Constant, page 6
The memories of the night before came back to him in waves as he surfaced from sleep. He and Vegas had played in a scene. Afterwards, Vegas had cared for him and massaged him. He’d asked Roddy to stay and Roddy had accepted. If he wasn’t mistaken, Vegas had even told him his real name and suggested they go on a date. He’d been collared.
Collared.
Whoa. Roddy touched the thick band of silver around his throat. Not the gigantic collaring ceremony he’d expected, but somehow the simplicity and intimacy of the ceremony had been perfect.
He leaned back on his hands. His dream had come true.
“You’re awake.” Vegas flopped onto his back and scratched his belly. The sheet rode low on his body, showcasing the man’s ripped torso.
Roddy bit back another gasp. He’d seen Vegas practically naked plenty of times, but there was something extra sexy about the man being beside him in bed.
Vegas rolled onto his side. “How’d you sleep?” He smiled. “I know this isn’t what you’re used to.”
“The mattress could be softer and less lumpy.” He offered a sheepish smile. “Sorry.”
“It’s lumpy, you’re right.” Vegas scrubbed both hands over his face. “I hate sleeping in it, but you were so weak last night, I couldn’t see making you go somewhere else.”
“Where would we have gone?” Roddy blurted. “Fuck. I’m sorry. That was rude.”
“We’re in new territory. Don’t flip out.” Vegas sat up. His muscle pulled and stretched as he rolled his shoulders. “I have an apartment. We could’ve gone there.”
“Huh.” Roddy sagged against the headboard. “I’m not sure what I thought your living arrangement would be, but I guess I had this notion you all lived here.”
“Some of them do.” Vegas stood. The sheet fell away from his body, revealing every inch of him. He glanced over his shoulder. “I can’t stand to be here that long.”
Roddy snapped his mouth shut. He refused to drool in front of his Dom. But shit, he was hot. Every bit of him was muscled. He had hardly any body hair and no tats or piercings. For some reason, Roddy had expected him to have at least one piece of body art—even something hidden.
“Are you hungry?” Vegas pulled a pair of blue jeans from a clothes basket. “You mentioned something about having to work today. I didn’t know if you’d have time for some breakfast.”
“I’ve always got time for breakfast.” He focused on Vegas dressing. He’d seen plenty of guys dress and undress, but something about Vegas transfixed him. The man moved like poetry in motion. So fluid and graceful.
“Cool.” Vegas grinned. He tossed Roddy the leather pants. “I destroyed your underwear last night. Guess I owe you some.” Another smile. “Get dressed as best you can. We can always detour past your house to get more clothes if you don’t have a spare set in your bag. Then breakfast.”
“Our first date,” Roddy murmured. He curled his legs up and rested his chin on his knees. Whatever Vegas had said completely drained out of his mind.
“Are you in there?” Vegas sat opposite him on the bed. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”
“This will be our first date, won’t it?”
“Yes. I’m trying to make it a good one.”
“You’re sure you want to be seen with me?” Roddy asked. He wasn’t sure what else to say. Yes, they’d decided to date, but he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.
“I’m supposed to be the one who asks you that.” Vegas stood. He rummaged through the basket then pulled out a simple black T-shirt. “I don’t fuck my subs and I don’t invite them to spend the night with me. I changed my mind with you. I wanted to break both of those personal rules and I’m glad I did.” He bunched the shirt in his hands then paused. “But I understand if you don’t want to be seen in public with me.”
“Wait. Why?” Roddy strode up to Vegas. “Because you’re a Dom?”
“That tends to put some people off.” Vegas yanked the shirt down past his head and stuck his arms through the sleeves. The black cotton clung to his torso like a second skin.
“Not me.” Roddy leveled his shoulders. “Sorry. You have to excuse my ridiculously low self-esteem. I’m not used to this kind of sweetness. I don’t attract guys who are hot. You’re the exception.” He snorted. “Ask the guys at the station. They’ll tell you I’m a geek.”
“So?” Vegas clicked a thick leather bracelet around his wrist, then snapped open his watch. The metal clicked as he adjusted the band on his left wrist. “Maybe that scholarly part of you is hot to me.”
“Sorry.” Damn it. He had to stop using that word. He didn’t have anything to be ashamed of or anything to apologize for. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Still. When he looked into Vegas’ eyes, he felt less than worthy of his Dom’s attention outside of the scene.
“You say sorry a lot.” Vegas folded his arms. “I don’t understand why you feel the need to apologize all the time. What did you do that requires an apology?”
Roddy stared at him. Truth be told, he hadn’t done anything wrong. But he wasn’t used to relationships or having guys look at him like he was sexy. He bowed his head and measured his words carefully. “I’m not used to relationships. Give me time to get my legs under me and we’ll be fine. I haven’t been with someone outside of a scene in a long time. I don’t have a lot of confidence unless I’m in a scene or at the station. If you’re willing to work with me and be patient, then we’ve got a chance.”
Vegas crossed the room and wrapped his arms around Roddy’s waist. “Then we’ll go slow and do this together. I’m a little rusty at relationships, too.” He kissed Roddy on the lips. “Now, how about you get dressed so we can go. I’m starving.”
“Yes, Sir.” He marveled at the way Vegas seemed to be so at ease with the new relationship. Like they’d really been together forever.
“Roddy, you can use my name. We’re not in a scene.” Vegas curled his fingers under Roddy’s chin. “Call me Andrew.”
“Andrew,” Roddy repeated, testing the name on his tongue. He liked the way his Dom’s name sounded. “I’ll try to remember.”
“I have a rule. When we’re in the bedroom or in the club, I’m your Sir. When we’re not in a scene or pretty much anywhere else, I want you to use my name. I don’t get to hear it enough and I like the way you say it.”
“I will.” Roddy snapped his leather pants then stepped into the tight garment. Without powder to aid him, he struggled. Good thing he wasn’t wearing the pants to breakfast. He unballed his tank top. A thought occurred to him. “What about having breakfast at my place? It’s not a normal date, but we could watch the college games on the television.”
“You’re into football?” Andrew grinned. “I like it.”
“Cool.” Roddy put his boots on, forgoing his socks. “Do you have to clock out or anything?”
“I swipe my card in the reader.” Andrew hefted his bag over his shoulder. “Just like you when you swipe it to get in. My hours are logged on the card. They track a lot through those cards. What rooms you’ve been in, how long you’re here, who you’re with, et cetera. It’s helpful, but a little nosy.”
“Makes sense.” He picked up his own bag. “My condo isn’t far away. Follow me?”
“I’d like that.” Andrew slipped his hand into Roddy’s then led him from the room.
With Andrew in the lead, they passed a couple of other people in the main play space. The action that took place in the evening wasn’t evident. Whether it was because it was earlier in the day or because they didn’t allow sessions during daytime hours he didn’t know.
Andrew stopped at the bar. “Lou, let Garin know I won’t be here tonight. I’ll get in touch with my subs to let them know. Okay?”
The man behind the bar nodded. “Good luck.”
Good luck? What was that about? Roddy shook his head. Things were so much different on the other side of the play situation. He kept up with Andrew until they stopped in the parking lot.
“This is my car.” Andrew gestured to a black two-door model. “Crappy in the snow, but great gas mileage.”
“My car is over there.” Roddy nodded to his vehicle. “I’m in the Lighthouse development. They’ve got a card system there, too. I’ll swipe in and then let the gatekeeper know you’re with me.”
“Sure.” Andrew winked and let go of Roddy. He leaned in and kissed Roddy on the lips.
Roddy wobbled on his feet. His mouth tingled from the kiss. He rather liked this relationship stuff. If he could have the sting of the paddle or flogger at night and the sweetness of Andrew’s kiss the rest of the time, then sign him up. He walked the short distance to his car then slid behind the wheel. He glanced in the rear-view mirror as he backed up. As promised, Andrew was right behind him.
Roddy’s heart fluttered. He was bringing someone home. Someone wanted to spend time with him, other than Justin, the perpetual cheater who had only wanted money and attention. Roddy gripped the steering wheel. Screw the past. The future looked too good to pass up. He pulled out of the lot and sped across town. Within minutes, he turned onto the short drive leading to the main gate of his development.
“Hi. I’ve got a visitor today and will need a twenty-four-hour pass.” Roddy handed the guard his swipe card. “I’ve got plenty of room for his car in my driveway, so we won’t need a parking pass. Just an admittance pass. He’s right behind me, so I’ll give him the card when we park.”
“Here you go.” The guard slid the swipe card and another card to Roddy. “Hope you have something nice in the works.”
“We do.” Like he’d tell the guard exactly what he and Andrew would be doing. Ha! He wound through the development to his road then turned into his driveway. He stopped short of the garage. Any other time he’d have simply parked and headed inside with his visitor. But he wasn’t wearing his street clothes or his work clothes. He glanced down at the leather. He wasn’t embarrassed by his attire, but he also didn’t want Mrs. Kennedy to see him. Shit. Roddy opened the garage door before he pulled inside. He’d explain to Andrew in a moment.
Andrew parked behind him, leaving plenty of room to walk around the vehicle. He opened his car door. “Do I have to lock or is it safe?”
“It’s a gated community. You should be fine, but lock just in case.” Roddy hesitated by his door. The shadows gave him some comfort, but not much. “Come in here and I’ll shut the garage door.”
“Okay…” Andrew pressed a button on his keys, making his car beep. He strode up to Roddy. “What’s wrong?”
“Nosy neighbor.” Roddy closed the garage door. “I don’t care if she sees us together, but I really don’t want her to see me in these pants or this shirt. I’d never hear the end of it.”
“I see.”
“You will if she shows up.” Roddy held out his hand to Andrew. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve got plenty of stuff for omelets. Healthy stuff and such.” I’m rambling. Damn it.
“I’m sure you’ve got something good.” Andrew stepped into the kitchen. “Wow.”
Roddy held his breath and awaited Andrew’s next comment. He’d never thought his place was too exciting, but he’d gotten the condo at a great price. He blew out the breath and grasped the back of the closest chair for stability.
“Now it’s my turn to say I’m sorry.” Andrew grinned. “I heard these condos were nice, but I’m acting like I’ve got no manners.”
“I knew the builder. He gave me a deal.” Roddy shrugged. “We can go somewhere else if you don’t want to stay here.” He turned to the refrigerator. “Want some orange juice? I wanted to grab a shower before I cook.”
“Sure. Can I help fix anything while you’re busy? I’m not so bad in the kitchen.” Andrew took the carton from Roddy’s hands.
“How about you slice the mushrooms and peppers while I hop in the shower? Everything is in the crisper. I’ll give you one of the knives.”
Roddy hurried through the shower. He barely registered stepping into the hot water or wiping away the sweat from their play session. While he dried himself, he marveled at how well he and Andrew worked together in the condo—not that he’d had a lot of experience with boyfriends in the house. Still, he liked the change in situation.
Once he returned to the kitchen and they’d made the omelets, Roddy and Andrew headed into the living room.
“I thought they didn’t start right away, but it looks like there are some college games on right now.” Roddy left his plate on the side table then picked up the remote. “Channel 25 usually shows them during the late afternoon.”
“I haven’t sat down to watch a football game in a long time. No one to watch them with, and I’m usually at the club helping with the finances.” Andrew sliced up his omelet.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you did anything else at the club.”
“I don’t have as many subs as some of the Doms. A couple of them juggle at least seven or eight subs. I’m not that hardcore. I like the five I have—even if four of them are too many. To balance things out and for a little extra cash, I do the books. It’s no big deal.”
Roddy chewed his food and listened happily to Andrew. He wasn’t sure what to add to the conversation. Andrew already knew he worked for the television station.
“I’ve got to make ends meet somehow.” Andrew stabbed a loose mushroom. “What about you? Hobbies? Or are you a domestic god?”
“I watch the games. I had to know what I was talking about because my father would quiz me. I wasn’t the sports type, but he insisted I know my tight end from my nickelback. I do.” He nodded. “I kept score for the team one year, then spent the other years of my high-school career shooting the awards banquet reel. I had a knack for getting just the right shots together to make the team look better than our five wins and six losses record.”
“I played on the team. Center.” Andrew placed his empty plate on the coffee table. “A few of the local colleges in southern Ohio tried to recruit me, but we didn’t have the money. A full ride would’ve been great, but I wasn’t that skilled.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I bet you were sexy in those tight pants.” A vision of Andrew in the snug football uniform came to mind. Roddy’s dick throbbed.
“I did okay.” Andrew smiled. The warmth of his grin radiated to Roddy. “I might be able to role play it for you if you want that for a scene.”
“The naughty player and the geeky camera boy? I could get into that.” Roddy bit back a moan. He wasn’t interested in the food any longer. When he stood to ditch his plate, his phone rang.
Shit. Roddy’s erection immediately wilted. He should’ve known someone from the newsroom would call. “Do you mind? It’s the station.”
“Never a dull moment for you.” Andrew stood. He gathered the plates. “I’ll wash these while you sort out whatever’s wrong.”
“Thanks.” He answered the call. “This is Roddy.”
“Hey. It’s Holden. I’ve got everything set up for that interview. Half of the outside footage has been shot. The community center director wants me to come up on Monday. I’ve got firm times. Should be ready to air on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
“Fantastic.” Roddy glanced around the room. “Let me get my tablet and add that to the schedule. We can make some promo spots tomorrow and Monday and air those right away. By the way, is Susan there?”
“No. She called off. Said she had a headache or something,” Holden said. “Tory came in. He’s got me and Adrian doing the broadcast. He said you needed the day off.”
“Uh-huh.” Roddy massaged his forehead. The one day he’d decided to have a good time was the one day the station decided to fall apart. At least he had Tory there to help out. “Will you put Tory on?”
“I’ll grab him. Just a moment.” Holden’s voice grew faint, and Roddy didn’t understand the rest of what had been said.
The phone line crackled and snapped. “This is Tory. Roddy?”
“Speaking. Is everything okay?” An ache started behind his eyes. “Is someone doing the programming today?”
“Yes, but you’re indispensable. You know what to do when the rest of us want to fall apart. But we’ve got things under control. It’s cool. By the way, I’m filming part of the art exhibition in Cleveland tomorrow for the news. Should be ready to go by tomorrow evening’s broadcast.”
“Great.” Roddy sank onto the couch. “But everything right now is under control?”
“We’ll need you tomorrow, but you’re good today. I promise. I wanted to try my hand at programming anyway,” Tory said. “The experience can’t hurt.”
“No, it can’t.” Roddy grabbed his tablet. “Maybe you should get promoted to programming. You and I seem to have this all sorted out.”
“I’m game.” Tory laughed. “But I’m also alone this weekend. I’m hoping you’re not. Have a good day and an even better night. We’ll sort the rest of the programming snafus tomorrow. Okay?”
“Square deal. Thanks, Tory. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Roddy waited for Tory to click off the line then closed his eyes. His headache hadn’t gone away, but it had diminished a bit in intensity.
“I guess you don’t know who just scored the last touchdown, do you?” The couch cushion dipped beside Roddy.
“I have no clue.” Roddy opened his eyes. “But I’m not needed for the next twenty-four hours, so as far as I’m concerned, I’ve scored big time.”
“Nice.” Andrew draped his arm around Roddy’s shoulders. “Then let’s relax and lose ourselves in this game. We could watch the television while fucking our way through the game.”
Roddy sighed. His stress level dipped and he relaxed. “Sounds like a pretty good afternoon.”
Chapter Seven
Andrew held Roddy closer and breathed in the scent of his lover’s cologne. He’d memorized that smell, but in the quaintness of Roddy’s condo, everything felt perfect. He liked how they fit together in and out of the club. He could see them spending many weekends together. Hell, he could almost envision them living together. Was that possible for them to go the distance and actually stay a couple? He hoped so.
