Sebastian collected his cup of coffee next and hovered it under his nose, scenting it before turning his attention back to Jude. “I'm not offended. You're right, but I have no problem paying for your coffee. It's just coffee, even if you did get the most complicated thing on the menu,” Sebastian smirked.
“Was it? I simply like to try new things, and the combination of the white chocolate and the lavender seemed interesting, so I couldn't resist.”
“It's not a big deal, so would you rather sit inside here or go back outside instead?”
“Outside,” Jude responded promptly. “It's quieter out there, so I won't have to yell over other people and music to have a conversation.”
“That's fair.” Sebastian led him back outside, and they occupied the same table as Jude had before.
Jude drank a quarter of his iced coffee, before he pushed it away and sat back in his chair, crossing his legs over each other and tucking his hands between his thighs. Words were on the tip of his tongue, but Sebastian didn't prompt him. Instead, he nursed his own coffee, sipping it casually as Jude gathered himself.
“I did the homework you gave me,” Jude said finally. “In fact, I turned it into a simple-to-read spreadsheet that had more options than the original list I found.” He released his hands and dug his cell phone out of his pocket, showing Sebastian a digital spreadsheet.
Sebastian leaned forward. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” Jude nodded. “I divided everything into things I had done, things I haven't done, things I was curious about and hadn't done, things that I'm not curious about, and things that I would never ever do.”
“All right. So there’s no point in worrying about the things you’ll never do. Would you like to talk about the things you’ve done before?”
“I-I suppose yes. Wait. Can-can we walk?”
“If you want, sure.” Sebastian picked up his coffee and stood. “Lead the way.”
Jude followed suit, tucking his coffee in the crook of his arm as he guided them to the sidewalk. “This is a bit better, yes.” With red cheeks, he looked at his list again. “I suppose I have done most of the vanilla things. The, um, sexual acts, of course. I have been blindfolded and handcuffed and, of course, flogged.”
“Yeah, you’ve been flogged.” Sebastian rumbled. “Flogging is in the category of Liked It, right?”
“Y-yes. I have also had sex in various non-bedroom locations, but not much more.”
“And you liked all of those things?”
“I think so, yes.”
“You think so?”
“I’m not sure if sometimes things are situational or not. Say, did I like being handcuffed and blindfolded just because of who was doing it or not? Does it count?”
“Sure. I think everything’s pretty situational.” As they reached a four-way stop, Sebastian paused, placing a hand on Jude’s back, then he guided him across the street when they could cross again.
“I believe I would like most things on this list with you.”
“Good. It means you trust me.”
Jude smiled, stepping onto the other side of the sidewalk. “I do. A man who cares for his mother is a good man. It’s a given.”
“Oh really?”
He nodded, eyes twinkling like sparks of electricity. “Yes. Do you know what else?”
“Mm?”
“A man with rough hands gives a good spanking, I bet.”
“And how do you know I have rough hands?”
Jude’s nostrils flared, and he reached for Sebastian’s hand, trapping it in between his soft, velvety palms. Sebastian had worked since he was sixteen years old. First, it had been construction, and then later, he’d developed his trade.
His hands had been scorched, cracked, blistered, and shocked at least once, and they no longer had a smoothness, even once moisturized. Sebastian’s hand twitched in Jude’s, and the shorter man sucked in a quick breath.
“Ah-ha. It seems you do.”
Sebastian grinned. Jude’s little movements made his cock harden in the trap of his jeans, stressing the seams. “You know what else is a kink?”
“Hmm?”
“Financial exchanges.”
Jude tilted his head, clenching his jaws for a moment before lifting two innocent eyebrows. “What?”
“You heard me. Financial exchanges. It can be sort of like the cuckold thing, but in a different way. Basically, some people like the idea of paying for sex or services.”
“I see.”
“Yeah. And some people like being paid for, but again, it can be situational.”
“Yes.”
Sebastian caught one of Jude’s hands in his, squeezing it before pulling his hand away. “We shouldn’t get too far from the coffee shop.”
Jude nodded in agreement, now watching Sebastian with slack jaws and bulging eyes. “W-what other kinks do you like?”
“I am a Dom, Jude. I don’t have many specifics.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I don’t have many specific kinks. I mostly like what my submissives like.”
“No, I am sure you have specifics. You can’t have me do this entire list without divulging at least a few of your interests.”
“I’ll name one,” Sebastian paused, “spanking.”
“Spanking is obvious. Name another.”
Sebastian took a deep breath and then exhaled in increments. “All right. Consensual non-consent.”
Jude scrolled through his list. “It isn’t on here.”
“Not surprised.”
“What is it?”
“Mm. More homework?” Sebastian lifted his eyebrows.
Jude pouted for only a moment before recovering. “Yes.”
“Good. Now, what else is on your list.” Sebastian nodded to Jude’s cell phone.
***
Chapter 8
Jude
They talked and walked for hours into the night, losing track of time and forgetting everyone around them. The conversation about kinks and sexual interests went on until Jude’s body tingled with unresolved arousal, until he knew he would relieve himself at least once before bed and again the next morning.
Once they rounded back around to their vehicles, Sebastian dug a sweaty football jersey from his gym bag and offered it to Jude. Jude accepted, but he wasn’t sure if he had taken it because he wanted it or because he wanted to roll in Sebastian’s scent like a cat in heat.
Either way, they hugged before they parted ways, and shivers went up and down Jude’s spine. His stomach was in knots; the kind one gets before a big performance, but he reluctantly pulled away and walked backwards to his vehicle, eyes on Sebastian the whole time.
When he arrived back home from the date, he threw Sebastian's football jersey into the washing machine, but only after taking a deep breath of his scent. It was a combination of dried sweat and pheromones, and Jude found himself dizzy with excitement. He could feel his own secret embarrassment rise to his cheeks as his jeans tightened, and after taking another quick inhale, he tossed the shirt into the washing machine, slamming the door down and starting a gentle cycle.
He grew up around money, with servants and even an au pair, but his parents were strict about him knowing how to care for himself. These days, he had little use for an in-home washing machine because the majority of his clothes needed to be dry cleaned, but the machine came in handy tonight.
He found relief from his dizzying excitement in his before-bed shower and again once he collapsed into his silken sheets and closed his eyes for the night.
The next morning he woke, showered again, and dressed for the day, pulling Sebastian's jersey over his head and letting it drape over his form. The jersey was several sizes too big, but Jude paired it with skinny jeans, casual loafers, and a navy blue undershirt the same color as the jersey.
After a quick glance in the mirror, he made coffee and went to the office, arriving early for what would be a short workday. His assistant, Holly, met him at the door and he
r jaw dropped open as he stepped inside.
“Okay, who are you, and what have you done with Jude?” Her long eyelashes fluttered.
Jude tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“I mean you’re wearing a sports jersey. I don't think you’ve ever watched a sport in your life.”
“Not since college, no, and yes, I know I’m wearing a sports jersey. Isn’t it sports team spirit day?”
“Well, yes, but I didn't think you would dress up. Who did you steal the jersey from?”
“What makes you think I stole it?” Jude quirked an eyebrow.
“Okay. Fair point. Who did you get the jersey from?” Holly corrected.
“A friend,” Jude mumbled as a blush crawled over his skin.
“A friend, huh? Sounds like a friend.”
“It was.”
She handed him the day’s newspaper and walked alongside him as he moved toward his office.
“I don't understand why it's so surprising that I would wear a sports team jersey.”
Holly chuckled. “Because you call it a sports team, that's why. Do you even know what team that jersey belongs to?”
“Well, no. I don’t remember,” Jude admitted, sipping his coffee.
“Do you know what type of sport has a jersey like that?”
“Also, no.”
“See, this is why no one expected you to dress up for spirit day.”
“Well, I suppose I'm full of surprises, aren’t I?”
Holly shook her head. “Sometimes,” she smiled, and the conversation switched to business. She briefed him on the day’s stock market trends before she left him to his work and stepped out of his office.
He kept his Friday to-do lists sparse, so by the time midday rolled around, everything on his list had been completed, and he spent the rest of the afternoon mulling over his outfit choices for Saturday and keeping a lazy eye on the ever-changing currency exchange rates.
To no surprise to anyone, he did not win best dressed for spirit day, but he did receive more than a few compliments on his attire.
He spent his Friday night sandwiched between Eleanor and Amelia, watching black and white romance films and critiquing every part. They slept in a huddle on the couch together, like puppies, his father always said, and the next morning, they met Cassius and David at their favorite high-end boutique.
Jude already had his outfit planned for the night, but Eleanor wanted a new dress, Cassius wanted a new tie, and Amelia wanted pretzel bites from the pretzel place around the corner. David accompanied them for moral support, and he and Jude spent most of their time talking about the stock market and commercial real estate as the other three weaved through the clothing aisles.
After thirty minutes, Cassius presented David and Jude with two almost identical ties. One was a pastel blue with tiny pinstripes, and the other was a robin's egg blue with the paisley pattern over it. “Which one do you guys like? They're so different.” Cassius held up both ties.
Jude's lips tugged down at the corners, and his eyes sparkled.
“What?” Cassius crunched his eyebrows together. “They are.”
“I like the one with the stripes,” David commented.
Jude cleared his throat. “The stripes are classic, but if you're looking for a more fashion-forward look, then the paisley pattern is better.”
Cassius nodded. “Thanks.”
Eleanor was next, and they suffered through four rounds in the dressing room as she tried on dress after dress, rejecting each one faster than the last.
“I like the white one,” David commented, garnering quizzical looks from everyone but Cassius.
“Why?” Jude asked. “The swoop neck made her look matronly, and the empire waist made her look like a teenager going to prom.”
“Well, I didn't think it was that bad,” David shrugged.
“Maybe it wasn't that bad,” Eleanor sighed. “But, it wasn't perfect.”
“On such short notice, my dear,” Cassius hung the rejected dress back on the hanger, “you probably won't find perfect.”
“Yes, but I can try.”
“Uuugh,” Amelia sighed, dropping her head back on her shoulders. “If you're going to try for the perfect dress, at least let me get my pretzels.”
“You can't eat inside here,” Eleanor frowned. “And, I need your assistance picking out a dress.”
“Jude and Cassius are here. They won't steer you wrong.”
“True, but they can't go inside the dressing room with me. What if I don't want to come show them a terribly ugly dress?” Eleanor asked.
Amelia sighed again. “But I'm hungry.”
Eleanor sighed. “Will someone please go get her some pretzels?”
“I will go,” Jude announced.
“No, you can't,” Eleanor said quickly. “David can go. He has no eye for fashion, anyway, and he’s picked out his items.”
“Fine,” David groaned. “Does anybody want anything else while I'm gone?”
By the time David left the group, he had an order from each one of them with specific details as well.
Eleanor tried on several more dresses before she settled on a tea-length dress with a lace bodice and an A-line skirt, and when David returned, they took their food and beverages to the nearest outdoor sitting area.
“So, Jude,” David prompted after they had eaten their meals. “Did you ever find a date for this thing tonight?”
“Oh, Yes. Yes, I did.”
“Bet he’s taking the electrician,” Amelia said around her latest bite of pretzel.
“Who?” Cassius tilted his head.
“The guy who gave Jude the flogging demonstration.”
“Ah.” Cassius nodded. “He’s a good guy?”
“So far.” Jude shrugged. “There was this incident with his ex-boyfriend, but I think he took care of it? I mean, we’re not officially dating or anything, but anyway, yeah. We should finish eating and start getting ready. We can get ready at my place.”
“Uh-huh. If he hurts you, I’m going to destroy him,” Cassius warned.
“Okay, big brother.”
“Damn right.”
After a late lunch, they migrated back to Jude's house and started getting ready for their evening. Jude acted as a host and a bartender, and he poured them a round of shots.
“So how drunk do you plan to get tonight, Jude? Remember what happened last time.”
Jude downed his liquor shot and placed the glass neatly on the counter. “Last time was a unique circumstance. If you recall, I was stuck on the arm of one of the most obnoxious gay men in the city, all the while listening to my dad exclaim that he did not understand why we didn't get along because we were both gay. Apparently, our mutual gayness meant we should be best friends.” Jude smiled.
“Um, this is true,” Cassius murmured. “At least this time, you’re going with someone you want to be with.”
“Yes, at least, I hope he doesn't get annoyed with this kind of lifestyle because I'd like it if he would come again later. Maybe.” Jude idly poured himself a second shot before pausing and flicking his gaze up to Cassius. “Wait-”
Amelia snorted. “He got you.”
“Whatever.” Jude nursed the second shot as they dressed. Once they were ready, Cassius left with Amelia on his arm, David left with Eleanor, and Jude rode to pick up Sebastian.
His driver rolled into the driveway and turned off the vehicle. Jude saw light and movement inside, and at first, he considered texting, but then he decided against it and climbed out of his vehicle, walked up the sidewalk, and rang the doorbell.
It sounded like wind chimes through their house, and Sebastian’s mother answered the door. “Oh, Jude, it's good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too. How are you doing?”
“I'm doing wonderful.” Her smile grew. “My son is still upstairs getting dressed. He should be down in a moment. In the meantime, can I get you anything?”
“Oh no, I’m fine. I wouldn't
want to trouble you.”
She let him inside, and she took a seat on the couch. “Do you mind?” she asked.
Jude shook his head. “Oh, not at all, please don't stand on my behalf.” He gave her an honest smile.
“I hear you are taking my son to a charity event tonight.”
“Oh, yes.”
“What charity is it for?”
“To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I believe it’s for the local Boys Camping Club of America chapter. I forgot about it, but my father reminded me that I needed a date just this past Wednesday. Sebastian was my first choice, and I am so lucky he was available to accompany me.”
“You’re lucky?” his mom laughed. “I'm lucky you're taking him out of the house, so he won’t worry over me the entire night. I can finally have a little bit of peace and quiet!”
“Oh, is that so? If that's the case, then I can take him out much more often for you. Just let me know when you want time to yourself, and I will make plans.”
“Make plans for what?” Sebastian asked, emerging from the hallway, adjusting the cufflinks on a sunset-colored shirt that matched his eyes. The charcoal gray suit covering it fit Sebastian like a glove, pinching in at his waist and accenting his broad shoulders.
Jude's breath caught in his throat, and his heart skipped several beats. “Um,” he started, but his mind drew a blank.
Sebastian was clean-shaven, too, and he had slicked his short brown hair down with just the right amount of gel. Smooth eyebrows framed large bedroom eyes, and curled eyelashes fanned his cheeks.
“Well?” Sebastian prompted, looking from Jude to his mother.
“What he and I were talking about is none of your business. It’s just between us.”
“Uh-huh.” Sebastian adjusted his blazer on his shoulders and regarded Jude again. “Ready?” He lifted perfectly tailored eyebrows in question.
“Yes,” Jude stammered. “Please.”
The Billionaire's Agreement (The Billionaire's Proposal Book 2) Page 6