Read Online Love and History by Cheryl Dragon - Free Book Online Page A

even drag him along.
    She always got too eager, and when things went south, it frustrated her. This time it hurt worse, and nothing was decided yet. Before Scott, she’d been so down and negative about finding a Dom. Now, this felt real. She hadn’t expected it, and he shocked her. At the moment, she wanted to pretend it never happened and go back.
    That wasn’t really true. She wanted Scott to love her. To be a boyfriend and a Dom. That just didn’t seem to be the direction he was headed.
    In need of a reality check, she’d called her best friend of dinner. No BSDM fetish talk tonight, but last week, she’d admitted to Colleen that Bridget was sort of dating Scott.
    Colleen sat across the table at their favorite Mexican restaurant. “What’s wrong? I thought you and Dr. Dull were having a good time?”
    “I wish I’d never told you anything.” Bridget sipped a frozen margarita.
    “Come on. I’m your best friend. He’s attractive. Good potential. What happened?” she asked.
    Stabbing the slush in her drink, Bridget tried to boil it down without sharing the kinky secrets. “I’m not sure he’s looking for a serious relationship.”
    “Him, a player? I don’t think so. He’s nothing but serious. So he asked you out and started seeing you for sex only? Oh Bridget, dump him.”
    “It’s more complicated. We get along. I’ve shared stuff about my family and growing up, but he doesn’t say a peep. Like he was hatched from a pod or something. I’ve been to his apartment. I didn’t see pictures of anyone. Parents, siblings, nieces or nephews. Nothing.”
    Their food arrived and both ladies kept quiet. Once the server was gone, Colleen shook her head. “Don’t sweat the pictures. He’s a single man. They’re not good at pictures unless someone gives it to them in a frame already. I’m sorry to tell you this, sweetie, but he sounds like a normal man so far—which is what you want. At least, you didn’t find out he’s gay, and you’re just some cover story. Men usually love to hear themselves talk but only about what they want to share. You’ve got to drag that other stuff out of them.”
    “I’m not pushy that way.” Bridget took out her frustration on her food.
    Colleen pointed her fork at Bridget. “You’re great at small talk. You can charm anyone at those fundraisers and mixers for the college.”
    “That’s different.” Demanding stuff from her Dom felt wrong even if it was information she’d be entitled to if she were his girlfriend. Her limits in bed were clear, but Colleen was right. Most men loved to talk about themselves and what they wanted. This guy only wanted to play, but they understood each other. No relationship had ever moved this fast in bed or in her heart.
    “If he doesn’t want you or a relationship, you deserve to know. You’re not afraid to be alone. Don’t be afraid to walk away because you’ve got a guy you like. If he doesn’t want you for you, you’ll be sorry in the end.”
    Bridget chuckled. “You need to stop watching so much Dr. Phil.”
    “I’m right,” Colleen said.
    “I know, but it’s like there’s a wall. He wants me around but doesn’t want to share that much yet. It all happened so fast!”
    “True, but when it’s right, you know. If you know how you feel, for sure, tell him.”
    “Scare him away fast?” Bridget laughed.
    “Scare him! Make him face stuff or lose you. Play on those ancient hunter instincts in men. They love to claim and conquer. That’s what sports is all about—or war. He’s into war, and if he’s smart, he’ll negotiate a treaty before you blitz him. He strikes me as the blunt type. Who won the war and who lost? I’ve heard he doesn’t give pluses or minuses. A grade is a grade.”
    “A lot of professors do that.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure he’s even interested in me. Whenever I tried to talk about my paper for publication, he changed the subject. I don’t want to look weak.”
    “You’re not