Page 59 of Learning to Run

As we got out of the car, he was still smiling and took bothof our hands as he led us into his apartment. Thankfully his door was so closewe didn’t run into anyone else helpful or nosy, and I had to admit to feelingmore relaxed as soon as we were inside.

“Shoes off, then keep going.” Bates turned and gave Gareth aplayful glare. “And keep the rest of your clothes on.”

“Aww.” Giving a cute pout, Gareth nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

I couldn’t decide if he was trying to butter up our Dom orif it just seemed right but the Sir part made Bates smile. “Good boy.”

As we headed back to the bedroom, Bates gestured toward thebed. “Gareth beside me and Cashel is on our laps.”

My groan didn’t seem to register to either of them becausethey just climbed up on the bed and sat side by side. Bates even gave areassuring smile and patted his legs. “Come here. Cuddle time.”

Ugh.

I wasn’t pouting, but I gave them both good frowns as Iclimbed on the bed and settled on Bates’s lap with my legs across Gareth’s.“How about we just tell me what I need to apologize for?”

Gareth was trying not to laugh, but Bates kissed my head.“Nothing. We’re just going to talk.”

That did not sound any better.

“Alright.” Curling into him, I let out a breath. “I’mready.”

His chest jerked, but he managed not to laugh, unlike a pupI could name. “Such a drama queen when you’re worried.”

“I’m not worried.” Not much at least. “Talking isimportant.”

“That’s right.” Bates settled back, hugging me tight. “Andsometimes questions need more talking to answer than just a yes or no.”

“I can understand that.” I just wasn’t sure what he’dstarted thinking about in the car and I didn’t like it.

“So you said…or maybe asked…but either way you said youwould feel more comfortable if the apartment planning was a joint discussionthat you were a part of. Which is perfectly reasonable, by the way.” Batesseemed like he added that part to keep me from worrying too much.

It worked.

“Okay, so why am I in cuddle therapy then?” It’d taken me aminute but that seemed to be what we were doing.

“Oh.” Gareth’s eyes widened like he’d just realized it. “Sosomeone isn’t in trouble? That’s great.”

He was such a dork.

I couldn’t tell if he was fucking with us or not.

“No, no one is in trouble, so no spankings or naughty cornertime or anything like that.” Bates clearly was on the side of fucking with us.

Gareth just grinned.

Bates shook his head before kissing me again and giving meanother hug. “Do you acknowledge that asking to be included in the plans wasreasonable?”

I wasn’t sure where it was going but it felt like I had tonod. “Yes?”

It wasn’t a terribly confident answer, but it got me anotherhug. “Alright, let’s try again. Being that we’re discussing eventually livingtogether and we’re wanting to make sure the space fits all our needs now andinto the future, do you think it’s reasonable for you to have an input in thatdecision?”

“Yes.” Gareth was happy to answer for both of us. “But asidefrom having questions and random thoughts, I don’t really have a huge need toget involved. You guys will do better with that and I’ve got a crap load ofpapers coming up. So they’re going to win the contest for my free time.”

Probably a good decision…and a good answer.

“Cashel? What’s your answer?” Bates’s soft tone made me sighfor some reason.

“Um, yes, it was reasonable.” Now what?

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