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personality’ would get Michael’s juices flowing and seized the opportunity to challenge him.  It was like playing a scene, and we carried it to the end of the night.  I have to admit, it was kind of fun for both of us.  But, of course, you know him; we just had to discuss it this morning.”
    Dana stopped chewing.  “He is a therapist.”
    “Yeah, I’ve heard.” Carla ran a hand through her wavy hair.
    “Jesus, Carla.  You aren’t going to stop there, are you?”
    “Dana, do you know why his marriage ended?” Carla took a sip of her Diet Coke and swallowed hard.
    “No, but you better tell me right now.”
    “After five years, his wife decided she didn’t want to be a submissive anymore.  According to Michael she, too, was a professional and thought it would be wonderful to be taken care of when she got home from work.  But eventually, Lilly tired of her new role and asked for a divorce.”
    “So, that’s why he’s been careful with you.  Now I understand.” Dana slowly nodded.
    “Yes, and I pushed him last night.  I did it on purpose, and he knew it.  This morning, he asked me if I wanted  more rules.”
    Dana leaned forward.  “You know him better than I do, but I’m sensing he’s even more strict that Richard.  Am I right?”
    “Dana, there’s a dark edge to Richard personality that I never saw before.  He doesn’t talk much about his background, but important information is there; I can feel it.”
    “He’s so sweet and gentle.  What exactly do you mean by dark?” Dana folded her hands and leaned on the table.
    “He’s the most even-tempered man I know.  Last night, he spanked me hard and put me to bed, but it didn’t feel … wrong.  The way he did it, seemed very right.  He’s so good for me.”
    “You aren’t answering my question.”
    Carla shrugged.  “It’s just a feeling I get.  There’s something about him being in control, something about the gleam in those dark brown eyes.  I can’t describe it.  Am I making any sense?”
    “No.  But the important question is, are you okay with it?  Is he scaring you?”
    “Dana, he’s turning me on. That’s the scary part.”  She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
     
    *****
    Michael was having a difficult time keeping his head in the game.  He’d seen three patients that morning, but most of his attention had been focused on Carla. 
    He could spend many years trying to figure her out. She was such a complicated woman.  But he loved a good challenge.  In fact, it was her strength and self-assurance that he had found attractive in the first place.  He liked her intelligence, unpredictability and humor; he even enjoyed when she crossed the line.  But if the relationship was going to work, their roles needed to be defined.
    In all fairness, he hadn’t opened up totally to her either.  He knew there was enough baggage in the recesses of his mind to start up a luggage store.  Pondering those thoughts, he wondered how his honesty would affect their relationship.  It was becoming evident that she was sensing there was another layer to him that he hadn’t revealed.  He wanted to fill her in on his background, but it was just too soon. 
    “Doctor, are you listening to me?” 
    Michael shook his head and cleared his mind.  “Yes, I’m sorry.  I drifted off for a moment. Please return to what you were saying.”
    Self analysis wasn’t one of Michael’s strong suits.  Sometimes even the best therapists needed help, too.  His friend Jason practiced in the same building, so it was easy to stop by for an occasional tune-up.  The fact that he was dwelling on his past meant it was probably time to go see his buddy. 
    “Doctor, what do you think about that?” his patient asked.
    He looked at the clock on the wall, and luckily, it was the end of his patient’s time.  “Let me give your last statement some thought, and we’ll start there next week.”
    He shook hands with his patient, relieved