Page 16 of United
Yvonne crossed her arms as she connected all the puzzle pieces. “If that’s the reason, then why are you blushing?”
“It’s… it’s hot in here.” Suzie didn’t sound convincing.
A tingling sensation started on her scalp and moved down the back of her neck and upper spine. “Sorry to be so direct, but do you happen to belong to a BDSM group?” Yvonne’s heart pounded so hard Suzie could probably hear it. “I don’t want to put my nose in your business, but I was in the lifestyle in the Netherlands, and I miss it.”
Suzie’s mouth fell open. “You were?”
Yvonne nodded.
“In that case, you have to come to Club Indigo for the party after the wedding!”
The elevator halted with a jerk and jarred Yvonne outof her memories. As the doors slid open, she straightened her shirt and faced the exit.
With the doors completely open, she had a clear view of a big space with men and women. No one paid attention to her and Suzie, their focus trained on the blond man and confident woman Yvonne had admired at the party. Suzie’s friends, Jackson and Paula? Yvonne caught the end of the man’s words. “…so we can have this celebration.” She wasn’t sure why people laughed, but he continued. “Sorry, but we couldn’t manage champagne during the workday.” More laughter erupted before he stated, “We have a few technical details to take care of, and then the festivities will commence. We would like all of you to witness our wedding. As you can see, there will be cake.”
All attention turned on Suzie, her, and the cake, and Yvonne hoped she wouldn’t trip or do something else stupid.
As Jackson led Paula toward a closed door, the room erupted in activities. At least a six men—half of them in uniform, the rest in street clothes—moved the desks around to create a makeshift aisle. With the room prepared, they helped Suzie and Yvonne set up for the reception.
With cake and cutlery in place, Suzie turned away. “I’m getting the bouquets for the bride and the maid of honor. Be right back.”
“Sure.” Yvonne folded her hands in front of her.
A statuesque woman approached, and Yvonne couldn’t break her stare. She had beautiful auburn hair and the most stunning green eyes Yvonne had ever seen. The woman caught Yvonne’s gaze and held her captive as she drew near. Goosebumps erupted on Yvonne’s arms, but she wasn’t cold—she was hot like she was running a fever. Yvonne became acutely aware of the woman’s scent—a hint of lavender withsomething fresh and citrusy. To her embarrassment, she could also smell her own arousal. Yvonne had never been this turned on by a woman before. She had to lock her knees to keep from dropping to them.
The moment vanished when Suzie interrupted them. “All ready to go?”
Yvonne barely paid attention to the ceremony. She was half-focused on the gorgeous redheaded woman, who stood tall and proud next to the bride and groom, and the rest of her mind on the night ahead. In a few hours, she would be at a BDSM club. She couldn’t wait to see Club Indigo and meet the lifestylers there.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Friday night, Chris let go thoughts of work and a certain Dominatrix as he tapped along with Imany’sDon’t Be So Shyon the bar top. They had decorated Club Indigo in a cheerful summer theme, and he liked the vibe.
The door opened, signaling new arrivals. His eyes widened as they fell on a beautiful, familiar blond woman. He rose from the seat, aware of his wicked grin as he went over to clasp her hand.
“What are you doing here?” They spoke in unison then burst out laughing.
Chris gestured for her to go first. He enjoyed the hell out of the pretty blush on her cheeks.
“Eh… I… um… came with Suzie and Connor.”
After their introduction and Yvonne having overcome her initial shyness, they talked animatedly at the bar. At first, he was taken aback by her family connection with the McGruders.
“I never expected to find a McGruder relative waiting tables at The Sweet and Savory Table,” he confessed.
Her expression blanched. “Serious?Oomandtantearen’t snobs.”
“No, I’m sure they’re not.” He held out his hands in surrender. “But they are part of the local elite. I don’t know many successful Wall Street investment bankers or famous Dutch fashion designers.”
He wasn’t ashamed of his profession or background, but he didn’t frequent the same circles as the McGruders.
James sitting with Laura comfortably in his lap snagged Chris’s attention. Married and collared looked good on her, and he hadn’t seen James this relaxed and content since they’d discovered BDSM.
A pang of envy shot through him.
On the other side of the room, Jackson and his newlywed wife chatted with Kate. The police detective had fallen hard for Paula, but Jackson had almost died in an explosion before Paula accepted she loved him, too.
How would Kate react to Chris landing in the hospital? Would she sit at his bedside with him while he was in a coma and pretend to be his fiancée as Paula had done for Jackson? Chris scoffed.So much for getting your mind off Kate, you moron!He forced his attention back to the people around him.
