Bound To Me (Leather #1) Page 5

  “I think I’m going to like you.” He smiled warmly, and Addison practically melted on the spot.

  If only you knew. “Well, I aim to please.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Don’t we all?” His smoldering gaze held the look of a man who never had to aim to please but always did.

  Are we flirting? The buzzer on her desk went off. How had an hour passed so quickly? Addison sighed. “That’s the end of our session.” She rose to her feet.

  Decland rose, towering over her five-foot-five frame. Pulling his jacket closed, his broad shoulders seemed to fill the room. “Until we meet again.”

  He started toward the door. Addison called, “Mr. Wallace.” He stopped and turned as she walked around her desk. “Just in case you have any emergencies.” She scribbled her personal cell phone number on the back of one of her cards. “Here’s my number.” What am I doing?

  He snagged the card, turning it over looking at it from both sides. “Is it customary to give your cell number to patients?”

  She shrugged. “Not usually.” Not at all. This was so not normal, yet she couldn’t stop herself from doing it. She felt like forcing him to put it into his phone. For the first time in years, she was torn between what she wanted and what was the right thing to do. Her mouth had run dry as she tried to calm herself.

  “Well, I’ll be sure to only use it in case of emergencies.” He tucked it carefully into his pants pocket. As he turned and walked toward the door, she couldn’t help but look at that sculpted ass. Without turning back, he opened the door and walked out.

  Addison fell back into the chair behind her desk. Before Decland was barely out of the reception area, Jeffrey had rushed into her office with her sandwich in hand. “Tell me that guy has bisexual tendencies and is a nymphomaniac.”

  Addison burst out laughing. “No such luck, and I am not discussing patients with you.”

  “I know, I know. But can I just say I had to fan myself for like twenty minutes after he came in.”

  “Tell me about it.” At this point, she needed to bathe in ice.

  Chapter 5

  Decland’s routine had changed from nightly prowling to finding the right woman, to knowing he’d had her for the briefest of moments and allowed her to walk away without so much as an exchange of numbers. With each frustrated stride, his feet seemed to pound harder on the treadmill. Sweat poured off his body, soaking into his gray tank top, which looked almost black by now. Normally, he preferred to work out in private, but as the day wore on, he opted to use the gym at his office. Though he was surrounded by his employees, he couldn’t help but be distracted by thoughts of the woman from a few nights ago.

  “Oh, my God! Turn it up!” a woman yelled from the front of the gym.

  Decland looked up to find a group of them huddled around a TV. Some daytime talk show was on with three ladies sitting around a table.

  “And here she is, Doctor Addison Tyler,” one of the show hosts said.

  The crowd on the screen cheered as she walked on to the set. His therapist. She looked so different. Rather than having her hair pulled up into a high bun, her chestnut waves flowed loosely around her face in a lush display. Her amber eyes were surrounded by dark makeup, giving them the dramatic, sexy effect. A deep purple wrap-around shirt caressed her curves, showing off the barest hint of cleavage. Her black pants clung to her hips and fell comfortably to floor. When she looked toward the camera and smiled, his heart started to race faster. Smacking the button on the treadmill, he slowed to a light jog. He quickly switched his headphones from his iPhone to the machine that would allow him to hear the television.

  “Welcome, Dr. Tyler. We are so happy to have you here with us,” a short, blond woman with a bright red sweater said, practically bouncing out of her chair.

  Dr. Tyler smiled warmly, her red lips glistening as she shook each of the hosts’ hands. She took a seat in the middle of the table. “I’m so happy to be with you all.”

  There were two other women at the table—one a statuesque Asian, the other a dark brunette. But the blonde took the reins and asked, “So, do tell. Who’s doing the dirty all over New York?” Her hand flew over her mouth, eyes wide toward the audience, which erupted with laughter. “I mean, you do deal with lots of A-list clientele.”

  Dr. Tyler handled the antics like a pro. “Oh, Judy, you know doctor-patient confidentiality does extend to all areas, from TV to the bedroom.” She winked, and the crowd laughed. “But I can tell you, sex is a hot subject.”

  “Well, based on your book, Spice Life, I can tell you my husband will never be bored.” She held up Addison’s book. “It’s a page turner.”

  Decland laughed as Dr. Tyler’s eyebrows rose but then smoothed quickly as she dodged the innuendo. “Well, thank you.”

  The dark-haired, heavyset woman chimed in. “I just gotta know…” she began. Decland flinched at her heavy Staten Island accent. She continued, “What would possess you to write a book like that? I’m sure men around the world are thanking you for the chapter about how to give the perfect BJ.”

  Dr. Tyler tilted her head back and laughed along with the crowd. “Honestly, Linda, I’ve had quite a few patients who had lost that spark in their relationships, although the love stayed strong. So I just wanted to help the people who couldn’t come to the office, too.”

  “AAAWWWWW,” the crowd roared.

  She continued, “In truth, not everyone can afford the right kind of help. So I set out to write a book that was more from a medical perspective and less from a sexual perspective. The body is an amazing thing. From start to finish,” she giggled. “No pun intended. But for some couples, years of taking care of everything around them has made intimate actions awkward.”

  The lovely Asian host leaned in, very serious. “What do you mean ‘intimate actions’?”

  Doctor Tyler sat back in her chair completely at ease, throwing her waves over her shoulder. “Couples today have work, kids, kid schedules, bills, families, school and the list goes on and on. Sometimes, we forget how to just be together. And this book isn’t just about how to give a great blow job. It’s about how to re-open the lines of communication through sexual acts. How to learn to pleasure each other again.”

  Linda held her hands up like she was dumbfounded. “Boy, would I like to have a peek in your bedroom.” Again the crowd erupted into fits of laughter.

  A slight blush tinted Addison’s cheeks. Decland nearly tripped off the treadmill when that tiny bit of pink showed up. How lovely she looked, a perfect picture of class and sass. His eyes never left the screen, completely captivated by each word she said. Addison cleared her throat. “Well, I’m going to plead the fifth on that comment.”

  Linda leaned in, elbowing Addison while wagging her eyebrows. “Queen of boot knocking?” The women laughed. Although Addison was clearly not amused, she gave her best smile.

  Decland was enthralled by the way she carried herself, never flinching under pressure. Is it bad to hit on your therapist? The way she looked, he didn’t know if he would be able to stop himself from flirting with her, especially after seeing her like this.

  “I find that in matters of sex, discretion is best. Not everyone needs to be the queen of boot knocking.” The crowd applauded. Doctor Tyler continued, “But everyone can feel like one with the right partner.”

  The blonde host’s hands flailed excitedly. “So, Doctor, tell us what you’re working on now.”

  Addison folded her hands in her lap. “I’m currently working on my second book.”

  Linda’s loud voice boomed as she spoke. “What more is there to write about? After reading your book, I could give an orgasm like a champ.” Her face crinkled up as her mouth dropped open in loud laughter.

  “Glad I could be of assistance,” quick-as-a-whip Addison replied. The audience laughed and applauded.

  “But really, Addison.” Ms. Blondie reached her hand toward her in a sisterly way. Decland slowed to a walk. Judy, the blonde, continued, “What more
is there for us…” she motioned to the audience, “the common people, to learn about sex?”

  Addison cleared her throat. “Well, right now I am studying the relationship between dominate and submissive partners—”

  “Oh, no… oh, no,” Linda’s raspy Italian voice protested. “I ain’t gonna have nobody tie me down.”

  Addison laughed. “It’s not about tying down, although toys can be fun. It’s more about trust—”

  She was interrupted again by Linda. “Who are you gonna trust to tie you down?”

  “Well, Linda, I have a few people in mind.” Decland turned up the volume on his machine as Addison rattled off a list. “You know Chris Hemsworth, AKA Thor? I mean, who doesn’t love a guy who knows how to handle his hammer?” The women hunched over in laugher while Addison kept going. “Channing Tatum, seriously, how does he move like that in Magic Mike?” Addison fanned herself playfully. “Those guys could definitely give tying me down a go.” The women all nodded in agreement. For some reason, Decland was ready to hunt down the two men she named. He knew they weren’t anything to each other… yet. As he watched her, he knew he had to try to have her, whether or not he was her patient. Maybe she could be the one to help him commit? Dating a professional could have its perks.

  Addison cleared her throat, calming everyone down. “But seriously, ladies, adding some props to the bedroom can be fun. And to help give you some ideas, I brought some examples with me.”

  An assistant from backstage wheeled out a cart. The top of the table was tilted toward the audience but was covered with a black cloth. Doctor Tyler rose from the interview table. “Ladies, care to join me?”

  Linda popped to her feet. “Join you? I’ll race you.” The crowd broke out in laughter once more as she followed Linda over to the table.

  Linda’s large, curly, dark brown hair bounced as her heavy body giggled with excitement. “What do we have here?” She peeked under the cloth, popping out again with wide eyes and an O-shaped mouth.

  Addison tapped her on the shoulder and whispered playfully, “Can I show the audience?”

  Linda held up her finger. “Just another peek.” She put her head under the cloth once more and squeaked with delight. She cupped her hand over her mouth like she was telling a secret to a friend as she looked to her viewers, “You are gonna love this.” She stepped to the side, allowing Addison to stand directly behind the table.

  Addison smiled mischievously at the audience and placed her hand on the black cloth. With a playful flourish, she pulled the small cover away revealing a table of “toys.”

  The Asian host was the first to speak. “What is all this stuff?”

  “I’m glad you asked me, Nina. These are some interesting things that you can use to have some fun behind closed doors.” She shrugged. “Or not behind closed doors, whatever you’re into.”

  Linda reached in and held up a ping pong-shaped paddle with what looked like a leather cushion on the front of it. “What’s this?”

  “That’s a paddle,” Addison answered quickly.

  “Does it hurt?” She started swinging it back and forth.

  Addison laughed. “It all depends on how you use it.”

  “Judy, come here and bend over. Tell me if this hurts.” The audience erupted as Linda started to chase Judy around the stage. Finally, Judy gave up, bent over slightly, and wagged her bottom at Linda. Linda smiled and smacked Judy on the backside.

  Judy jumped up, rubbing her hands on her rump. Linda began to wiggle the paddle again. “Did it hurt?”

  The blonde smiled, arching her eyebrows. “Why don’t you come over later and find out?” Linda’s mouth dropped open as the crowd went wild.

  Linda put the paddle down on the table and picked up another toy. This one was more severe looking—a longer-handled paddle with black leather strings hanging out of the end of it. Linda waved it around, eyeing Judy who held her hands up. “Don’t even think about it.”

  Addison laughed as she grabbed the flogger. “This one isn’t meant for serious pain. It only gives a little sting.”

  “And how would you know that?” Linda blurted out.

  Addison playfully ignored her. “Moving on.” She picked up a black lace mask. Decland squinted at the TV, trying to see it clearer.

  “That looks like fun,” Nina, the quieter host, added.

  “It looks like a costume,” Linda observed.

  Addison gave her look that said ‘no shit, Sherlock.’ Still, she remained silent, waiting for the lightbulb to go on for Linda.

  The crowd laughed as realization hit Linda and she shrugged. “So sue me.” She grabbed the mask and forced it at Addison. “C’mon, Doc, let’s see what it looks like.”

  Addison glowed as she took the mask in hand and placed it over her face. The audience oohed and aahed at how beautiful she was. As the camera zoomed in, capturing her face within the screen perfectly, Decland’s heart began to race. Her perfect eyes, breathtaking face… no wonder he’d been attracted to her. His steps faltered.

  “Holy fuck.” He tried to right himself before he fell off the treadmill completely. Shocked, adrenaline pumped through his veins and a million thoughts raced through his mind all at once. It was her—his perfect woman from the club. He’d been sitting in front of her just two days earlier, and he hadn’t even known it. Son of a bitch! He didn’t know what to do. Confusion wracked his body as he slammed his hand on the stop button on his machine. Slowly, it came to a stop. He took a swig of water as his breath heaved in and out. Looking up, he realized he’d already gained an audience. The women who were watching the interview on TV were now turned, watching him have his own personal dilemma.

  Tossing the towel over his shoulder, he headed toward the locker room. He’d sat in her office, told her an intimate problem. Fuck! She’d known the whole time who he was, and he had no clue. Well, now he knew his perfect girl from the club was a sex specialist. No wonder she’d made him come until his balls were completely empty. As he remembered that night, he knew he had to have her again. He squared his shoulders, hard determination overtaking him. His only objective was to have her. He’d let her go once, wouldn’t happen again. Now that he’d found her, he’d be damned if he’d let her act like they only had a doctor-patient relationship. She wanted to play pretend? Game on!

  Pulling out his cell phone, he opened up a new text message, took the card she’d given him from his wallet, and entered her number. After he’d typed out his text, he sat staring at the screen, his thumb hovering over the send button, not knowing if it was a good idea. Fuck it. He hit the send button.

  Looking at his phone, he wondered if he’d get a response. Not wanting to stare at it, waiting like a sap, he stripped out of his clothes and headed for the showers. As he stepped under the stream of hot water, he heard his cell phone vibrate inside the metal locker. Let the games begin…

  Chapter 6

  Just caught your show. You looked beautiful.

  Addison frowned down at her phone. Did he really just say that to me? She quickly typed a response.

  Thank you, Mr.Wallace. But unless you are having a personal issue that needs discussing, we should not be texting socially.

  She sighed and dropped her phone onto her desk. When she’d gotten his text, she’d actually smiled and felt a little thrilled. However, Decland was her patient now; he wasn’t a man she was trying to date. Crossing that line of inappropriate would cost her way more than just her license. Her credibility would be completely shot, her books gone, her life gone. Everything that she’d been working toward would end with one satisfying night. She could see her picture plastered on page six of the New Yorker newspaper. Nothing was worth that. Her phone vibrated across the desk. His message blazoned on the screen.

  That purple shirt you were wearing made me have some serious personal issues.

  She knew she shouldn’t answer but was unable to stop herself. How is it a personal issue??

  A physical reaction to your doctor seems rath
er personal, especially when you’re in public.

  She quickly typed: Then perhaps you need to seek another doctor. The moment she hit send she knew that wasn’t what she really wanted to say.

  Or I could discuss my issues in detail with the one I’m already seeing.

  Was he flirting? Does he know? She sat up a bit straighter wondering if her cover had been blown. If so, where did she go from here? Did she immediately refer him to a colleague, or did she handle it personally by cutting off communication completely? Or could it be something more? Could she quit as his therapist and pursue him for personal purposes? As she mulled it all over, one resounding thought bounced around her head—she needed to know for sure if he knew it was her.

  At our next appointment we can discuss this further. Until then, I assume you will no longer contact me unless it’s an emergency.

  Where’s the fun in that? He answered quickly.

  He was toying with her, but for what reason? Was she just another thing for him to hunt? I can assure you, Mr. Wallace, that I am no fun.

  His response was almost instantaneous. No, blue balls are no fun. You on that show seemed like tons of fun.

  A small smile played on her lips. I’m very sure that your balls do not belong in this conversation.

  No, my balls aren’t what I’m concerned about. I was thinking of something slightly above them.

  She giggled. Perhaps you should think with the head on your shoulders, not in your pants.

  Is that what you advise your other patients to do, Dr. Tyler?

  Her emotions were at war. She wanted to stop this but couldn’t. Her finger hovered over the send button as she debated whether or not to continue. Picturing his bright green eyes looking at her hungrily, she pressed send. No, I’d advise my other patients to stop texting me with inappropriate comments.

  I find it intriguing that you haven’t advised me to do so.

  Haven’t I, Mr. Wallace?

  If you have, I’m choosing not to follow doctor’s orders.

  Was this his thing, going after a woman he didn’t expect to get? Seeing how far he could push them? If so, she wasn’t going to be next on his list of discarded year-long conquests. I am not a new game for you to hunt, Mr. Wallace.