Page 47 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

He suggested trying out each other’s routes together sometime and that sounded… strangely exciting for how innocent it all was.

Then they talked about how they’d both grown up eating food from cans and boxes, but expanded their palates and cooking repertoires as adults. They shared a love of cilantro and a dislike for avocados. It seemed like everyone else was the opposite, so that coincidence was just funny.

Lena told stories about growing up as the middle of seven children and Dustin talked about being an only child. He said that he had Zhong, his college roommate and best friend, as a brother though. The two of them certainly sounded close from every story he told. Including college, they’d lived together for seven years.

Lena was growing curious to meet him.

Cooking together was relaxed and fun, more like hanging out with a friend than anything she’d done in a long time. Since college, really, and even then she’d been busy all the time and confused about her gender.

But then there was the other side to it. The way that Dustin made sure to run his hand along her ass or nibble on her neck every time he walked by. The way she made sure to “look” for things in tall shelves and low cabinets, just to make sure he was paying attention. The way that Dustin watched her like she was something precious.

She was feeling horny and impatient, but also relaxed. She liked flirting, liked who she was when she could be confident and sexy like this. And Dustin seemed to appreciate it, too, now that they’d crossed some barrier that she wasn’t sure she could define.

She was feeling calmer, now. Settled. Less like she had to perform and more like she could just be.

When the enchiladas were finally in the oven, Dustin popped her on the ass and told her to go start her laundry. She might have pouted a little bit, since laundry wasn’t nearly as much fun as hanging out with him.

And also because she was wondering what he would do. He’d said she could be disobedient, right?

He’d chuckled, eyes alight, as he followed her down the hallway. Then he stood over her, maybe a little bit too close, to “supervise.” It was sexy and silly and flirtatious. And she might have bent over a few more times than she needed to, to use the little washing machine in the closet.

When the last of the laundry was in and the water started to fill the drum, she turned to him and, feeling impulsive, wrapped her arms around his neck.

She didn’t know where that sense of freedom came from, but she was just… feeling happy. And relaxed.

She tipped up her face for a kiss and he didn’t disappoint. Their tongues tangled together, soft and sweet, and it felt like sunshine and warm blankets and home.

Then he took over the kiss, grasping her hair and backing her into the wall to grind against her. This kiss was like a tornado, ripping through her and leaving her breathless and stunned.

When he pulled back, their chests were both heaving. He gave her one more sweet kiss, just a brush of his lips. You’re very tempting, Lena. But you’re not the one in control. You’re going to have to wait.

Oh, fuck. Now she was really turned on. The idea of Dustin in charge, deciding when they would do something… it was luxurious. It somehow elicited the same flavor of desire that she got when someone tied her up. She’d just never taken it outside the club or the bedroom before.

She was still a little confused about where the lines were, but she was feeling more willing to try it, now. She hadn’t felt this relaxed or had this much fun in a long time, so she might as well enjoy Dustin while she could.

How long do I have to wait?she signed, rubbing one bare foot along the outside of his calf.

He smiled down at her. It depends on how naughty you are. I was going to say after dinner, but if you keep pushing me like that, I may have to make you wait a little longer.

She pouted and she knew she was pouting, but she liked the way it felt. She could be… bratty? She didn’t usually think of herself as a brat, but she kind of wanted to be one now. And Dustin didn’t look really angry, more indulgent. This was all part of the game.

So, what are we doing now? And how could she do it in as sexy a way as possible so that he would give in and make her come before dinner?

He nuzzled her neck, then stepped back to sign. You are going to work on your lesson plans and letter. I am going to send a few emails and then make a salad.

Now she was really pouting. That didn’t sound sexy at all. It was even weirder that she kind of wanted it anyway. He nipped at her lip until she pulled it back in.

The sooner you start, the sooner it’ll be done.

Yeah, she definitely felt like being bratty. Why was this coming up now? She’d role played being a brat in scenes before, but it was usually for maybe ten minutes or so. More like the props and the scenery for the main event. What would it be like to rebel if Dustin really meant it?

They had hours to go until dinner was over, and she was pretty sure he would stick to his word. Something fluttered in her chest. Something dangerous and wild. What would it be like to rebel if Dustin wasn’t going away?

That thought made her freeze up a little. This was friends with benefits. He was there to be her friend and later, separately, give her some “benefits.” He wasn’t there to deal with some weird impulse she had to make everything into a kink.

You OK? he asked. And damn if he couldn’t read her well.

Maybe actually being a brat felt too risky. Maybe he’d hate it. I’m fine. I guess I’ll get started then.

Good girl, he praised.

And that felt fucking amazing.