Chapter Five
Phil ran a dollop of product through his short hair, using his fingers to work out any areas that appeared uneven or clumpy.
He didn’t typically do much to the brown strands, hadn’t even bothered to touch up the silver at his temples, however, he always maintained a neat and professional appearance.
But Terry’s request that he wear the royal blue dress shirt that was his boy’s favorite, along with a hint that he should run a comb through his hair, made him more than a bit curious.
Terry had been like a nervous chihuahua from the moment Phil had come home from yet another pointless industry meeting.
Wish I knew what he was up to.
Phil angled his body to one side then the other in the mirror, making sure the broadcloth shirt didn’t show even one wrinkle.
He needed to behave himself for his sub, do away with his cranky mood.
His mouth quirked to one side. Terry had probably gone to a lot of trouble to do something special for his birthday, so rough day or not, he wouldn’t ruin their evening by sulking.
All right, Big-Four-O, here I come.
He took one last glance in the mirror over the dresser then decided he could probably pass inspection for wherever it was Terry had planned to take him for the evening.
As he rounded the corner into the living room, he came to a halt when he saw it was empty.
He’d been just about to tease Terry over his mysterious demands, however, his lover was nowhere in the main part of the house.
Maybe he’s waiting in the car already?
It seemed odd, although he could’ve misunderstood when Terry had shooed him off to the bedroom.
He chuckled to himself. Sometimes Terry would become overly excited about something to the point where he’d forget to convey crucial bits of info.
Phil made his way across the open floor plan so he could check outside, but before he’d had the chance to open the door, Terry called out.
“Is that you, Master? I’m in the studio if you’re ready.”
Phil shook his head, thoroughly confused. Terry had obviously needed to take care of some last-minute business. Terry never set foot in his work area once he was off the clock. Since he worked from home for the most part, he’d made a clear distinction between professional and personal space.
“Yes, baby. I’m in the foyer. Will you be a minute still?” He could always shoot off a few more project-feeler emails before they left. No matter how desperate they’re beginning to sound.
“Do you mind coming in here for a sec?”
Phil drew his eyebrows together. “Not at all.”
It wasn’t a problem, just…weird. Phil ducked down the hall by the front door, which led him directly to the kitchen, as well as the entrance to the studio—or what would have been the garage had Terry not renovated it.
As soon as he entered the generous space, he sucked in a sharp breath and froze.
A rather attractive young man, perhaps Terry’s age, was adjusting light boxes on the other end of the room that brightly illuminated the photography area.
Terry ran up to him with a big grin, gorgeous in a lighter blue dress shirt Phil had never seen on him before.
Was he wearing that when I came home?
He had to admit he’d been lost in his own head when he’d arrived.
If it hadn’t been for Terry’s enthusiasm, he might have barely noticed his sub at all.
He frowned to himself. Not okay. Terry had just signed a permanent contract a few days before, something he’d been dreaming that Terry would do ever since he’d begged him to give them another chance, and what was he doing?
Worrying about himself. He could use the excuse that it was for Terry’s benefit too, that it was important that he do well financially in order to support him.
But the reality was that Terry didn’t care about any of that.
He needed Phil’s undivided attention when they were together and nothing less.
Terry halted in front of him, his expression eager, his fingers curling and uncurling in an obvious bid to keep from breaking the touching rule. He tilted his head while furrowing his brow.
“Is something wrong?”
Phil nodded. “Yes. I can’t believe I didn’t comment on the lovely shirt you’re wearing. It’s stunning on you. It’s new, isn’t it?”
Terry’s eyes widened a bit, then he broke into a smile. “Yeah, it is. Bought it especially for tonight so it would complement the one you’re wearing.”
“Oh?” Phil took in the scene around him. “What’s going on?”
One of his tasks as Dom was to always be in charge and to never be caught off-guard. At least, that’s the way he viewed it. The mystery man continued to fuss with the lights, obviously intent enough in his task that he hadn’t shown any reaction to Phil’s arrival.
Terry leaned in close then whispered next to his ear. “Happy Birthday, Master. I hired a well-respected fashion photographer to take some couple’s photos of us. Then as soon as he leaves, I’d also like to take some of just you.”
Phil gasped, gathering Terry’s hands in his own. He did this for me? For us? Emotion clogged his throat as he struggled to keep his composure. “Oh, baby.”
He didn’t give a shit about the unknown man within ten feet of them, he leaned down to capture Terry’s mouth in a heated kiss. With one final lick across his boy’s bottom lip, he straightened. “I’ll agree to the solo shots as long as he takes some of you before he leaves.”
Terry squeezed his hands then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s a deal. Come on, let me introduce you to the photographer then we can do your makeup.”
“Makeup?”
Terry clutched his stomach as he fell into peals of laughter. “Oh my God, you look like I asked you to eat worms.”
Phil wrinkled his brow, bringing his voice to a more reasonable volume. “Makeup? Seriously, why?”
Terry twined their fingers together and tugged him toward the work area. “And you’re a film producer? Surely you’ve heard of actors wearing makeup before.”
Phil smirked. “This is why I’m a producer and not in front of the camera.”
“Well, you’re gonna be now.”
Phil quirked on eyebrow. “My, my. Aren’t we the bossy one tonight?”
Terry flushed. “Uh, actually Master, to better answer your question, it’s because we need to keep an even tone on your skin and make sure there’s no shine reflected from the lights.”
“Uh-huh. Not sure that was a save, but I’ll deal with it later since I’m assuming your associate is on the clock.
” Phil stopped Terry’s forward motion and he stumbled back.
“Wait. Who’s going to be…?” Phil huffed.
He was out of his element, and he hated that.
“Are you going to handle the cosmetic aspect of this?” He didn’t want a stranger getting that intimate with him.
Terry leaned in. “Hell yeah, I’m handling it. I’m not letting anyone else pet your skin.”
Phil snorted. “Hadn’t thought of it like that, but I see what you mean. And watch the language? You’re only adding to your list of transgressions.”
Terry pressed his lips together. “Work environment.”
Phil blinked several times. “Excuse me?”
“I may or may not use colorful language in my work environment.” Terry’s eyes rounded at what Phil knew was the stern expression he was radiating at his sub.
“Not with clients, that’s not what I meant.
I mean on my own, or when working with assistants, you know, when its casual. I keep it professional otherwise.”
“Hmm.” Phil didn’t like it when subs cursed, but by the same token, he didn’t want a robot as a partner.
“I believe you. I know your character, know you’re smart enough to recognize when it’s appropriate and when it’s not.
” He whispered next to this ear. “But not in our home or unless it’s part of a scene. ”
Terry inclined his head. “Hold up. Why would I be cursing in a scene?”
Phil noted the sideways glance of the photographer who seemed to be spending an awful long time fiddling with the same light stand. He brought his voice even lower.
“A few reasons, but let me just leave you with this. What if my bad boy needed me to spank or flog him very hard because of what a filthy mouth he has?”
Terry groaned. “Great. Now I’m getting hard. I’ll need a sec before I introduce you to Van.”
Phil stole a quick peek at the newly-revealed Van then regarded his sub.
He trusted Terry implicitly, but he didn’t want this Van character to get any ideas the way Anson had.
Anson had hurt Terry in more than one way, had put him in danger and he wasn’t about to put up with any more shit from men who wanted to get their hooks into his beautiful sub.
“So, does Van have a boyfriend, or…?”
Terry gave him a knowing smile. “That was subtle. I can reassure you that Van is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Rebecca. They have two adorable, and quite precocious, daughters. Has pics in his wallet. Would you like to see them?” Terry arched his eyebrows.
Phil sighed. He would’ve reprimanded Terry over his tone had he not been being such an ass himself.
Maybe I am getting too sensitive about our age difference.
Overall, Phil held a positive opinion of himself physically.
He stayed in shape, was careful not to eat or drink too much, had good grooming and was considered attractive.
It’s just that Terry is so damn beautiful, so sweet and loving.
Anyone with half a brain would want him.
“Sorry. But keep an eye on the snark factor the next time. I might be salivating over the extensive list of punishments I have in mind for you, but I’m not sure you’ll feel the same once I administer them.”
Terry flushed. “Okay. I’m sorry too.”
He tipped his head back as if silently begging for another kiss.
How can I refuse? Phil smiled before giving Terry what he’d asked for.
He broke the connection, but not before dragging his teeth slowly along Terry’s plump bottom lip as he released it.
That should make the photo even more delightful.