Page 29 of Pretty Puppy

Ash bit the inside of his cheek. He knew the drill. Usually, he didn’t have a problem asking a Daddy for anything and everything. Reining him in was he was being unreasonable was more the issue. However, Ash didn’t want to do anything that might jeopardize the amazing opportunity he’d been given for a do-over with Lee.

“Maybe a little. But I’ll be fine.”

Lee angled his body to face Ash. “That’s not how this works, and you know it. I’m not sure if it’s been a while since you’ve had a Daddy, or if you’re holding back with me for some reason, but I won’t get the satisfaction I need out of being your Daddy if you don’t allow me to take care of you.”

“Good point.” Man, he could fuck things up by thinking he was being careful. “In that case, it’s freakin’freezingout here.”

Lee chuckled and removed the leather jacket he was wearing. “Here.” He draped it around Ash. “How’s that?”

The heat from Lee’s body and his lingering scent mixed with the aroma of the leather made everything perfect. The sight of Lee in the red, form-fitting V-neck sweater that accentuated every hard angle and plane of his body wasn’t so bad, either.

“It’s great, thanks.” Ash drew his eyebrows together. “But I don’t want you to be cold now.”

Lee draped an arm over Ash’s shoulders. “That’s not for you to worry about. Let Daddy be in charge.”

Ash smiled up at him and they shared a soft, slow kiss. The rustle of the trees and the scattered calls of birds were the only sounds, a backdrop to the sweet moment. They broke the kiss at the sound of voices approaching.

Lee took his hand and laced their fingers together. “I’m surprised other hikers haven’t passed by yet. It’s a quiet day.”

“Well, itistwo o’clock on a Wednesday, so that’s probably got something to do with it.”

Lee let out a laugh. “Yes, I think Shane thought I’d been possessed by the pod people when I told him I wasn’t coming in to work today, and that I could be reached for emergencies only. On the other hand, my assistant congratulated me. She’s been worried I’ll work myself into the ground sooner rather than later.”

Ash’s gut clenched at the sound of Shane’s name. He doubted he could ever face the guy again. Of course, seeing as he’d been fired, problem solved. Ash chewed on his thumbnail. But he couldn’t exactly never set foot in his Daddy’s place of business again, either.

“Hmm. Is it going to take another spanking, hour long time out and perhaps an entire week of chastity to remind you I need to know when something is bothering you?”

Ash yanked his thumb away, straightening. “No. Not necessary. I just was thinking about…stuff.”

Lee narrowed his eyes then rubbed his chin. “You know, there’s this amazing metal cock cage with a penis plug I spotted online recently. Very heavy with a large lock. It’s called The Corrector.” He tsked. “I imagine it must be very uncomfortable to wear. Not that I’ll ever find out. Perhaps you should try it for a week or two and let me know?”

Ash groaned. “All right, all right.” He rubbed the heel of his palm on his forehead then let out a sigh before continuing. “When you mentioned Shane…I’m embarrassed to ever see him again. At the same time, it’s not as if I can never go to the resort again, either. Plus, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life trying to hide from the guy when I’m there.”

Lee broke into a big grin and Ash tilted his head, a bit miffed. Why was Lee being mean? Was he enjoying Ash’s humiliation and discomfort over Shane? That wasn’t at all how he remembered his Daddy being.

Ash frowned. “I’m glad my embarrassment amuses you.”

Lee jerked back his head as if he’d been slapped. “What? Not at all, sweetheart. Why would you say that?”

Ash huffed and crossed his arms. He didn’t feel like holding hands anymore. The explosion of emotions that he’d never been good at controlling roared to the surface, clouding his thoughts. All he could focus on was Lee’s giddy smile when Ash admitted how worried he was. The reaction wasn’t exactly encouraging him to bare all to his Daddy.

Ash gave Lee the side-eye. “You were grinning ear to ear when I told you how embarrassing it would be for me to be around Shane. It’s like you’d enjoy seeing me suffer.”

Lee wrapped both arms around him in a big hug and tugged him close. “Oh no, that’s not at all what I meant. I’m sorry.” He chuckled. “The grin was my reaction to you saying, ‘the rest of your life’. Did you mean that literally?”

“Well, yeah. In general. Not that Shane will be working there for the rest of his life, but that I’d be…” Ash sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh. Now I get it.” All his tension melted away and he relaxed in Lee’s hold. “And me wanting to be with you the rest of my life is okay?”

“Oh, baby.” Lee gave him a squeeze. “Beyond okay.”

They held each other in a silence for a while, the moment seeming to seal something important between them.

Lee released him, but kept his arm draped across his shoulders. “As long as we’re on the subject of the resort, do you picture yourself being involved there like you were when we were together before, or is there something else you want to do…” Lee sighed. “You know, I have no idea what’s changed for you these past five years. For all I know you’re a successful real estate broker or professional race car driver.”

Ash snorted.

Lee regarded him. “Probably the last thing you want to do is get stuck working at the resort—Shane or no Shane.”

“You’re hilarious. I can barely drive a regular car, let alone a performance car at dangerously high speeds. And where did you get real estate broker from?”

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