Page 22 of All Tied Up

“I thought I was on the third floor,” Neil questioned.

“Too many stairs.” Sebastian didn’t specify whether he was referring to Jamie’s challenges with them or Neil’s exhaustion. “This room has a better view, anyway. And here’s your new card.” He produced the card from his pocket with a flourish and held it up to the reader. “Just give me your old one and we’ll switch it out.”

“Oh! Um, thank you.” Neil rifled through his pockets and produced it.

Sebastian put the suitcase just inside the room, but all three of them were still standing in the doorway. Sebastian slipped a casual arm around Jamie’s back and Jamie leaned into his touch.

“And that’s our room,” Jamie added. “Right next door in case you need anything.”

That was the other reason for the change. If anything happened between the three of them, which it hopefully would, he wanted Neil close.

“I, uh, don’t think I will.” Neil continued looking between the two of them, eyes full of questions and… maybe gratitude? Longing? “But thank you. It’s, um, nice to know that you’re nearby. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed about this weekend. But you two are really nice.” The last part came out a little bit too fast, like he was racing to get the words out before he could stop himself.

“It’s our pleasure,” Sebastian said smoothly. “Now, here’s what you’re going to do. Three things. Can you remember them for me?”

“Yes, Sir,” Neil nodded, eyes wide and wondrous, shoulders already starting to relax. That was Sebastian’s favorite thing about being a Daddy.

“First, you’re going to take a nice long bath.”

Neil looked around, though he wouldn’t be able to see the bathroom from here. “I don’t think I’ve taken a bath since I was a child. My apartment doesn’t even have a tub.”

“Ooooh!” Jamie interjected. “You’re going to love it. Sometimes Daddy and I even take baths together in this room when there aren’t any guests.”

Sebastian could see from Neil’s expression that he was already imagining it. Hopefully, that imagery would only grow when he saw the elegant claw-footed tub with the view of the gorge.

“Second,” Sebastian continued, “you’re going to open the door at seven when we bring up your dinner.” He already had it planned out. He wasn’t going to make a whole meal tonight, but he’d bring Neil up the same sandwiches he made for Jamie and himself, served on his homemade bread.

“Oh, OK. Um… is that part of the B&B?” Neil asked, still clearly trying to make sense of everything. “Because I thought you only did breakfast. If it’s, um, extra, I can pay for it.”

Sebastian shook his head, giving him a soft smile. “Nope, this is a Meadowlark Lodge Daddy special, just for exhausted boys.”

“Yep,” Jamie added. “Better let Daddy do his Daddy thing.”

Jamie could see Neil putting it all together, and then he positively glowed. “Um, thank you Sir.”

“And third, you’re going to put on something cute before you come downstairs. Something that feels right to you, whatever that is.”

Neil looked uncertain.

“And if you don’t know what to wear, just call down to the front desk and we’ll send Jamie up. Got it?”

Neil beamed. “Yes, Sir. Bath, dinner, clothes.”

Just watching him was a rush.

“Sexy clothes,” Jamie emphasized. “Something that will make all the Daddies run panting after you.”

“I, um, don’t think I have anything like that,” Neil admitted. “Is a t-shirt OK?”

“Only if it’s…”

Sebastian gave Jamie a gentle swat on the bottom. “Not everyone’s a slutty little exhibitionist like you, Dragonfly,” he said affectionately. “Neil needs to choose something that will make him feel sexy and comfortable with himself. Don’t be pushy.”

Neil looked up hopefully. “Maybe Jamie should be a little bit pushy? Otherwise I might chicken out.”

God, could Sebastian just kiss him right now? Sebastian could feel by the way that Jamie’s fingers were tightening on his hip that he was thinking the same thing.

“Alright,” Sebastian conceded. “Jamie, you can be a little pushy. Neil, this is your chance to take some risks and explore, but don’t let him steamroll you. Got it?”