Page 33 of Love Unlimited

Of course, actually selecting the plants took just a smidge longer than they expected. Landon might have found the discounted flower rack and just had to add some hanging pots for the porch. And peonies, because they were the most gorgeous flower on the planet even if they wouldn’t bloom for another year.

Zhong might have gotten sucked into a long deliberation on how many raspberry and blackberry canes they should get and whether they needed some sort of barrier to keep them from taking over the yard.

But ultimately they escaped with just the one overflowing cart of plants. The bottom rack of the cart was loaded up with fertilizer and a few bags of river rocks that Zhong wanted for the front walk.

Are we done? Zhong asked as they meandered toward the main part of the hardware store, pushing the loaded cart.

Landon looked wistfully back at the rows of plants. There were still so many that he was considering... but they all had to go into the ground somewhere. Yep, we’re done. Now… operation puppy play! Any idea where you want to start?

Zhong pulled out his notebook. I was thinking about what you said, and I think we mostly want stuff from the department store, not here.

What about a dog house? We could get a dog house here. A real one that’s big enough for Ash.

Zhong’s eyes widened again. Then he looked thoughtful and made a few notes in his notebook. Landon was beyond curious about whatever he was writing, but tried not to pry. Finally, Zhong closed it and tucked it under his elbow. I don’t think Ash would want a dog house. It would be too far away. They would want a dog bed on the back porch.

Landon could see that. Not just Ash curled up on the porch, but how much happier they’d be with their Handler close by. It was mostly impressive how confident Zhong was in knowing that. You’re right. We should get a puppy bed.

I was thinking that they might want a playhouse, though. Like for playing pretend?

Landon had seen glimpses of Ash’s little, but still hadn’t seen them fully regress. He wished he’d been home for the scene Dustin apparently walked in on last week, because he was even more curious now. That makes sense. I feel like most littles would love a playhouse.

I think we should test out the obstacle course first, though. Something easier to pick up. Then I can see how Ash feels about it. Zhong made another note in his notebook.

So, should we check out here and head to the other store?

Just one thing first. There was a children’s swing in the patio display. I want to check the weight limit on it.

Landon shook his head fondly. You really are a natural Daddy, you know? You’ve got a really good sense of Ash’s needs.

Zhong looked surprised again. Do you think so? I mean, they pretty much just tell me what they want, and I try to make sure to do it. He held up the notebook, like he was providing evidence.

Trust me. You’ve got this. Ash is going to be thrilled.

Thank you. It’s a huge relief to hear you say that. I might have to ask you for confirmation again later. Zhong tucked the notebook into his back pocket.

Landon shrugged as he walked beside Zhong toward the patio display. Any time. Seriously, though, you know Ash a lot better than I do.

Zhong let the cart coast while he signed back. Yeah, but they confide in you. And you know a lot more about kinky stuff than I do. And sex. He wrinkled his nose comedically.

Well, I’m not sure how much help I can be, but I’m happy to answer any questions that I can. I like educating people about kink, but of course, once you get past the introductory level, a lot of it is about knowing your partner well and communicating.

They reached the swing display, and when Zhong found one with a weight limit of 250 pounds, well over what he needed for safety, he squeezed it into the bottom of the overburdened cart with the dirt, probably hoping he could keep it from falling out by sheer willpower.

Thanks, Zhong returned to the conversation. Being able to ask you things would help a lot. Sometimes I just don’t know what I don’t know. And honestly, sometimes I’ve already done all the research but I worry. I talk to Dustin, but he usually doesn’t know any more than I do.

Landon shook his head. If Dustin asks, you can tell him that he’s nailing it. Anything he’s not doing right is because I’m so difficult. I don’t even know why he puts up with me.

Zhong looked thoughtful. Does he think you’re difficult?

I mean… he has to. I’m too much for most people and I’m even worse around him.

I don’t think he would call it worse. And kinky relationships are supposed to be intense, right?

Yeah, I guess. Intense, sure. But he turned everything into a battle.

Zhong turned the cart toward the check-out. It was so heavy that he needed two hands to steer and their conversation kind of dropped off.

They loaded all of the garden stuff into Landon’s car, then headed to the department store.