Page 17 of All Tied Up

That thought brought him up short. He could remember clearly the last time he’d had a scene like that. It wasn’t over laundry, but it had that same domestic vibe. He and Henri had been dusting the shelves, but of course Jamie had to chase Henri around with the feather duster until there was an all-out feather duster war. They’d fallen into each other’s arms and from there, Daddy told Jamie just what to do to their shy, submissive boyfriend.

That was back in the early days, before everything had fallen apart to jealousy and arguments. To watching Henri see other guys because Sebastian and Jamie couldn’t meet all of his needs. Long, long before Henri had left them, back when Jamie had thought that their family would be in love and whole forever.

Jamie was over Henri now. More than over him. Jamie and Daddy were happy and complete, getting everything they needed from each other.

So it was just weird to be thinking of Henri like that. In fact, Jamie couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had a happy memory of Henri. Usually his name brought a gut-churning sense of anxiety.

Yet even for all his trouble, Daddy and Jamie had been heartbroken when he left. Jamie suspected that Daddy was still convinced on some level that he wasn’t a good enough Daddy since he’d made Henri leave. Jamie still wondered if he’d been the one getting in their way.

Jamie hadn’t realized it until just this moment that he had spent the past three years seeking out only bratty, difficult boys like himself to avoid reminding them of Henri.

He wasn’t sure what had changed now. Maybe he was showing that he was ready to move on.

Or maybe Neil’s shy sweetness was just too much temptation.

But he was getting way ahead of himself. Way, way ahead of himself.

Daddy hadn’t even met Neil yet, nor had they asked him if he was interested. Neil might find the love of his life at the mixer, and be just a passing memory. Or he could hate the idea of a threesome, of hooking up with both a Daddy and another boy.

Of course, even if Neil did join them for a few scenes, it wasn’t like they were looking for anything more than the weekend. With or without a weekend of fun, Neil would soon leave.

It was a surprisingly sobering thought. But perhaps that was just because Neil sounded so miserable with his job and his life. No one would want to imagine someone going back to that.

Jamie tried to remember what they’d been talking about. Right. Neil had volunteered to help him with the laundry. “Nope. You’re a guest this weekend. You get to be pampered.”

“OK, well, tell me if you need anything.” Then he yawned. “Sorry. It’s been a long week. I’m awake, really. Though I’m probably going to crash out after the event tonight. Hey, isn’t that supposed to start about now?”

Oops. “Ummmm… did you check your email this morning?” Jamie really should have put up a sign in the lobby with a schedule.

“Yes? I mean, I check it every day but…”

“I had a few guests who asked to have the mixer tonight rescheduled from five o’clock to eight-thirty. The last two weekends mostly had local folks who drove, but this week we have some people flying in, and there were more cancellations and last-minute reservations than usual. I sent an update out with the new time.”

“Oh.” Neil looked disappointed. Was he nervous and wanted to get it over with? Tired and not sure he could stay awake that long? Dammit.

“I can recommend some good restaurants nearby if you want to go get some dinner now.” Jamie knew it wouldn’t help, but it was the best he had to offer.

“No,” Daddy’s voice cut in as he walked around the couch. “This sleepy boy needs to relax. And you,” he pointed at Jamie, “are on laundry duty as soon as I get back.”

Jamie hated laundry. Hated it. But he couldn’t even pout because Neil looked so happy to have Daddy’s attention.

“Yes, Daddy,” he said instead. Even when he was being punished, he appreciated Daddy taking care of him.

Even more, he appreciated seeing how Daddy’s eyes softened when he looked Neil over. He wasn’t sure how much Daddy had heard, enough that he knew to be protective of the boy.

Daddy sat on the edge of the coffee table in front of them, so close that his knees almost touched Neil’s. He wore a loose white button-down shirt today with the top two buttons open to expose his strong neck and furry chest.

Jamie always loved the way Daddy’s soft smile lit up his bronzed skin. Jamie didn’t usually get that kind of tenderness—he was too much of a handful—but Neil had earned it right away.

“Your name is Neil?” Daddy asked gently.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Well, I’m Sebastian. I see my boy has taken you under his wing.”

“Apparently, Sir.” Oooohhhh… Neil had good manners. Or at least a desire to please. Daddy was going to love that.

“How are you doing so far?”