Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(83)

“I swore I’d never have a neutral room again. Nothing boring. Or safe.” Ainsley’s

gaze moved over the spring green chairs opposite the vividly patterned blue and green

couch that complemented both the chairs and loveseat.


“I’m glad you’re stepping outside that neat little box you’ve lived in for so long.

”


“Better late than never.” She let the wine rest on her tongue. “So Murphy didn’t

need you in the bar tonight?”


“Thursdays are quiet. People are gearing up for the weekend. I probably would’ve sat

at home anyway, and Murph agreed I needed to come here to talk to you.”


Ainsley’s face warmed, recalling the last time she’d seen Layla at the club. Was she

here to explain that scene? “I wasn’t sure what my reaction would be to watching you

and Murphy. It wasn’t what I expected. Can we just leave it at that?”


“What are you talking about?” Layla’s eyes widened. “Oh. The public scene last

weekend?” She waved her hand. “I’m not an exhibitionist, which is why Murphy almost

always chooses that punishment when I’ve stepped over the line. I’m here to talk to

you about something else. Someone else actually. Bennett.”


“What about him?”


“Let me say I knew Bennett was a rancher. I had no idea where. As a sub, I don’t ask

questions that will get me in trouble. Murphy and I were talking about you,

specifically the changes in your life, including moving from Denver to Sundance. He got

really quiet. Which freaked me out. Then he told me Bennett lives in Sundance.”


Ainsley swirled the wine in her glass before she looked up. “I know. We’ve already

run into each other.”


Layla gasped. “You did? Did he recognize you?”


“Right away.” She groaned. “Of course it happened at the bank. He requested my

presence at his place that night so we could talk. And…” Why was she feeling shy,

telling Layla this?


“And what?”


“He asked for a month of me being his submissive.”


“I’m assuming you said yes?”


“Why would you assume that?” Ainsley said a little sharper than she intended.


“Whoa.” Layla held up her hand. “Not trying to piss you off, A. I suspected you’d

be a good fit for Bennett in the club. Especially since you’re not sure if you’re

interested in participating in this lifestyle beyond a short-term sampling. And Bennett

…well, he only does short-term.”


“Why is that?”


“Bennett likes variety. He’s got excellent instincts with whips, floggers, riding

crops and canes, knowing how far he can push the submissive’s pain threshold. Seems he

’s always being asked to show his expertise on another member’s partner. When he gets

her to that headspace, he returns her to her partner.”


“So Ben doesn’t have sex with every woman he demonstrates on?”


Layla shook her head. “Hardly any, actually. He’s very mindful of boundaries, yet

there’s never any doubt who’s in charge during the scene. There’s something about