“Because you like being touched and you like holding me.” Reciting the information back made it seem like he really didn’tconnect with it but nothing about it said he had an issue with it. “I enjoyed that too and I even had a dream about it.”
Before I could even think about any kind of response, teasing or not, he froze. “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate to mention.”
Was it?
“Not to me.” Had other people thought that was odd? “We spent a lot of time together the other night and were intimate with each other in ways that were very new to you. Both of those would keep your brain thinking of me and what we did whether you were conscious of it or not. I’d have been surprised if it hadn’t come up in some subconscious way.”
Taking a deep breath, Ferris let it out slowly as he nodded. “Brains are interesting and process information in odd ways sometimes.”
“Like with dreams.” Dialing up the heat in my voice, I knew he could hear it when he licked his lips and inched closer. “I like that you were dreaming of me. Was it confusing or was I holding you?”
“Both.” He made me fight off a smile as he huffed. “I woke up frustrated with you this morning.”
He was adorable.
“I can see why that was frustrating.” He didn’t like emotions he couldn’t analyze. “How about you tell me about it while we have dinner and we’ll sort through the exasperating bits?”
Ferris wanted to agree to that right off the bat, but we’d hit something that stumped him again. “Why would you do that? Is it a Dom thing?”
How badly had his attempts at dating gone?
Were women really that different than men?
I was starting to think I should’ve dated a couple just to have experience for future reference. Figuring out my sexuality early was having some unexpected downsides.
“It’s me being curiousandwanting to help you be in a better mood. This version of Ferris is back to being agitated and stressed. Making you feel better is important to me, and in this situation, part of my role as a Dom.” I was pretty sure we were making progress when his head cocked, but I was patient.
“In this situation?” He rolled his thoughts around for a moment before his head straightened. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t predict everything and might end up being the reason you’re frustrated.” My shrug made him smile. “So I’m covering my bases.”
“I can’t see you being the reason I’m this worked up but I guess I’m a big enough pain in the butt sometimes anything could happen.” His pout was dramatic enough to need a kiss, but I wasn’t sure how he felt about public displays of affection. “So I’ll acceptin this situation.”
He was so dramatic.
We needed to have our dates in more private places so I didn’t have to keep my hands to myself.
“I’m glad.” I was also glad to see his desire to stomp his foot and pout was easing back. “I also want you to remember that I will explain very clearly if something you do upsets me in any way. I will not ghost you or just randomly disappear after making a date. I enjoyed being with you at the club and talking to you on the phone. Nothing we’ve done so far has upset me...including having this conversation because it’s important to me that I understand what you’re feeling.”
Shoulders went down.
Back straightened.
Expression was back to neutral.
Much better.
“I’ll remember that even though I might need reminders on a regular basis until it sticks.” Frowning softly, he sighed. “Datinghasnotgone easy and I think expecting the worst has become a habit?”
“Emotional habits like that are hard to break, but I’m going to help just by showing up and keeping my word.” And by figuring out what made him happy. “For this date, that’s going to mean talking and enjoying dinner before we decide how to get some privacy for cuddles.”
The way he perked up said I was going to thoroughly enjoy whatever came next.
“I’ve been looking forward to that.” He seemed surprised about that which had me trying not to smile again. “It’s not going to be something I do just for you.”
Oh...interesting.
“Thank you for making that clear.” So far he seemed to understand that sometimes he’d do something just to make me happy, but I knew we needed to have a more detailed conversation at some point. He might get the overall idea, but I wasn’t sure about the fine print. “I’m glad we’re both looking forward to it.”
