Page 7 of Little Boy Toy

“I was born this way, remember?”

He blinked his thick lashes. Said nothing.

Now that he was here, everything seemed to fit into place. I could have dozed off not from boredom but from pure social rightness. Like something had ended in me, and something new was beginning.

Kendry’s scent was a mix of baby powder and soap. I breathed deep. My body warmed all over. It wasn’t sexual arousal, although that was under the surface and could be accessed at any time. The interesting thing was I was distracted by other things that transfixed my mind and body. His soft voice. His clothing. His bare skin. His books. The beauty of the whole picture reached other parts of me. Deeper parts.

He sat with his knees bent, pressed together, his feet slightly apart. The feet were bare and clean. And pretty. The books gave off a sweet dusty scent that blended beautifully with his powder. His hands were delicate but strong, half the size of mine. It was both odd and wonderful.

Kendry opened the top book. “This one’s about an owl.”

“Will you read it to me?”

“Yes, sir.”

A thrill went through me, like being slightly dazed or drunk. The drink I’d ordered from the bar was watered down, so it wasn’t that. Men had called me “sir” before, but only in play because it was what they wanted. I didn’t ask for that term; at the same time, it didn’t bother me.

Hearing Kendry use the word evoked a whole new set of feelings.

We got through three books before Kendry cleared his throat.

“Would you like a juice box?” I asked.

“Okay, but only if you’re getting one.”

I got up and retrieved two from the playroom fridge. I’d finished my own bar drink an hour ago.

When we got through all the books he wanted to read, I realized time had passed quickly. It was past the time he’d left last week.

I wasn’t ready to let him go.

“Would you like me to read a book to you?” I asked.

“It’s past my bedtime. I usually don’t stay this late unless I get involved and forget the time.”

“Do you come every weekend?”

“Yes. And sometimes on weeknights if I’m not too tired.”

“I’d like to see you here again,” I said.

“You want me to read to you again?”

“Very much.” I wanted to ask for his number, but something told me it was too much. For now.

I had looked up the definition of ace online to make sure I understood what that was if it actually did pertain to Kendry. There were so many nuances of it. If the men talking were correct about that, I wanted to respect Kendry’s feelings. I had decided ahead of time he would hold all the control unless he stated otherwise. I wanted it that way. Right now, if he said no, I’d leave. I would respect that and not try to see him again.

“I don’t even know your name.”

His statement pleased me. My heart revved up a few beats. “It’s Zale.”

“That’s a good, strong name. I’m Kendry and I’m not really looking to date right now. Just so you know.”

“Okay.” I’d prepared for that. “I’m taking a break myself for the time being.”

“Someone like you?” He said it softly, as if he didn’t believe it.

“What do you mean?”

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