Page 79 of Love Unlimited

They rubbed their belly. Yes, please! You should tell him that. The leftovers are soooo yummy.

It’s my job to tell him that?

Of course! The sign also meant naturally, and this had become what was natural. Lunches were Daddy jobs.

Of course, Dustin echoed the motion, grinning.

Ash pushed their plate back, but Dustin kept eating. It gave them a chance to observe him. His motions were precise, and he put great care into proportioning each forkful to have the right blend of each food. It was endearing.

He looked up and caught Ash watching him. It was clear there were a thousand thoughts racing through his head. Are we doing this right? he finally asked.

It feels right to me. I turn off the submissive and little sides of me when I’m at work, but I don’t think that I can around you. And I don’t want to.

Yeah. It’s really difficult for me to stop as well. I just didn’t want to overstep.

I don’t think you’re overstepping. I think it’s just… evolving.

Good. It’s actually really difficult not to do it around you. I mean… I’m not trying to push you into anything. I know you don’t want a romantic or sexual relationship. He shook his head wildly, defying the very idea.

Ash considered how to respond. It felt like whatever they said next was going to matter. I didn’t quite say that. I said that I only want a sexual relationship if it’s also romantic with a long-term commitment. I think you and Landon have been looking for someone to play with, which I totally respect. I’m just not interested in casual sex. In fact, I’m not even sure I can keep sex casual.

Dustin nodded slowly. I don’t think I understood that distinction before. Thank you for explaining that. And this stuff… He gestured at their plates. That’s different?

This stuff isn’t that different. But taking that to another level is a big step for me.

Because emotions get involved?

No, Ash said simply. I’m already emotionally involved.

Dustin’s eyes widened, holding Ash’s gaze captive.

In my mind, Ash continued, there can be a lot of different types of close relationships. Like yours with my Daddy. We’re the ones who get to define what this is.

I like that idea, Dustin admitted. I think my emotions are already involved too.

Even from across the table, that sentence felt like a first kiss. I hoped you would say that.

So does this change anything?

Ash shook their head. Nope. Just that we’re being honest with each other and talking about it. Right now, I’m enjoying dinner with you, and I’m excited about our rock band. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.

Don’t get too excited. I really am terrible.

Ash rolled their eyes. That’s not what this is about. Now, what’s going to be on our set list?

I have no idea. I can play maybe four or five songs from memory, but I mostly just fool around.

How about “Walking on Sunshine?” Can you teach me the chords for that?

Probably. Lemme look it up. Dustin pulled out his phone. Oh, yeah. You chose a great one for a beginner. Practically the easiest chords out there.

Yes! I’m gonna be a rockstar.

Dustin only smiled and raised one eyebrow.

What? I can be a rockstar with only one song. We’re gonna do a concert for Landon and Daddy when they get home.

Alright, let me get dinner put away and then we can play. Can you load the dishes in the dishwasher?