Page 19 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

It wasn’t just that Dustin was a sexy Deaf guy. Or that he had all of the markings of a spectacular Dom from the little bit Landon had seen while they were flirting. He was also kind and funny and seemed to appreciate talking to Landon instead of just trying to get into his pants. Landon had felt a little glow when he got those three silly texts thanking him for the resources. That was fucking rare.

Getting turned down now was going to suck, even though he’d only been looking for an evening together. Landon wrapped his arms around his chest, trying to play things off like he didn’t care, but actually feeling like he needed a shield. He hated feeling insecure.

Finally, Dustin responded. I don’t usually do one-night stands.

What? You can’t tell me you don’t fuck, Landon replied in exaggerated surprise.Unlike in English, there were no gentle euphemisms for sleeping with someone, unless you literally meant sleeping beside them. “Sex” was two bodies crashing together, legs spread. Fucking.

Dustin looked amused. I didn’t say I never fuck. I’ve been in three long-term relationships. And I got into plenty of trouble in college. I just don’t usually do one-night stands and that seems to be what you’re interested in.

Oh, right. Of course one-night stands weren’t the only way that people had sex. They were just the only way that Landon had sex.

He’d tried relationships in college and grad school and now he was done. Whatever fucked-up impulse made him want to chase after people like a puppy looking for affection only left him feeling more abandoned, and he wasn’t going to put himself through it again. He knew he was probably attracted to the wrong people, since he was always looking for something that wasn’t there, and that was why it was easier to keep it casual.

That pathetic, rejected kid wasn’t who he wanted to be.

Was Dustin judging him now? There’s nothing wrong with one-night stands, he added, trying to look calm and sex-positive, not defensive.

Now Dustin looked really amused. What was so funny? There’s nothing wrong with one-night stands. They’re just not really my speed.

So did that mean that Dustin was turning him down? After all of that flirting? Landon was starting to feel a little fragile, and that wasn’t who he wanted to be. He’d obviously been turned down before, just not by someone who lit him up like this and watched his every move.

But... maybe he could have something with Dustin in another way, not a one-night stand, but with some clearly defined boundaries. There weren’t that many Deaf Doms, and Dustin just got under his skin somehow.

What if it’s not a one-night stand? he suggested. I mean, the offer from last time is still open if you’d like someone to train you. I think that we have a lot of chemistry. There are some more advanced things that you should only work on when you’re working with both a mentor and a sub, there are some other things that you could explore with me.

There, that could be fun for both of them. He liked being a support within the community, and he liked Dustin. They could have some fun times together and then both move on without any hard feelings.

Dustin looked a little nervous, which was good for a Dom to acknowledge, really. It would be gratifying to help him with that, let him get over his worries and watch him grow into more confidence so that he was ready for Escape or a relationship or something.

Landon put his hand on Dustin’s chest, bending his head down so that he could look up at him seductively. He’d practiced this pose a lot. He knew how it affected Doms to see him that way, tall and strong but still showing his submission. This was something he was good at, and it might help Dustin feel a little better about making the choice.

Dustin gently lifted Landon’s hand from his chest. Was that a no? But he still held it, his thumb slipping under Landon’s palm, his fingers cradled around the outside. It made shivers run down his spine as Dustin played with that small area that had now become delightfully sensitive.

That was really sweet. Like something a boyfriend would do. Landon would definitely need to be on his guard if he didn’t want to end up catching emotions.

Landon knew he tended to throw himself after people, even when he knew it wasn’t going to work out, so he would have to keep anything that they did professional. He pulled his hand back to sign, but it still burned where they had touched.

So, is that a yes? Landon asked, hopefully. I would be happy to teach you. We could try out a few things, answer some of your questions, and help you see if this is something you want to do more of.

Dustin gazed over his shoulder for a minute, then seemed to come to a decision. Yes. I would be honored, actually. I’m free tonight, if that still works for you, so just send me your address and a time. Should I pick up dinner?

Now that they were doing a “lesson,” Landon didn’t want to get confused. This wasn’t a date and he didn’t want Dustin to think that it was. No need. I should have some time available at 7:30.

Oh, do you already have dinner plans? Should we choose some other night?

Oops. Now he felt backed into a corner. He should have just said what time he wanted to meet without making it sound like he was busy. I’m seeing my sister and her kids, he explained, internally planning right now to do that so he wasn’t lying. I’ll eat an early dinner and be back home by then.

That brought a genuine smile to Dustin’s face. Was he just excited that their date was still on? Or maybe he liked the idea of family? Not that it mattered if he did.

Alright, 7:30. Text me your address.

Dustin grabbed Landon’s hand and brushed his lips to his knuckles. It sent a shiver all through Landon’s body and made his chest feel kind of warm. Who did that?

Fortunately, they’d be able to focus on training this evening. Landon would keep things professional, Dustin would hopefully stop looking so nervous and get to try something, and they could both enjoy themselves.

Landon waved a perky goodbye before getting in his car. He’d see Maggie and the kids today, then have a fun evening. Life was pretty good.