Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“I’m waiting for you to answer my question.” I’d answered his, so now it was his turn.
Casey smiled again and decided to be helpful. “The guys here and the ones who hang around are a bit more open than most people. They’re very confident that anyone in their circle of work and friends will understand them, so they’re very up-front. Most people outside of Leashes & Lace, even lifestyle couples, well, they’re more careful.”
Ah.
“How many subs have you dated?” Preston leaned back in his chair, analyzing me like I was a fascinating spreadsheet. “You haven’t talked about anyone lately.”
“Three?” If I counted the one sub who’d screamed at me for taking him to a steakhouse when he was a vegetarian.
How I was supposed to have guessed that based on his online profile I had no idea. He’d spent more time describing his kinks than what his hobbies or food preferences were. At the time, I’d appreciated how he’d laid out what he wanted in a partner, but that had been a mistake.
“That’s…” Preston shook his head like I was a disappointment. “You’re worse than I was.”
That had Casey blushing and Preston leaned over to kiss his boy’s cheek, nuzzling him softly and whispering something that made his sub blush even deeper.
When they were done loving on each other, Preston looked back at me. “Have you ever dated a pup?”
That was easy to answer. “No.”
Not that anyone had told me, at least.
“Any reservations about it?” He seemed to think I’d have an issue with it, but just the ridiculousness had my back stiffening.
“No.” If I didn’t know anything about it, how could I have a problem with it? “I’m more interested in what kind of guy he is. Dramatic? That’s a definite deal breaker.”
Casey caught me glaring at Eli and giggled. “I’ve just met him a few times. He’s only been here about a week, but he likes coming into the office to hang out with everyone. He’s…he’s very cheerful, and I think you’d like how honest he is.”
Hmm.
“Playing matchmaker?” Preston’s question had Casey blushing again and shaking his head. Preston scoffed, giving his boy an indulgent smile. “Of course not.”
As they went back to staring into each other’s eyes, like they’d done most of the night, I finally caught the gaze of the broad, smiling man who’d seemed to charm everyone he’d met. I wasn’t the type for subtle to do any good, so when his smile turned flirty, I scanned down his body, making my interest clear.
I knew from previous experience that anything less forthright had men questioning if my naturally aggressive look meant good things or not. I warmed up and relaxed once I got to know someone, but I seemed standoffish and most people didn’t give me that chance.
The pup in question didn’t seem worried, though.
For a moment I wondered if it was because he was such a big guy and radiated confidence, but then the thought quickly faded as one of his friends said something that made him blush. Yes, he was a sub all right…and it seemed like even his friend had recognized my interest.
“Are pups aggressive?” Did they come in varieties of temperaments like real dogs?
Was I supposed to go to him?
Would he want to come to me?
As Casey giggled, Preston coughed, and it took him a moment to answer. “I honestly don’t know what you’re asking.”
He was incredibly unhelpful.
Probably because all he’d been able to think about all night was the proposal and what it would be like to pop the question to Casey. I didn’t think they were at that point yet, but engagements were like weddings—they were contagious.
Casey was smarter than Preston because his response was much more helpful. “I don’t think he’d mind if you went over to introduce yourself. But he’s really big on making sure you can accept his pup side before he’ll get serious with you. So be prepared for a quick pup lesson or a slow start to dating.”
Interesting.
“I’m not averse to understanding his needs, but what do you mean?” I forced myself to pull my gaze away from the still-blushing man and focus on Casey for a few long moments. “What do you think a pup lesson would entail?”
I’d been to a few of the photo shoots over the years, and if it was anything like that, I’d have to pass.
Casey gave me a soft smile as he caught me looking back over at Bishop. “I don’t really know exactly, but he was talking with another one of the models the other day and he said he made sure guys saw his pup before they went very far. I think he’s had a few bad experiences with guys who said they liked pups but really didn’t.”
I wasn’t sure how any idiot could make that mistake, but it made Bishop’s rule more understandable.