Page 38 of Security and Submission
“Sorry, buddy,” Zeus said, giving the dog’s head a quick pet. “I’ve gotta go next door. I’ll be back.”
He grabbed the “Fuck the Patriarchy” keyring with Sarah’s keys on it from the holder beside his door on his way out front. As he came down his walk, he could see Yas getting Hope out of the backseat of her car.
Today, she looked like she’d come straight from work in navy blue pants, matching navy blue shoes, and a white blouse with billowy sleeves that cinched tight at her wrists. Delicate gold earrings hung from her ears, visible thanks to her hair being pulled back into a navy-and-gold hair clip. When she straightened and turned toward him, he could see a matching gold necklace around her neck, peeking through the open collar of her blouse.
She looked like she’d just stepped off the pages of a magazine about successful businesswomen.
It was fucking hot.
As was the bright smile that spread across her lips when she caught sight of him.
“Hey, Yas. I come bearing keys,” he said, holding them out in front of him as he walked up to her.
“Thank you.” Yas held Hope’s leash in one hand, holding the other out to accept the key ring. Gratitude and relief showed in her eyes, but he could also see how tired she was.
“Let me help you get your things inside.”
“Well, I won’t say no to that, mostly because Hope has twice as much stuff as I do. Which is not normal for me when it comes to packing; usually, I have the most,” she said with a smile, walking around to the trunk to pop it open.
Zeus reached in and pulled out her suitcase, which was pretty heavy for a weekend stay. He knew he tended to pack light, though. Holding it in one hand, he grabbed Hope’s food container in the other, leaving Yas to carry Hope’s bed, toys, and food and water dish.
“Oh, I can get my bag. It’s kind of heavy,” Yas said, reaching for it.
Zeus stepped back, nodding at what was left in the trunk.
“You can get that stuff. I’ve got the bag.”
The corner of her mouth quirked, but she nodded her head and gathered up Hope’s things. She could easily carry them with one arm, allowing her to hit the button that closed the trunk with the hand holding Hope’s leash. She gave him a little look out of the corner of her eye before going in front of him up the walk.
Which, of course, meant he ended up checking out how cute her butt looked in those work pants. There was something about a woman who was all put-together that made him want to get her messy for him. He would love to see Yas messy. Take down her hair. Peel off all those prim clothes.
Okay, stop fantasizing about the woman you just met. You don’t even know if she’s interested in you.
A man could hope, though.
Zeus followed her into Sarah’s and put Hope’s stuff down next to the couch.
“Do you know where the guest bedroom is?”
Yas was unclipping Hope’s leash. The dog’s tail was wagging a mile a minute, and she was practically prancing in place. The moment she was off the leash, she darted away, and Yas straightened up, watching her with concern.
“Oh, dear… I hope she doesn’t overexert herself.” Yas bit down on her lower lip. They could hear Hope running from room to room.
“She’ll calm down once she realizes Sarah’s not here,” Zeus reassured her. At least, he hoped she did. “Did you get her surgery scheduled?”
“Yeah, it’s for next Wednesday. So, she’ll have a couple of days with Sarah after Sarah gets home before she goes in.” Yas turned to him. “Are you still up for going halfsies?” Her tone was teasing, giving him an out if he wanted it. Which he didn’t.
“Absolutely.” No doubt in his mind. Hope darted by them and headed for the stairs. Since Yas had gotten distracted and hadn’t answered his question, he decided to take the lead. Especially since he wanted to double-check that Hope really was going to calm down. “Come on, I’ll show you where the guest bedroom is.”
“Okay, thank you.” Yas followed him as he headed for the stairs.
Poor Hope had already been in Sarah’s room, and she ran into the guest room ahead of Zeus. She seemed to have figured out that Sarah wasn’t there because she was moving more slowly. That or she’d just tired herself out. It was a good thing she was getting in for the surgery sooner rather than later.
“Here you go,” he said, walking into the guest bedroom. Hope hopped up on the bed and looked at him dolefully, as if he was hiding Sarah from her. “Sorry, sweetie, Sarah’s not home yet. But you and Yas will have a good time here tonight.” He put the suitcase down near the foot of the bed.
“You know, I think you’re the only person who has ever called me Yas,” Yas said from the doorway, a small smile playing on her lips.
“I can stop if you want. Do you prefer Yasmine?”
