Page 21 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

All of that fell apart the moment Landon opened the door.

He was wearing a tiny pair of shimmery blue briefs and a smile. He looked confident and relaxed as he pulled back the door and wordlessly invited Dustin in.

And all of that skin… He was golden and perfect. Smooth, long lines and subtle, firm muscles. Dusky pink nipples and a trail of dark hair down his soft abdomen that invited Dustin’s touch.

After a moment, Dustin finally managed to wave hello.

With a smirk, Landon returned the greeting. He clearly knew what effect he was having and reveled in it. He was gorgeous, and as Dustin had always known, completely out of his league.

It struck Dustin again how inexperienced he was. How Landon must do this all the time. Maybe every weekend. Or more often.

Here.He thrust out the plate. I was baking this afternoon and thought you might enjoy them.

Landon’s eyes widened. Ooh! Thank you. They look good. Landon set the muffins down on a small table. Come on in.

Dammit. Dustin shouldn’t have brought them. They’d brought a small smile to Landon’s face, but clearly Landon had other plans. Obviously.

Landon moved languorously toward the couch, his pert ass popping in those tiny briefs. His blond hair waved gently as he moved, and Dustin realized for the first time that it must be dyed since his eyebrows were dark. It fit his attention-seeking personality as well as drawing attention to his sharp facial features.

Haltingly, Dustin closed the apartment door and walked over to the couch. Landon was stretched out seductively over more than half of it, and Dustin wasn’t sure that he could share it. He chose the armchair instead, knowing that he looked foolish but not quite ready to make that move.

Like what you see? Landon asked. Dustin remembered that he’d asked that the first time they met. He wondered if he asked people that a lot. Clearly, he must. The question drew attention to his gorgeous body and didn’t seem to require an answer. So Dustin didn’t answer, still trying to compose himself. Probably for too long.

And then he saw it. Just the tiniest slip of that practiced, easy smile. The smallest tightening around his eyes.

Landon was nervous, too.

Dustin wasn’t sure what made him do it, but he wanted to see more of that vulnerability. He forced himself to wait even longer, face blank.

Landon’s fingers twitched. Then he rearranged himself on the couch. To anybody else, he might still look relaxed and open, with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee and his hands loose in his lap. But he had drawn in on himself, protecting his vulnerable parts.

Dustin didn’t quite understand it, but he felt a little more confident now. It was partially that he was on a more even playing field with his new teacher.

But he also seemed to get something deeper out of seeing Landon unsettled. Incongruously, it made him feel protective. It was like two forces battling inside him, but he couldn’t figure out how they fit together.

Ideas slipped through his mind and then away. He wanted Landon unsettled for him. He just wasn’t sure why yet. Was this thrilling, squirmy, protective feeling what D/s was actually about?

And if so, could he have more of it?

You’re gorgeous,he finally responded.

Landon acted as though he’d expected that answer. But his arms were looser now, his shoulders more relaxed. Dustin thought he could become addicted to that effect.

Dustin, of course, was still sitting rigidly in his chair. He found it difficult to relax in general, and definitely not in new or difficult situations. He’d been told that he looked stern and closed off. Threatening, even. His exes had said that it took a while to see beyond it. But he was pretty sure that Landon appreciated it.

He still wasn’t sure what to do, though. Sitting in the living room felt awkward instead of sexy, even with Landon practically naked and draping himself over the couch. Maybe especially because of that.

So, what did you want to do today? Landon asked, all smooth signs and seductive eyes.

I… sorry, I think I need a minute.

Landon’s eyes widened, and then he gave what seemed like the first genuine smile of the day. A little bit softer and surprised. Sure.

Dustin looked around. He was surprised by how warm and welcoming the space was. The walls were a soft yellow and there were picture frames holding dried flowers between two panes of glass. A bookshelf held a diverse collection of books—everything from science fiction to best sellers, as well as a full shelf of non-fiction and another of classic comic books in their plastic sleeves. In between the books nestled carved or lacquered wooden boxes interspersed with succulents in glazed ceramic pots.

The open-plan living room extended into the kitchen, which was clean and organized, but with a colorful clutter of spices and cookbooks. Fresh fruit sat on the counter, with more in a basket hanging overhead.

Dustin realized that he’d been expecting a bit of a bachelor pad—books in milk crates or a desk made out of an old door stacked on top of some cinder blocks. Maybe a ratty couch that had been rescued from a dumpster and spruced up with a slightly stained old sheet. Being in Landon’s space now, he realized that he’d misjudged him, or at least partially.