Page 45 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

On the other hand, if he really wasn’t going anywhere, maybe she should just get used to it. Take advantage of it, even. It looked like there was a lot more of the movie to go.

She knew she must be kind of heavy, but if he wanted to lay underneath her and just… hold her, well, it seemed like it could be a nice break.

Was this a cuddle kink? Since there was a kink for everything, she supposed it might be. Dustin had even mentioned before that he snuggled with his best friend.

This would all be a lot easier if she just had a name for what was going on.

But Dustin’s shirt was awfully soft. She could even feel his heart beating beneath it.

He ran gentle fingers through her hair, and her eyes drifted closed. She inhaled his clean and faintly spicy scent.

She’d tried so many different kinks, and this one seemed pretty harmless. In retrospect, she wasn’t even sure why she’d worked herself up so much.

Maybe she could just savor this. Let herself enjoy it. She could accept this lesson just like any other form of dominance and just… relax.

Because Dustin was in control. That was still what it was really about. It was a weird sort of scene, but it was still a scene. Just a scene where Dustin was… taking care of her? Maybe that was it.

He was warm and solid and clearly not going to let her move. But in the calmest way possible.

His hands were soothing and gentle. And she loved having her hair played with.

She let her eyes drift closed, not even worrying about the movie. Dustin really did feel good, with his muscular chest and the way his other hand was now gently stroking up and down her back. He’d lifted up the camisole to reach her skin, but that’s still all he was doing, just rubbing her back in the same soothing motion.

She snuggled in closer and he pulled her a little tighter for a moment, a kind of hug when they were already embracing, and then went back to stroking her hair.

At some point, she must have drifted off, because she was awakened with a string of kisses on her forehead and the gentle rocking of Dustin’s body as he sat up and pulled her with him. She wasn’t quite sitting on his lap but almost.

He stretched his arms overhead and she followed suit. Though she maybe wished she were still in his lap. Where had the cuddles gone now that she wanted them? She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake the sleep out of them. At least their legs were still tangled together

How are you feeling?he asked.

Fine. It wasn’t a total lie. She was feeling relaxed and cared for and appreciated. She was also feeling nervous and confused. So, on average, fine.

He raised one eyebrow, but she didn’t change her answer. She felt grateful when he let it go and changed the subject.

I recall that you like to cook. Let’s make dinner together.

That hadn’t been what she’d expected. Not that she had a lot of expectations at this point, but she figured that sooner or later they’d get to talking about BDSM 101 or, well, doing BDSM 101. Unless they already were?

She finally had to ask. Are you still punishing me for cancelling on you?

He looked surprised. No. And I told you that wasn’t a punishment. Did you think it was a punishment? He looked worried.

No. I just… I’m not sure if we’re in a scene or not. I’m confused.

Do you want us to be in a scene?

She honestly didn’t know. She was feeling prickly and protective, like a porcupine. All Dustin would have to do was flip her over and find her sensitive belly beneath.

We can take a break or just see how things go. I have to admit that I’m… curious about whatever this is.He waved his hand vaguely between them. And I’m enjoying exploring it with you. But there’s no pressure.

That seemed reasonable. A little bit of experimentation. He didn’t really seem to know what he was doing either. No, that wasn’t quite right. He didn’t have a name for it. But he definitely knew exactly what he wanted.

Dustin stroked a soft hand over her knee, making her realize that she’d probably been thinking for too long.

OK… we can keep doing this.

Some sort of TPE-psychological-cuddle-boyfriend thing. Sure.