Carter’s laugh might inspire me to try to move mountains, but it’s Susa’s smile that seals my fate. Her sweet smile, those blue eyes crinkled at the edges—knowing I’ve made her smile means everything to me.
I don’t ever want to stop doing this if I can make her smile.
* * * *
Once the lasagna’s in the oven, and our laundry’s in the washer, Susa wants to do more.
The bastard extraordinaire, of course, allows it.
That’s how I find myself kneeling in front of the couch in At Ease—with my shorts still on, fortunately—to talk with her.
She’s sitting at the end of the couch, Carter at the other end and watching us, one leg crossed over the other as he lounges against the back, his hands laced together on top of his head. Deceptively relaxed, because from the tilt of his head I know he’s watching, listening, and ready to interject himself if he feels he needs to. He might fool Susa, but he’s not fooling me.
It comforts me greatly to know he’s paying attention.
“I want to talk about this morning,” she says, and my face heats. “For starters, are youreallyokay with what happened?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“That won’t be the norm,” she says, and I’m simultaneously relieved and disappointed.
“Why not?” Carter snarks. “I thought it was a hoot and a half.”
“You’re a sadist,” she shoots back.
“Duh.”
I can’t help smiling and I glance at Carter, who drops me a wink.
Susa focuses on me again. “Would you want to do more with me?”
The smile freezes on my face as my throat goes dry. “More?”
“More.”
I’m almost afraid to ask, but she doesn’t speak, and neither does Carter.
“More how, Ma’am?”
“Well, for starters, would you be comfortable being fully naked around here? And wearing your cuffs and collar?”
No. Nononono. Nope. Nooooo.
That’s what’s running through my mind.
What do my lips say?
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Good boy,” Carter says, but he’s not smiling now. He looks serious. Now I’m certain he’s paying attention to every breath I take, every syllable Susa utters.
Everything.
Susa leans forward, reaches out, and cups my cheek. Her touch is soft, warm, and I know I’m not supposed to break position, but I nuzzle her hand with my face anyway.
“Do you want to be a good boy for me?” she asks.
“Yes, Ma’am.” My eyes fall closed as I soak in her touch.
