Page 45 of Baby Boy

True, he enjoyed sweet boys like Avery.

Avery… His boy should be getting ready for class. Eight o’clock couldn’t come fast enough.

§ § §

AVERY

Avery was glad he had his human sexuality class that day. As much as he enjoyed his mythology course, he didn’t think he’d be able to keep his eyes open during it. At least with the human sexual studies, the class was interactive and the professor entertaining.

They were diving more into BDSM, so Avery was paying close attention.

He still felt like the professor might have firsthand knowledge of the subject. Avery wished he was more outgoing and brave so he could ask questions in class, like some of the other students. Avery had questions, so many questions, but he couldn’t raise his hand and ask them. No way, no how.

Avery knew he should also be able to talk to his Daddy, but Jace already did so much for him. It felt selfish to want more.

Not just more little time—more time, period. He was so freaking exhausted that he hoped he didn’t screw up his Daddy’s plans for the night. All he really wanted to do was crawl into Jace’s lap and be held. He didn’t need the food, toys, or anything other than Jace. But he’d do his best to make Jace happy with whatever his Daddy had planned.

Ever since he’d returned home on Monday, Avery had felt off. The small apartment was even worse and more stifling than it had ever been. Jace’s house had been so homey and comfortable that Avery was miserable. The futon that he slept in didn’t have the softness of the mattress in the nursery. The tiny space didn’t give Avery even enough room to run around. Not even his thumb, lily, or coloring books had helped him settle back in. He wasn’t sleeping, which didn’t help with the way he was pushing himself trying to earn money. Jace had told him that it was a busy week at work so Avery had picked up as many shifts as he could. He hadn’t wanted to be alone. But now he was so tired he didn’t know if he would make it through his shift at the coffee shop that night.

“You okay?”

Avery jumped and might have even squeaked as the professor stopped by his chair. He glanced around and noticed for the first time that he was the only one seated. The class was over. “I’m so sorry!” Avery blurted out. “I was paying attention, I swear.”

Professor Jones chuckled. “I know you were. I can see your notes. But you seemed to zone out toward the end there.”

He flushed. “I did, sorry.”

Professor Jones waved him off. He grabbed the chair in front of Avery’s desk, spun it, then sat with his arms over the back. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“No, no, it’s okay,” Avery assured his professor. “I’m just tired.”

“I noticed you look really worn-out today,” Professor Jones stated.

“Yeah, work has been tough.”

“And that’s it? Nothing else is bothering you?”

He hesitated. This would give him the perfect opportunity to ask questions if he could manage.

“Come on, Mr. Webber. If you have a question, there’s no one else here and I have the time. Is it about the subject? BDSM? Or something else?” Professor Jones asked. “Or you can go on your way and there won’t be any hard feelings. I just want to help if I can.”

Avery slumped back in his chair. “Are you, you know…”

Professor Jones grinned. He was a handsome man, and even though he was only a few years older than Avery, he wasn’t Avery’s type. No, Jace was created perfectly in every way. But his professor was handsome when he smiled.

“Am I what? It’s okay to ask me.”

“A Dom?” Avery whispered. He slapped a hand over his mouth. “You don’t have to answer that! I’m sorry.” His words came out muffled as he didn’t remove his palm.

“Move your hand,” Professor Jones ordered.

Avery dropped his hand. “Normally that wouldn’t be a proper question unless you’re in a club or on a date, but since I’m currently teaching a class that involves BDSM, I’d say it’s a perfectly valid question.”

“Sorry. I’m new to this.”

Professor Jones lifted a brow.

“Oh. I… uh…”

---