Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
“So plans had to be adjusted.” Nodding, Gareth was still taking the whole odd conversation very seriously. “That would’ve put you behind too because you had to figure out what you needed to be looking for instead of what you’d thought you needed to be looking for.”
“Exactly.” Bates turned in his seat so he could see both of us as he leaned against the door. “I was initially picturing a small studio to just focus on saving up a lot, but that would be miserable for all three of us even if you were just visiting on the weekends.”
Oh, yeah.
I wasn’t sure there was any way to make that work. “I can understand wanting to save money, but I think we’d drive you crazy without more space.”
“I’d drive everyone crazy without more space.” Gareth’s honesty got laughter from me and Bates. “So the new plan…is that something we need to work on together or are you handling it?”
That question was clearly for Bates, but he was trying not to smile as he glanced in the back seat toward me.
“I don’t worry about everything.” Just most things. “But…that would be something I’d like to talk about before final decisions are made?”
It still felt like my needs were probably pushing on a boundary he should have but Bates didn’t look frustrated.
He also didn’t respond like I thought he should. “I think this is a cuddle on the bed discussion.”
Why?
“Why?” Gareth was helpful and voiced that one for both of us.
Bates was still looking very thoughtful, but he answered right away. “Because it’s not a simple yes or no for me. There’s more I want to say.”
So he gave a confusing answer right away.
“Dom lecture.” Gareth nodded. “Got it.”
He’d been looking up way too much stuff online lately…but he was probably right based on Bates’s grin. “Come on, cuties.”
Ugh.
I wasn’t sure what we were going to get lectured on, but I had a feeling it was my fault or just about my being dramatic in general.
Neither of those sounded like fun, but maybe that was why Bates wanted cuddles when he said whatever was on his mind?
As we got out of the car, he was still smiling and took both of our hands as he led us into his apartment. Thankfully his door was so close we didn’t run into anyone else helpful or nosy, and I had to admit to feeling more relaxed as soon as we were inside.
“Shoes off, then keep going.” Bates turned and gave Gareth a playful glare. “And keep the rest of your clothes on.”
“Aww.” Giving a cute pout, Gareth nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
I couldn’t decide if he was trying to butter up our Dom or if it just seemed right but the Sir part made Bates smile. “Good boy.”
As we headed back to the bedroom, Bates gestured toward the bed. “Gareth beside me and Cashel is on our laps.”
My groan didn’t seem to register to either of them because they just climbed up on the bed and sat side by side. Bates even gave a reassuring smile and patted his legs. “Come here. Cuddle time.”
Ugh.
I wasn’t pouting, but I gave them both good frowns as I climbed on the bed and settled on Bates’s lap with my legs across Gareth’s. “How about we just tell me what I need to apologize for?”
Gareth was trying not to laugh, but Bates kissed my head. “Nothing. We’re just going to talk.”
That did not sound any better.
“Alright.” Curling into him, I let out a breath. “I’m ready.”
His chest jerked, but he managed not to laugh, unlike a pup I could name. “Such a drama queen when you’re worried.”
“I’m not worried.” Not much at least. “Talking is important.”
“That’s right.” Bates settled back, hugging me tight. “And sometimes questions need more talking to answer than just a yes or no.”
“I can understand that.” I just wasn’t sure what he’d started thinking about in the car and I didn’t like it.
“So you said…or maybe asked…but either way you said you would feel more comfortable if the apartment planning was a joint discussion that you were a part of. Which is perfectly reasonable, by the way.” Bates seemed like he added that part to keep me from worrying too much.
It worked.
“Okay, so why am I in cuddle therapy then?” It’d taken me a minute but that seemed to be what we were doing.
“Oh.” Gareth’s eyes widened like he’d just realized it. “So someone isn’t in trouble? That’s great.”
He was such a dork.
I couldn’t tell if he was fucking with us or not.
“No, no one is in trouble, so no spankings or naughty corner time or anything like that.” Bates clearly was on the side of fucking with us.
Gareth just grinned.
Bates shook his head before kissing me again and giving me another hug. “Do you acknowledge that asking to be included in the plans was reasonable?”