Page 12 of Santa’s Little Faker
“Yes.” I could do this. “He would like being your first but don’t put your life on hold waiting for the right Daddy to come along. You need to date and have fun and explore what makes you happy.”
Had that sounded like I was moaning out the words?
No. I’d sounded fine…neighborly and probably even professional.
Orlando just rocked back and forth on his heels and grinned. “I like the idea of my Daddy being my first, but don’t worry, I’ve dated. I just mostly found stupid guys or weird ones. Not good weird. Bad weird. So I don’t mind waiting for the right person.”
What did he mean by bad weird?
I had every intention of asking but he just kept chattering. “Enzo’s boyfriend Terrence said it’s important to remember our self-worth and to not get taken in by assholes who just want your asshole. So I’m going to remember how important my asshole is.”
I was pretty sure that lecture had gotten mangled somehow, but I found myself nodding anyway. “You’re very special and you need to be with someone who understands that.”
And who wasn’t a dick or out on work release.
Lord.
Work release?
“Thank you.” Beaming at me, Orlando did a happy wiggle before almost unconsciously reaching over to pet his flowers.
Those fucking flowers from his goddamned stalker.
“I think understanding that I’ve got a special friend will help make it more believable for my family.” Turning back to me, Orlando looked like he was ready to dive into the crazy plan. “I really appreciate how helpful you’re being, but I guess since you’re a Dom, I should’ve expected that. The internet says good ones are very helpful to the subs around them even if they’re not in a romantic relationship.”
How much research had he been doing?
“I do my best.” What was the right answer that wouldn’t make me sound like a bossy asshole? “But even friends have limits, so you need to make sure I don’t overstep yours.”
It seemed like a reasonable response, but Orlando never did anything reasonable.
His smile brightened again and he threw his arms around me in a big hug. “Thank you for helping me figure out my limits. You’re amazing. This is going to make kissing you and looking romantic together so much easier.”
What?
Wait.
How?
What had I agreed to?
Before I could figure it out—feeling his body pressed against mine was slightly distracting—he pulled back and gave me a serious look. “But Doms have limits too.”
HisI’ve been researchingexpression let me know where he’d got that fun bit of information before he said it out loud. “I read that online. It’s a lot more helpful than I was expecting. I’ll respect your limits, though.”
Still looking adorably serious, Orlando straightened like he was giving a presentation in school. “Should we use the stoplight system? I think that would be easiest to remember. Terrence said you don’t want to pick safewords that you’ll forget when you get stressed. Then you’ll just end up calling out random fruits or things like that.”
Safewords?
What did he think we’d do where we’d need safewords?
Shit.
I couldn’t tell a sub they didn’t need to think about safewords…what if he needed them?
“I think that’s a good plan and I’m glad you understand that both parties in a relationship or even simply doing a scene need safewords.” Technically they could be used for conversations or in a lot of nonsexual situations.
Having safewords didn’t mean we’d do anything inappropriate.
