“That soon? Do you want to discuss a contract or something more informal?” Brent’s question came out low and there was no obvious stress in his voice, but Calen could see that he’d been looking at the same picture of pancakes for too long. Especially considering Brent didn’t like them. He preferred waffles if he was going to eat anything like that at a meal.
“It doesn’t feel too soon to me. A contract illustrates my level of commitment correctly.” Calen knew he was in it for the long haul. They had too many topics to talk about for him to insist on something more permanent yet, but he’d always had a very good long-term vision of situations and this was no different.
“I see.” Brent was quiet for a moment but Calen wasn’t worried. The sexy sub was a thinker and would always need time to process things outside of a scene. But Calen was curious to see how Brent reacted when his brain was turned off. “I think that a contract is an acceptable idea at this point.”
Calen could almost hear the wheels in Brent’s brain going when he paused again. “But you are already considering something of a more permanent nature?”
“Yes. I can very easily see a more long-term commitment.” Calen wasn’t going to hide his intentions from Brent…even if Brent wasn’t sure yet.
“I see.” Again, Brent seemed to be mulling over what Calen had said, and probably what Calen hadn’t said. The fact that Brent was defaulting back to his business persona and trying to analyze their discussion didn’t bother Calen. It was what Brent was most comfortable with.
And Brent might not have said much, but he hadn’t said no.
“I think the idea has merit.” Brent nodded like he agreed with Calen’s conclusion. It made Calen fight to hold back his grin. Brent probably wouldn’t find the situation as funny as he did.
“Are you ready to order?”
“Yes, are you?”
“Yes. I eat here a lot on the weekends. Cooking a big breakfast for one person isn’t that much fun.” Hopefully, he’d be able to cook for both of them soon.
Brent must have been thinking something along the same lines because he gave Calen a smile. “Maybe you can cook for me sometime.”
“Sometime soon.” Very soon if it was up to Calen.
The server walking up to the table pushed the conversation to the side for the moment. Asking questions and giving their order took a few minutes, but soon it was just the two of them again. Luckily, they’d gotten seated at the back of the restaurant and there weren’t many people there. Too late for breakfast and too early for lunch gave them the perfect opportunity to talk without being overheard.
Picking up the folder he’d carried in from the car, Calen slid it across the table along with a pen. “I’ve printed out a list of limits. As you can see, I’ve already gone through and marked mine. You can take it home if you would like, or we can discuss them here. My preference would be to talk about it now so that I can make more informed decisions, but I won’t pressure you.”
He’d just flirt and tease and drive Brent crazy enough that he’d tell Calen what he wanted to know, anyway. Brent must have seen it written all over his face because he laughed and opened the folder.
“There’s no way you’d calmly sit here with the list right in front of you and not want to talk about it. I’m not even sure I could be patient enough for that. There might be some things you’ve checked that I have to think about, but I can’t picture you picking anything too out there.”
Calen smirked. “You don’t think I have a fetish for needle play or anything too interesting, huh?”
Brent laughed, shaking his head. “No. You got queasy that time we were all at the park and that kid fell and skinned her knee.”
Attempting to control the urge to shudder, Calen fiddled with his silverware. “No. Blood is not my thing.”
Trying not to smile, and failing miserably, Brent started going through the list. Carefully marking the different columns, he took several minutes to go through each item one by one. Calen appreciated the thought that he was putting into it, but he also appreciated the fact that he wouldn't have to wait hours to know what Brent would and wouldn’t do.
As Brent finished up the list, the waiter brought over their food. After thanking him and getting everything settled, Calen opened up the folder and started reviewing it. Overall, nothing surprised him. They were both on the same page with most things. Brent had given a clear acceptance for restraints and most types of mild impact play.
“The items I marked as ‘maybe’ are ones we can talk about, but I would rather you not spring those on me.” Brent was relaxed, eating his food as Calen read.
“I agree completely. You’ve checked yes for most types of restraints. Do you have any specific things that you would prefer not to happen while you are immobilized? Or, on the other hand, any particular things that you want to happen?” Calen was trying to behave himself and stay serious but it was hard. The only thing that kept him from getting too off track was the fact that they were in public.
Brent chewed slowly and squirmed in his seat. Calen didn’t think he looked nervous, but he was definitely getting aroused. It took Brent a minute, but finally, he couldn’t pretend to chew any longer. “That is a more preferred activity.”
That seemed to be an understatement.
Imagining all the things he could do to Brent was getting him hard. He could see the scene perfectly in his head. It wouldn't even be that complicated to set up. Giving their surroundings another discreet check to make sure no one could hear him, Calen lowered his voice. “So if I decided to tie you up and say…spank you…because that’s on the ‘yes’ list as well, it wouldn't be a problem?”
Brent choked on the bite he’d taken. When he caught his breath, he gave Calen a look like he was going to get even at some point. The feisty side of Brent had to be because of his brothers. He might be submissive in some situations but definitely not all.
“That would be fine.” Brent was still trying to go for the businessman in public image. Calen decided his goal was going to be to shake things up a bit for the sub.
Calen pretended to glance down at the list again, but it wasn’t necessary. The sexual activities that Brent found erotic were not something he would forget. Sliding his finger down the list, he glanced over at Brent. “So if I wanted to tie you up, for example, and use a prostate massager or dildo on you, that wouldn’t be something you would find objectionable?”
