Page 31 of The Substitute
Tobi shrugs, but at least he didn’t say anything self-deprecating. We go back to watching the movie.
“I think I know what you want,” I say near the end of the movie.
Tobi pulls his attention away from the screen. “What do you mean?”
“The conversation we were having earlier.” I prompt.
“Huh? Which part of it?”
“All of it. The inexperienced and awkwardness. I’ve got an idea on how to help.”
“Oh!” His cheeks pink. “What did you come up with?”
“I think you want to be told what to do.”
Tobi swallows hard.
“Is that a yes?” I ask.
He nods carefully, lowering his gaze.
“No,” I say, and his gaze flicks up to meet mine. Now that I have his full attention, I continue, “I told you, when I ask you a question, I want to hear you reply.”
“O-okay.”
“I’m glad you understand. Now answer my question. You want me to tell you what to do?”
Tobi begins to nod, but he stops himself and wets his lips with his tongue. “Yes, I think I would like that.”
“Come sit in my lap.”
His eyes go wide. “Now? Here?”
“No one can see us.”
He’s slow, but he gets to his knees and carefully moves over me, sitting like he’s going to hurt me or impose.
I slide my hands up the outside of his thighs. “Put your arms on my shoulders.”
He’s quicker this time. “Like this?”
“Perfect, baby girl.”
He digests the name as different expressions roll over his face. “What is this baby girl thing?”
“I thought I already answered that?”
“You did, but you keep using it,” Tobi mutters.
“You don’t like it?” I ask, giving him one chance to reject the pet name.
“No, it’s not that.”
“What is it? Use your words.”
He teases the tips of his fingers over the back of my neck, making me shiver. “You like that?”
“Of course I like you touching me. Now answer.”
