Alexandr's Cherished Submissive by Ann Mayburn

a crush on a man she knew was sleeping with other women.
    That shit burned, hurt so badly that even thinking about it made the smile fall from her lips.
    It was time to let her fantasies of Alex go and focus on reality.
    John, ever attentive to her mood, reached across the counter and brushed a strand of hair back from her cheek that had escaped her silver barrette. “Why the sad eyes, a mhuirnín ?”
    She felt a soft, warm tingle where his fingertips brushed over the shell of her ear and down her jaw. Then the tingle settled into the neglected space between her legs. It wasn’t the bone-clenching desire she felt whenever Alex touched her, but still, it was a nice sensation. Not wanting to discuss Alex with John, she looked away from John’s steady gaze and out the mullioned windows facing the street. “I wish it would snow. It doesn’t feel like Christmas without the snow.”
    “We may not have snow, but give it a few days, and everyone’ll have their decorations up. That should lift your spirits. Dublin really is beautiful during the holidays, but probably different from the States.” His gaze went gentle. “Must be hard being in a new place at Christmas.”
    “It is.”
    “Well, we’re glad to have you here, and I know your aunt and uncle are overjoyed to have you with them. I hope you’ll give us a chance to show you how good it can be here for you, Jessica.”
    The sincerity in his gaze touched her, and she patted his hand while she tried to not think about the fact that, if her parents were still alive, they’d be getting ready for their annual trip to the Milson’s tree farm. Her extended relatives had invited her back to the States, but Uncle Peter and Aunt Mary were going all out for her this year, and she knew it would hurt their feelings if she left. They were having a big Christmas party next week and made sure to include her in the planning, doing their best to show her how pleased they were that she was spending the holidays with them instead of going home.
    She wondered what Alex was going to do for Christmas and which lucky woman he was going to celebrate the holidays with.
    Angry at herself for caring, she forced a smile at John. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
    “Nah.” He studied her with enough intensity that she had to fight the urge to squirm. “I wanted to ask you something, though.”
    There was something in his intent expression that made her nervous. “What’s that?”
    “Would you like to come to the tree lighting with me?” When she didn’t respond right away, his cheeks grew pink, and he said in a hurried torrent, “It’s a big affair with music, and food, and all kinds of things to do and see. I figured since it was your first year here, you should see it right, like a local and not a tourist. That is if you want. Me and some of my friends are gonna go pub-hopping afterward, and I’d like you to come with us.”
    A bit of warmth traveled through her as he blathered on, and she couldn’t help but smile at how tense he was beneath his usual cockiness. “I’d love to.”
    The way his tight shoulders dropped and the happy light in his eyes made her smile as he said in obvious surprise, “Really?”
    “Sure, when is it?”
    “Tomorrow. I already asked your Uncle Peter, and he said you could go.”
    “Umm, what? I didn’t realize that I needed my uncle’s permission to go anywhere.”
    He must have caught her peeved expression, because he grabbed one of her hands in his and ran his thumb over her knuckles in a soothing manner. “Easy there, Jessica. He’s just tryin’ to look out for you. Being who he is and all that, he has to be careful.”
    “Who he is?”
    His gaze darted away. “You know, a politician and a wealthy businessman.”
    She stiffened and lifted her chin. “Well, for future reference, I’m an adult who is capable of making her own decisions on who I do and don’t go out with.”
    “Ahhh, lass, don’t be mad. Lovely as you are, you know