Page 81 of Love Lessons

Is this our first date? he asked playfully.

Landon’s eyes sparkled. Ooh, I like that idea.

And do you put out on first dates or do I need to take you to dinner first?

Well, since we already know each other, I think we can skip the formalities. Flirty Landon was back, and Dustin hadn’t ever expected to be so relieved to see that side of him. Though maybe if all of that practiced flirtation was for him...

Though that reminded him that sex would always be easier for Landon than the rest of the emotional stuff. He’d need to slow down both while they figured things out together.

Let me show you to my bedroom, then. He held Landon’s hand and it was kind of innocent and hot all at once.

Only then did a thought occur to him. Is Zhong still here?

Landon laughed and Dustin loved the sound of it, a kind of breathy braying without the musicality that most hearing people had when they laughed, but it was perfect. Zhong left after he let me in. I’m supposed to text him if things go wrong.

So, what’s the verdict?

That depends. Do we get to have sex?

Oh, his gorgeous, flirty, delightful boy. Whatever you want.

Then Dustin took him to his bedroom and proceeded to pour every ounce of emotion into touching his body. He felt reverent, watching Landon naked in his bed as the day turned to night and the golden light of the lamp shone on his skin.

And when he eventually came all over his boyfriend, fingers curled into those spaces along Landon’s ribs that made his eyes close and his throat scream, it seemed like everything was right in the world.

Landon was his to protect and cherish. Even from the intensity of his own needs. This was just their first date, and now he had time to take things slowly and do it right. They’d do more talking and go slower on the kink. And definitely avoid any intense scenes that would lead to subdrop again.

Dustin curled their bodies together and felt hope again. He would make Landon his.

Chapter 17

Landon

Landon woke up the next morning and snuggled into Dustin’s warm bulk. Yesterday had been wretched. The subdrop had been bad, but thinking that he was losing Dustin had been even worse.

Now he was lying in Dustin’s bed, their legs tangled together, and he felt… light. Happy. Connected.

He’d told himself that he wouldn’t date again, but with Dustin it felt different. Maybe because Dustin hadn’t backed down an inch when he told Landon what he wanted. No one-night stands. Full commitment.

Dustin wasn’t willing to settle for less, and maybe that meant that Landon didn’t have to settle for less, either. Maybe he could have a relationship that didn’t fizzle out or explode in a few months.

Dustin shifted, stretched a bit, and then gathered him closer. He still felt a little awed that this man wanted to be with him and take care of him all the time.

He nuzzled into Dustin’s shoulder and got a smushed kiss on his forehead. Dustin pushed Landon back a little bit, moved both of their arms, and then tangled their legs together now that they were facing each other. Landon loved being moved around like that.

Good morning, Dustin signed, looking sleep-rumpled and pleased.

Landon leaned in for a kiss, only realizing at the last moment what his breath must smell like. But Dustin pulled his head closer, brushing their lips together and then seeking entrance with his tongue.

Landon relaxed into the lazy communion of tongues and lips, a golden honey feeling flowing between them. Landon ran his hands over the hair on Dustin’s chest, realizing that he hadn’t had many chances to touch him yet.

To touch his boyfriend.

Well, that would have to change. He cuddled in closer, tracing over his muscles and skin. He rubbed a nipple and felt a shiver move through Dustin’s body. All of this was his. He wanted to touch Dustin everywhere now, to make him feel as good as he always made Landon feel.

But Dustin rolled them over until Landon was sinking into the mattress, pinned by Dustin’s weight and feeling deliciously helpless. Alright, maybe he wanted this, too. However Dustin wanted him, he wanted that, too.

He explored Dustin’s back, now, taking his time to appreciate the muscles in his shoulders, the swell of his ass.