Chapter 18

18

Noel and Tyson’s plane landed an hour ago and they were on their way.

River had kept Kacey busy all morning with chores like making up the guest room bed, cleaning the guest bath, and now the boy was showered and sitting on the floor with his pencils and his notebook.

It said something that Kacey was more settled than he was. He wasn’t even sure why he was antsy. He was happy to be having guests, and nothing about Noel or Tyson ever made him this… itchy.

Odd.

Kacey gave him a curious glance. “Are you sure you want me to stay? You seem worried…”

“I need you with me, boy. You’re the only thing keeping me from pacing. I just feel restless and I’m not sure why. Maybe I’m just excited about guests.”

“Oh, I get that.” Kacey deserted his sketchbook and came to sit in his lap. “That’s a little like sandpaper on a sunburn. You need it to just happen.”

“Mhm. Something like that, I’m sure.” He took a kiss because Kacey was too close and too sweet not to. “And how are you feeling?”

“Fine. If they don’t like me, they don’t, but lots of people do.” Kacey didn’t seem terribly stressed, but he supposed that Kacey had lived in the public eye for a long time.

“Tyson has never met anyone he didn’t like. And Noel already knows how I feel about you.” He played with one of Kacey’s curls, hooking it behind another unruly strand.

“I probably ought to cut it, huh?” Kacey leaned into his touch, though, expression blissful.

“I like it, but you should do whatever you want with it. Whatever is comfortable.”

River’s phone chimed as well as the door buzzer for the building. “Oh, they’re here.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and let them in, then stood, scooting Kacey off his lap. “Go get the door for them, boy.”

Kacey nodded and gave him a smile, scooping his art supplies up and storing them on the way.

He opened the door and a handsome man in a button-down, jeans, and black boots smiled at him. His hair was dark, but going slightly gray. “You must be Kacey. Good to meet you, I’m Master Noel.” A steady hand to shake was offered with a warm, friendly smile.

“Duh.” The redhead behind Noel’s shoulder said with a snort and a grin. “I’m Tyson. Where is my River?” Tyson squeezed past Noel and practically jumped into River’s arms.

“That’s nine, brat.” Noel smiled at Kacey again. “It really is good to meet you.”

“Pleased to meet y’all as well. You want some coffee? Water?”

“Coffee would be a godsend. Thank you, boy.” Noel patted his shoulder.

“Hello, boy!” River was hugging Tyson and gave him a spin before setting him on his feet. “Noel.”

“So good to see you.” Noel and River exchanged a warm hug. “You look amazing. Kacey must be good for you.”

“Thank you. He is. He’s like fresh air.”

Noel kissed his cheek, always so expressive with his affection. “I’m tickled. Especially that he’s making me a cup of coffee.”

“Long flight?” Noel and River went and sat.

“You have no idea,” Tyson chimed in.

“Kacey,” River called to him. “Would you make me a cup while you’re there, please?”

“Me too, please!” That was Tyson.

“No. Kneel. Good lord. No coffee for Tyson, boy. Water will do.” Noel sounded exasperated. “Yes. It was an eventful couple of flights.”

“I was excited! It was so much fun, being able to play with my Master.” Tyson knelt right next to the sofa. “God, he’s adorable! Those curls! I can’t wait to get glitter paint into them.”

River snorted. “Why don’t you actually talk to Kacey, before you start trying to style his hair, boy. You might like him.”

Noel laughed. “You’ve always been so good with him.”

“Of course I won’t like him. He has to be the perfect sub to be good enough for my Master River, and obviously Master Noel took that sub.”

“Ten.”

“Is that all?”

“Eleven.”

God, he loved these two. He wondered what those eleven blows might be. Spanking? Crop? Flogger? Tawse? Slaps to a hard cock? He grinned. Maybe he’d get to see.

“What all do you take in your coffee, sir?” Kacey asked Noel, as he handed Tyson a bottle of water.

“He takes two Stevias and heavy cream. He’s very into Keto right now,” Tyson answered for Noel. “If you don’t have Stevia, we brought some.”

“Keto? Really?” River glanced at Kacey. “We don’t, do we?”

“No, sir. We got sugar, maple syrup, and half and half.” Kacey opened his hands. “I’m sorry, but I can run out and buy some, if you want.”

“You are the sweetest. Thank you, Kacey, but Tyson’s got this.”

“Come sit, Kacey.” He patted the sofa next to him. “There’s a bodega two blocks east.”

Noel nodded and pulled out his wallet. River put an arm over Kacey’s shoulders as Noel handed Tyson some cash. “Heavy cream. You have fifteen minutes, boy.”

“You’re going to make me go alone, Master?” Tyson blew kisses as he headed for the door.

Noel sighed after Tyson left. “I once knew a woman who told me that she used to stick her toddler in his crib and close his bedroom door when she was frustrated with him so she didn’t lose her shit…”

The fond grin on Noel’s lips made it clear he was mostly joking, but the sentiment was clear.

“He doesn’t travel well?”

“Oh, no he travels fine. But someone made a rude comment about him right before the second leg from Dallas and we ended up sitting across the aisle from the guy on the plane. Tyson was uncomfortable the whole trip. You know how he is. He’s not good at letting things go.” Noel sighed. “And I think he’s upset with me for not punching the guy.”

Tyson was emotional. It was one of his best traits and could also be one of his worst. “Well, you did have to get on the plane with the guy.”

“Exactly. We’ll work through it later. But this was a great excuse for him to get air and me to get five minutes.” Noel reached over and patted his knee. “It’s so good to see you.”

“And you. I’m looking forward to the week.” He was trying to stay aware of Kacey as they talked, keeping his boy close to make sure Kacey knew he was welcome. “Kacey spent some time getting things ready for you this morning.”

Noel turned to Kacey. “Thank you, boy. Master River has told me a lot about you. You’re important to him, so you’re important to me.”

“I appreciate it, sir. You need anything at all, just holler.” Kacey’s smile was warm, not entirely sincere, maybe, but his boy didn’t know Noel yet.

“He’s so polite, River. What’s that like?”

Noel laughed and he joined in. It wasn’t mean-spirited. Tyson was wonderful and Noel was completely hooked in every way a man could be.

“He’s a cowboy. Thomas’s Sam assures me it’s genetic.”

Kacey chuckled softly, but he nodded along, so agreeable.

“They’re still together? They were brand-new when I was here last. Sam spent a lot of time hiding under the brim of his cowboy hat.”

River remembered those days. Sam was a lot like Kacey then—trying his best, a little skeptical and uncertain. “Very much so. They’re so solid these days I’d forgotten all about that.”

“That’s excellent. Tommy needed someone after that terrible business with James. That was heartbreaking—and to discover it was someone so close to home.” Noel shivered and shook his head.

“That’s all in the past now. So tell me about you? How are things? You and Tyson seem as happy as ever.”

“Life is grand. I’m writing like a fiend. Tyson is as perfect and aggravating as ever. He’s gone back to school to study weaving, which I’m sure will cost me a fortune before he takes a class in botany and switches interests.”

“A busy sub is a happy sub.” He turned to Kacey. “Did you go to college?”

“Me?” The shock on Kacey’s face was almost comical. “Lord no. I’m not real bright. I didn’t even graduate from high school. I got my GED.”

He’d been trying to get Kacey not to say things like that about himself, but it seemed like someone had drilled some of these negative things into the boy and unlearning them was a challenge. “Boy. You are plenty bright. Getting your GED is an accomplishment, so good for you. Not everyone in your position is able to do that. Do you ever think about taking classes? Going back to school?”

Kacey blushed dark. “Not really. So you’re a writer? Books or magazines or what?”

He gave Noel a look, letting him know it was okay to indulge the deliberate change of subject. Kacey was good at that. It wasn’t the first time, and River added school to the list of things he needed to get to the bottom of.

“I write novels—mostly fantasy, believe it or not. Do you like to read?”

“Yessir. I’m a big audiobook fan, because I used to drive a ton.” Kacey nodded and smiled, and that one went up to his eyes. “My phone is full of stories.”

“Kacey loves dragons. He draws them a lot. He’s also an excellent artist, though shy about showing his work.”

“Dragons, huh? I wrote a series with dragons in them. I love the European ones the best.” Noel smiled at Kacey, and River appreciated the kindness. “I’d love to send you some audiobooks, if you’d like.”

“Oh, that would be cool! Thank you, sir. That’s awful kind.”

“That is kind, Noel. Thank you. Maybe Kacey will be brave and show you some of his work sometime while you’re here.” He gave Kacey’s shoulders a squeeze.

“I’d like that. But I understand if not. It took me a while to let anyone read my work too.”

Kacey’s cheeks were going to be permanently glowing, but he just dipped his chin in answer.

He liked that look on Kacey. It meant he was feeling good things. Important things.

Of course, he’d like to see the boy’s ass cheeks glow a bit too…

He glanced at Kacey. Jesus, would he ever. And soon. That trip to the club was going to be early in this trip rather than later.

His phone chimed and the door buzzer went off again. “Tyson.” He pulled out his phone and let the boy into the building. “Kacey, door?”

“Yes, sir. I’m on it.” Kacey hopped up and headed to the door, and Noel leaned toward him.

“Once he relaxes, he’ll feel so much better.”

“I hope so.” He knew now what the restlessness was. He needed to work, and his boy needed to let go, and that was hanging over both of their heads. “We have work to do.”

“Yes, but he’s focused on you. That’s a good step. A huge step.” Noel’s chuckle was pure mischief. “I can’t wait to see what happens when Tyson gets hold of him.”

“I have heavy cream and I’m back in thirteen minutes and I want a hug.” Tyson stepped through the door, set his bag down, and threw his arms around Kacey.

Kacey arched an eyebrow but hugged Tyson like it was nothing. Possibly like he was humoring the lunatic.

Either way worked.

“Thank you. You really are sweet. River said you were.” Tyson let Kacey go, kissed his cheek, and brought the bag to the kitchen. “Mugs?”

River was still leaned in. “Everyone is his best friend still, huh? It’s nice.”

Kacey went to the kitchen to help.

“He wants you to be happy. He remembers being a new sub, and he loves meeting new people.”

“So what are your plans while you’re here? Other than visiting Home a couple of times? Bookstores? A show?”

“Ty wants to do everything. He’s so excited. We’re going to want to see a show, for sure, and I have a reading at Forbidden Planet. I can’t wait to go Home. I love where we live—it’s open, it’s inspiring, but there’s nowhere like the club there.”

He grinned. “There’s nowhere like the club anywhere. Why don’t we hit TKTS tomorrow and see what show we can get into. Kacey’s never been as far as I know. It would be fun.”

“Perfect.”

The boys came out with the coffee, the blush on his boy was obviously going to be permanent.

“Sir.” Tyson handed Noel a mug and then knelt quietly next to Noel’s chair.

“Sir.” Kacey followed suit, giving him his coffee and kneeling by his feet as well.

River looked between them and then back at Noel. “Something I should know?”

Noel shrugged. “Did you boys have a talk, Tyson?”

“He needs a mentor, Master. Poor neglected submissive…” Tyson’s grin was pure mischief.

River arched an eyebrow and looked at Kacey. “Oh? Are you neglected, boy?”

Kacey shook his head. “Lord, no! No, you’re good to me.”

He chuckled. “Just checking.” All joking aside, though, he liked Kacey kneeling right where he was.

“Uh-huh. I’m going to give him his Submissive 101 class, Master. It’s important.”

Kacey groaned softly and closed his eyes for a second.

River reached for Kacey and slid fingers through his hair. “My good boy.”

Kacey stiffened for a second, but it wasn’t long before his boy melted against him with a soft sigh, cheek on his thigh.

Noel’s smile was full of approval, and that made River incredibly proud.

“I trust Tyson. His style isn’t yours, but he’s been a sub for a long time and it might be good to get his perspective. It might be helpful to you. And I’m always here for questions.”

“It’s okay, Kacey honey. I’ll teach you how to be naughty.”

“Boy,” Noel chided sternly. “Kacey and Master River are not you and I. You will be respectful of that. Am I clear?”

Noel was indulgent of Tyson, but those words were an order no sub would mistake for playfulness.

“Yes, Sir, but how can he know what he needs if he doesn’t push the boundaries? It’s important.” The words weren’t in the least bit glib. In fact, Tyson was very serious and obviously committed to his train of thought.

Part of him worried that Kacey was going to need a safeword with Tyson, but the boy had a point. “Start him off slow, Tyson. Change is hard.”

“Yes, Sir. He’s safe with me, Sir.”

He had no doubt of that at least. “That I believe. Thank you, Tyson.”

“Of course, Master River. You’re my best friend. That makes Kacey family. I won’t hurt him, I promise.”

“He can be quite sweet when he’s not pulling your chain, Noel.” River kept Kacey close while all this talk was going on, petting his hair and rubbing his shoulders.

“He is a glorious human.” Noel beamed at Tyson, who glowed at the praise.

“Thank you, Master.”

“What do you think, boy? Do you want Tyson to teach you a few things?”

Kacey shot him a look that he’d seen before that meant, ‘don’t ask me questions,’ but all he said was, “Sure. I’m willing to learn.”

“Good boy.” What else was he going to say? Kacey owed him a lot of answers, but none of them had to be answered now, they could wait until they had some privacy. “Tyson, tell me about school.”

“I’m taking art classes. It’s amazing. The math class sucks, though, seriously. I hate math.”

“Math is just a puzzle. It’s fun. Look at it differently.” He winked at Tyson. “Weaving is an interesting choice. You know there’s math involved there too, right?”

Tyson rolled his eyes. “Not like this math, Master.” Then Tyson glanced at Kacey. “They just don’t get it. Math is evil. Back me up.”

Back him up. Poor Kacey. Tyson was a force that definitely did not need backup.

“I don’t—I mean, I can do math well enough. I never considered whether it was evil.”

“It’s not evil. Well enough is fine.”

Noel stood slowly and set down an empty coffee mug. “Suppose Tyson and I go catch a short nap and then we all go out for dinner?”

That was interesting. He moved Kacey gently and stood too. “Sounds like a great idea. What are you in the mood for? I’ll make a reservation.”

“You pick. I have a boy to unwind.”

River nodded. He could see that well enough. “I can do that. Shall we say, seven?”

“That will work. Come along, boy.” Tyson stood and Noel took him by the hand as they disappeared into the guest room.

He had to smile because it was a compliment that Noel knew he would understand. Tyson had been practically begging for help since they’d walked in the door, and River respected that Noel needed to handle that before they could really relax into their time off.

“I’ll wash the coffee cups out.” Kacey stood and grabbed the cups, disappearing into the kitchen. “Do you need anything else?”

He didn’t need a thing, but he followed his boy because Kacey did. “Yes. You. Let’s go lie down.”

Kacey nodded and took his hand. “Yes, sir. Sounds perfect.”