by Megan Slayer
“Uh-huh,” Jon said, repeating himself. He didn’t doubt Leo would push Ainsley, but he did wonder why Leo would push him and Ainsley together. Maybe he’d better call Leo.
“I’d rather stay with a friend than a hotel,” Ainsley said.
Ainsley wasn’t a helpless man. Not by a long shot. He freelanced in the theater circles doing lighting and sets for whatever production needed him. Hell, he was in high demand because his sets were always so realistic without being expensive. He knew how to run a business and keep his bills in check. Jon stared at him a bit longer. Ainsley might not be helpless, but looking at him in the harness and jockstrap, he seemed so sad. Part of Jon wanted to say no. He’d turned the spare bedroom into his own dungeon and the den was his office. Besides, he liked his privacy. But… Ainsley wasn’t a stranger and wouldn’t be shocked by the room of toys and floggers.
“I’m sorry. I’ve overstepped.” Ainsley stood. “Forget I asked.”
“Did you come here to see me?” Jon said, his voice firm. He needed to know Ainsley’s motivations.
“No. I came here for stress relief. Good God. People don’t understand I can direct them with sets and give them plans for the lighting, but I can’t do everything and I’m not a miracle worker. They have to help and I needed a break.” Ainsley snorted. “I hoped I’d run into you, but the odds weren’t in my favor.”
“I guess not.” Ainsley had bruised his ego just a tad.
“I understand if you don’t want the pain in the ass.” Ainsley shook his head. “Forget I asked. I’ll give Leo the key and pass back.”
“Slow down.” Although he wanted to continue the conversation, seeing Ainsley so subservient and hot in his harness and jockstrap made concentration almost impossible. “I could be convinced.”
“Jon?” Ainsley’s eyes widened.
“I have rules, you know.”
“I’m listening.”
He snorted. Their conversation reminded him of negotiations before a scene. “I spend a lot of time on the patio and I prefer to sleep naked. I write naked, too.” He dipped his head once. “I need privacy.”
“Meaning?”
“No unexpected guests.” He hated having to get dressed because someone had decided to visit.
“Understood.”
“I turned the guest room into a play space and my office is the former den. All I can offer you for sleeping space is the sofa in the living room,” Jon said. “Is that viable for you?”
“I can do that.”
He wasn’t arguing? Good. “So Leo gave you the key?”
“And the parking permit.”
Jesus Christ, he could kick Leo. “You really need a place to stay?”
“Yeah. The hotel is eating up my paycheck. I’ll gladly kick in for rent and food.” Ainsley laced his fingers together. “I know my place.”
He should argue and barter more, but he wanted someone there. He saw possibilities with Ainsley. “Fine.”
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About the Author
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.
Megan loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.pride-publishing.com
