Chapter 5
“I’m not a Little,” Leith made clear.
I shrugged one shoulder, going back to the fruit, this time spearing a piece of watermelon. It was extra juicy, exactly how I liked it. I couldn’t help the hum of satisfaction, and I wiped the corner of my mouth.
“Don’t need to be a Little to be cared for by a Daddy.”
Leith fidgeted in his seat, his fingers picking at the Velcro strap of his brace. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, waiting as he got his thoughts together. It took him a few minutes, and I continued munching while he processed. Eventually he took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.
“I suppose you’re right,” he mused. He wouldn’t look me in the eye, but that was okay. “And are you? A Daddy Dom?”
The funny thing was, before this moment, I wouldn’t have necessarily called myself a Daddy. I liked to control and take care of my partners. I liked to provide for them, as much as our dynamic allowed. But I hadn’t really thought of a title beyond Sir. But it had come out of my mouth without thought, and right now, with Leith, it felt right. I took hold of his chin and gently lifted his face until I met his eyes. Somehow the brown bits looked even darker, the blue brighter.
“I’ve always put myself firmly in the caretaker Dom category,” I said, needing to be honest. “But Daddy fits pretty damn well, don’t you think?”
He nodded, eyes wide. When he spoke, his voice came out breathy. “And what does that look like for you?”
I smiled. “It sounds like you’re trying to open negotiations.”
“Oh. I, uh…” He cleared his throat. “Of course I’m not…I mean, if you aren’t looking—”
“I didn’t say that. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good. Now answer the question, please.”
Leith squirmed slightly in his seat, and I knew it was my tone. I might have said please but there was no mistaking the command.
“It’s just…you’re very attractive.”
I stroked his cheek with my thumb. “I think you’re beautiful, too. Those eyes of yours. Damn, sweetheart, they’re something else.”
This time when he tried to duck his head, I knew it was from embarrassment. I let him lower his lashes, but not move anything else. After a few seconds, he fixed his gaze back on mine. “People have been, and I quote, ‘weirded out’ by the sectoral heterochromia. Either that, or they’re overly fascinated. It’s unsettling.”
I leaned forward and kissed his cheek, unable to help myself. “Well, I think they’re gorgeous. Uniquely you. They fit your quirky self.”
Leith blinked. “You say quirky like it’s not a bad thing.”
I frowned, mouth turning down and brows scrunching together. “Who the hell would say quirky is a bad thing? You’re a fucking delight.”
Leith released a shaky laugh. “You’re very kind. And I mean that. Yes, you’re handsome and muscley, but it’s your kindness and your character that has me thinking of you.” He gently eased out of my hold, and I let him, but only because he grabbed my hand and squeezed. “You’ve been in my thoughts since we met.”
That had only been yesterday. But I knew what he meant. He drew me in, too. And I might have been thinking that we needed to wait, that it would be smarter not to get involved right now, but with the way he was looking at me? Those wide eyes and that open expression? My resolve crumbled faster than a house of cards. If Leith wanted to explore what was sparking between us, who was I to say no? But that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be rules and boundaries.
“You’ve been on my mind, too. And I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t thought things. Maybe fantasized a little.” I liked the way he sucked in a breath and sat up straighter, his gaze laser focused on me. “If you’re interested in playing with me, I’m definitely willing.”
His answer came fast. “Yes, please.”
I chuckled, the sound dark and wicked even to my own ears. “I do like an eager boy. Then at dinner tonight, we’ll talk limits and desires, and make a plan for a scene.”
Leith sucked in a breath, and since my gaze was fixed on him, I saw that micro expression of disappointment before he masked it. I’d have to work on that with him, since there would be no hiding thoughts and emotions from me.
“Just one scene?” he asked, voice tentative.
“To start,” I said firmly. Internally, I was thrilled he already wanted more. But it was up to me to set the pace, and that started now. “It’s always good to test chemistry and figure out if wants and needs line up.”
Leith turned his attention to the fruit, twisting the platter and then putting a few more pieces on my plate. Then he muttered, so low that if I hadn’t been sitting beside him, I wouldn’t have heard him. “I don’t think chemistry is a problem,”
“What was that?” I asked pointedly.
He gave me a sheepish smile. “You’re right, of course. It’s important to learn if our kinks line up.”
I let it slide for now, because we weren’t in a dynamic yet and it wasn’t up to me to police his tone or words. Not until rules were established anyway. But the truth was, I agreed with him. There was very little chance that we’d get to the physical and find out we suddenly lost chemistry. But it was possible, we barely knew each other, and I had to think ahead. It was my responsibility.
“Glad we agree.” I ate a few more bites, and when Leith reached for the platter again, I waved him off. I didn’t want to ruin my dinner, but more than that, I was sated for now. And I had work to do. “Now, I’m going to get back to work. And while I’m slapping joint compound on drywall, I want you to think about what you want and need and be ready to talk about it while we eat.”
He nodded quickly. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good boy.” I touched his cheek as I stood, and his gaze followed me, the pleased smile on his face lovely to see.
Then I made myself walk out of the room and straight upstairs, my mind racing and starting to plan.
* * * *
Two hours later, the spackling was done and nearly dry. It only needed a bit more time before I could sand it smooth and I was hoping that after food, I’d be able to do that before heading home for the night. I cleaned up again, wishing I had something else to change into. My clothes were covered in sweat and dust, but it would have to do for now. I made a mental note to keep a change of clothes in the truck for the future.
When I entered the kitchen, I was treated to an amazing sight, and the yeasty scent I’d sometimes caught a whiff of suddenly made sense. Leith had set up a sandwich bar of sorts, with freshly made sub rolls. My mouth instantly watered and my stomach let out a truly impressive snarl. Leith laughed and motioned to the table.
“Sit, please. Tell me what you want on your sub. And here, you can munch on these while I assemble it.”
I crossed the room and sat in the same chair I’d used before. There was a whole array of fixings, from three different kinds of deli meat to every topping you could imagine. It was far too much for just two people, but it gave me insight into Leith’s brain. He definitely went above and beyond.
“You made potato chips?” I was impressed.
Leith blushed and nodded. “I noticed how much you enjoyed the chips yesterday. And though I made these in the air fryer instead of a deep fryer like Swansie’s, I hope you’ll enjoy them just as much. Do you want your roll toasted?”
“Not necessary. Since it’s fresh and all.” I winked at him, then ate a chip. It was delicious, and I made a yummy noise on purpose, keeping an eye on Leith. The way his face lit up was precious. “I can put together—”
“Please allow me.”
I sat back, munching on another chip and watching him expertly slice a roll in half. After I swallowed, I eyed the offerings and rattled off, “Mustard, ham, lettuce, tomato, Swiss, banana peppers, and pickles.”
Leith got right to work, piling the sub high and not missing a thing. Then he sliced it into quarters and slid the plate over to me. Without a word, he poured me a glass of lemonade and set that before me as well. Then he handed over a napkin. Only then did he begin to make his own meal.
Everything about the sandwich was perfect. The sub roll was exactly the right combination of crunchy outside and soft inside, and the flavor was excellent. I ate my first quarter in about four large bites. Leith kept glancing at me, his gaze darting to me and away again, a pleased little smile gracing his lips.
I wiped my hands and mouth with the napkin before I picked up the next quarter. “Are you ready and willing to discuss kink?”
He paused with his sandwich partway to his mouth. “Yes, of course. I thought that’s what we planned on. What do you mean?”
I shrugged one shoulder, and bit, chewed, and swallowed before I answered. “This sub is amazing, Leith. And I ask because we’ve known each other for all of twenty-four hours. I want to make sure we aren’t moving too fast.”
“The spark, that attraction, it happens fairly quickly. I knew almost immediately that if you told me to get on my knees, I’d happily do it.” He let out a little chuckle, shaking his head. “If I could get on my knees right now, that is. Just…will we work together? I think so. But we won’t know until we try. Until we talk to see if our kinks align. But the want is there.”
“Good. For me, too.” I took another bite and chewed it slowly, studying him for a long moment. “Am I right in thinking you’re a service sub with a praise kink?”
He blushed prettily but his gaze never wavered. “To a degree, yes. I like serving my Dom. I like a limited power exchange. There are certain aspects of my life that I need to remain in my own control. But others which I will willingly give up to my Dom. To you.”
His straight forwardness was refreshing. “Thank you for telling me that. We’ll have that discussion as we move forward in our dynamic. Tell me what kinds of play you like.”
It was a command and we both knew it. Leith sat up straighter and looked me right in the eye.
“Impact play, anal play, orgasm control and denial. Edging is one of my favorite things…even though I hate it when it’s happening. All that combined with certain rules I have to obey…” He gave a soft sigh and wiggled in his seat. “Yes, please.”
“What about bondage?”
Leith shrugged. “Meh.”
I couldn’t help laughing. “My little wordsmith and his answer is meh.” He blinked at me and I winked. “Didn’t think I knew that word, didja?”
Leith’s expression became stricken. “What have I ever done or said that implied I thought you were—”
“Hey, no.” I cut him off, instantly knowing where that thought was going. I held out a hand, palm up, and he immediately grabbed on. I squeezed his fingers reassuringly. “I was playing. You haven’t.”
He blew out a breath and twined his fingers with mine. Of course, neither one of us could eat if we were holding hands, but I didn’t care at that moment. He needed the reassurance and I was happy to give it. We breathed together for a minute or two, then Leith once again relaxed.
“Good. Thank you. Do you like bondage?”
“I do.” I squeezed his hand again, and slowly pulled away, making sure to brush the tips of my fingers against his palm, just to see him shiver. “But it’s also not something I need. Is it hot to see my sub all trussed up? You bet. But I can get that feeling with a whole lot of other stuff, too.”
Leith bit his lip, then fiddled with his sandwich, poking some lettuce back inside. “It’s not a hard limit of mine.”
“Leith.” It took him a second, but he lifted his gaze to mine. I smiled. “If you want to explore it at some point, we can. But for now, I’m perfectly fine taking it off the table. So far, everything you said absolutely works for me.”
A few heartbeats passed before he nodded and smiled again. “What’s the core of your kink then, Sir?”
I really did like the sound of the honorific falling from his lips, even though I was now hoping to hear a different one. But that wasn’t something we could rush. We’d get there eventually, if things worked out between us. I was patient, at least when it came to this.
“Just what I told you before. I’m a caretaker Dom. Nothing gets me higher faster than seeing to my sub’s needs. Making sure he gets everything he wants and needs.” I thought about it for a second. “I’m a Daddy. I’m a little bit of a Sadist. A little bit of a masochist. I’ll give you all the hurt you want, and you feel free to scratch or bite or be rough back. When I allow it.”
He sucked in a breath, and because I was watching closely, I saw both the shiver that racked his frame and the way his pupils dilated. That little bit of brown almost disappeared. I was, perhaps, one of those people that was overly fascinated with his eyes. I’d have to make sure it didn’t unsettle him.
“I think it’s safe to say our kinks align, Sir.” His voice had a breathy quality to it I really liked. I wanted to hear more of it.
“We’ll see on Saturday.”
Leith let out a little whine. “We have to wait until Saturday?”
I nodded once and turned my attention back to my sandwich. “We do. Tomorrow evening I’ll be painting the bedroom. Friday is painting the living room. Saturday that vanity is coming out and getting replaced. But after I’m done, and after we eat, I’m all yours.” I gave him my wickedest grin. “Or more accurately, you’re all mine.”
The whimper was music to my ears. The way he had to adjust himself in his seat clued me in to just how turned on he was. Good. The anticipation would build and he’d be ready to fly on Saturday.
“I don’t know that I can wait until then,” he whispered, his breathing quick.
“You can. You will.” I stared him down and he nodded quickly, licking his lips. His cheeks were flushed, and it was all I could do not to lean over and kiss him stupid. But now that I was playing this game, the sadist in me wanted him to suffer. Just a little bit. “Do you need rules to be good for me until then?”
“Yes, please.”
Oh he was going to be so fun to play with. My brain raced, putting together what he liked and what I wanted. It was easy enough. “No coming. No touching yourself at all, except to wash or go to the bathroom. If you get hard, for any reason or at any time, text me immediately. You won’t be able to do anything about it, but I want to know. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good boy. Now, eat your dinner.”
It took him a minute, and he had to close his eyes and breathe, before he could comply. Me? I couldn’t stop grinning.