Chapter 10
The situation with Roper was…complicated.
It really shouldn’t have been. They’d left the estate to cool things off with Roper’s brother, and he’d gotten a time commitment during which he’d expected to—not that he should have had any expectations, but he thought he connected with the boy and he thought Roper was responding and then suddenly…
Roper said they’d make good friends.
Instant friend zone.
“I mean, sure Roper isn’t ready for full scenes, I understand that. But instead of exploring what we could do together, the boy just shut off the tap entirely,” Toby said.
Toby glanced at Greg, then picked up his ginger ale. He’d decided when he joined that he wasn’t going to drink at the club. If he wanted alcohol, he had a neighborhood bar. Here, he wanted his head clear at all times.
“Just…friends. So weird.”
“Is there…energy there? I mean, sometimes it’s just a dead cell.”
A dead cell?
No.
No, Roper was a live wire, and he saw the long looks, felt the buzz between them.
“It’s there. He’s acting like it’s not, or denying it for some reason, but it’s definitely there. I was ready to give his perfect ass a spanking that first night, but he was so tired. He’s still recovering.” And when he tried to sneak it into conversation the next day, Roper had shut that down too.
“You could be straightforward with him. Enter into an agreement, even talk contracts? Barring that, you could simply ask.” Greg chuckled softly, searching through some notes.
“Everything we know about him, he told us. There’s no information from anyone else, including his twin.
There is a phone number on his references—a former Dom of his. Maybe call this Ernie?”
“I thought about that, but how would you feel if I called one of your exes to get the scoop on you behind your back?” That seemed like a bad idea.
“I feel like he tells one story and there’s…
way more story he doesn’t tell. He says he’s a handful; other Doms complain they can’t work with him, that trouble follows him around, but I don’t see any of that. ”
“Well, have you considered that he wants you to like him?” Greg tapped the end of his pen against his cheek, deep in thought.
“He worked with two Doms, both for one scene apiece. The biggest issue, in their opinions, wasn’t his tendency to Top from the bottom—that’s correctible—but more that he wouldn’t relax.
But honestly, how does anyone trust a stranger?
Especially if he was experienced in relationships that became lifestyle as opposed to a Dom that becomes a relationship—whether sexual or not.
” Greg tilted his head. “Maybe this is a sign of respect. Maybe he doesn’t know how to ask for what he really needs, so he’s a brat, but he doesn’t want to disrespect you? ”
Toby took a second to digest all of that before answering, because it made perfect sense, especially for someone who understood friendship better than relationships.
“This is your fault.”
Greg tilted his head, then nodded. “I can accept the blame. I figured, he’s a brat, you’re a teacher—you’d know what to do on the short term.”
He snorted. That was ridiculous. “I have no idea. He’s smarter than your average brat. A lot. And he’s not acting bratty. Or toppy. Or difficult.” Maybe Roper was experimenting. Trying something different. Who knew?
“Like I said, maybe he wants you to like him? I mean, how awful does it have to feel to not know how to ask for what you need? If he likes playing the brat, and you both enjoy it, that’s amazing, but…
” Greg’s head tilted. “What if he needs more? What if his hunger is so big he can’t have fun and play? ”
That was definitely possible. “And he’s had to settle for whatever he could find. I don’t think he’s really had the opportunity to choose. And then there’s his brother…”
“Yes. The sweet innocent one. I’ve heard tales. It’s adorable.”
He winced, knowing how that comment would make Roper feel. “Don’t say that to Roper. I thought at first that he was angry because he was jealous, but I think he’s angry because Ryder isn’t the man he used to be before his accident. He’s still trying to get his head around this version of his twin.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine.”
He guessed he could. He and Gillian weren’t identical, but if she suddenly changed drastically, he’d be hurt.
“He’s dealing with a lot. Maybe he just doesn’t know…anything.” He should probably ask deeper questions.
“Maybe. One way or the other, he’s trying to connect with you, and you’re obviously interested in connecting with his ass.”
He grinned because as horribly self-serving as that sounded, it was also true. “Clever. And true. It’s going to try my patience.”
“Let me know if I’m supposed to feel sorry for you…” Now Greg was laughing at him.
“See if I ever do you a favor again.” He laughed though, because Greg was right. This was a problem he could handle. He’d have to be careful, but he could handle this boy.
More than that, he was eager to do it.
“Remind me to be sorry later, won’t you?”
He swallowed back the last of his ginger ale and slid off his barstool. “If I remember. Thanks for the talk, Greg.” He had a boy to get home to.
“Anytime, Dr. Taylor. Have a good one.”
Greg was laughing at him, he knew it.
He probably deserved it.
He pulled out his phone as he hit the subway. He and Roper had exchanged numbers more for logistical roommate-type things, but he decided to see what reaction he got.
Toby
Made a stop. Home soon. Hungry?
Roper
I can be. You want me to meet you? Order something?
Toby
You know where the subway comes up? Meet me there. Take your time, and go easy, I don’t mind waiting.
Roper
kk be there soon
Excellent. That meant Roper was there at the apartment still, and not in bed, either. He had to wonder whether he’d spent the day with Whiskey.
That little traitor had taken to Roper, and he was surprised how sweet the boy was with her.
The train was quick today, and he figured he’d only have a short wait for Roper. It was late for lunch and early for dinner, but he was hungry and Roper seemed game. He climbed the stairs and found a spot out of the sidewalk traffic to wait.
He got to watch Roper head down the street, the man’s cadence honestly amazing, given the boot. He loved the way the cowboy seemed like he owned the street, like he was confident as hell.
Most of that was probably real, too.
“Hey, there. You move pretty well in that thing. Feeling okay?” You look great. I love how that shirt fits over your shoulders.
“Not bad at all. I really think it’s healing. It’s not going to be solid for a while, but it’s knitting up.”
“Sounds like good news.” The faster the better. “How’s your day been? Did Whiskey drive you crazy?”
“Nope. She and I went for a nice long walk.”
He blinked. “A walk?”
“Uh-huh. I bought her a harness and a leash. We went for a walk. She loved it. She is dreaming catnip dreams now.”
Roper was seducing his cat.
“I—” He frowned. “I never thought to see if she’d like a leash.” He wasn’t sure if he was annoyed or not.
“We practiced most of the morning. I wanted to make sure she was going to be happy before we went. I showed her the hallway and the stairs. She loved it.”
“You do make friends easily. Is she going to recognize me when I get home?” He grinned, but it was actually possible that he was a little jealous.
“Oh, yes. I told her she had to wait for you to go out in the outside world.” Roper shot him a grin. “Besides, I named the catnip mouse Professor.”
He laughed. “Ah, there’s the brat.” Okay, he was going to try to roll with this as Greg suggested, let Roper relax and feel safe. “It’s good that you’re making yourself feel at home.”
“Yeah?” Roper gave him a quick glance, as if to make sure he was telling the truth. “It’s a good place. I’m willing to pay rent, whatever you need. I have a nest egg to land in. On? Next to?”
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. You can chip in elsewhere if that makes you feel more comfortable. You know, keep sucking up to my cat.” He pointed up the sidewalk and got them moving. “I’m thinking sushi. You?”
“Sounds good to me. I could murder some miso soup.” Roper kept up easily. “And I’m not sucking up. I’m endearing myself. Totally different skill set.”
“Semantics, as I see it.” He grinned, teasing. “Is that what you’re doing with me? Endearing yourself?”
“Nah. That’s totally sucking up.” Roper managed to say that with a straight face, which was impressive.
That made him laugh. For a tough guy, Roper was pretty damn cute. “Got it. Just keeping an eye on the scoreboard.”
“Between spankings and scoreboards, you’re gonna be busy.” Roper offered him a smile. “How was your class, Professor?”
He wished. That was a kind of busy he was looking forward to. “Classes were fine. There’s a big paper due this week in one of them, and the procrastinators are starting to panic. That’s always a fun time.”
“Ah, yes. I could say I know all about that, but that’s not one of my faults. I like to have things done.”
“Good. Me too. Some people have to learn these things the hard way, I guess.” He stopped and opened the door for Roper, then looped an arm around the boy’s back to usher him inside.
Little overtures. That’s where he was putting his money.
Roper didn’t tense; in fact, he leaned back into Toby’s arm the barest bit.
He left his arm there as long as seemed natural and didn’t make a thing of it. “Since you mentioned it, the miso soup here is very good. They have a number of signature rolls, or we could split a platter. I’m easy. And hungry.”
“I like sushi. I haven’t wandered too far off the spicy tuna area, but I’m not scared to try new shit. I’m more than willing to venture out.”
“Oh. man. You have a lot of wandering in the menu still to do.” He leaned closer. “Maybe I should get you a leash.”
Roper’s cheeks pinked, and he got a quick glance that burned him with a deep hunger, then Roper hid it with a naughty smile. “I don’t know…do you think I’m trainable, Professor?”
What was it Greg had said about Roper’s need being so big he didn’t know how to play? How to ask? That might be what he’d just seen in the boy’s eyes.
“Pfft.” He shook his head. “I highly doubt it, but I could have some fun trying.”
Roper chuckled softly. “Shit, the trying is the fun part.”
“Agreed. The path is the point, not the finish line.”
“You really think that? I mean, I’d have guessed you were more about the end than the middle, with your job.”
Oh, no. Not at all. “You’re one of those people who thinks the grade is the point of a class, huh? It’s not. It’s the teaching, the learning. The process. The growth. The give and take. The things you learn about yourself in what you’re studying, and the things you learn about others.”
“Right, but what about you?” Roper didn’t seem to be pushing, more curious. “You’ve taught this before, yeah?”
“Many times. Of course I want to see students do well, but there’s not a lot of gray area in anatomy. But students have to get creative to remember everything. It’s not a straight line for everyone.”
“Oh.” Roper worked that over, but then he nodded. “Not a straight line—I love that. That’s…that’s cool, Professor.”
“Is it weird for a teacher to say it’s not all about the end product? Maybe it is.” He didn’t think so. Life was a journey, and education was too.
“You’re the first teacher I’ve gotten to know. I mean, you’re the one who’s got a thing you wanted to take to grad school.”
And Roper was the first bull rider he’d ever met. “You never thought about grad school, huh? You were always going to ride after college?”
Roper looked a little constipated for a second, then he lifted his chin. “I got accepted to grad school. I was going to study biomimicry.”
That was a very specific field, and he was pretty sure he heard some regret in the boy’s statement. “But you changed your mind?”
Roper nodded, lips tight for a second. “I had to. It was cool. Did we decide on sushi?”
He’d hit on something that Roper wasn’t willing to talk about, and he didn’t think pressing the issue was productive right now. “Well, I’m sorry you didn’t get the opportunity, but school will always be there if you decide you’re interested again.” Toby picked up a menu and handed one to Roper.
“Thanks.” Roper took a deep breath, relaxing again. “What’s your favorite one? I know California roll and spicy tuna.”
“I also like spicy tuna. Have you had a spider roll? Softshell crab and avocado? We should start with edamame. I could eat this whole menu. Why don’t we get a platter?”
“Perfect. I want to try everything. Let’s do it.” Roper nodded and smiled. “I have to admit, this is great. I was ready for some food.”
“Good. I know it’s a weird time, but I had to stop to talk to a friend after class, and I missed real lunch hour.” He ordered sushi for them and tea and handed back the menus.
“I hear you. I wasn’t hungry. I did the coffee as nutrients thing.”
“Even better that you came out then. You need to eat to heal.”
Roper nodded. “I’ve been sleeping instead, I think.”
“Sleep is good too, for the right reasons, but it’s not enough.” He thought maybe Roper had been hiding in sleep.
Roper nodded, shrugged, and twisted his lips. “Maybe now, Professor. I needed the rest before.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” It wasn’t helpful to go backward. Roper had come a long way in three days. “Now you have some room to breathe and you can take better care of yourself.”
“Yessir. I’m ready to take the boot off full time. It’s hot and irritating as all get out.”
“How long before you can? Do you need a local doctor? Physical therapist? I can help you find someone.” He should have thought of that sooner. Of course Roper would need some local medical care.
“Yeah. I just…” Roper ran one hand over that bright silver hair. “I’m going to have to get at least one appointment, but depending on the cost, it may be cheaper to fly out and have Doc check it. I don’t know.”
The finances of this injury were none of his business, but he was sure the club had some resources. “If I can help, please let me know. I may have a connection or two.”
“I need to know whether I can walk on it, that’s all. I know it’s not ready to ride, but I want to walk.” Roper shook his head, smiled at him, the expression a little stressed.
He nodded. He wasn’t sure how to make it happen personally, but he knew who to call, and that was one step closer than Roper seemed to be. “I’m on it. Ooh. Tea.”
Great timing. A little black tea pot and two cups landed on the table.
“Perfect.” Roper poured two cups, then lifted his and breathed in deep, humming softly. “Oh, I do love that smell.”
He held up his cup. “To…well, us. Why not? To us.”
“All right, Professor. To us and cats on leashes.”
Kittens on leashes if he had his way.
And he would have his way eventually.