shop.
    A frisson of desire teased her spine at his casual, possessive touch. And she realized she’d never been with a man who was this hands-on.
    He held the door for her. This time, she didn’t argue when he paid for their drinks.
    “Well done,” he said into her ear, the words tantalizingly rough. “I’d much rather reward good behavior than punish bad.”
    “Either one sounds good to me,” she replied, hardly able to believe she’d been bold enough to say that aloud. Was she brave or foolish? Maybe both.
    “I’m looking forward to getting you back to the dungeon.”
    Her shiver had nothing to do with someone opening the door and letting in a cold burst of air.
    An extra-large cup in hand, they went outside.
    A woman inside the boutique flicked on the neon ‘open’ sign and smiled invitingly.
    Since a long black skirt that would look great with boots caught Jennifer’s eye, she asked, “Do you mind if I have a look?”
    “Not at all. Shopping is one of my favorite things,” he replied.
    She frowned. “Are you being sarcastic?”
    “Me?” He opened the door for her.
    She zipped past him, glad to be out of the soul-sapping cold.
    After exchanging a few words with the owner, Jennifer meandered to the skirt rack. Logan dutifully held her cup while she selected one and held it in front of her to check the length. “It’d be perfect for work.”
    “Can I start a fitting room for you?” the owner asked, appearing at the perfect time.
    “Thanks.” Jennifer handed over the skirt then wandered toward a tabletop stacked with sweaters.
    “The red one,” Logan said.
    “It looks as if it’s a size too small.”
    “Try it.”
    Skeptically, she picked it up.
    But once she had the outfit on, she knew he was right.
    “Show me,” he said.
    She slid back the curtain and exited the fitting room.
    “I was wrong.” His voice was tight. “You’re not wearing that sweater anywhere but on a date with me. It’s sensational.”
    “It’s perfect,” the proprietress agreed.
    Even though Jennifer was reluctant, she changed back into her other clothes.
    The shop also had a selection of lingerie.
    “I’d like to see you in these,”