Cooper
“Are you ready?” I tried to sound cheerful, but it was getting harder.
“Not anymore ready than the last three times you asked, Coop.”
I’d waited five minutes between the last two times, so I didn’t think it was that bad. Sawyer, however, did not seem to be impressed. But if he’d hurried, I wouldn’t have needed to ask again. He’d been primping and dawdling in the bathroom for over twenty minutes.
He was normally a five-minutes-and-he’s-out kind of guy. Even when he was really focused on how he looked, he never took more than ten.
He was driving me crazy.
Flopping back onto the bed, I stared up at the ceiling. “He’s going to think you look sexy. Stop obsessing.”
There was a short pause that felt very long. “I’m not obsessing.”
Rather than get into a “yes you are, no I’m not” discussion, I rolled my eyes, whispering, “Of course you’re not.”
Sawyer was sexy and had this serious brooding look that made you want to kiss him or do something to him to make him smile. I’d never seen him this worked up over anything. Not that I’d seen him go on that many dates. Well, none really.
So maybe the primping was normal for him?
Probably not.
I couldn’t imagine high school Sawyer taking this long to get ready for anything, much less what was probably a quickie with someone random. And we’d been talking about finding a master for a while, but we’d never gotten this close to meeting anyone.
Most of the time, we got the creeps because they came across as weird, or they backed out because we weren’t what they were expecting. So maybe I was starting to get the picture. Was Sawyer worried that Jackson wouldn’t like us…wouldn’t like how he looked?
I thought our differences only made us look hotter together. And Jackson seemed like the kind of guy that would see it too. He’d understood right away that we were individuals and that it wasn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of relationship. To me, it seemed like he’d gone out of his way to show us he understood that.
Why wouldn’t it be the same when it came to how we looked?
After the first phone call, he’d spent the rest of the night and most of Friday texting us. With me, he ended up flirting and teasing, mostly. With Sawyer, they seemed to talk about work and more regular stuff. But with a little encouragement, I got them both to have a bit more fun with their texts.
Jackson hadn’t taken much pushing at all.
A simple flirty comment about how he should tell Sawyer what he thought of his picture and Jackson had picked up the challenge. Of course, he’d told on me too, but the way Sawyer blushed and struggled to text back was worth it.
I’d never pictured Sawyer as submissive when we were in high school. Nothing in his “tops and bottoms” lecture made wanting to bottom sound like the same things I was feeling. It was one of the reasons I hadn’t told him about the puppy-play stuff and how watching it made me feel. He seemed so strong and steady to me that I thought there was no way he’d understand.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
He understood the submission part completely. I think it was something he’d just started exploring himself, so maybe the timing was right, but the puppy-play part took a little longer. But he’d watched videos with me and read articles, anything he could to understand what I liked and what was drawing me to it.
By the time we could afford some toys and things to actually see how it would feel, we were a family, and he was curious, so it all worked out. But we were never going to move forward with everything if he didn’t get out of the bathroom.
“Sawyer?”
“Yes?” His voice came from a lot closer than I was expecting. Sitting up, I grinned. He was finally done.
“You look hot.” He really did.
Jackson said one of his favorite places to eat was a diner that we’d passed by but had never gone in, so we were both casually dressed. That didn’t mean we hadn’t worried about how we’d look. I was grateful he hadn’t picked somewhere too fancy. The idea of something like that would’ve been overwhelming, and most of our clothes would have been too casual.
Sawyer’s dark jeans were molded to his legs, though they couldn’t be called skinny jeans. He’d worked outside for so long that he was too muscular and well-defined. His dark hair was just long enough that I could run my fingers through it. Tonight, he’d clearly worked to tame it, so there was no way he was going to let me play with it.
The shirt he was wearing outlined his broad chest and would have been a little too tight for work, but for our date, he looked perfect. “If you’d gotten ready sooner, we’d have time for some fun before we left.”
He smirked, but there were still shadows in his eyes. “Stress relief?”
“Yup.” I let my eyes close halfway, and I stretched back against the bed. My jeans were even tighter, but they emphasized how lean I was, and as Sawyer said, what a great ass I had. If I stretched just right, they drew attention to my cock when it was hard. I was normally very well-behaved in public, but sometimes teasing Sawyer was fun.
He groaned. “No distracting me.”
“But—”
He shook his head, but his eyes were still wandering over my chest and down to my cock. “No buts. We’ve got to go. I don’t want to be late.”
I gave him an innocent look I knew was perfect and blinked up at him. “I’ll tell him why we were late, though. He’d understand.”
Sawyer licked his lips, and I could see his imagination flaring to life, but I had a feeling I wasn’t the only one he was picturing in bed at that moment. He was a little cagey about admitting he was starting to like Jackson, but I knew him too well to miss the fantasies running through his head.
Sawyer took his time making a decision. He’d planned out how he was going to leave home for years. He’d researched different careers, figured out how he could make things work, and had obsessively looked over our budget before we’d gotten our first car.
He’d even gone through everything in his head over and over before he accepted that he wasn’t just a bottom but was submissive as well. I wasn’t expecting dating or finding a master to be any different, but that didn’t make it any easier to watch.
Once we met Jackson, and Sawyer saw that he was as nice in person as he’d been on the phone, everything would get easier. Sawyer probably thought I was a little naïve about it all, but that wasn’t it. Jackson just felt right, and Sawyer was afraid to admit it.
Finally, his grown-up side made the decision for him, unfortunately. “We don’t want to make him wait. He already texted a few minutes ago that he was on his way.”
Spoilsport.
I’d been horny most of the day, but work and some unplanned overtime kept me from being able to do anything about it. Sawyer needed some time to turn everything off. This was all more stressful for him than he was willing to admit.
I tried to remember the last time he’d been a pup and cuddled up to me. But it had been so long, I couldn’t think of it. Bringing it up before the date would probably give him too much to think about, but I made a mental note to make sure he got to play when we got home.
He was usually so convincing about letting me play and telling me he wanted to stay out of his role, so he could throw the ball, that I didn’t even think about it. The times that I had started to protest, he kept telling me that he’d be the pup next time.
I was going to have to learn to stand my ground better, so he didn’t always have to be the one still thinking. It was too easy to let him make the decisions about stuff like that. But it wasn’t really fair to him. I needed to remember that he needed playtime and submission as much as I did.
He just never came out and said it.
Sighing dramatically, Sawyer rolled his eyes. I got out of bed and struck a pose. “He’s going to think I’m sexy, won’t he?”
Sawyer laughed. “Of course he will. Come on, goof.”
Heading out of the room, I might have gotten a little excited, but we were finally going to meet Jackson, so I couldn’t help it.
“Coop, you’re going to make me dizzy if you keep dancing around like that. He’ll think we’re nuts.” Sawyer sighed again, but I could hear it was just the stress.
“Ha, if me flirting on the phone didn’t scare him off, my excitement won’t scare him either.”
“What did you text him on the phone?” Sawyer sounded half-worried and half like he was trying to ignore how perfect I was.
I gave him a big grin as we walked out the door. “All kinds of things.”
“Oh, Coop.”
“Don’t ‘oh, Coop’ me. He asked what kinds of things I was interested in, so I told him.”
Sawyer gave me a long look as we headed down the stairs. “Coooop…” He drew out the word, trying to sound all in charge. He was just jealous he hadn’t worked up the nerve to be as interestingly honest yet. “Is that really what he asked?”
I giggled; there was no way to even call it a laugh. “Basically.”
Jackson might have meant what kinds of hobbies I had, but he hadn’t really been specific. When people were texting, it needed to be clear what they meant. Jackson was learning that quickly, and it was so much fun to teach him.
I was definitely going to be spanked before Sawyer.
Sawyer was still shaking his head, mumbling about Jackson thinking we were crazy when we got to the car. Dinner was going to be fun.
****
“We look fine. He’s going to think we’re fabulous. And he’s here already. So getting out of the car is a must.” Sawyer looked a little like he was going to throw up, and I wasn’t sure my pep talk helped. I might have needed more practice.
But it really wasn’t meant to, though. He was the type of person who needed to see that it would work out. In his head, he was a little pessimistic. But that was what he had me for. Grabbing his hand, I leaned over the console between us and gave him a kiss. “At the very least, we get a funny story to tell our perfect master when he finally falls into our life and a good free dinner. Come on.”
“Free dinner and a funny story, huh? Who could resist that?” Sawyer began to relax, and I got a little smile from him as he started to climb out of the car.
As I shut the car door, I nodded. “Yup. The reviews on this place are better than you’d think.”
He started walking around the car, looking at me like I was nuts. “You looked it up?”
When Jackson had mentioned that he liked the restaurant, I’d been curious. At first glance, with its gravel parking lot and slightly rough looking exterior, it hadn’t seemed that impressive. I’d even done the whole street-view thing to look around the neighborhood, but nothing struck me as that special, so I’d looked them up on every site I could think of. I’d wanted to know why it was Jackson’s favorite restaurant.
“Of course. I’m getting the pancakes.” Duh.
“For dinner?” He cocked his head and glanced over at the front of the restaurant. He really should have done some research.
“You obviously didn’t read the reviews, or you wouldn’t have even asked me that question.” Taking his hand, I started hurrying him toward the building. I was excited to meet Jackson in person, and I was starving. “And how am I supposed to know why he likes it if I don’t look it up?”
“You could try actually talking to him and not just flirting.” Sawyer’s tone was dry, but his eyes sparkled as he reached for the door handle.
“That wouldn’t be as much fun, though.” A deep voice came from behind us, and I turned excitedly.
“Jackson!” He was taller than I’d expected; his broad frame almost towered over me and even made Sawyer seem small at first glance.
He looked just like his pictures.
Even Sawyer must have liked what he saw. His grip relaxed in mine, and I could feel the stress easing out of him. Sawyer gave him a warm smile but shook his head. “You shouldn’t encourage him.”
I blinked up at Jackson, and then looked at Sawyer, a little pout on my face. “But even you said I’m incorrigible, so that means he should encourage me.”
“Don’t believe that dumb blond act for a minute. He got As in everything and just about aced the SAT.”
“Tattletale.” I’d already told Jackson about college and my goals, so I wasn’t trying to look dumb, but making him smile was fun.
“There’s a comment here about what happens to naughty boys who fight, but I’m going to behave, so I won’t say anything like that.” Jackson grinned as Sawyer blushed, then he turned to me and winked.
I loved that he wasn’t afraid to flirt with me but still tried to make Sawyer feel special without being overwhelmed. Sawyer thought we’d just been flirting and teasing, but I’d spent a little while grilling Jackson on what he thought about Sawyer.
He was good about not sharing secrets—not that Sawyer and I had any—but he told me enough to make me think that they were really clicking, even if Sawyer was dragging his feet. But I knew Sawyer would come around in time. And I also knew, from what Jackson had said and what he hadn’t, that he wasn’t going to rush either of us beyond what we were comfortable with.
He was going to be the perfect master.
He let me flirt and tease, but his comment let us both know that he wasn’t going to shy away from punishments. I could only imagine how he would be when I was a pup. He’d be fun and indulgent as I played but would ground me and make me feel safe.
I just knew it.
I also knew we had to go into the restaurant at some point, or I’d never get fed. We were still standing around outside the building, and while he was technically still almost a stranger, it didn’t feel that way. Sawyer let go of my hand and reached to shake Jackson’s.
That was fine for him, but I was getting more than a handshake. How would I know if there was chemistry without a little bit of contact? As they parted, I threw myself at Jackson, wrapping my arms around him in a hug.
I behaved myself: quick hug and let go and no groping him or getting too close. But the feel of his muscled back and the strength of his arms as they wrapped around me was giving me second thoughts on it.
“I’m starving.” I gave him a grin and was relieved when I saw the warmth in his eyes. “You need to feed me.”
“Of course, and they have the best—”
“Pancakes! I saw the reviews online. I want ones with bananas and chocolate chips.” I’d been planning dinner for hours.
Jackson laughed and reached out to run his fingers through my hair. It was an almost unconscious gesture, and it made my toes curl because it was so easy to imagine the same gentle touch when I was a pup. I was smart enough not to ask, though.
And Sawyer thought I had no common sense.
“You both sound crazy.” Sawyer was looking at us like we’d lost our minds.
Jackson didn’t seem to mind. He started to explain my excitement, so he was also feeling more generous than I was. “They make the best pancakes. They make them to order and have something like fifty mix-ins and toppings you can choose. And they’re—”
“Huge!”
“How much coffee did you have at work today?”
Oops.
“I don’t know exactly.” I’d been so excited, and employee drinks were free, and thinking back, I wasn’t sure how many I’d gotten.
The chocolate one.
The white chocolate one.
The new one that had the sprinkles on top.
And there were at least a few more thrown in there.
Oops.
Jackson was laughing so hard people across the parking lot turned to stare. I shrugged, and Sawyer rolled his eyes. “It was too much.”
Finally catching his breath, Jackson reached out to squeeze Sawyer’s shoulder and then gave me a smile. “No more caffeine for you. And how about we get some food in you?”
Sawyer chuckled. “I think that’s just for soaking up alcohol, but at the very least, it will keep his mouth busy.”
There were so many naughty things I could have said to that.
Evidently Jackson thought of them too, because he coughed a bit and gave Sawyer a look. It took Sawyer a minute to realize what he’d said, and then he blushed again, grumbling about men with dirty minds. Since he loved mine, though, I wasn’t worried about it. Jackson didn’t seem to take it personally either, but he did ruffle my hair and point to the door.
“Are we ready for dinner? I think someone’s starving.”
Sawyer nodded gratefully, seemingly appreciating the change of subject. “Yes. I can’t wait to see what else they have.”
“Sawyer thinks that breakfast should stay at breakfast.”
Jackson sucked in a breath dramatically, laughter shining in his eyes. “That’s sacrilegious. This is holy breakfast ground.”
“I know! I saw it in the reviews.” Sawyer groaned and reached for the door, clearly giving up on making us behave. “We’re going to have to convert him.”
Jackson nodded. “Or we could do this together sometimes, and I could find somewhere that Sawyer would appreciate to take him? From what I’ve read, it’s important that people in a relationship like the one you’re looking for make the time to have strong bonds as couples, not just as a group.”
Then he seemed to realize how long-term that sounded because he kept going. “Not that I’m assuming anything. This is a first date, and you might decide that we don’t fit right together.”
He was trying to be serious, and I tried not to grin, but it sounded dirty. Sawyer looked at me, shaking his head. I was doing my best, though, so I nodded. “I’m starting to think another date sounds like a good idea. So we can get to know each other better.”
As I walked in the door, Sawyer leaned close and whispered. “Little tease.”
“I’m not a tease, and you’ll find that out when we get home.” Then I winked at him and tried to look innocent as Jackson grinned and attempted to pretend he hadn’t heard us.
Sawyer was still shaking his head as the hostess came up. I might have been driving him just a little bit crazy, but he was relaxed and no longer looked like he was going to vomit, so I was counting the date as a win.
Pancakes, a sexy learning-to-be-almost-Dom, and Sawyer by my side…yup…perfect date.
Okay, so aside from Sawyer, it was probably my only date. But still…perfect.