Amelia was lost in thought for a moment, just trying to process what was happening. She had done all kinds of reading about BDSM; factual books like The Ethical Slut and novels like Masters of the Castle. But it had all seemed like fantasy. Now she was experiencing a little taste of it. 

Thrilling and terrifying, she thought. Ok, maybe not that extreme, but still… and just as she thought that, she became aware that Josh was speaking to her.

“Amelia?”

“Oh, yes!” Brought back to earth, she was acutely aware of his presence across from her.

He was watching her with curiosity. ”Where did you just go?” he asked.

“Oh,” embarrassed, Amelia said, “I was just thinking.”

“Obviously. I could almost see the wheels turning. Tell me what you were thinking.”

He said it lightly, “tell me what you were thinking.” Amelia was hesitant to share her thoughts with most people, and yet she felt an urge to tell him. 

“It’s just – I’ve read so much and thought so much about what this would be like, and now that I’m here it’s kind of amazing that it’s all really happening.”

He nodded. ”Is it what you expected?”

“Oh, I don’t know!” she said. ”I don’t know that I exactly expected anything – I don’t – I don’t know.”

She paused and could have gotten lost in thought again but he said, “Would you like a guide for the evening? Since your friend wasn’t able to make it, would it be more comfortable to have someone else show you around?”

“Oh, that would be great,” she said, and then realized that he had not said he would show her around – what if he asked somebody else to do it?

“Josh!” a male voice this time. Josh stood up to shake hands with the heavy set older man wearing jean and a black t-shirt with the slogan, “Don’t Worry – It Only Seems Kinky The First Time” in white lettering.

“Bill!” Josh greeted him enthusiastically.

“Good to see you back,” said Bill, “We heard you were back in town, but we didn’t know when you might come by. Samantha’s going to be glad to see you.”

Josh grinned, “I’ll be glad to see her too! Is she still baking cookies like she used to?”

“Oh, yeah, that’ll never change. She says baking cookies is her love language. That and leading the Submissives’ book club keeps her busy.”

“Glad to hear that.” Josh glanced at Amelia and added, “Bill, this is Amelia. First time here. She was supposed to come with a friend, then the friend couldn’t make it. Amelia, this is Sir Bill. His submissive, Samantha is known for her skill with cookies – I guess you gathered that. She tends to serve as the welcome wagon for new subs too.”

“Nice to meet you, Amelia,” said Sir Bill, “I’ll have to let Samantha know you’re here – although – I’m just assuming you’re a sub – you are, aren’t you?”

Amelia was frozen for a moment, omg if she said yes, would he turn her over to the unknown Samantha? And she’d never actually told anyone that she was submissive before. And now they were both watching her. Waiting for her to respond.

She cleared her throat. ”Um, yes, I – yes, I think I’m submissive.”

Josh smiled, and Amelia thought it lit up his face. ”Good girl,” he said.

His words warmed her, she blushed, and, Damn it, she thought. This is so corny. I can’t believe I’m reacting like this. 

Josh turned to Bill. ”Send Samantha by to say hi, but I’ve got Amelia tonight.”

Amelia hoped that the huge wave of relief she felt didn’t show on her face. But there was something about those words – “I’ve got Amelia” – that thrilled her. She felt a strange tug in her belly and a bit of warmth.

Bill nodded, “I’ll let her know,” he said. ”It’s good to see you back, Josh. Amelia, nice to meet you – hope to see you around again.”

Amelia had barely nodded in response before he was gone. Josh sat back down. ”It may be like that a bit tonight – hope you don’t mind. I just assumed you wouldn’t have preferred for Samantha to be your dungeon buddy tonight either. If you would prefer her, we can still make that happen.”

“No,” she said, surprising herself with how firm she sounded. “No, I’d rather you show me around.”

“Good,” he said, and if there was a bit of predator in the grin he gave her, she chose to ignore that. She felt happy that her adventure was going so well.