Page 93 of All Tied Up

Jamie hoped Neil never lost that sense of wonder whenever he said that word.

Though really, Jamie could see how much he was holding back. What would it be like watching the word Daddy fall from Neil’s lips?

Maybe if they asked him to… No. That was silly. This was just a summer fling. Maybe a few other playdates. It was good that Neil was drawing that line.

Jamie took a sip of his coffee, practically burning his mouth, and then spit it back into his cup.

Daddy snorted.

“Did he just drink the hot coffee again?” Ty asked without turning around.

“Hey! It wasn’t supposed to be that hot!” Jamie defended.

“Should we put a warning label on it?” Daddy asked. “Caution: Contents may be hot.”

“God, I always thought that was dumb. Like, obviously it’s hot. But someone sued McDonald’s for it, right?” Jamie set the mug back down. He would unfortunately have to wait.

“Actually,” Neil broke in, “that’s a pretty famous case they share with new law students because of how it was covered in the media. McDonald’s had sent hundreds of people to the hospital with life-threatening burns that required skin grafts. Their corporate policy was to serve it at a temperature so hot it could cause third-degree burns in seconds. Liebeck, the woman who was burned, was permanently disabled. Yet after a decade of lawsuits, McDonald’s refused to change their policy or pay out more than minor damages. So yes, the judge made a point with that case in requiring them to pay some obscene amount, but he was setting precedent for making large corporations take responsibility for harm caused by their defective products—tort reform. The media portrayed McDonald’s as the victim and treated it as a joke, but that was all politics—big companies looking out for other big companies.”

“Huh,” Jamie considered. “You know, I just realized that you’re a lawyer.”

Neil raised one eyebrow.

“No, I mean, obviously you told me your profession. I just didn’t think about what you do all day.”

“Well, I don’t sue anyone. I do paperwork for large companies buying other large companies and property.” He sighed deeply.

“And you have more of it today?” Neil had worked through the day yesterday, sighing every time he looked up from his laptop at the panoramic view surrounding him on the porch.

“Yeah. Ironically after that conversation, it’s a restaurant chain acquiring another one. The contract is hundreds of pages and I need to read every one of them closely.” He looked exhausted just thinking about it.

“Is there any part of your job you love?”

Neil snorted. “The pro bono stuff? I work with small businesses sometimes. I love seeing all of the passion the owners have for whatever they're doing. Their legal problems are usually small potatoes to the mega-corporations I represent, but they’re their problems, you know? It makes a difference.”

Daddy passed Jamie his breakfast plate, then leaned in over the counter between them. “You should find a new job, baby boy. You already know what you love.”

Neil looked like he was about to object, but Jamie could see the moment when it really hit. Dismissal, then surprise, and finally wonder.

“I agree,” Jamie chimed in. “I couldn’t get you two to shut up about budget stuff last night. What does a sexy boy need to do to get a spanking around here?” Jamie grinned when Neil gave him an affectionate shove. “Seriously, though. You should do what you enjoy. I mean, you might not make as much money, but what good does all that money do if you’re not happy?”

“You’re very wise.” Neil stroked a hand through Jamie’s hair, holding his eyes like Jamie had said something important. Or maybe like Jamie was important, and he valued his input. “I will… think about it.”

“Good,” Jamie said emphatically. Neil should be happy. He deserved it. Jamie wanted to see him relaxed and cuddly or enthusiastic and sparkling all the time.

And there Jamie was thinking about Neil again in the future. Like there was really something between them.

Neil checked his watch, his face scrunching up in frustration before he smoothed it away. “I have a meeting soon. Better get going.”

Daddy stepped quickly around the counter to grab Neil by his collar and pull him in for a deep and dirty kiss.

Fuck, they were beautiful together. Even dressed in his suit jacket and slacks, Neil was the picture of submission, clinging to Daddy’s shirt and giving everything up to him. And Daddy was just… ugh. So strong and commanding and perfect.

Ty gave a wolf whistle in the background, reminding them that they had an audience.

When Daddy released Neil, they were both panting. “Be a good boy today,” Daddy whispered against his ear, just loud enough for Jamie to hear, “and I’ll have a reward for you before you drive home.”

Jamie pouted. He didn’t like the reminder that Neil was going home tonight. Especially since Neil had to work all day and Jamie was taking out a tour group so he wouldn’t even be around.