Eden's Garden, page 5
The man could bring down a sub from subspace with the gentlest methods, or make a mouthy one beg for forgiveness like an expert. He learned people from the inside out. Their hopes, desires, dreams. Even the ones they kept locked away. Rhett's only fault—and it wasn't actually a fault—lay in the fact he only played in committed relationships, despite the playboy vibe he gave off. His service in the military meant that, like me, permanent relationships came in not so permanent spurts.
"I know she's not right for me. She's become a bit of a Dom hopper the past few months. The first one was a controlling asshole, and once his attitude got uncovered, Abe expelled him from the group. Since then, she can't seem to stay with anyone too long. But some stupid voice in my head says if we got together, it would be different. She'd quit flirting with everyone."
"You know that kind of thinking is dangerous, Rhett." I placed my glass on the table and toyed with a napkin. "That's setting yourself up for failure, and probably heartbreak. As much as you’re gone, you can't afford to expect a committed closed relationship with a known hopper."
He waved a hand, but I knew he meant it as an acknowledgement and not dismissive. "Like I said, stupid. Maybe I need to break my rules and have a one-night stand with her. Get it out of my system. She tells everyone that's all she's looking for. To serve as a temporary toss away toy."
"Sounds like the controlling asshole gave her some serious self-esteem issues that are interfering with her lifestyle choices. If she keeps the hopping up, there’s a chance they might expel her too. I’m not sure how strict of a ship Abe and Elle run.”
We fell silent as she approached us, tray full of food balanced expertly as she walked. With a smile, she placed it on the empty table next to us and began setting plates down. “Here’s your food, guys. One chicken alfredo, and one chicken marsala. Do you two need anything else? Refills, extra napkins?”
I shook my head as Rhett said, “No, thank you. Everything looks fine, Tiffany.”
She flashed him that brilliant smile. “Let me know if there’s anything I can get you.”
“Sure.” I picked up a fork and stabbed at my alfredo.
My lunch companion, however, propped his chin on the back of his hand as he leaned forward a tad. “And what of you, Eden? We’ve scoured my personal interests and poor choices and laid them bare. Now let’s talk about your little entourage you’ve gathered. I didn’t know polyamory was your thing.”
I choked and brought a napkin over my mouth as I tried to calm the coughing fit that ensued. When I finally gained my composure again, he grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “I’m not into polyamory.”
“Uh huh. Because dating four girls at once is monogamy.” The dry tone in his voice brought a prickle of a blush to my cheeks.
“We aren’t dating. Well, we are, but none of us are exclusive yet. I’ve only went on a date with Denisha, Camilla, and Maya. They all seem interested in trying it out, but it’s not like I’ve collared anyone.” I placed the napkin back on the table. “Let’s just see where things go before we get ahead of ourselves. There’s a good chance I’ll end up with no one in the long run.”
A knowing grin appeared on his face. “Or you could end up with all four.”
“Pfft.” I rolled my eyes and took a bite of my pasta. Once I finished chewing, I said, “Yeah, sure. Have you seen my track record with relationships the past year or two? I finally manage to get in a committed relationship just before it’s time to relocate, and two months in, I get the Dear John text or email.”
He offered a slow shake of his head in response. “I don’t know, Eden. I’ve got about six months before my re-up or get out. I’m honestly considering staying. I’ve been here a year and a half, and this place feels more like home than the piece of shit town I grew up in. Maybe it’ll grow on you, and you’ll consider staying too.”
“What would you even do if you weren’t in the Navy?” I asked, genuinely curious. Before today, I thought Rhett would stay in until the day he died or retired. Whichever came first. Despite all the flack he received from other branches for his choice, he loved serving and the unique locations and experiences the Navy gave him.
“There’s an FBI field office here. I’ve been in talks with their HR about an analyst job straight out of discharge. God knows I’ve got the experience. Almost twelve years of it. I think it’s time I start looking into settling down. I’m starting to miss having my own space, my own stuff, my own life.”
His words hit a place inside my soul. A vulnerable, aching spot I didn’t know existed. Or maybe I’d held my suspicions for a while now that my transient lifestyle didn’t satisfy all my needs. As much as I loved going new places, making new friends, finding new favorite things, a part of me longed for some familiarity. Solidity. Like Rhett said, my own space and life.
I picked at my food as I mulled what he said over. “How do you know you’ve found home?” I asked quietly. “I mean, isn’t home just where you are?”
He sat back, and his expression turned thoughtful. “I think it’s deeper than that. With this area, it’s a weird attachment. In the past, when I knew I’d be coming up for a relocation, I’d feel a sense of excitement. The places I lived became stale to me, and I craved new. A new start, a new life, new environments. But here, I feel like I could go out on weekends exploring things for decades and still find something new. Like the population, this area is ever changing. What was a run-down empty parking lot this week could be a thriving community garden in two years. Hell, that’s not even talking about all the historical sites and places like Outerbanks or Busch Gardens that you can hit up for weekend fun.”
Rhett swirled his straw through his drink, making the ice clink against the sides for a moment before he spoke again. “Sure, home in the strictest sense of the word, is wherever you keep your stuff. But the kind of home I’m talking about is something I feel in my soul. Like if I were to leave here, I’d long to come back for the rest of my life. If the opportunity presents itself to stay in the community I love with a steady income at a great job, why flip it off for another relocation?”
I weighed his words carefully. Thus far, my time here didn’t amount to much. Especially not compared to Rhett’s. I couldn’t say yet if this place would take a piece of my heart and keep it for itself. The only other place that ever came close to what Rhett described was DC, with its history and hustle and bustle. But what friends I’d made moved away. What relationships I’d fostered flickered like a dying candle until they snuffed out completely from lack of in-person maintenance. I remained a part of the BDSM group there, but most of my updates came from the private forum on a kink site, not through any personal communications.
“What’s home to you, Eden?”
His quiet question surprised me, and I found myself floundering for an answer.
“I… I…”
My long-time friend placed a hand over mine and gave it a squeeze. “Tell me the first thing that comes to mind.”
“Friends,” I blurted out. “I like socializing. Like talking to people, especially in person. Somewhere with friends I see regularly.”
He nodded. “What else?”
I chewed on my lip a moment, really considering the question. “I’ve moved since I was little. I don’t think I know what home really is.”
He chuckled and removed his hand, then picked up his silverware again. “Don’t worry, Eden. One day, you’ll end up somewhere or have a moment where it’ll hit you. The feeling will punch you right in the gut like the world’s biggest epiphany. Somewhere will be home, and you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you never leave.”
I laughed at this, though the sound came out hollow to me. “When did you become so philosophical?”
“When I learned I didn’t have to lean on the unobtainable playboy persona or the new guy mysterious draw to get people to like me. I just had to be me, and the rest fell into place. I like you for who you are, Eden. You’re an awesome woman, a stellar Domme, and a real caring, intelligent woman. Maybe you need to quit relying on the new Domme in the city appeal to help you find relationships and start finding people who like you for you if you want a lasting partner.”
“I do not!” I stared at him, hating how much his words made sense.
He grinned at me as he cut another piece from his marsala. “You do, Eden. And when that new person thing starts wearing off, and the shallow people lose interest, you accept another assignment to a new city and do it all over again.”
“Are you saying I have commitment issues?” I asked, setting my silverware down to study whether he joked.
That characteristic shrug of his rolled over his shoulders. “I’m simply saying maybe if you want something deeper, you need to be willing to let it in. You can’t have forever when you operate on the expectation of limited time.”
While his words hit like a punch in the gut, I couldn’t find it in me to argue with them. Rhett and I were the longest any friendship ever lasted, mostly because we hit it off as friends and never as lovers. His constant moves and mine didn’t stop us from using texts and emails to stay in touch, as well as social media. But with that knowledge came the fact that Rhett also knew me better than anyone else. He had no reason to lie to or manipulate me.
Which meant maybe I’d spent years lying to myself.
Chapter Eight
This time, when I walked into the monthly munch, familiar faces dotted the room. I entered without Rhett's gentle guidance and smiled at the increased happiness fluttering in my heart. I looked forward to seeing all the girls, even though I had yet to go on a date with Wynn or participate in play with anyone. That didn't bother me, though. Tonight, Camilla would be coming home with me for some soft maid and pet play. The anticipation excited me just as much as knowing I'd see them all today.
"Miss Eden!" A tiny body collided with mine before wrapping me into a hug.
"Hey there, fierceness. How are you today?" I chuckled as I returned the hug.
Denisha stepped back then bounced on her toes. "I have been waiting for you. I'm good. I had a lot of fun a few weeks ago."
"Good. I had fun too. Have you been a good girl and said hello to Mister Abe and Missus Elle yet?" I started walking toward their table, and she fell into step beside me. Her pale pink hair looked magically beautiful and accented her dark cheek bones. The hair and the wispy pastel skirt and baby blue halter top completed the fairy princess vibe.
"I did," she responded, interrupting my musings. "Then I waited for you. Now I'm waiting for Boi."
That brought a smile to my face. I liked that she had someone similar to spend time with. Especially someone as good natured as Boi.
"He's a good kid, isn't he."
She nodded exuberantly. "He said he knew you and you are always nice to him. That first day you came, when Missus Elle asked if I wanted to meet you, Boi told me to try."
"Thank you for giving me a chance, sweetie."
Her smile lit up the room as we stopped in front of the group leaders. “Thanks for giving me a chance too.” Before I could respond, her face lit up again and she streaked off. I didn’t have to turn to know Miss Kay and Boi finally entered the room.
“Hello Mister Abe and Missus Elle. How are you two doing today?”
The couple both flashed genuine smiles at me as they shook my hand in turn. Today, Abe wore a short sleeve red flannel shirt, and a summery dress with sunflowers printed on it clung to Elle’s frame. They were the epitome of white picket fences and two-point-five children. Good ol’ American country folk at a barbeque. Once again, I thrilled at the like-mindedness of our group, and how none of the ridiculous, almost childish antics of people I’d met in the past didn’t taint Tidwater Triskele.
“You’re thinking pretty hard there, Miss Eden.” Abe’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I chuckled.
“Just reminiscing over the things I’m ashamed to admit I’ve seen at munches with other groups. I can’t express how pleased I am with the… Hmm, maturity? Yeah, I think that’s the word I’m looking for. The maturity of this group and its members.” I twisted to indicate the others in the room. “These people and their behavior make me proud of us and our lifestyle.”
Elle grinned as Abe laughed. He stroked his chin for a moment, eyes wandering over the people we spoke of. “This groups been alive for twenty-three years. A handful of the original members are still here, though some don’t show up as often as they used to. Believe it or not, a lot of these people can get pretty rowdy at private parties.”
“The way it should be,” I said, warming up to the idea of maybe going to one. The password-protected website Abe emailed to me after my first meeting mentioned a couple of parties over the Fourth of July weekend, but I didn’t go. My relative newness to the group, coupled with a lack of desire to publicly scene, provided perfect reasons to skip attending. But maybe one day I’d take one of the girls and go.
“Heya, Mistress. Sup, hosts of the hot hour?” Maya’s throaty voice filled my ears as she appeared beside me, Wynn in tow.
“Mistress?” Both of the leaders grinned as Elle continued, “I see you’ve been hitting it off with a few of the girls.”
I cast an affectionate smile at the duo beside me. “I hope so. Ladies, would you like to sit with me over there?” I pointed at an empty table near the corner, and watched as Wynn shot me a look of relief.
“Sure.” Maya waltzed that way, dragging her roommate with her.
As I began to follow, Abe stood and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Miss Eden, thanks for taking them under your wing. How are things going with them?”
“I haven’t had a chance to see Wynn alone yet, but so far the other girls and I have hit it off pretty good. They’re good, strong, beautiful women who just need someone to care about their needs on a personal level beyond kinky sex,” I responded as I watched Denisha flit over to visit with the other two women.
He nodded and let his hand fall. “I think they found a good match in you. Too bad you’ll be leaving next summer.”
“Yeah, but maybe one of them will be okay with a long distance thing.” I shrugged. “Anyway, I’ll let you get to the other guests. Thanks, you two.”
By the time I reached them, Camilla sat among the group as well, a duffle bag next to her feet. She wore a simple pair of blue jeans and a galaxy printed shirt. Her large, greyish-blue eyes fell on me and her expression warmed immediately.
“Hello, Ma’am.” She stood and pulled a chair out for me, then waited patiently for me to take a seat.
“Hello, Camilla. How are you?” I scooted in and shot her a grin over my shoulder as she returned to her seat.
“I’m well. Thank you for asking. Do you have needs I can attend to?” Her voice remained chipper and carried that maid tone she’d shown me at the fireworks show.
I shook my head in answer to her question, and started when a weight leaned on my shoulder. Maya’s scent teased my nostrils, and her head rested on me as she played with a napkin. In a moment of boldness, I placed a quick kiss to the top of her head. As I returned my attention to the women around the table, Wynn caught my eye. She stared at the two of us and for a moment, just a moment, her expression appeared longing instead of the constant panic that worried her brow.
A mere half second passed that I worried she harbored feelings for Maya and that I’d inadvertently stepped in a triangle of drama. But when the weight lifted from my shoulder, Wynn’s gaze remained locked on where Maya rested moments ago. Not on her roommate, but on my body. As if she ached to find the courage to place her head there too.
“Wynn?” I kept my voice soft as I addressed her.
She jerked, eyes focusing, and her gaze immediately dropped to the floor again. “Y-yes?” she asked in that whisper-soft voice I wished to hear more of.
“Have you given any thought as to when you’d like to go on a date?”
“What? You haven’t met up with her yet?” Maya stared at her with a shocked expression. “I thought you went last weekend, when I worked overtime.”
“No. No, I didn’t call her. I…” She trailed off and fidgeted with a menu. “I was going to, but we had rain that day and I ended up needing a pain med.”
I stretched across the table and stroked a single finger down the back of her hand. Not enough touch to overwhelm or invade her space, but enough to let her know I held no ill will. “It’s okay. We’ll go when you’re ready.”
“Pfft, that’ll be never.” Maya rolled her eyes as she leaned back in her seat. When I swatted her leg, she jerked and stared at me. “Hey!”
“Quit being a brat. She’ll go when she’s ready. You’re trying to poke the bear.” I narrowed my eyes at the unruly sub, but softened it by rubbing a hand across her thigh to soothe the reprimand.
Wynn’s gentle voice grew stronger than I’d ever heard when she asked, “Do you like dogs?”
“I like all animals.” I glanced at Camilla, offering her a private smile. “Especially the furry kind.”
She giggled, a flush traveling to her cheeks.
When I returned my gaze to Wynn, she sat nodding. “How about this weekend? We could go to the Virginia Living Museum. But, I’ll have my service dog with me. Is that… Is that okay?”
“Of course that’s okay. And I’d love to go with you. Just text me the when and where, and if you need a ride.”
“At a girl, Wynny. Get ‘er done!” Maya fist pumped.
I swatted her again, causing her to emit a startled eep. “Hush you, or you’re gonna get done. I think that’s exactly what you need, ornery.”
To my surprise, a blush flourished over her cheeks, and I realized that for all of her sass and loudness, Maya mostly bluffed. So long as I called her out on her antics, I maintained the upper hand. I would still need to form some creative punishments, especially for public outings right now. Brats always chose their battles in environments that they thought gave them the advantage. But there were ways to work around that. Delicious, fun, challenging ways that could provide some awesome entertainment for me, and a valuable experience for her.
