Page 34 of Learning to Run

“That’s cheating.” Bates had hidden it in the kitchen? “Ithas to be cheating.”

I’d have never found it above the fridge. I didn’t even knowthat cabinet actually opened. I’d thought it was like the pretend drawer underthe sink. “That opens?”

It did.

For some reason, Bates was nearly giggling as he opened thecabinet and removed a small duffel bag like the one Cash had somehow thoughtwould fit all our clothes for Bates’s place. “Yes, that opens.”

As he brought the bag down and set it on the counter, hefrowned curiously at both of us. “You guys do so much cooking, how can you notuse that cabinet? There isn’t really anywhere else to put a stock pot orsomething big like that.”

Cash must’ve found the whole thing embarrassing because hisface went fiery red and he started groaning again. But I didn’t know what wewere supposed to be embarrassed about. “What’s wrong with the cabinet? Isputting stuff in there dirty?”

Bates was still smiling but it looked almost like he waswatching a TV show and found it hilarious. “No, nothing’s dirty. Cashel justcan’t reach it.”

Oh.

“That explains it then. He doesn’t like being reminded thathe’s short. But he’s taller than his mother, so he’s actually lucky. Hecould’ve ended up even smaller.” My mother had always been jealous of how tinyCash’s mother was, but I thought that was stupid.

She couldn’t reach so many cabinets in their house, they hadto hire a housekeeper when Cash moved out.

“I’ll put stuff up there if you need me too, Cash.” Wait.“Is that why we have big pots under the sink and the kitchen cleaning stuff inthe bathroom?”

Cash sighed but nodded. “Brady can’t reach it either.”

Did that matter?

“I can, so you just get bossy and Dommy and tell me when toget it in and out.” Yes, we could make this a game where he got to let his Domside out. “If I do a good job, you can blow me or you can let me blow you.”

That did not help his color go back to normal, but for somereason, it got me a kiss from Bates. “I think that’s a great idea, pup.”

Oh yes, I was going to be their pup.

“We’ll figure out blow jobs later.” We had more importantthings to figure out…tails. “I’m ready.”

Wait.

“No, I’m green.” Yes, that meant I was ready because yescould mean no and no could mean yes. “Green.”

Bates was almost back to giggling but it seemed to bebecause he was so excited too. “I’m so glad you’re green, pup. I’m green too.”

“Because Doms and lights need safewords too.” Even Bradysaid that was important.

“That’s right.” Bates gave me another soft kiss. “Anyone canget overwhelmed or worried in a scene.”

Dropping my voice, I tried to whisper but I wasn’t sure itwould work. “Do you think the Dom side of Cash knows that?”

His groan said he did, but I was glad when Bates nodded.“Yes, he and I have had that discussion.”

“Great. Because I want us all to have fun and to be happy.”And Cash liked to worry.

He was really good at it.

“Because you’re a sweet sub and a very loving boyfriend.”Bates gave me another kiss, that time on my forehead, because he was so lovingtoo.

“So is Cash.” He needed a kiss too.

Bates was smart and knew Cash needed a kiss. “He is.”

Pulling me close to one side, Bates snuggled Cash on theother and kissed his head, telling him how wonderful he was as Cash grumbledunder his breath. “You are very sweet and a loving boyfriend too.”

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