“Good boy.” As he sat down and startedeating again, I leaned back and did my best to look relaxed. He wasn’t the onlyone who wanted to make sure nothing had changed. “Now, what’s your schedulelook like this weekend?”
Ridley swallowed, his brain jumping into dadmode which was fascinating to see. “Lynn is going to be leaving shortly after Iget back. After that, it’s just keeping Becca entertained and trying to cleanup the house.”
He shrugged. “So just parent and grown-upstuff. I’m really boring.”
I knew that was his way of pointing outthat I really didn’t want to be around him, probably preparing himself for theworst, but I just ignored it. “I’m too old for constant excitement.”
That had a grin peeking out as he tookanother sip of his coffee. “I’m not sure I believe that.”
Giving him a look that told him to behave,I went back to the topic at hand. “Would you prefer I come over after Beccagoes to bed so that she doesn’t see strangers in the house or would meeting youout for lunch be easier?”
He blinked at me a few times and finallyshoved another bite into his mouth to give himself a few seconds to process thequestions.
Had he really thought I wasn’t serious?
I wanted to ask, but I had a feeling thathe was like some kind of skittish wild creature, and any sudden moves or doubtwould have him fleeing.
After a few moments and another sip ofcoffee while I waited like the whole thing wasn’t weird, he finally answered.“Well, if you’re okay with being introduced as my friend, I think it’s fine.She’s too young to understand anything about dating.”
“Of course.” Arguing about labels with athree-year-old would just be insane.
“How about coming with us to the parklater?” Ridley studied my face as he spoke. “That big one over near the postoffice has a really nice toddler area, and it’s not usually too crowded. Thenmaybe lunch out afterward depending on how tired she is?”
“That sounds perfect.” And just in case itneeded to be said, I spoke up again. “I don’t need big PDAs or to drawattention to us in the park. I’m going to need you to set the limits on whatyou’re comfortable with.”
Ridley smiled. “The other parents there areusually just the moms so they’re going to spend most of their time looking atyour ass, not what we’re doing.”
Laughing, I felt some of my stress finallyfade. “I’m okay with being ogled.”
Still looking relaxed and happy, heshrugged. “I don’t know what to say. I hadn’t really thought about it,honestly.”
“Then take your time and if it comes up,just introduce me as a buddy.” Our relationship wasn’t exactly easy to define.
Technically, we hadn’t even been on a date.
“Buddies in BDSM? Isthat like friends with benefits, only better?”Hislittle smirk had me shaking my head, fighting off a grin.
“Cheeky boy.” Seeing he was done, I stoodand grabbed a kiss before starting to clear the table. “Alright, is thereanything you need to get from upstairs before you go?” Ridley shook his head,but something seemed to be bothering him.
“What are you thinking?” Taking the platesover to the sink, I went back to the table and pulled him into my arms as hestood.
“It kind of feels like I’m always justgetting off and running.” He took a breath and let it out slowly. “I want youto know that I really like spending time with you, and I don’t see this asjust…I mean…”
As he paused the slightly ramblingexplanation, I smiled. “Baby. You were very clear about what you needed andwhat you could do when we first started seeing each other. Am I looking forwardto getting more time with you? Yes. But I’ve never felt like a booty call orsome kind of random Dom you hook up with.”
Ridley paused, nodding. “Promise? I’vebeen…well…”
“No more worrying.” Giving him a tenderkiss, I cupped his cheek. “Our relationship is changing, and that’s what we’regoing to focus on.”
He gave me a smile and a quick peck. “Evenif that change means parks and chicken nuggets?”
“As long as I get lots of barbecue sauce.They’re stingy sometimes.” I grinned as he laughed.
“Deal.” Giving me another kiss, he leanedinto me as I hugged him tight.
Ridley might be concerned about how thingswere going to change, but I was looking forward to the journey.
****
