He drew her close and kissed her. And you’re the best brat I could ever want. I love you.
Her eyes softened at his words, though there was no guarantee that she would say it back. It didn’t matter though. He knew she loved him, and the rare times that she said it were just more meaningful because of it.
She kissed him on the cheek, instead, looking pleased with herself.
And you have all of my attention today, he told her sincerely, dropping a kiss on her nose. That was his promise to her, even when she fought it. All the board games you want.
She smirked at him. Alllll the board games? She emphasized the loan sign, a spelled-out English word, by dragging the L in a wide arch across her chest.
Dustin tried not to make a face. It was no secret that he would have liked game night far more without the actual board games. But he did love seeing her happy. Especially when he could have all of the people he cared about in one place. All of them, he promised.
Lena laughed. Don’t make promises you can’t keep!
He gave her a swat on the ass, making her yelp and look up at him with hopeful eyes.
Nope. You can’t tempt me like that. Ash and Zhong will be here soon.
Or you could have your way with me on the couch… Lena ran a finger down his chest, going into seductive flirt mode. You could let me take care of this for you… Her hand drifted down further while her ass squirmed against his dick.
Fuck, did she drive him crazy. He usually didn’t like it when she went overly seductive on him, because all too often it meant she was covering up some insecurity and putting on a mask. He could usually tell when she was just playing, and today he wasn’t sure.
He chuckled. Nope. We have guests coming.
For a moment, something sparkled in her eyes. His naughty girl looked like she wouldn’t mind being caught. That put all sorts of thoughts into his head.
But at the same time, he was almost sure now that she was trying to avoid something. Reading Lena’s interactions was like a fine art, a poetry all its own.
He ran a hand down her chest in return. Not right now, and not until you tell me what’s bothering you.
She huffed, which meant he’d gotten it right.
Tell Daddy, he commanded.
She rolled her eyes, but he could tell how much she needed this. How it was exactly the right response. Could we have my family over here some time? she blurted out.
That was what she was worried about? It seemed trivial, but for her it was obviously something bigger.
Sure, he signed easily. Lena was close with her sister and he wanted Lena to know that the people who she cared about were welcome as they built this fragile new relationship together. That could actually be fun. I liked Maggie and her kids when we met, and there’s tons of space for them to run around.
Lena looked pleased. I’m sure Lola and Matt would love the backyard. I just didn’t want to overstep.
Ah. That’s what was really behind it. You’re not overstepping, he rushed to assure her. This is your home, too. He wanted it to be at least.
So you’re sure it’s OK?
Yes. Absolutely. He stroked her cheek. You should invite Maggie and the kids over since I’m so busy. And anyone else you want to invite. I’d appreciate it if we plan it first, but you don’t need to ask my permission.
She sighed, her shoulders falling. OK. It just feels a bit weird inviting people over to your house.
Our house, he insisted. We could even throw a party. Zhong and I used to do that all the time. Back when Zhong had lived with him, at least in between other people he’d dated, the house had been more of a social hub. He’d almost forgotten what that was like. It would be nice to do that again. Really, it would be nice to do anything again with both Lena and Zhong at his side.
Lena toyed with the collar of his shirt, more of a comfort than a seduction, though it felt good. So it’s alright if I invite my parents and my brother over? They’re going to visit in a few weeks. They always stay with these family friends so they’re set for overnight. But it would be nice to host a barbeque or something. I know they’d love to meet you. They thought I was never going to find someone to settle down with so, um, I guess I wanted to introduce you?
Now it was his turn to falter. He blinked in surprise. Not because he objected to it, but because seeing family was just… unexpected. He’d met a few of his exes’ families, and it had usually been pretty stilted and awkward. He wasn’t sure if that was just how it was supposed to be, or if he was uniquely bad at families. Probably the latter.
Of course. He said anyway. If he was ready to live with her, he should be ready to meet her family.
You look concerned. She patted his cheek, their roles reversing.