know, since it’s warmer, cost of living is lower—nothing to do with being dragged by his now-ex in front of all his colleagues.”
I snorted. “Mmhmm. Warmer weather. Totally. God, what a douche.” Sobering a bit, I sighed. “I don’t think my dad would have ever exploited a disability to score points. Maybe he would have. I don’t know. And he didn’t beat us or any of that shit. He was just…impossible to live with and even harder to please. Especially as an adult.”
Will narrowed his eyes a little as if he were reading me. “Is that where medical school came in?
Damn. He was good at this.
Shifting nervously, I nodded. “Yeah. He pushed us all toward medicine or law. None of us went into law, but my brother and sister are both doctors. My other sister is a microbiologist, which he wasn’t thrilled about, but then she scored a job with one of the big pharmaceutical companies, and she’s kicking ass. Me?” I shook my head, and my voice tried to get thicker as I said, “I bailed on medical school. As far as I know, he died thinking of me as nothing more than a dropout and a failure.”
“You really think he thought that of you?”
“Oh, I know he did.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “That’s why he left me the house—because out of all his kids, he figured I’d be the one who needed the place.”
“Shit,” Will breathed. “Nice of him to have faith in you.”
“I know, right?” I paused, then cringed. “Ugh. Fuck. I totally put a damper on tonight with—”
“No, you didn’t.” He slid a hand over my knee, which made my teeth snap together, and he looked right in my eyes. “It’s good for Aaron and me to know what’s going on in your world. We don’t want gossip or juicy details, but we want to know what you’re up against. What’s going on in your life and in your head. That way things stay safe and enjoyable for Aaron, and also stay safe and enjoyable for you.” He squeezed my leg gently. “Don’t worry about being a downer. I’d rather you were open and honest with us than keeping cards close to your vest in the interest of not killing the mood.”
“Oh.” I swallowed. “That’s… That’s good to know.”
He smiled. “You’re part of this too. Don’t ever hesitate to talk to us about things.”
Still surprised, I managed a smile. “I won’t. Thanks.”
Twelve
Will
Kelly stayed for a while longer, but he was understandably tired after playing with us earlier. We shared a long kiss at the front door, and after I’d reiterated that I meant what I said—talk to us, always—he called it a night and I headed upstairs.
It was early yet, so instead of going to bed, I went into my office to make some headway on a few projects. Amazing how clear my mind was after some incredibly satisfying sex and some pleasant company. Nothing sharpened my focus like slipping into the Dom headspace, and that effect took a while to wear off. Might as well take advantage of it.
In fact, I’d sometimes joked with Aaron about doing our kinky play in the morning. That way we’d both be relaxed, sharp, and focused before tackling our respective jobs. Aaron had vetoed that, though, mostly because in order for us to get in a scene and aftercare, and still leave time for him to get showered, shaved, dressed, and caffeinated in time to be at the courthouse (which was where his mornings often started), we’d have to be playing by like four in the morning. Fuck that noise.
If he had to go into the office on a weekend, we did try to squeeze in some morning play first, and my God, my Saturdays were productive as all hell if the day started with Aaron on his knees.
Tonight, I took advantage of my post-scene focus, and by the time I called it a night, I’d finished a concept sketch for a new client and submitted an animated short to another. Not a bad way to close out the evening.
In the bedroom, I took out my contacts, stripped out of my sweats, and joined Aaron in bed. At some point, he’d apparently moved under the covers, which meant I didn’t need to wake him up as I got into bed with him.
He stirred, on his own, though, cuddling closer to me and draping an arm over my stomach. “What time is it?”