Chapter Seven | Skylar

It wasn't a long drive from Owen's to our house. The expansive walkway was bathed by warm light pouring out through the floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the front door.

This was home.

Chad was my home.

As soon as I walked through the door, Chad was there offering to take my coat. Once I had my boots off, he placed them in the front hall closet, then wrapped his arms around my neck and kissed me as though I hadn't seen him in months instead of days.

He panted against my lips. "Welcome home."

"I should come home more often. That was quite the greeting."

Chad stepped away. "Wouldn't that be nice."

My brow dipped. "We're not having that discussion. They need me at work."

"Just said it would be nice." Chad linked his hand with mine and pulled me down the hall and into the kitchen. He'd set out some snacks for me. The timing of my flight on Thursdays meant I missed having a proper dinner. Delayed further by my spending time at Owen's.

He had made one of my favourites. Vegan sun-dried tomato and basil arancini. On the side, a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

"This looks wonderful."

"Have a seat. I'll get you some wine. "

"Just water. I had wine at Owen's." I wasn't a drinker. A few small sips of wine were all I needed. I loved the taste. Not the effect it had on my coordination and thought processes. My drunkenness at the Christmas party where I had accosted Owen had been unlike me.

"How was your time with him?" Chad asked.

I rested my ass against a stool. I'd been sitting for hours. I preferred to stay on my feet. "I was able to give him what he needed. He responded to my touch."

Chad grinned at me. "Not sure who wouldn't."

I appreciated that it didn't appear Chad was going to pursue more details. I had discussed with him what I had planned for tonight with Owen. He'd been in agreement.

I bit into my first ball of goodness. Chad was an excellent cook. It had taken him a while to get up to speed with my vegan requirements, but he'd excelled at it eventually.

After finishing four more, I turned to Chad and beckoned him over. "I'm tired but I want to make love to you tonight. While I finish these, can you go upstairs and get ready?"

Chad pressed a quick kiss to my lips.

"Take your time and enjoy those." He pointed at the arancini.

"I will. Thank you for making them for me. I hope you had some too."

A smile crept across his face. "Had to make sure they were good."

"They're perfect."

Another quick kiss. "I'll be upstairs ready for you."

I hummed as he turned and walked away. I called Chad my burly bear for a reason. He was thick and gorgeous. He spent every morning lifting weights before work. We had to have his dress shirts specially tailored for them to fit his biceps. His muscular body and tight round ass did crazy things to my cock. I wanted him all the time. I finished up my food .

As I removed my clothes, I enjoyed the sight of Chad on our bed, stripped down and stroking his cock. He truly was beautiful. I removed my glasses and set them on the bedside table for easy retrieval in the morning. He slid his legs open, so I had a space between them.

His hole clenched tight around my fingers as I prepped him. The crushing sensation on my cock once I slid into him was sublime. I took my time. Slow and easy.

Chad moved his hands onto my ass, riding each undulation of my hips. Looking down at his fluttering lashes as he moaned sweetly nearly brought tears to my eyes.

I loved this man so much.

I would bring us to climax slowly. Lovingly. Take my time with him. Enjoy every sigh and hitch in his breath. Love him thoroughly. Remind him that what we had was forever.

I collapsed in a heap on top of him after filling him, his cum pressed between us. I could last for a few minutes before I needed a shower. I rolled off him and pulled him into my arms.

I couldn't help but think about Owen and how he had clung to me as he sobbed. Letting everything out until he fell asleep tucked against me. I hated leaving him there to wake up on his own, but I needed to get home. I felt affection for Owen, but Chad was my love.

I would always prioritize my husband's feelings.

He'd encouraged me to visit Owen tonight. It had been a last-minute decision. I'd come across sketching supplies in one of the shops in the airport. Chad said to go for it. Explore what Owen appeared to be crying out for. I'd soothed Owen enough that he drifted off to sleep. I'd been successful in building trust between us. That made me feel good. That I hadn't messed up.

I took in the contours of Chad's face as he lay beside me. Would he and Owen ever get along? Would I ever see them as I'd imagined, touching and laughing? I closed my eyes .

I'm taking on so much.

Chad was twelve years older than me. Owen was likely a similar age to him. These were two men who had far more experience with life than me. Yet, they were both turning to me for support.

Was I too young to be taking this on?

Chad and I had found our rhythm. Now I was considering adding Owen. What if it turned out I was a fraud? That I had no idea what I was doing. That I let my men down.

My men.

I'd used the phrase before. It was the only time Chad had become distressed about my relationship with Owen. We'd talked it through. How I felt Owen had found his way into those two words. I'd told Chad I felt obligated to Owen and had taken on the responsibility of guiding him, and that Owen deserved someone to care for him in that way.

"Ready for a shower?" Chad mumbled. "I picked up more of that natural pine soap you like."

I rolled a little and kissed his cheek. "I love you and the way you take care of me."

Chad smiled. "Love you too."

Those three words made all the added stress I'd piled on my plate worth it.

Every Monday evening, I met my ex-boyfriend Sean for dinner. While in university in the UK, we'd spent six months together until we'd decided we made better friends than lovers. We had both wanted to slip into the role of being in charge. It had led to arguments and resentment, but I had learned things about myself. Finding Chad and having him respond to my urgings made me feel like I belonged somewhere. That there was a version of the world where I fit.

"How was your weekend at home?" Sean asked.

"Fulfilling. "

Sean laughed. "You two still fucking like bunnies? The honeymoon continues?"

"Can't get enough of him. In and out of bed. The man makes me feel indescribable things. Most everything I do revolves around him and his happiness."

"Yeah. Yeah. You're in love."

"Any luck in your love life?"

"As you know, I had that house boy for a few months. Seemed like it would work. He was good at keeping my home running smoothly, but when it came to sex … there was no spark."

"Not a love match."

"Not at all. He felt it too and asked if he could leave last night."

"Better luck next time."

"Think I might go back to having a little . I need some childlike energy in my life."

I wrinkled my nose. Not my thing. I didn't even want children. I couldn't imagine having a man who liked to dress in cute onesies and play with toys. I had never wanted to be called Daddy.

"Guess you'll be hitting the kink parties," I said.

"For sure. Do you find time to attend any in Victoria?"

"Chad and I still go sometimes to find someone to rail him." Not recently, though. Owen was at the forefront of any extra mind space I had. My supplemental desires were on hold.

"I've been talking to someone new," I said.

Sean's eyebrows rose. "New as in a new man in your life?"

"His name is Owen, and he works with Chad."

"How does that work?"

"Delicately. They're not exactly friendly with one another."

"Chad doesn't mind? "

"We've talked it through. He's supporting my exploration."

"Where is it leading?" Trust Sean to focus on the important question. Being a criminal defence lawyer made him good at that. His British accent added to the authority of his speech.

"What I'd like is for them to get along." I pursed my lips. "More than get along."

"You want them to form their own intimate relationship?"

"That's what I'm hoping. I think they'd be good for one another."

Sean chuckled. "You have your work cut out for you."

I waved my hand, dismissing the notion. "It's too soon anyway. I haven't even kissed Owen."

"Skylar mate, just remember to stay in control of your emotions. And constantly consider theirs. You don't want to fuck this up for either one of them."

"I know. I'll tread carefully."

The only people who knew me better than Sean were my grandma and Chad. I would try to heed Sean's advice. I didn't want anyone to get hurt, but I wasn't entirely sure how slow and easy I could go with Owen. Every strand of his history, emotions, and personality made me want to protect him from the world. My focus shifted when the rest of dinner turned to business.

After my night chatting with Sean, I headed back to my apartment. It was a cold and sterile space. Our home in Victoria was grand but it had a warmth to it I hadn't gathered the energy to replicate here. Toronto no longer felt like home. Sure, I'd grown up here, and my grandma and dad were here, but ever since my mom died, being in this city reminded me of her .

I checked the time. It was one minute past 7 pm Pacific Standard Time. I opened a video call and dialed Chad. His smiling face filled the screen.

"Hey, sexy," he purred.

"You're in a good mood."

"I have a video date with a gorgeous guy tonight."

I laughed. "Oh, yeah? Are you going to show him some skin?"

Chad licked his lips then stripped his shirt off over his head. His pectoral muscles were glorious. If I could, I would lean in and suck hard on his nipples. Make them puffy and pink.

To the right of his left nipple was a deep bruise where I had marked him as mine.

"Should we watch a movie?" I suggested.

"I have one queued up." He let me see the screen. I was going to have to suffer through an action movie. I pulled up the streaming app on my phone. I'd forego the full experience of sharing it with my television. I was there to listen to Chad's exclamations and laughter as we watched.

The movie turned out to be palpable. There was a comedy element with one of the characters that often ventured into queer references that I found amusing. After talking for the remainder of our time, we exchanged words of love and ended our call at 9 pm.

I stroked my chin as I stared at my phone. It wasn't Tuesday. I ignored my own rules.

Me: Goodnight, Owen.

Owen: It would be better if you were holding me.

Redirect.

Me: Have you started sketching ?

Owen: I need you to be the model.

Me: I'm flattered.

Owen: You're the only thing I want to draw. I'd love to sketch you in a skirt.

Me: You like my skirts.

Owen: Not going to lie. So sexy.

My cock stirred. It wasn't the first time Owen had brought my body to attention.

Me: We'll talk tomorrow night.

Owen. Okay. Goodnight.

I tossed my phone onto my bed. I was headed into dangerous territory. I would have to fight to keep my emotions in check. To regulate their development appropriately.

By Tuesday night, after rereading our text conversations, I was struggling.

"Hey, Skylar." Owen's voice was cheery.

"I'd like to hear more about your childhood." I hadn't meant to be blunt but if I didn't jump right in with what I felt he needed to talk about, I might say something too soon.

I really liked Owen.

"Not much to tell. We didn't have a lot, but we were happy. Life before my stepdad was strained. My dad and my mom were always arguing. I stayed in contact with my dad until I was older and found out he'd cheated on my mom so many times, it was insane."

"That must have been hard on you."

"Thankfully, I got to see what a healthy relationship looked like. Christopher is great.

"Christopher? "

"My stepdad."

"They showed you how loving partners interact."

"They did. I strive to have something like that someday. What about your childhood?"

"Mine was a bit idyllic. My family has always had money. We lived on acreage, and I had a pony from the time I was five. Rode horses most of my young life."

"Ethan has a horse. He gives lessons and everything. You should go out there."

That felt a little funny having Owen suggest I meet his friends. I already knew so much about them. Meeting them would signify a shift in my relationship with Owen.

"Maybe not yet," I replied.

"Right. Sorry."

"No need to apologize. You were thinking of me enjoying something familiar. I appreciate that. It felt like my horse was my only friend after my mom died.

"It wasn't until my grandma stepped in to help my dad that the deeper lonely feeling went away. I was thankful I was an only child because she doted on me full-time. It was an infusion of constant love that helped me thrive. I admire my grandma for giving that to me."

"I feel like some of that rubbed off on you."

"I hope so." I took a cautious step. "I'd like to see you Thursday night again."

"More cuddling?"

"If you'd like, yes."

"I would like that."

"You can sketch me."

Owen inhaled hard. "Are you sure?"

"I'd love nothing more than to sit for you."

"Wear something sexy."

I chuckled. "I'll do my best. I have an outfit you might like. "

"Okay. I should let you go."

"If you don't mind. It's been a short call, but I have work to do before I video call Chad."

"Right … um, could we …?" I could hear Owen breathing. "Could we video call sometime?"

"I'd like that, Owen."

Slow down, Skylar.

"Me too. See you on Thursday."

"Thursday."

I ended the call. For much of the conversation, Owen had been breathy and nervous. He was descending as deep as I was. There was no doubt in my mind he wanted more from me.

I sat in Owen's driveway for longer than I'd intended. I was uncharacteristically nervous. I'd spoken to Chad and discussed that I was going to take a step forward if the situation with Owen felt right. My husband had expressed his pleasure with my decision. Told me it turned him on.

Off you go, Skylar.

I lifted the bouquet from my passenger seat and slipped out of my car. By the time I reached the door, Owen had pulled it open. He'd spotted me sitting there.

His eyebrows peaked as I presented him with the arrangement of pink roses and delicate mini carnations, crisp white chrysanthemum daisies, elegant alstroemeria, and fresh greens.

"For me?"

I smiled. "Who else would they be for?"

"No one has ever bought me flowers before."

"Then you've been seeing the wrong men. You're worthy of flowers."

Oh my .

A gorgeous bloom of crimson flooded Owen's cheeks, the contrast against his freckles something of absolute beauty. He cleared his throat and stepped back to let me through the door.

"I'll go put these in water." His breath had hitched as he spoke.

I slipped out of my pink Doc Martens and hung my flowing black coat in the closet.

I found Owen in the kitchen, fussing with a water pitcher he looked as though he'd be using as a vase. He really hadn't had flowers in his house. That was an incredible shame.

He seemed satisfied and turned to face me.

His mouth formed the words oh, my god , then managed to speak, "Jeezus."

I tipped my head to one side. "You like?"

I'd pulled out all the stops and gone crazy in my closet. I was wearing pink thigh-high stockings that matched the shade of my boots. There was only a small sliver of skin visible between them and the short, black frilly skirt sitting low on my hips to show off my hip bones.

To keep attention on my slender midriff, I had topped the outfit with a sheer pink crop top with a light lace border on the hem. Owen appeared to like what he was seeing.

This was the opposite of slow. Owen was messing with my head.

" Like is too subtle a word," he mumbled.

"Where do you want to sketch me?"

Owen blinked a few times as if his brain was rebooting. "I thought my office would be good. The lighting in there is excellent. Creates some interesting shadows."

"I like that vibe."

His office was what I had expected from him. Lots of wood paneling, filled bookshelves, an antique desk, a plump leather chair, and a factory distressed leather couch.

"Where do you want me?" I asked. This was his show .

I swear to God, he growled softly.

"Lean up against the desk for support. Your back end on the edge. Cross your legs ankle over ankle. Hands to either side of your hips, supporting yourself on the desk."

As I arranged myself, Owen situated himself on the couch, the sketch pad on his knees, pencil at the ready. He started making some broad strokes as I made sure I was in a position I could hold for as long as he needed me to. "Where do you want me looking?"

"At me would be good."

"That I can do. I want to watch you work."

Owen looked up at me and smiled, then lowered his gaze to his paper. The intense concentration exhibited in his features as he sketched was devastatingly erotic. Every time he took a moment to scrutinize my body, a chill swept over my skin. I was more than aware my cock was taking interest. I managed to distract myself enough to keep it from fully hardening.

I'm sure half an hour passed before Owen's hands came to rest on the paper.

"I can fill out the rest from here," he said.

"Can I see it?" I moved toward him.

"Uh … yeah, sure." Owen turned the sketch pad to face me.

I reached for it. "Can I?" He handed it to me, and I lowered my gaze onto its surface. This is how he saw me. An intricate balance of sexuality, delicacy, and strength. He'd captured my fierce femininity in combination with my commanding edge. His reverence for me was clear. Each stroke of his hand had come from deep within him. I looked up at him. His expression was tentative. He was holding his breath. I didn't waste a moment before reassuring him.

"This is stunning, Owen. You're incredibly talented."

He released a long breath. "I'm still a bit rough. I've been practicing. "

"Can I see them?" I handed him back the pad and sat beside him. He flipped through a few pages. I stopped him when something caught my eye. A delicate nude male body reclined on a bed wearing nothing but high black boots. The face was nondescript, but I knew who it was.

"Is this me?"

Owen nodded.

I touched his arm. "It's beautiful."

His breathing heaved his chest up and down. He closed his eyes. I hadn't meant to make him feel uncomfortable. Fuck . His vulnerability was stirring up my heart.

I touched his chin and turned him to me. His breath was hot on my lips.

"May I kiss you, Owen?"

He released his held breath. "Please."

I tipped my head and descended on his lush quivering mouth. I soothed him with each caress of my lips. When his response turned desperate, I pulled away.

I pressed my forehead to his and pulled on his bottom lip with my fingers. The kiss had nearly spun me off my axis. It had begun to fill a void I hadn't known was there. So tender at first. Owen had turned himself over to me. I hadn't felt a connection like that since the first time I kissed Chad.

My heart was racing, and I felt weak. Any longer with him on my lips and I would have caved and endeavoured to move our union to the bedroom. To join with him in absolute bliss.

"I should go."

Owen straightened up. His expression bordered on frantic. It was already late. Chad would be waiting for me. "I have a few minutes," I said. "Would you like me to hold you before I go?"

"Yes. We can stay in here. "

Owen was right. Going to his bedroom after that kiss would be dancing among flames. After agreeing, we reorganized ourselves. I lay on the couch and Owen curled himself into my embrace.

"Kissing you … we've entered into an agreement," I said. "Are you all right with that?"

Owen nodded against my shoulder.

"What we're doing is the last thing I would have considered trying," he mumbled, then spoke clearer. "You stoke a need in me I've never felt before. You make me feel safe and protected. Understood and respected. Even cherished. But I have no idea what we are going to look like."

I kissed his head.

"I need to be honest with you," I said. "I'm not sure how much I can give you. I want to be what you need but I must consider Chad." Owen flinched, so I hugged him tighter. "That's the deal. If you're not all right with that, you need to tell me right now before anyone gets hurt."

Owen clutched my chest. "I don't want to be without you."

"Then we agree? We'll see where this goes?"

Owen's hand moved from my chest to my face, and he kissed my cheek.

I felt that kiss on my skin the entire drive home.

It had been a plea.

He was trusting me with his heart.