Free Her Dominant Doctor by Bella Jackson Page A

modern version makes me want to take you over my knee.” The suggestive tone in his voice left no doubt that, if given the opportunity, he would give her an old-fashioned spanking, just like in her dream.
    Annie’s eyes widened in shock at his threat, but she quickly composed herself, not acknowledging his words, nor the precipitate effect they had on her. “I like that movie too, but it’s not my favorite. I happen to be a fan of the Twilight series, so those movies would be classified as my favorites. I’m partial to the books too. I finished all four in the series all at once one snowy winter weekend. I couldn’t put them down.”
    Chuckling, he asked, “What is it with women and vampires?”
    “Vampires are sexy,” she answered in a suggestive voice. So are you!
    “Ah, I see. Well, I cannot say that Willy Wonka is sexy,” he grimaced, “but I still consider it to be a great movie.”
    “What is it that appeals to you? Is it the idea of winning a lottery? Or the themes related to having faith and imagination?”
    “Interestingly, Annie, there are many who believe that the story is meant to have a religious overtone. It’s quite controversial actually from what I have read. That argument may be valid, but, for me, I like the theme of facing the consequences of one’s actions and the concept of forgiveness.” Thomas raised his eyebrow suggestively.
    Annie was at a loss for words. Her heart was pounding at the inference. Her body’s response was primal. She pondered his statement, finding it interesting he should hone in on the theme of consequences. Is he trying to tell me something? she thought, a bit shaken at the sudden detours he kept taking in their innocuous topics of conversation. It kept her unsettled and on edge.
    Shrugging his shoulders, Thomas added, “It also appeals to the kid in me—you know, kid in a candy store? Literally.” As if he could sense her discomfort, Thomas changed course yet again. “So Annie, fill me in on the details of your ill-fated cruise. It’s fascinating to me that you would travel across the ocean alone. How did that come about?”
    Annie did not know quite how to answer that question. “Long story short, I always wanted to travel, but never took the time to do so. I reached a point in my life where I decided that I wanted to experience the things on my ‘bucket list,’ not come to the end of my life regretting that I did not have the courage to enrich my life. The problem I faced around the cruise, as with most things was that I had no one to accompany me. So that is why I went by myself.”
    “No friends or family to join you?” He keeps inquiring about family . That was a topic that Annie had no desire to touch upon, but she had to give him something. If for no other reason than to ease his curiosity.
    “Most of my friends are married with families of their own and had neither the means nor the time to set sail with me. Obviously, I am single with no children.” Annie knew that Thomas heard the pain in her voice and most likely saw the grimace flash across her face. It was so hard for her to talk about her childless status. Thomas was looking at her with sympathy, but kindly overlooked her obvious angst as she continued. “I have a few close girlfriends, but none of them had the ability or desire to go on a fourteen-day adventure with me.” She paused, then took a deep breath. “And as far as family goes, I don’t have much and I’m really not close with those I do have.” Annie squirmed uncomfortably.
    Thomas regarded her thoughtfully. “Interested in anything else? More coffee perhaps?” Annie was grateful he did not press further.
    Annie groaned. “Not after that dinner and such a rich dessert. It was delicious, but I’m so stuffed. It’s late too. I need to go to bed soon.” She clarified, embarrassed, “To sleep.”
    With an affirmative nod of the head and sly smile, Thomas announced, “I’ll get the check then.”
     
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