“Tonight. Why won’t we be repeating it?”

“Because I’m not comfortable with anyone else seeing your body.”

“But undressing me was your idea,” she reminds me, her voice exasperated.

“I know, but in hindsight, I’m not comfortable with other men seeing you.”

“So no more club?” she asks with a frown.

I grin to myself. So she enjoyed the club.

“We can go again, if you like, but there won’t be any more demonstrations.”

“What if you’re asked to demonstrate on someone else?” she asks, her body tight with worry as she waits for my response.

I tip her head back so I can look her in the eye. “I already told you, you’re the only one I want to touch.”

“But you’re a master. Don’t you teach?”

“Yes, but it’s not necessary.”

“Maybe you can demonstrate with me dressed sometimes,” she suggests and shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“You’d do that for me?” I ask, cupping her face in my hand.

“You enjoy it, Matt. The thought of you doing it with someone else brings out my catty side, so, yeah, I’d do it for you.”

I don’t know what to say. Has anyone who means this much to me ever supported me so completely?

Only Caleb, but even he can’t understand it completely, as he’s never been in the lifestyle.

In one quick motion I reverse our positions and tuck her under me, pull my hips back and slip inside her and set to work showing her what her trust and obvious love mean to me.

***

“I’m glad you’re home, man.” I clasp Caleb’s hand and lean in for a man hug, excited to see my brother.

“It’s only been two weeks, dude. Did Seattle fall apart while we were gone?”

“No, but it’s much more boring without you and the girls.”

“Uncle Matt! Mommy and Daddy are home,” Josie informs me happily, hanging on to her mom with desperate arms like she fears her mom just might slip away again.

“I know, sweetheart. I’m happy to see them, too.”

“Hey, Matt.”

“Hey, doll.” I lean in and kiss Bryn’s cheek. She looks happy. Content. “How’s the most beautiful girl in Seattle?”

“Get your own girl,” Caleb snarls, then scoops Maddie up in his arms. “I missed you, buttercup.”

“I missed you, too, Daddy.” She laughs and kisses his cheek.

“Girls, come help me unpack. I think there might be some Italian souvenirs for you in our bags.”

“Okay!” the girls exclaim and follow their mom up the stairs.

“How are you?” I ask Caleb soberly.

“Never better,” he responds, and I know he speaks the truth.

He had a rough time of it a few months ago, afraid to love that sweet woman and her daughters, but with the help of a counselor and my fist to his face, he came around and finally married Brynna.

“You both look great. Italy must have agreed with you.”

“Dominic has a helluva place.” Caleb nods. “It’s quiet and beautiful. Perfect if you want to romance a woman.”

“I’m glad you both enjoyed it.” I chuckle and watch my brother. His cheeks redden, and I tilt my head as my eyes narrow. “What’s going on?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Something’s up. You never blush.”

“Fuck you, I’m not blushing.”

“Just say it.”

He sighs as his eyes turn to the top of the stairs. “We weren’t going to say anything for a while yet because it’s early, but Bryn’s pregnant.”

“That’s fucking awesome, bro.” I pull him in for a quick hug, truly happy for my younger brother. “How early?”

“Only a few weeks, but the sticks say she’s pregnant, so she’s going to go see a doctor next week. Don’t mention it to the rest of the family.”

“That’s your story to tell,” I reply and clap him on the shoulder. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” he replies and pulls two beers out of the fridge, pops the tops and hands one to me. “What’s up with you?”

I shrug and take a long pull on the beer. “Work. Had dinner at Will’s last week.”

Been sleeping with the woman I’m in love with since you left.

“I heard. Will said you brought the baker with you.”

“Will never could keep his damn mouth shut,” I grumble.

“Ashamed of her?”

“Fuck no!” I shake my head adamantly. “No, I just would have rather you heard it from me.”

“So what’s going on with her?”

I sigh and lean back against the countertop, trying to figure out how to form the right words.

“I’ve been sleeping with her.” But that doesn’t sound right. I’ve been more than sleeping with her. I’ve been consumed by her, falling in love with her.

“Is she okay with what you’re into?” he asks softly.

“Yeah. It’s new to her, so I’ve been honest but taking it slow. Took her to the club last weekend.” I smile as I recall her tied up in my red ropes, pulled up tall, panting and turned on. “She enjoyed herself.”

“Good. She seems like a really sweet girl.”

“She’s the best, Caleb.” My eyes find his. “She’s smart, funny, loyal. So fucking sexy.”

“You’re in love with her.”

“I am,” I reply without hesitation.

“It’s fast,” Caleb remarks, rubbing his hand over the light stubble on his square jaw.

“I know,” I reply honestly. “But it just feels right. I want to be her friend as much as I want to be her lover. She makes me laugh. I’m proud of her. She’s accomplished a lot on her own, and she’s so damn good at it.” I shrug and laugh at my brother’s stunned look. “What is that look for?”

“You’re really fucking in love with her.”

“I thought we just came to that conclusion.”

“I’m just…wow. Okay, well, that’s awesome. I want to spend some more time with her.”

“You’ll get to. I’m bringing her to Nat’s birthday party tomorrow.” I grin and take another drink of my beer. “Nic’s bringing a new cupcake recipe. She made it up just for Nat.”

“Cool.” Caleb grins, and then his face sobers as he watches me. “Just be careful, man. You’re the best person I know, and seeing you hurt is the last thing I want.”