He wasn’t ridiculously older than me, but his life experiences had been exceptional. It was in how he walked. How he knew to do so many things in the real world. It was heady. He was a dream come true, but I had a feeling my imagination hadn’t been good enough as far as he was concerned.

“I should ask you the same things then.” Was I whispering? I think I was whispering.

“I can answer those easily. I want you. I want to see what it’s like when you forget to be you, when you only feel so good all you can do is growl and scream.” He ran a finger down my jaw and then tucked some hair behind my ear. He leaned close to my ear and gently licked the shell of it.

“You expect to have a conversation? After that?” I put my hands on his biceps. He was wearing just lounge pants, his hair down. He still had his layers of necklaces and stacks of rings.

“Absolutely. Come with me. Sit with me.” He grabbed my hand.

When I was sitting on his lap, I felt that conversation wasn’t the only thing on his mind, but he acted cool.

“I want to find out how you handle this kind of stuff. Does anything make you uncomfortable? Has anything ever happened that we need to talk through?” He rubbed his thumb on my hand.

I felt the unexpected prick of tears.

“What is it? Just know, being here with you, it can be whatever you need. No matter what you’re wearing, no matter what expectations you think I have. Your safety is the most important thing to me. What you want is sacred to me.” Then Austin sat back with the most understanding look on his face.

“I’ve just never had a conversation like this. I mean, in the past it was pretty much trying to get things done.” I wiped my stupid tear away.

“Yeah, but it’s you. So this is important.” He nodded slowly. “No pressure, ever.”

“You’re something else, Austin Burathon.” I leaned forward and kissed his lips. “Are you okay with me touching you?”

He was being so thoughtful with consent, I made sure I was giving him the same treatment.

“I say yes. Whatever you want—you can try it, feel it. Whatever you need.” He held his arms out to either side.

I felt his chest while I spoke to him. “I like romantic talk and press right here.” I took his hand and placed it between my legs, through the lace, and we applied pressure to my clit. “I really like that.”

His eyes hooded. “Noted. External stimulation is a necessity. Have you ever come before, sweetheart?”

I squirmed a bit, his hand between my legs caused my heart to start pounding. “I think so.”