Page 11 of Slippery When Wet

“If you’re not ready to tell me yet, Ellery, that’s okay. It can wait until you get to know me better.”

Ellery liked the sound of that. At least the part where Calvin intended for Ellery to get to know him better.

“Iwantto tell you.” Ellery sat straighter, trying not to appear so reticent. “That’s just it. I was kind of not telling myself, which sounds pretty dumb, but it’s true. I guess I was afraid to admit there were things other than the care and guidance aspect of having a Daddy that appealed to me.”

“I still don’t know what things you’re referring to.”

Calvin regarded him with a soft smile, his voice much more patient than the other Doms Ellery had been around. Not that he’d been around a bunch of assholes. Other than one guy who’d been tossed out of the club on his ear for bad behavior, the men Ellery had scened with had all respected his limits and treated him well.

But they didn’t radiate care and affection with every word or action the way Calvin did. That part of Calvin’s character alone was enough to inspire Ellery to take the leap into being a Little. However, if he was going to explore age play, he was going to go all out. He needed to know if this was what his future held.

Ellery sucked in a deep breath, still impressed with how Calvin was calmly waiting for him to speak instead of putting on the pressure.

“Well, one of the things that’s always intrigued me about BDSM is TPE. But I’m not a service sub. I like the idea of giving up my power to my Top. But at the same time, I want to be pampered. Not like in a bratty way, I’m not really that kind of boy. But I’m totally into affection and cuddling and that kinda stuff.” He tucked his hair behind his ears. “That’s the reason Reese said I need to give age play a go. I’m always complaining about how severe and strict the Doms are with me.”

A cloud passed over Calvin’s features. “Has anyone mistreated you? I know most of the club owners in the city and can make sure it’s handled.”

Ellery could’ve sworn he heard a growl come out of the man.

“Oh no, not at all. It’s…” He wasn’t the best in the world when it came to clarifying his feelings. “I guess it’s a different demeanor I’m looking for?”

Calvin nodded slowly as he seemed to ponder Ellery’s words. “Yes, but you can have that ‘Daddy demeanor’ you’re talking about without age play. You could have a Total Power Exchange dynamic, be someone’s baby boy, call him Daddy—yet never regress. Is that more of what you’re searching for?”

Ellery swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. Might as well spill it. “I’ve recently been fantasizing about having a man diaper me.” He paused to take in another deep breath. “I feel like it would be more intimate in a lot of ways than having sex.” Ellery averted his gaze.

“I agree.”

Ellery darted his eyes back to meet Calvin’s. “You do? It’s not just something you get off on?”

“Oh, I get off on it.” Calvin chuckled. “However, when a boy allows me to care for him in such a personal way, that act of trust has a profound effect on me. Having my own boy to love and care for long term is my ultimate goal. Has been for a while.” The corners of Calvin’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Which might also answer one of your earlier questions. I haven’t participated in more than one scene with a boy since I’ve been at the club because no one has captured my interest. Not one boy has brought out that urge within me to nurture and care for them, to be the one they turn to for everything.” Calvin uncrossed his legs, then leaned forward. “At least, not until now.”

Ellery’s breath hitched. “Th-then you really are looking for a boy of your own? You’re not married or a player or…?” Ellery’s cheeks flushed hot. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”

Calvin grinned. “More boy gossip, I take it?”

Ellery gave him a sheepish smile. “Yeah.” His gut clenched in a sudden rush of worry that maybe Calvin would assume he wasn’t interested because he believed the gossip. “But I don’t think it’s true. You seem nice and, well, you already know I find you attractive.”

His cheeks caught fire again, but it couldn’t be helped. Calvin had all but admitted he hoped they’d share more than one scene, and this might be Ellery’s only chance to state his case.

“You’re a sweetheart.” Calvin patted Ellery’s knee then leaned back. “If you don’t have anywhere else to be today, we can spend some time together at my penthouse, get to know each other better. See if we click. How does that sound?”

Wow. “It sounds amazing.” Ellery grunted. “And it looks like I won’t be busy for a while now that I’m down for the count.”

“Hmm.” Calvin regarded him with an inquisitive stare. “Not taking your boss into account, did you enjoy that job? Or was it merely something you did for a paycheck?”

“Well, a big part of it was for the paycheck. But when I moved to the city, I was specifically looking for something to do with fashion. I’m not artistic, in the sense of drawing or painting, but I have a good eye. What I think would be super cool someday would be if I could do something with design, or I don’t know…” Ellery winced, afraid to come off too full of himself. “I doubt I could do it, but maybe be an interior designer?”

Calvin narrowed his eyes, his brow furrowing as if Ellery had said something horrible. “No talking yourself down. You never know what you’re capable of unless you try.” The crease in his brow deepened. “And I wouldn’t say you’re not artistic. Having a good eye and seeing the beauty in what others can’t is an art within itself.”

Ellery looked away, staring down at his hands. He wasn’t accustomed to being complimented all that much—especially by someone older and so sophisticated.

“I was actually thinking of taking some art or design classes, but because I don’t know how to draw, I assumed it would end up being another case of them begging me to leave their classes. That’s what happened when I tried dancing and gymnastics.”

“Ellery, look at me.”

Ellery glanced up and was met with a warm smile from Calvin, his intense gray eyes crinkling at the corners. What would it be like to have a Master—or rather, aDaddy—like this handsome and compassionate man?

“I hope, if you allow me to be a part of your life and give having a Daddy a try, that I can be helpful in that arena, in building your self-confidence. I don’t want to own you the way a Master might, I want to care for and guide you. I’m the type of Daddy who wants to offer you a safe space you can come to and be whoever you are.” Calvin’s smile deepened. “I want you to be free from worry, free to pursue your dreams.” He chuckled. “And hopefully, also be my sweet boy who I get to pamper.”

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