Page 5 of Exchange
“Yes, of course. Earl,” Thomas called to the bartender. “A glass of water for Hank, please.”
Hank surprised him by touching Thomas’ knee. “May I also be so forward as to tell you something else?” That blush started up again, letting Thomas know that Hank was really trying to share part of himself and putting himself out there, making himself vulnerable.
“You can and should tell me whatever you feel like sharing,” Thomas encouraged. “There can’t be enough communication between us.” He took a sip of his cola while Hank drank some water.
After Hank set the glass down, he gave Thomas a direct look. “The thing is—I’m going to lay this right out there. I’ve wanted you for a long time. I’ve admitted as much, just as I’ve said I don’t ever go aftera Dom. I’ve also never gone after a Master. I have always let them approach me. It wasn’t a matter of respect on my part, either, but I just…” He took a shaky breath, then let it out. “I just never wanted anyone enough to reach for them first. I would have worked up the nerve to approach you even if Larry hadn’t goaded me on. There’s been something about you that I’ve always found fascinating. Notyour looks, which, I mean, you’re handsome, but just… I can’t explain it. I’m very drawn to you.”
To say that Thomas was flattered was an understatement. He washonored, all the way to his soul.
“So, I know I’m not the youngest guy here, or the most attractive, but I… I want to serve you.” Hank bit his lip, then let it go. “I couldn’t stand to see you hurting, Master Thomas.”
“Was I that obvious?”Thomas asked, thinking he might be blushing himself. “If it helps, it’s my pride that’s taken the biggest dent. Kelly and I didn’t share an emotional connection.” His confidence was recovering. “I wanted something deeper, I suppose, but it didn’t happen.”
Hank tipped his chin toward Kelly. “I won’t speak badly of someone else. I’m sorry things didn’t work out between you, but that seems to havebeen for the best for you and Kelly as well.”
“It is, and I appreciate you not wanting to gossip or slam another sub. Some would, just to try to score points with me,” Thomas admitted. He didn’t think he was the most amazing or sexiest Dom in the place, but a few of the subs could be quite vicious when it came to landing a Dom. “I don’t like gossip or backstabbing, or cattiness, either.”
“Thankyou, Master Thomas. I try to be the person my mother raised me to be. Kind,” he expounded. “Patient. Forgiving. Nonjudgmental. Not that I’m perfect, because I mess up all the time. Some days I’m better than others, but I keep trying.”
Thomas liked Hank more by the second. “You are a very special man, Hank. I’d like to ask you one more question.” It went without saying that Thomas expected anhonest answer, though that might be tough on Hank. He believed Hank capable of the task, however. “This, the lifestyle and me, what would you like to have happen? I’d like to know, in detail, what you want.”
Thomas could have presented scenarios, but he didn’t want to influence Hank’s answer in any way, so he waited for Hank’s reply.
