One word stood out from Nan’s remarks and drew on Lillian’s curiosity. “Master? Is that a joke or nickname?”
“Definitely no joke. Our husbands like sexual control, along with protective streaks that can get annoying.” Nan cocked her head. “Master Mitchell is good friends with them. I’m surprised you didn’t pick up on it, staying in such close quarters for almost three days. It’s not as if any of them shed their private personas completely to don a different attitude when not at their club.”
“Huh, so that’s where the bossiness comes from.” Knowing the doctor was into the kinks of BDSM explained a lot, but not the ease with which she had accepted his commands. Lillian most definitely wasn’t interested in letting a man dictate to her ever again, not even for rewarding sex. Needing to change the subject, she said, “The cherry green sounds good.”
“Okay, make it two,” Avery added then turned to Lillian. “I hope we didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
Lillian shook her head. “No, not at all. In fact, you’re braver than I am. I’ve met your husband and don’t think I’d go against his wishes.”
A smile brightened Avery’s face. “His bark is worse than his bite. Well,” she shifted on the seat with an exaggerated grimace and sparkle in her caramel eyes. “Most of the time anyway.”
Lillian would not ask. Just that slight movement hinted at where the sheriff had delivered his punishment and reminded her of the light swats Mitchell introduced her to. She hadn’t minded those; in fact, she’d found the taps stimulating. A small souvenir to take with her when she got back on the road again in a few days.
“What are your plans while you’re here?” Nan asked as she set a tray down with their tea and scones.
“I haven’t made any except to find the arts and crafts shop the motel manager mentioned. I don’t know how much longer it’ll take for my car, but it should only be a few days.” She blew on the hot beverage and took a sip, the steaming tea tasting good and easing her chills. Winter was not the best time to travel north.
“That’d be Maisie’s over on Second Street. I’ll give you a lift when you’re done, if you want,” Avery offered.
“Thanks, but I don’t want to put you out. I’m sure I can find it, and Bob, from the motel, already offered to come back and pick me up.”
“It’s on my way, so it’s no trouble. There’s an accounting office on Second I’ve got an appointment at to check a downed computer.”
“Okay, then thanks. It’s quiet in here. Is that because of the snow?”
“Nah, weather rarely keeps anyone home around here,” Nan replied. “It’s always slow after the morning coffee rush. Most weeks, our friends, Sydney and Tamara join us on Wednesdays, but they’re both in the final weeks of their third trimester and sticking close to home.”
Lillian arched a brow as she swallowed a bite of pastry. “Is there something in the water I need to worry about?”
“Not unless you got closer to our good doctor than you said. There’s just as many of us who aren’t in a hurry to join them,
even if Dan keeps hinting about the two of us not getting any younger,” Nan returned.
“Speaking of your husband.” Avery nodded toward the door as the bell above it jingled and a tall blond man wearing a dark brown Stetson, leather coat and cowboy boots sauntered in.
Nan stood with a beaming smile and Lillian experienced a tight clutch in her abdomen as her husband focused his dark eyes on her. Ignoring his audience, he cupped her nape and drew his wife’s head up for a deep kiss that made Lillian question the enjoyment of her every lip lock. By the time he released Nan with a playful smack on her butt and nudged his hat back, she was the one squirming in her seat. Smiling, he said, “Good morning, ladies. You must be Mitchell’s rescue. Dan Shylock.”
“Again, I’m not the doctor’s anything. Nice to meet you. I’m Lillian.” Lillian shook his hand, bemused by how fast and far word had spread of the short time she’d spent snowed in with their resident physician.
“If you say so, Lillian.” He turned back to Nan who had poured him a to-go cup. “Thank you. I’ve got to be in court this afternoon, wait for me and we’ll go home together.” He pinched Nan’s chin. “I’m sure you can find something to amuse you until I get back from Billings.”
“I’m sure I can,” Nan drawled. “See you this evening.”
“He is so hot.” Avery fanned herself and Lillian had to agree as they watched him stroll out. There was something about the way the two of them looked at each other that prompted her to tighten her legs to still her quivering pussy.
Uncomfortable with her response, Lillian retorted without thinking, “He’s as bossy as Mitchell,” and then lifted stricken eyes up to Nan. “I’m sorry. That sounded rude.”
Nan laughed. “No it didn’t, it sounded honest. And accurate, he is bossy. I don’t mind at the club, in fact, I love giving him control there. I didn’t argue with him just now because I know he worries about me driving after dark when the roads are so much worse. You learn to pick your battles when you’re married to a dominant man. Since I’ll still be around this evening, how about dinner at Dale’s Diner on the corner?”
Lillian marveled at the way both women welcomed her without hesitation, offering their time and company without pause to a stranger. Maybe they were curious about what went on with her and Mitchell, or maybe they were just nice people. Either way, their friendly overtures this morning meant a lot. “Can I give you my number and let you know after I get back to the motel? To be honest, I may not want to get out in the cold again.”
“Can’t blame you. Sure. I’ll call when I’m ready to close up. Avery, I’ll see you Saturday. You two take your time. I’ve got to get ready for the noon crowd.”
By the time Avery dropped her off at the art store, the sun shone high in a bright blue sky and the temperature had risen above freezing. “If I don’t see you again, it was nice meeting you,” Lillian said as she opened the car door. “Thank you for a nice morning.”
“My pleasure. I was a stranger in town not long ago and remember how alone I felt until I met a few people. If you decide to stick around a little longer, give me or Nan a call.”
“I’ll see how it goes. Tell the sheriff hi for me.”