Page 57 of Love Unlimited

Goodnight, Daddy.

The last thing he remembered was Daddy’s arms wrapping around him and holding him close.

Chapter 9

Ash

Ash padded down to the kitchen in Dustin’s house. It was a strange day, or maybe the new normal. They were used to thinking of Dustin’s home as a central meeting place, full of laughter and company. But this morning Ash was on their own.

Landon had left early to teach summer school, after a run with his Daddy. He’d let Dustin coddle him at breakfast in a way that he didn’t usually let himself be doted on, which was sweet to see. By the time he left, he had a peppy bounce in his step at the prospect of seeing some of his favorite kids and getting to know his incoming sixth graders. Since all of his students, by default, had Individualized Educational Plans because of their Deafness, he liked to encourage all of them to attend summer school. He had them dive into science explorations and independent studies in between some math tutoring for the state test. Ash wished they’d had such an enthusiastic and charismatic teacher when they were in middle school, and it was fun watching Landon talk about his job now.

Dustin had seemed deeply relaxed and cheerful when he returned from his morning run, constantly touching Landon until he gave him a kiss at the door. But then he’d retreated to his office, his gaze turned inward and face tight as he prepared for another day with the wretched clients. He usually stopped working by at least six on the evenings when Ash came over, but they knew that he worked late into the night whenever Landon had evening meetings. They didn’t like how he seemed exhausted all the time.

And Zhong had finally decided that if he was going to spend all the time he wanted to with Ash—which was all of it, preferably—then he’d need to start scheduling his work differently and do some of it while Ash was around. This week he’d gotten a two-book non-fiction series to edit on top of his usual newspaper and journal work, so he was holed up in his office to concentrate.

Which left Ash with some much-needed time to think.

This felt like the perfect place to do it. Dustin’s house was the epicenter of all the delightful turmoil, and it felt welcoming even when everyone was upstairs. Ash was still quietly glowing from their unexpected playdate with Landon last night, but it brought up a whole host of other questions.

Ash wished they had something to do with their hands.

They hadn’t brought any of their sewing projects over, and they weren’t in the mood for sketching. It would have been nice to talk things through with their mother, but she was working a shift right now.

Ash considered baking cookies for everyone, but quickly dismissed it. Zhong and Landon both preferred savory foods, so making something that Ash could only share with Dustin felt more selfish than generous. It was unfortunate that everyone else in the house was a much better cook.

They felt a buzz in their pocket and pulled out their phone. It was a text from Marco, the Dom they’d met at the munch last fall. They’d only hung out with him a couple times since then when they happened to bump into each other, but it would be nice to get to know him and his sub better. Kinky folks who used ASL were like gold, and Ash felt like the two of them could become good friends.

Instead of replying to the text, Ash started a video call, plopping onto the couch and setting up the phone on the side table while they waited for him to pick up. Signing on a tiny screen wasn’t ideal, but Ash wanted a bit more contact than a text, even if they only chatted for a minute or two.

Hey! Marco was in a hallway, the picture bobbing as he walked, ASL flying from his fingers with the other hand. I wasn’t expecting to hear back from you so quickly.

No problem! What’s up?

This is actually more of a question for your… Handler? I mean, if that’s still your relationship; you said it was working out when I saw you at the munch. At any rate, I was looking for a work contact and some advice, if you’re up for sharing his contact info.

Ash grinned. Oh, it’s definitely working out. He’s the best Daddy that I could ever ask for, and I’m sure he’d be happy to chat with you about editing stuff if that’s helpful. I can send you his info when we get off the call.

Awesome. So things are going well for you two?

Ash blew out a breath. Great. Also complicated.

Yeah? The camera shifted around as Marco settled into a chair where they could see each other better. Would you like to talk about it?

Ash considered. There had been so much racing through their head recently, and they wouldn’t mind getting it all out with a supportive listener. If you have the time? No pressure, though.

Sure. Actually, do you want to grab some coffee? I’m not doing anything for the next couple hours. It’s been a slow week for work.

Oh, that would be perfect! Let me go tell my Daddy and I can meet you somewhere.

Marco discussed logistics for a few minutes, and they were surprised to find that they were less than a mile away. Apparently Dustin’s house was in the same suburb where Marco lived with his sub, Greg. Since it was a lovely day, Ash decided to walk.

Ash poked their head into Daddy’s office first, and when he looked up with a smile, they clambered into his lap.

Daddy looked amused. Miss me already? You only went downstairs twenty minutes ago.

I did miss you! But I came back to ask if I could meet someone at the coffee shop. They could have just told Zhong where they were going, but asking his permission fed something inside them. Daddy always seemed to understand how to turn an everyday occurrence into a special treat.

He kissed their forehead. God, how Ash adored all of those little kisses. For someone who didn’t experience sexual attraction, Daddy kissed Ash an awful lot. They reveled in every one.