by M. A. Innes
Cooper started to pout, but a yawn ruined the effect. I wasn’t surprised he was tired. He’d been up since first thing and had bounced all the way to the park. Spending hours wandering around and running from one ride to the next would have exhausted anyone.
“Okay, bumper cars. But we can come back another time and do more roller coasters?”
“Of course. We can even get season passes if we want to.” Jackson said it like it was nothing big, but to me, the words were significant.
“Yes!” Cooper’s eyes lit up, and he grinned. He could see the long-term meaning in the words, and the minx wanted another excuse to act like a nut and get more sugar.
“All right, then. We’ll talk about it with the park people on the way out. Most of the time, you get a discount at these kinds of places when you upgrade at the park.” Steering us toward our new destination, he laughed as Cooper bounced forward to look at a stand selling stuffed animals.
Jackson took my hand and gave it a squeeze as he watched Cooper. “He’s exhausted.”
“He was up at the crack of dawn.”
“I knew I should have had you guys stay over.” He let his shoulder bump into mine.
“Between his job and your family, it would have been hard to make it all work. He’s just going to sleep all the way home, anyway.”
Jackson gave me a grin, and I rewound what I’d said.
Oh.
We were going back to Jackson’s immediately after the park. Blushing, I glanced away to see Cooper pulling out his wallet to try to win a stuffed puppy by throwing rings at a moving belt of glass bottles.
Jackson chuckled. “He knows those are rigged, right?”
“Yes, but he’s going to spend five bucks attempting to anyway.” He had to. Cooper had this innate belief that all he had to do was keep trying, and it would work out. It’d kept us going through long nights, but sometimes it was overwhelming.
“It’s what makes Cooper unique.” Then Jackson leaned close and pressed a kiss to my head. “But we’re not trying to keep up with him or compete in any way. We all do things at our own pace. Right?”
Cooper had tattled.
“Yes.” But I didn’t like my own worries holding me back. “But—”
When I couldn’t finish the sentence, Jackson took over. “But sometimes we need help to give us a push?”
The answer came out quietly, but I was proud that I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
“That’s all I had to hear.” Jackson spoke confidently, like he knew exactly what needed to happen, and his calm demeanor soothed the jumble of emotions inside of me. “Now, come on. Let’s figure out how to win him a puppy before he spends a fortune on that thing.”
“I’d wish you luck, but I’m not sure that would help.” I shook my head as Cooper refused to give up.
“I don’t need any more luck. I’ve got plenty.”
He must have seen my confusion, because he gave me a tender smile. “I found you two, didn’t I?”
****
I’d been right; five minutes into the drive and he’d been out. With the stupid stuffed dog as his pillow. I really didn’t need any more alone time with my thoughts, but the ride to Jackson’s gave me plenty.
Grumbling low, while Cooper shifted and made quiet little noises, I tried to get comfortable. “I don’t care how crazy the schedules are to match up. The next time we go anywhere together, we’re taking one car.”
By the time I pulled into Jackson’s driveway, I was tired, hungry, and curious about the rest of our night. Food that didn’t list sugar as the first ingredient was my main priority, but I had a feeling sex was going to be Cooper’s.
I just wasn’t sure about Jackson.
The look he’d given Cooper as he’d said good-bye to him had been heated and wicked. When he’d turned that heat toward me, it hadn’t faded, but it had turned sweeter, and I could see a confidence in his eyes that wasn’t always there.
Whatever Cooper had texted him, I was glad it made Jackson feel better. I hated that I was the reason he worried about what was happening between us. In a warped way, though, it made me feel better. Just knowing he was thinking about us, and about the future, made it easier for me to admit how attached I was growing to him.
Cooper was beyond attached. He was head over heels in love with Master, and the only thing that held him back from jumping around telling Jackson at the top of his lungs was me. I couldn’t decide if he was rushing or if it was just the way he was. Cooper went into everything full speed ahead, and love seemed to be the same way for him.
Had it been the same way for us?
Once I’d gone from being his friend to being his family, had it been the same way? I never questioned how he felt about me. He’d said the words, and I could see them in his eyes. Looking back, I couldn’t really say how long it had taken before he told me he loved me.
I remembered wrapping myself around him in that dingy little motel room and holding on to him for dear life. I remembered knowing we would be together forever and telling him how much I loved him, but I couldn’t say if it had been days or weeks after we’d moved in together.
Did it matter?
As I glanced over at Cooper, curled up against the car door, relaxed and beautiful, I wasn’t sure it did. I knew he loved me, and I knew we were tied together forever. But I also knew that there was room in our lives for someone else, someone like Jackson.
We didn’t need a Dom to keep us on track, and we didn’t need someone to make decisions for us. We were pretty damned functional and had accomplished a lot since we’d first left home. But having him there was relaxing and soothing in a way that nothing else was.
There was nothing to worry about, and nothing that was up to me. Cooper’s pleasure…my pleasure…Cooper playing as a pup…punishments…none of it was my responsibility any longer. Every time I thought about completely submitting to Jackson, it sent a wave of need and nerves through me.
I’d dated and fucked enough guys in high school to know I was submissive. I knew the types of things I wanted to explore, and Cooper had opened my eyes to even more, but there was a difference between a bit of rough sex that made someone curious and true submission.
What I wanted with Jackson was so much more than just bottoming while he slapped my ass a couple of times. But it was that desire for more that made me wary. Cooper had spanked me before, and he caressed me while I was a pup, and he was an aggressive top when he needed to be, but that wasn’t the same.
Or maybe it was, and I was just a worrywart—as Cooper liked to tease.
If I ended up with Wart as my pup name, I was going to kill him.
Finally turning off the car, I reached over and rubbed Cooper’s leg. “Coop, we’re back at Jackson’s now.”
He shifted and scrunched his face up. “We’re home?”
Basically, yes.
“No, we’re at Jackson’s, remember? We were going to stay here tonight.” We’d all agreed that after the long day at the park and then dinner and hanging out, we probably wouldn’t have the energy to go back to our place.
Well, that had been the excuse we’d used to justify sleeping over with Jackson—not that Cooper had needed one. He loved staying at Jackson’s, and he didn’t bother to play hard to get…and I had to admit, I didn’t either. Even though we’d only known him a short while, relaxing at his house, even if we didn’t do anything sexual, felt natural.
However, Cooper made sure that something sexual always happened. Not that we’d had that many dates yet in the two weeks since that first meeting—but Cooper was doing his best to get me more comfortable. I couldn’t decide if I appreciated his version of “helping” or not.
Jackson finally gave up waiting for us to get out of the car, and he walked over toward my side and opened the door. Bending over, he looked in. “Is he still sleeping?”
I nodded while Cooper shook his head, eyes still closed, and grumbled. “No. I’m here.”
Jackson grinned and leaned
close. In a bad stage whisper, he spoke again. “Does he know that here and awake are not the same thing?”
I shrugged, playing along. “That’s a very good question. I’m not sure. You might have to do some investigation to see if he’s really awake or just talking in his sleep.”
Trying to hold back his laughter, Jackson leaned over me and reached through the car. Letting his fingers trail over Cooper’s groin, Jackson did his best to sound serious. “I think he’s dead. His cock isn’t hard.”
“Yup. He’s always hard. If he’s soft, he must have kicked the bucket. It’s very sad.” I gave Jackson a quick kiss. “Does that mean I get to eat his portion of dessert?”
At that, Cooper decided playing possum might not be the best idea any longer. “Dessert?”
Jackson and I laughed as Cooper looked up at the house. “What did you get?”
“Nothing.” Jackson gave Cooper’s cock one last teasing caress and then moved back to stand up. “You’ve had enough junk today.”
Cooper pouted. “But, Master, I was so good.”
Shaking his head, Jackson ignored the sexy expression. “Dinner and then we’ll relax. Sawyer, I grabbed that action movie you were talking about, so we can see if it’s any good if you want to.”
Pleased that he’d remembered, I unbuckled and started climbing out of the car. Giving Jackson another peck, I smiled. “Thank you. I can’t wait to see it. Lots of mixed reviews but as long as they didn’t show all the good parts in the trailers, it should be great.”
Once Cooper decided that being awake was a better option, he didn’t waste any time jumping out of the car. “What’s for dinner?”
I might not be as bouncy as Cooper, but I was just as curious. Jackson had said he was going to teach us to cook new things, but there hadn’t been enough time yet. “I think we were promised something delicious.”
Cooper managed to get his excitement under enough control to grab the bag out of the trunk, but then he came dancing around the side and threw himself at Jackson. “I’m starving.”
Jackson wrapped his arms around Cooper, grinning. “How can you be hungry? You ate about every hour today.”
Cooper beamed at him. “I’m just special that way.” Then giving Jackson a passionate kiss, he pulled back, breathless. “All this fabulous excitement takes lots of energy.”
“Fabulous excitement, huh?”
“Yes, and I’m going to need lots of energy for later.” Cooper wiggled his eyebrows up and down, lecherously.
“I’m not sure you need lots of energy for watching a movie. I think that’s quiet and relaxing.” Jackson tried to keep a straight face while he said it, but the laughter in his eyes ruined it.
Cooper wasn’t going to let him even tease about something that horrible. “Oh, no. I was promised a spanking if I was good. I was perfect today, and that means spankings and incredible sex.”
I snorted. “You almost gave that one couple a heart attack when you grabbed Jackson’s ass.”
Cooper stuck out his tongue at me. “They shouldn’t have been gossiping.”
Jackson choked back a laugh. “And what about the lady in line?”
Shrugging, Cooper blinked up innocently. “I don’t remember any lady.”
“You have a very selective memory, my boy. Come on, let’s go inside. Dinner’s almost ready.” Jackson gave Cooper a pat on the ass, urging him into the house, before reaching out to take my hand. “You were very good today, but I don’t think I remember what you wanted for a treat.”
Because I wasn’t a nut who needed to be bribed to function or a flirt who liked pushing the limit.
“Um, a treat?” So maybe that wasn’t the best answer.
Jackson’s smile turned tender. “How about I give you what I think you want?” His free hand came up to cup my cheek. “Something you need but haven’t talked about yet.”
Stupid tattletale.
“Um…”
Cooper thought it was so perfect he was nearly wagging his nonexistent tail as he waited on the porch. “Yes, Master! That would be a great idea! Sawyer was very good too today. He didn’t even get frustrated with me at all.”
Because Jackson had been there to keep the little minx in line. It was easier to relax when it wasn’t my responsibility. It was really too bad I couldn’t think of a good reason for Jackson to go grocery shopping with us too. It would probably save us a ton on impulse purchases.
And I was trying to find any excuse in the world not to think about what might happen later.
“Thank you, Master.” It wasn’t quite admitting what I wanted out loud, but I wasn’t going to lie to him or myself. Taking a deep breath, I stepped closer and curled into him.
Closing my eyes for just a moment, I pushed the nerves away. I wanted this. I wanted Jackson. I wanted to see where everything would go. I wanted to hear the words come from him one day. I wanted to see his face light up when Cooper said the words to him.
I wanted so much it was frightening.
Chapter 3
Jackson
My sweet boy.
And my crazy boy.
Cooper seemed to be content bouncing around the porch, so I didn’t feel guilty about focusing on Sawyer. I resisted the urge to ask something stupid…especially when I knew the answers.
Yes, he was okay.
No, he didn’t want me to back off.
Yes, he really wanted to be spanked and to submit.
No, he wasn’t going to ask for it.
Yes, he knew his safewords.
No, he wasn’t going to kill Cooper for tattling on him.
That last one might have been a stretch. “Let’s go inside and get you some food, then we’ll cuddle up with the movie.”
For a while.
Leaving that part unspoken didn’t seem to help Sawyer’s nerves, but his head went up and down against my chest as he nodded. Holding him until he was ready to move, I kept talking. “I put stew in the Crock-Pot earlier. Do you think he has the patience for me to make biscuits to go with it?”
Sawyer laughed, low and sweet. “Probably not, but I want them, so he’s going to have to wait.”
“Oh, have I found something that you like?” I learned more about them every time we talked or did something together, but it still gave me a zing of pleasure when I found something new.
His head nodded again. “We’ve only made the ones in the can work…and that’s not really the same.”
I pretended to stagger and groaned. “Don’t say things like that to the old man—you’ll give me a heart attack…canned biscuits. That’s just…I don’t even have the words for how horrifying that is.”
Laughing, Sawyer pulled away enough to look up at me. “So…I shouldn’t tell you that we managed to burn the outside but somehow leave the inside almost raw with those peel-apart ones?”
I gave Sawyer a dramatic shudder and looked over at Cooper who was shaking his head like we were insane. “Cooper, you have to save me. He’s trying to kill me.”
Cooper sighed. “You can’t kill him. I haven’t gotten sex in days…or a spanking. I need him first.”
Giving Sawyer a wink, I took a step back. “I think Cooper needs attention.”
Cooper’s eyes widened in excitement, but Sawyer gave me a knowing look. He was clearly much more suspicious than Cooper. Turning quickly, I made it up the stairs of the porch before Cooper could decide what to do.
Sawyer was laughing as I wrapped my arms around Cooper, and he squeaked out in surprise. “Someone is being very naughty. Keep me alive until you get sex, huh?”
“That’s what Sawyer said, not me.” Cooper was laughing breathlessly, trying to get out of the hole he’d dug for himself.
“Trying to throw Sawyer under the bus?” Before he could answer, I dug my fingers into his sides and started tickling him while he howled with laughter. “To save yourself or to get a spanking?”
There was no way Cooper could actually form a sentence, but I kept up the pretense of n
eeding an answer simply to justify “punishing” him. “Refusing to answer me, huh? Throwing Sawyer under the bus, all that sugar today, only needing me around for sex? Yes, I think I have a boy in desperate need of a punishment.”
Cooper was still laughing too hard to respond with more than just single words, but he nodded enthusiastically as I tickled him. “Please…yes…yes…”
Pinning him tightly against me, I stopped my fingers long enough for him to catch his breath. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to spank you, though. You’d like that too much, my naughty pup.”
“Oh, but Master…” Cooper pouted but ruined his pathetic look by rubbing his cock against my thigh. “I need—”
“Sex and a spanking…I heard.”
Cooper looked up at me, so innocent and sweet, shaking his head. “Oh, no Master…I just need you.”
He was so cute it was almost perfect.
But I knew better than to believe him—at least about most of it. The emotion was genuine. I could see in his eyes how much I was starting to mean to him, but there was also that layer of fake innocence that was all naughty Cooper.
Sawyer evidently wanted to make sure I didn’t fall for it, because he snorted. “Master’s too smart to fall for that act. Try again.”
Cooper turned his head and stuck his tongue out at Sawyer, then turned back to focus those wide, innocent eyes on me. He was damned good at that “I’m so sweet” routine. It made all the things I wanted to do to him even more wicked.
Leaning down, I licked around his ear while I whispered. “Are you going to look that sweet and innocent while I’m fucking you and spanking that sexy ass of yours? Do you want to play the virgin that gets thoroughly debauched by the big, rough villain?”
I thought the idea was hot, and Cooper just melted into my arms, knees going rubbery while he moaned. “Ohh, Master.”
Giving him a devilish grin as I pulled away, I kissed him tenderly. “Then I think you’re going to have to keep me around for longer than just a spanking and sex.”
Cooper gave me a slightly drunken nod. “Yes…oh, yes…”