She arrived early, with a notebook clutched under her arm, her cheeks flushed as if she had run a mile just to get there.
“I… I couldn’t wait,” she admitted, sliding into the chair across from Dr. Hale. “The assignment… it drove me crazy. I edged myself three times yesterday, and I almost couldn’t think straight.”
He adjusted his glasses, fighting the heat creeping up his chest. “You’re learning to control your urges,” he said carefully. “Structured practice is supposed to help, not… overwhelm you.”
Her lips curved into a teasing smile. “It’s wonderful but I think your guidance will help. I want you to… direct me and tell me exactly what to do.” Hale could feel the rawness from her voice.
He froze. This was beyond words and journaling but he also recognized the thrill — it was consente
