Page 13 of Learning to Trust

“You’ll need to set a strict routine if you work from home. I know it’s common for people to get lax, especially those who work their own business.”

David tilted his head to the side and grinned. "I should imagine being your Sub, even if it's only part-time, will teach me self-control and discipline."

“Indeed.”

We finished our meals, I paid the check, and taking David’s hand in mine again, we started toward the car. It was the second time he’d flinched when I’d reached for his hand before relaxing into my hold.

“You didn’t hold hands with Tristan in public.” It was a statement, not a question.

"Tristan didn't like public displays of affection. He said people did not need to know we were gay and risk their judgment."

I unlocked the car, and we climbed in, me behind the wheel. Before I snapped on the seatbelt, I turned in my seat and, using the tips of my fingers, tilted David's face until our eyes met. Leaning forward, I pressed my lips against his and, when he gasped, took the opportunity to plunge my tongue into his mouth. When David relaxed, I moved a hand to the back of his head and deepened the kiss.

Kissing David evoked feelings I'd never had before. Every cell in my body burst into flame, and my dick hardened to the point it became painful. My head was screaming at me to walk away before I got in too deep, but my heart insisted that David just might be the man I'd been searching for my entire adult life.

We drew apart, sucking in air, and I noted the want in David's eyes.

"Never be ashamed of who you are. What other people think is their problem, not yours."

David nodded. I clipped my seatbelt into place, started the engine, and headed home.

Chapter Seven

DAVID

During the trip home, I peered through the side window, feathering a fingertip over my still-tingling lips. I had never in my life experienced a kiss as I'd just had with Andrew.

I liked the man and could see myself falling. I would need to be alert, so I didn't get drawn into another web of deceit and lies. It wasn't fair that I lumped Andrew, or any other man, into the same barrel as Tristan; but trust had served me a broken heart on a scratched and rusted silver platter. It would not happen again.

“David, are you coming inside anytime soon?”

Andrew stood on my side of the car with the door open and his voice caused me to jump.

I hadn't been aware that we'd arrived at Andrew's home, heard him climb from the car, or open the door. I really had been lost in a world of my own.

After unclipping the seatbelt, I accepted his offered hand, and he helped me from the car.

The setting alarm tweeted loudly in the quiet of our exclusive neighborhood.

Once inside the house, we headed for the kitchen, and while I grabbed a couple of sodas from the fridge as instructed, Andrew left to retrieve his laptop. When he returned, I was seated at the table, sipping at one of the sodas.

Andrew sat beside me and opened his can while he waited for the laptop to start.

After entering a code, he brought up a document and turned the laptop, so I could see the screen.

“Read this, and then we’ll discuss a couple of things.”

I pulled the computer closer and read the two-page document. A couple of points needed discussion to be clarified. I returned the device to Andrew before settling back in my chair.

“Questions?” Andrew asked.

“Some—is that okay?”

Andrew turned his chair and encouraged me to do the same until we sat facing each other.

“Questions are always okay. To be involved in a BDSM arrangement, whether full or part-time, partners have to communicate. Understanding between those involved needs to be crystal clear at all times. Your trust in me has to be absolute.”

I cringed at the mention of trust and Andrew didn't miss my reaction.