Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Going quiet again, Joseph looked down at the table before taking a breath and sitting straighter as he focused on my face. “Is this something that you’re going to decide on your own…”
There seemed to be more he wanted to say, but his words trailed off as his nerves got the better of him. So I stepped in to help. “Is it something I’m going to decide on my own or is it something I should discuss with my…boyfriend? Dating partner? Play partner?”
I wasn’t sure how to finish that sentence, which was probably the issue he’d run into, but my attempts had him laughing quietly. “Person I’m having a romantic relationship with? Man I’m hoping to do more than kiss later?”
His cheeks flushed as his laughter faded and he started shaking his head. “Most of those were terrible, but let’s settle on boyfriend?”
I liked where this was going.
“That sounds like a good option.” Feeling more confident, I nodded. “Yes, I think a boyfriend would have a lot of input into the decision.”
I hadn’t been able to decide if I should’ve talked about quitting with him before or not. Logically, if I hadn’t even known what he did for a living, we probably hadn’t been at the right point for him to have a lot of impact on my decision. But emotions were never logical.
My ridiculousness seemed to give Joseph a boost because after a deep breath, he tackled his questions again. “Are you looking for something else that’s going to have a lot of traveling? Are you looking to move out of DC? There can’t be that many options here in your line of work.”
I tried not to react, but I couldn’t help the rush of excitement that raced through me when all his questions were related to how often we would see each other.
“I’m actually looking for something that’s more flexible and where I won’t be doing as much traveling for work.” Looking into his eyes as his entire body seemed to relax, I smiled. “I have more important things on my mind right now.”
His sweet blush came back, but he didn’t poke at my answer. “What…How flexible?”
I wondered where his mind was going, but I answered what he’d asked instead of what I thought he might be asking. “I’m looking at a few ideas, but most would be remote work or something close to fully remote. I want to be able to work from anywhere I need to or want to.”
As his eyes widened, I shrugged casually. “Like, say for instance I decided I wanted a view of the Eiffel Tower next week. Working remotely would give me that option as long as I found the right opportunity.”
“Oh.” Joseph blinked a few times like his brain was resetting. “You…you like traveling.”
Hmm…okay, I could see the connection.
“Yes, but I’m also comfortable in my house, so if I don’t start traveling for a while, that would be fine.” I was hoping he knew I wasn’t going to do anything ridiculous and make him figure out our whole life over dessert. “I’m not going to rush into anything. So we have time to weigh the pros and cons of the different options.”
Nodding slowly, Joseph’s shoulders relaxed and his mind seemed to be catching up to what he was feeling. “We should have time this week to talk about the different opportunities you’re considering.”
Before I could tell him that it sounded like a good idea, he cocked his head. “Have you thought about writing? I mean, a nonfiction book in your genre or about teaching in general?”
Hmm.
“Not really.” Relaxing back in my chair, I took a sip of my water and considered it. “Okay, we’re going to pencil in planning time this week, but not tonight. This is our first date.”
He gave a low chuckle and shook his head, but he didn’t seem disappointed in putting off the discussion. “Haven’t you heard that work before play is best?”
I scoffed, rolling my eyes and playing up just how ridiculous that idea was right now. “I’m on a wonderful date with a sweet, sexy man who not only has a fascinating job and a good head on his shoulders, but he’s the cutest little. I’m not letting anything distract me from our date.”
Joseph couldn’t seem to decide if he wanted to laugh or blush and just ended up shaking his head at me. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
I did.
“Just say you remember your safewords and that you’re ready to continue our date.” We probably wouldn’t do anything that would need safewords tonight, but it was better to be safe than completely fucked.
He nibbled on his lip before licking the abused skin. “I remember, Daddy, and I want to continue our date.”
He was the sexiest man I’d ever met…and the sweetest.
“You’re a very good boy tonight…and I think that should be rewarded.” The delicate shiver that ran through him said he wasn’t opposed to the idea either. “You’ve been confident and polite and you gave me some good ideas to consider. I think that deserves a big reward.”