New Leather by Deb Varva Page B

situation was different. His Mom knew his sexual orientation, had even helped him to deal with it, and his dad simply left when he realized his wife was going to ‘encourage’ their son. She packed the man's bags for him and James could not wait to meet her.
    James had more trouble understanding the level of Carl's concern. Did he think James was going to exchange spanking techniques?
    James grinned. That is exactly what his nervous lover thought. The lack of trust should have bothered him, but he could just picture the conversation and the absurdity of it tickled his funny bone.
    Tickle. Playing with Carl the night before had been extraordinary. He had looked debauched, lying on the fur and begging to come. James’ plans to drag out the wait had ended when Carl opened his mouth. Seeing it again in his mind threatened to have him exploding in his shorts a day later. The sight had taken his legendary control and shattered it forever.
    The trick, now, was to convince Carl to stay past the contract. Six weeks were not enough. Six years would not be enough. Carl provided everything he needed and he could do the same if Carl let him.
    They came so close last night, but his boy's skin began to get too pink and hot to continue. He could make him fly, he knew, if Carl stopped resisting the slow pace he'd set. Carl had to overcome the idea that he failed somehow with the whip— it was an obstacle.
    James believed Carl would never take to the whip— it was too intense. He needed the steady increase in pace that did not disturb the peacefulness he could achieve. Over time, he would be able to take longer sessions with the flogger and get to that place of euphoria.
    James wanted that time.
    They switched to walking when the house came into view.
    Carl spoke for the first time in an hour. “What is that smell?” He sniffed loudly and sighed. “Tell me that's going to Mom's with us.”
    “It is. I made baby-back ribs for the party.” James opened the oven to check the ribs’ progress. “I think they're done.” He removed two big roast pans from the massive appliance. “I hope four racks are enough.”
    “You said dazzle, I should have guessed you would go all out.” Carl relaxed at last. “Thank you for this.”
    “Nonsense. I love to cook for parties.”
    “No, for being such a good sport about going.”
    James left the ribs to cool and wrapped his arms around Carl. “I want to meet your mother and your friends and I will have a wonderful time.” He kissed the younger man, lingering on the full lips.
    “I wi’ nuthpie.”
    James stopped nibbling on the boy's mouth. “What?”
    “I will need therapy.”
    James parked the truck in the street in front of Mrs. Guttuso's small cape house. The neighborhood was an older one with big maples in the front yards and picket fences in the back. He thought the effect charming.
    A petite woman wearing a sundress that showed off her light tan burst from the house to hug Carl. “You made it!”
    “You told me I had to, Mom.” He returned her hug and looked at James. “This is James, Mom. He's a friend.”
    “If you say so, dear. Hi James, I'm Elaine and I'm very happy to meet you.” She by-passed his hand and hugged him as well.
    “It's nice to meet you Elaine. I appreciate the invite, your home is lovely.”
    “Thank you James. Come out back and I'll introduce you to everyone.”
    “Carl and I have to pry the grill from the truck first.”
    Elaine looked in the truck bed at the grill, the roasters and the plastic tub. “James, did you think I wasn't going to feed you?”
    He laughed— her dry humor was so like Carl's. “No ma'm. I like to cook.”
    She smiled and said to Carl, “He's a keeper.” James could have kissed her.
    The ribs were a success. James met every member of Carl's extended family as each one came back for seconds. Tony hung around the longest and it was a toss up if the food or the Dom drew him.
    “No one else is near, Tony. Ask your