Authors Note: This story contains very mild power exchange elements and the use of Daddy. If this is not your cuppa, please move on. This is the beginning of The Tool Boxxx universe where this adult store will be featured in several stories. Bruce from Chasing EleMistriss also appears as a supporting character and will surely be telling me his story soon.
All sexual contact in this work of fiction takes place between characters over the age of 18.
Chapter 1
“Percussion, let me hear you at rehearsal eight,” Dr. B, the band director requested.
Gavin Conover dutifully looked at his music and tapped out the rhythm on the snare drum, then hopped over to the cymbals briefly before darting back to the snare. There were rarely enough percussion players in a community band, so everyone had to run around to cover all the parts. Gavin had joined the Sparrow Community Concert Band, or SCCB, just two weeks prior. It had been about ten years since he’d played, but it was all coming back to him pretty easily. At 47, he’d been playing for a good portion of his life, and he hated that he’d waited so long to find another group to join. There was just something about creating music with an ensemble that was incredibly satisfying.
When the director moved on to work with the brass section, Gavin’s eyes moved over the band to land on a little clarinet player sitting at the end of a row. While she was tiny in stature, he thought of her as little because she seemed to try to take up as small a space as possible. She would probably be considered homely by most standards. Her hair was pulled back into a severe bun, and her button-down, collared shirt was old-fashioned with a faded flower pattern. He couldn’t see the waist down yet, but he could imagine that she was wearing a long, pleated skirt, circa 1980. While other band members were playing on their phones while the director worked with other sections, she was frowning at her music and working through fingerings on her instrument.
“Clarinets, you have the same rhythm at measure 74. Be sure you’re playing staccato. Each note needs to be separated or it gets muddy. And one and two and three and…” Dr. B. Counted them down.
As she started to play, she seemed to come alive, flowing with the music. During rests, she appeared to count with her body. When she’d presumably make a mistake, her face showed her frustration, but she’d push on until Dr. B stopped them.
“Good! That’s coming along nicely. Apparently, I’ve been working through that song in my sleep because my wife keeps waking me up to tell me to stop breathing!” Dr. B told them comically.
Gavin looked over at the little woman, and his breath caught as he saw her smile for the first time. Her expression was open and unguarded, and her smile changed her whole appearance. Homely and unremarkable became absolutely gorgeous. He hoped she didn’t look his way before he could introduce himself.
Gavin used to be a part of a Motorcycle Gang and he still looked the part. He was bald with a long, silver beard and a stocky build. Plenty of tattoos were hidden under his clothes. He was told often that he looked like a sexy leather daddy. He was approached by women frequently, but he was bored with the type that propositioned him. There was nothing wrong with them and he was sure they were wonderful people; they just weren’t what he wanted anymore. Almost all were conventionally gorgeous, outgoing, shapely, brazen, and…well…easy.
His appearance also meant some people were automatically intimidated by him. Usually, his smile would disarm them, but some took a bit more convincing. He had a feeling the little woman would be one of the latter. As Dr. B dismissed them for a 10-minute break, he grabbed the next piece of music on the agenda and walked over to her chair where she was running a bright blue swab through her instrument.
I knew it, he thought to himself, grinning. Her long, pleated skirt just brushed the tops of her pristine, white, Keds sneakers. All she needed was a pair of large, plastic glasses to complete the look. Adorable.
“Hi,” he said loudly enough to be heard over the chatter.
She didn’t even look up.
He crouched down and tried again. “Hi, I’m Gavin.”
Her eyes glanced over briefly and then came back, widening, almost as if she couldn’t believe he was trying to talk to her.
“H…Hi,” she said so softly he could barely hear her. Her eyes were still wide, and her look was wary.
He gave her a wide smile, hoping it would work its magic. “I’m hoping you can help me.” He held up his music. “It’s been a long time since I’ve played, and I can’t remember how the Coda works.”
“Oh, s…sure.” She took his music and pointed to the big-tilted S that looked like it had a percent sign through it. “You go back to this mark, and you play to this mark.” She pointed to the big O with the cross through it. “And then you skip to the end where it’s notated here.” She pointed at the last page where there was another big O with a cross through it and an extra line of music. “Unless it says D.S. Al Coda, and then you go all the way back to the beginning and play to the notation before skipping to the end.”
Luckily, he didn’t really need the question answered because he’d been sucked in by the soft, smooth sound of her voice and hadn’t absorbed one bit of what she said. “That’s right! I remember now. All the music notations start to run together after a while.”
She was looking at her lap and absently picking at a cuticle.
“What’s your name? I’m Gavin,” he repeated, in case she hadn’t heard him before.
“June,” she said softly, her eyes darting over for a moment.
“Thank you, June. It was a pleasure to meet you.” He held his hand out to shake, for once appreciating the stupid social norm because he got a chance to touch her. Her hand trembled imperceptibly as he grasped it gently. Her skin was soft, but her palms were a bit more textured as if she worked with them a lot.
“Sure,” she whispered before picking up her instrument and looking at her music in clear dismissal.
He watched her every chance he had through the remainder of rehearsal, but she didn’t look his way once. Once it was over, he tried to catch her to walk her out, but she had packed too quickly. That was okay, he’d try again next week.
*
The next morning, he whistled as he opened The Tool Boxxx. He had started the adult sex store about five years ago and had no regrets. He enjoyed meeting the people that came into the store. Some were confident or even cocky, and some were shy and blushing or even terrified. By the time they left, most were more comfortable and promised to come back, and they usually did. It didn’t make a huge profit, but it was now enough to live comfortably and hire another employee so that he wouldn’t have to be in the store constantly.
This morning, he had an interview with a recent college grad for full-time employment. Right on time, the bell on the door jingled, and a well-dressed young man entered the store. He wasn’t wearing a suit and tie; that would have been excessive for this type of interview. Instead, he was wearing a pressed, plaid, button-down shirt and clean jeans with a belt.
“Hey man, I’m Bruce Branch. Not BB for short.” He smiled widely and held out a hand to shake.
Gavin shook his hand firmly. He liked the immediate confidence not BB exuded. He looked relaxed and his eyes weren’t darting around at all the paraphernalia on display. “So, I should only call you BB when you piss me off?” This was a test to see if their personalities would jibe.
Bruce smirked at him. “Sure, if I can call you Daddy when you piss me off.”
Gavin threw his head back and laughed. “Touché.” This was getting off to a great start. “Tell me about yourself. I see that you recently left another retail job?”
Bruce looked sheepish. “Yeah. I just graduated college with a business major, but I haven’t decided what I want to do with my life yet. I know I don’t want to work behind a desk, but I like people, so retail seemed like the place to start for now. I worked for Sally’s Furniture for a few months, but it just wasn’t a good fit. They had sales goals and I’m just not a pressure person. I hate when people try to talk me into buying something. I much prefer to give customers the information they need and make them comfortable. I think they’ll be more likely to buy from me in that case. Furniture is a high dollar item and people want to feel like they can think about it.” He shrugged. “Sally’s wanted immediate results and I was trying to build relationships. I left before they could let me go.”
“Thank you for your honesty. I have a lot of respect for that. Making people comfortable when they walk in this door is a huge part of what makes this business successful. And you wouldn’t be on commission. I don’t like pressure sales either.”
Bruce blew out a breath and smiled. “I’m glad to hear that on both counts. I was worried about being too truthful.”
“Let’s take a walk through the store.” The first aisle had every type of dildo you could imagine. “Let’s say a woman comes in. She’s shy and she wants to buy her first dildo. What would you suggest?”
Bruce walked slowly down the aisle and came to a display of moderately priced, realistic dildos. “If she’s looking for a basic starter, I’d recommend something like this.” He picked up a six-inch model with a flared base. “I’d ask if she’d considered vibration since that can also be used to stimulate the clit. If she were interested, I’d show her these.” He picked up a basic purple phallus with multiple vibrating speeds.
Gavin was impressed. “And if a man wanted a prostate stimulator for his boyfriend?” Another test. No homophobia would be allowed here.
Bruce walked further down the aisle and picked up two curved toys. “I personally prefer the one that vibrates, but the basic metal one is great, too.”
They continued through the store, Bruce continually showing a lot more product knowledge than Gavin would have expected. He spoke with confidence, and nothing seemed to make him uncomfortable.
“I think you’d be a great fit. I’d love to hire you if you’re interested. It would be just the two of us here and you would be here alone at times. I can’t pay benefits, but I think the hourly wage is reasonable, and you can earn paid time off.
“Great! Yes, I’m interested. I have a roommate to share expenses with. I’d also love to learn about the business operation side eventually.”
Gavin clapped a hand on Bruce’s shoulder. “That would be great. I’m getting by, but your business degree would come in handy. I’ll send you home with the basic new-hire paperwork. When can you start?”
“Does tomorrow work for you?” Bruce’s grin held a hint of pleading.
“Help with the Friday evening rush? Yes, please. We’re open 11-11 on Fridays. Come on in at 1.” Gavin handed him the paperwork and then held out his fist for a bump.
Bruce returned the bump enthusiastically. “See you tomorrow, Gavin. And thanks!”
“Well, that was easy,” Gavin said out loud to the empty store.
Chapter 2
June Branch was trying her best to keep her eyes on her music, but the Daddy, er, Coda man from last week kept stealing her attention. What did he say his name was? Gavin, that’s right. She jumped as her clarinet squeaked. Squeaks happened to everyone sometimes, but this was purely her own inattention. She tried her best to make her fingers press the right keys at the right times with the faster pace Dr. B was insisting on tonight. She always had to practice, but tonight’s failings were solely the fault of her wandering attention.
As Dr. B paused to run through a section with another group, she smoothed her hands down her skirt and made sure her bun was still in place. Her grandmother always taught her that being put together and proper was the most important thing. Her parents had died young, and Gran had taken in June and her brother.
June’s mother had been a wild child, according to Gran. She’d dressed promiscuously, dated promiscuously, and rebelled at every turn. Gran constantly told June that she’d failed as a parent and that June was her second chance to get it right. June was grateful that Gran had taken them in and wanted to make life as easy on her as possible, so she had done her best to follow Gran’s teachings to the letter. She’d gone to a private, all-girls high school and then to a religious university. She dressed conservatively and displayed proper ladylike behavior.
Her brother, Bruce, had opted for public school, though he had gone to the same university since Gran was paying. June wholeheartedly acknowledged that Bruce was the more well-adjusted of the two of them. He wasn’t at all obsessed with being the perfect gentleman. Not that he was rude or mean. He was wonderful and not afraid to be himself and she loved him with her whole heart. She was afraid of letting her proper façade crack, and she envied Bruce’s freedom.
Her eyes wandered back over to the percussion section. Gavin was peering right back at her, and she felt her face flame, fighting the urge to cover her red cheeks with her hands. Instead, she fisted her hands in her lap and crossed her ankles.
When it was her turn to play again, she tried her best to focus and not embarrass herself. While they were a community band and their skill levels covered a wide range, there were plenty of professionals in the room and she hated drawing attention to her learning curve.
During the break, she darted out to the restroom, praying it would keep her from having to face Gavin again. She sat on the commode for longer than necessary, trying to take up as much time as possible. After eight minutes, she visited the sink to wash her hands thoroughly and briskly walked back to the rehearsal room. She slid back into her seat just as Dr. B re-took his position. She sneaked a glance at Gavin, and he gave her a grin she couldn’t interpret. Almost as if he had known she was avoiding him.
As rehearsal progressed, her eyes continued to slide in his direction. At one point, their eyes met, and he winked at her. He winked! Her face flamed again, and she felt flustered and short of breath. She went to put her mouth on her mouthpiece and missed completely, stabbing herself in the cheek with her reed. Oh, for Heaven’s sake. This is preposterous! He’s just a man. You were married. You have a brother. A man is sitting beside you!
“Snare Drum, that was your cue!” Dr. B called out. “Let’s try that again.”
Her eyes looked to the left without her permission, and Gavin was grinning at her. He must have seen her stab herself in the face and missed his own cue because of it. It looked like he was pleased instead of making fun of her.
As rehearsal ended, she packed quickly and speed-walked to the exit, only to stop as she looked outside to see the torrential rain.
“Yikes, it’s really coming down out there,” a warm voice said behind her.
She could feel his warmth against her back, and she could smell his light, fresh, clean scent. She half expected him to smell like motor oil from the way he looked. One shouldn’t judge based on appearance, she chastised herself. She adjusted the collar of her shirt out of habit. Speak when spoken to, her grandmother’s voice chimed in.
She cleared her throat. “Yes, it seems so.”
“Excuse me! I’m so sorry, I just need to squeeze by you,” a woman said kindly.
June gasped as a hand clutched her hip and drew her back against a hard chest. Her heart started to flutter, and she could feel that hand…in inappropriate places. You’re imagining things. It’s clearly just on your hip and he was clearly moving you out of the way so the woman could pass. Because you were BLOCKING THE DOOR like a ninny.
“Oops, we’re sorry about that!” Gavin replied.
“No problem! Stay dry!” The woman opened the door, swiftly opening a large umbrella and walking towards her vehicle.
June tried to normalize her breathing and pull away, but Gavin held her firm as several more people bustled by them and out into the rain.
“Where are you parked?”
He’s talking to you again, answer him. “Oh, um, just in the middle of the lot. I’ll be fine.”
“I have an umbrella. It would be my pleasure to walk you to your car.”
June felt swoony. He seemed to be mimicking her manner of speaking, but again, didn’t seem to be making fun of her. Her hand went to her chest to feel her rapidly beating heart.
“O…okay. That would be lovely. Thank you.” She hoped her voice hadn’t wavered as much as it had sounded in her head. She looked up and he gave her a bright smile.
He held open the door for her, then opened his big umbrella and pulled her tightly to his side. The umbrella was plenty big enough for them not to squeeze together, but for some reason, June didn’t protest. She gripped her clarinet case tightly as they walked briskly to her car, her brand-new Keds surely turning gray with the water splashing up onto their ankles. Drat. I should have been better prepared.
“It’s the silver Volvo station wagon,” she told him.
He hurried her over to the driver’s side door and blocked as much rain as possible. “Drive home safe, okay, June?”
Something about the way he said her name made her shiver. She nodded. “Thank you for walking me to my car. That was very kind of you. Gavin.” Much better. It’s polite to show that you know his name.
He smiled warmly. “Goodnight.” He closed her car door and ran off to his car.
June drove home feeling…something she couldn’t name. There was a floaty feeling, a confused feeling, maybe some happy…anticipation? She felt kind of fluttery in her pelvic region like she sometimes got when reading her romances. She forced herself to keep her eyes on the road as she relived the feeling of being pressed against his hard chest. And his scent…oh, his scent. Her body heated. Oh, my stars…what is happening to me?
She pulled into her garage and sat in her car, breathing deeply. Turn the car off, Junie. “Oh, bother!” She turned off the car and went inside, dropping her soaked shoes in the mudroom and unpinning her bun. She stood at the kitchen counter and drank a full glass of water, hoping it would help her regain her wits. It did not.
Frustrated, she brushed her teeth, washed her face, braided her hair, and changed into her long, flannel nightgown. She got in bed and opened her current romance with a long-haired stallion of a man dipping a woman in a gown that showed off her amble bosom. In the story, the man was just about to use his mouth on her for the first time. June had never understood the appeal. It seemed kind of messy and gross, but she liked the reactions in the books.
As she read, unbidden thoughts of Gavin filtered in. Gavin covering her with his body and brushing his lips against hers…Gavin touching her face and hair…Gavin sliding a hand into her panties and touching the little bud…
She gasped as her little bud throbbed. She rarely masturbated, but it currently seemed necessary. She reached into her side drawer for her lube. She’d never been able to get wet like the heroines in her novels. Maybe she was broken. Hiking up her nightgown, she slid a lube-covered finger into her panties and rubbed it on the bud. “Oh!” The little bud throbbed back at her finger, and she rubbed it again. Her hips jerked and she gasped. She closed her eyes and Gavin appeared again. Imaginary Gavin covered her hand with his…and she came. She cried out as the bud quickly became too sensitive and continued contracting and pulsing long after the orgasm was over.
She stared at the ceiling, wondering what in the world was happening. She straightened her sheets and pulled them up to her chin, hoping that she’d be able to sleep.
*
She woke Thursday morning after a fitful night of tossing and turning. She was off work Thursdays from her job as a pastry chef at a high-end hotel. She planned to practice her clarinet for a couple of hours and then work on her piping technique for the piece she planned to submit for an upcoming pastry competition.
As she stared distractedly into her coffee cup, her phone buzzed with a text from her brother.
Bruce: Happy day off Sis!
June: Good morning, Bruce. How’s the new job going?
Bruce had recently gotten a job at some kind of tool store. He seemed to be really happy, and it sounded like his boss was a good man.
Bruce: it’s great! i’m meeting all kinds of new people and actually look forward to going to work. isn’t that insane?
She couldn’t imagine that the world of tools would be that interesting to Bruce, but one couldn’t always predict where one would find joy in life.
June: I’m so happy to hear it. Will you still be able to accompany me to the pastry competition a week from Saturday?
Bruce: aw shit Sis. i promised the boss man that i would work that day. i hate to ask for a Sat off so soon.
She sighed and wished she could drop a curse word so easily. “Shhhh…ugar.” Gosh darn it. She’d have to try to find someone else to travel with her. Maybe they can do the cursing if things go awry. She slapped a hand over her mouth and giggled as if she’d voiced the thought aloud.
June: Of course, I understand. She changed the subject so he wouldn’t think she was upset with him. How is Chase doing? Is he still dating Ellie?
Chase was Bruce’s best friend and roommate who had recently started dating a lovely woman named Ellie. There was quite an age difference if she understood correctly, but Bruce said they had a special connection. She loved Chase like another brother and wanted him to be happy, however it came to pass.
Bruce: man, u would not believe how good he is. and i need to invest in some better headphones when she sleeps over.
She tilted her head and looked at her phone. Why would he need headphones…OH!
June: BRUCE! The things you say.
She felt her ridiculous cheeks heat.
Bruce: aww junie. and I kept it g rated for you 2. some day youll meet someone who will shake ur world up a little.
June: I like my order, thank you.
Bruce: I know u do. Have a good day. *heart* u
June: I love you too, Bruce. Have a good day.
June took a sip of her coffee. Shake up my world a little? The thought was terrifying.
*
Several hours later and she felt like her day had gone the way of the dodo. She couldn’t concentrate on anything. She stood at the sink washing the frosting from her various piping tips and kept finding herself staring into space. Her mind kept going to that wink and that voice. Her body kept heating out of nowhere.
Maybe this is early menopause? Surely not…36 would be quite early. Am I getting sick? She took stock of her body. She didn’t have a sore throat or achy muscles, though her pelvic area was making itself known. She imagined Gavin’s heat against her back again and her little bud twitched. Surely this can’t be arousal. I never felt this in 10 years of marriage. An unfamiliar beat of salaciousness pulsed through her, and she was tempted to slide a finger under her panties again.
She was immediately embarrassed and straightened her clothes and patted down her hair. She huffed indignantly. She hoped Gran wasn’t watching over her just then. She would have been appalled at her lecherous thoughts so soon after she’d touched herself last night.
She finished washing up and dutifully pulled out her clarinet to work through some of the trickier passages in their current music. Some of the pinky switching and alternate fingerings were particularly arduous. After her 15th time flubbing the same measure, she gave up.
Deciding a brisk walk around the neighborhood was in order, she put on her walking shoes and left the house, breathing in the fresh, fall air. Her mind had apparently regressed to that of a teenager because she kept imagining Gavin showing up around every corner and giving her that smile. Heavens to Betsy…this is a crush! How elementary!
She pushed herself to walk faster. I wonder what his beard would feel like. Would it be soft or coarse? Would it tickle if he kissed me? She pushed herself faster still until she was nearly running. Would his lips be soft? Suddenly, her little bud began to twitch, and the friction of her brisk walking almost made her orgasm. She froze in the middle of the sidewalk and prayed no one was looking at her. She focused on bringing her panting breath back to a normal rate and welcomed the burn in her calves.
What would Gran think of me?!
Bruce’s voice filtered into her thoughts. Gran’s gone, sis. She was wonderful and she adored us, but she’s still holding you back. It’s time to loosen the bun a little. Imaginary Bruce was right. She was wearing Gran’s propriety as a shield.
He had told her that before. But she’d been content. Her routine worked for her. She had a good job that she loved and where she was able to express herself creatively. She had the band. And she had her books. That had been all she needed; or at least, she thought that had been all she needed. Was that really all she wanted from life?
Chapter 3
Gavin entered the rehearsal space shortly before the start time when he knew June would already be there. He’d noticed how strict her personal standards were. There’s no way she would come close to being late.
Sure enough, she was in her seat and playing scales. He bent down and spoke close to her ear to be heard over the cacophonous noise of the whole band warming up independently. “Hi, June.”
She jumped and her instrument squeaked loudly. Her chest rose with a breath, and she turned her head to the side. “H…hi, Gavin.”
He noticed that she’d added a pretty pin to her bun today and the top button of her shirt was open. She set her instrument on its stand, and her hands shook as she fiddled with her collar, but she didn’t attempt to button the top button.
“You look lovely tonight.”
Her hands fluttered in her lap before smoothing her skirt down. “I…you do…ah…thank you,” she stuttered out.
He could only hear her because he held his face so close to hers. She was looking over at him shyly and the corner of her mouth was twitching.
“I hope you have a good practice,” he said with a wink before standing and making his way to the back of the room.
The first half of rehearsal was a success, in that he was able to do his part and only stare at her during rests. He enjoyed watching her facial expressions and even caught another transformative smile when Dr. B made a joke. They made eye contact more than once, and each time, that pretty blush stained her cheeks.
When the break was called, she glanced over at him and didn’t scurry away like last week. He mentally punched the air. The person beside her had walked away, so he squeezed in and sat down.
“Hello again.”
She blushed and met his eyes. “H…hi. Did you need more help with your music? There are many people more qualified than I.”
He laughed softly. “No, June. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“But…why?”
“I find you intriguing. And beautiful.”
She looked like she was fighting with herself as a range of emotions crossed her face. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, he jumped back in.
“Will you come have coffee with me after rehearsal? Or Tea? Soda? Water? Pickled pigs’ feet?” He grinned at her mischievously and hoped she might take the bait and…
Her face opened into that wide, gorgeous smile and she laughed. Yes! He did an obnoxious happy dance in his mind, like the gif of Jim Carey in the tutu. Then, she shocked him.
“I’d like that,” she said shyly. “But I prefer frog legs to pickled pigs’ feet.”
It was his turn to laugh out loud. “Frog legs it is. I’ll see you after practice.” He took a chance and squeezed the hand closest to him before returning to his section.
They were both considerably more distracted during this second half and they made eye contact several times. Six hours later- really one hour, but it felt like six- and they were finally able to pack up. He half expected her to bolt and purposely waited an extra minute to give her time to escape if she had changed her mind.
When she stood and looked around, presumably for him, he joined her. “May I carry that for you?” he offered. She certainly didn’t need the help; clarinet cases were compact, but he thought she would appreciate the gesture.
“Yes, thank you.”
He opened each door for her and walked her to her car. “I’ll meet you at the coffee shop at the end of Spring Street, right around the corner?”
“Yes, I know it well. I’ll see you there.” She gave him another shy smile.
He resisted the urge to jump and click his heels together. He got in his car and waited until she left to follow her. For some reason, she was bringing out all these protective urges. He was used to dating confident, modern women. They were lovely, but something about June’s old-fashioned shyness was really doing it for him. She was like a sexy little combination lock, and he hoped he’d get the chance to find the code.
*****
June parked at the coffee shop and waited for Gavin to open her door. The chivalry wasn’t necessary, but she appreciated that he was trying to make her comfortable. It was working. She took a few deep breaths. I’m just going to loosen the bun a little. Gran wasn’t right about everything. I can’t keep living the life she designed for me.
Gavin opened her door, and she took the hand he held out for her.
“Thank you,” she said shyly.
“My pleasure.”
He kept ahold of her hand as they walked through the parking lot, and she didn’t fight it. When he opened the shop door, her lower back tingled when he briefly rested his hand there.
“Hey, June!” Celia, the shop owner called out.
“Hi, Celia,” she replied with a small smile.
“Are you a regular here?” Gavin asked.
“June is our pastry chef extraordinaire,” Celia responded, the pride evident in her voice. “You haven’t lived until you’ve tried her chocolate cake. It’s one of our best sellers.”
“Then I’d like a piece, please. Along with a cup of black coffee.”
“June, your usual?” Celia asked.
June had seemed to withdraw a bit with the praise, but he watched her facial expressions go from embarrassed to determined. She cleared her throat softly. “Yes, Celia, thank you.”
“And what is your usual?” Gavin would have guessed something basic and no frills.
“A raspberry mocha latte with whipped cream,” she nearly mumbled.
“Oh wow, that sounds delicious. I’ll have to try that next time. I think it may be a little much with the chocolate cake for me. I don’t want anything to overwhelm your flavors.” He didn’t intend the double entendre but now he very much wanted to taste her.
Celia smiled brightly at them. “Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll bring it out to you in a moment.”
Gavin took her hand and led her to a table before pulling her chair out. June sat primly, back straight and hands folded in front of her. He hoped to get her to loosen up a little before their date was over.
“So, you work here?” he asked.
“Oh, no. They just buy the pastries I make at home. I work full time at the Riverto Hotel as their pastry chef.” She tucked an invisible hair behind her ear.
Gavin’s eyes widened. “Wow, I’ve seen what they serve. You’re a true artist!” He’d been there for a couple of conventions and the realism in the cakes had been exquisite.
“Here you are!” Celia set a large piece of cake in front of him with his black coffee and put a whipped-cream-covered mug in front of June. “Enjoy!” She put her mouth near June’s ear and audibly whispered, “He’s cute. I approve.”
June’s face did its best to mimic a tomato, and she took a big sip of her drink, leaving the tip of her nose covered in whipped cream. Her eyes crossed comically, and somehow, her face got even redder.
He pretended not to notice and busied himself putting a Sweet-n-Low in his coffee. When he looked back up, she’d made herself presentable again.
“I suppose it would be cruel for me to ask you to tell me about yourself,” Gavin said with a kind grin.
She started tearing a napkin into little pieces in front of her. “There’s not much to tell, really. I play in the band and I’m a pastry chef.” She shrugged daintily, an apologetic look in her eyes as if those two things were all there was to her.
“I’m sure that’s not all there is to you. But that’s okay. I’ll tell you a little about me. I’m Gavin Conover. I’m 46 years old. I’m too sexy for my hair, that’s how come it isn’t there.”
She treated him to a giggle, just as he’d hoped.
“It is there…it’s just on your chin instead of your head. You could shave the beard and make a toupee,” she said quietly with a small grin.
Aha! There was the personality starting to shine. “Good idea. Do you think that would make me look sexier?” He winked.
Her eyes widened. “I…you don’t…you’re…” She looked at the ceiling. “By Jiminy, you make me forget how to talk.”
He laughed softly. He hadn’t heard that term in about since his grandmother was alive. “That’s okay. I like it.”
She tilted her head. “You like that you make me forget how to talk?” She took another sip of her drink, this time managing not to decorate her nose.
How do I explain this without sounding like an asshole? “I was married for a long time. My wife was a wonderful woman, but communication was a big problem. She talked so much that she forgot how to listen. We went through counseling, and it helped, but we were too far gone by then. I’ve dated some since, but I tend to attract women that want to talk about themselves more than they want to get to know me. It should be a two-way street, you know?”
June was making eye contact and seemed to be listening carefully. “I know what you mean. I was married, too. My Gran introduced me to Robbie and encouraged us to get married, but it wasn’t a good fit. I’m a naturally quiet person and he would get frustrated that I wasn’t a chatterbox. I’m shy, yes, but it’s more that I just don’t always have a lot to say. We were also incompatible in…other ways. We’ve been divorced for two years now and I’m still trying to find myself.”
Gavin took a sip of the rich coffee and took his first bite of cake. He closed his eyes and let out a low groan. “Whoa, June. This is incredible!” He took another bite and chewed slowly, savoring.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “My Gran taught me how to bake.”
“Is your Gran still alive?”
“No, we lost her last year. I miss her, but she was very particular, and I felt a lot of pressure to live up to her standards.”
He appreciated that she was willing to divulge something so personal. “You said we? Do you have siblings?”
That brought out her smile. “Yes, one baby brother. He and I are opposites in almost every way. I actually look up to him. He’s my best friend. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
“That’s so great to hear. My siblings and I are cordial, but I wouldn’t call us friends.”
“I think the age difference helped us. He’s only 22, so I was 14 when he was born. We lost our parents in a car accident when he was a baby, so Gran and I raised him, and he and I became inseparable. He just graduated college and just started a new job. I’m so proud of him.”
“I can tell. You light up when you talk about him.” He took another bite of decadent cake. He was going to dream about this damn cake.
“Would you like to try my drink?” she offered, her kind, cornflower-blue eyes meeting his. She seemed more comfortable now; she’d stopped tearing the napkin into little pieces and the set of her shoulders had relaxed.
“I’d love to.”
She pushed the mug across the table, and he took a large sip. “Oh wow, that’s almost as good as the cake.” He pushed the mug back across the table and grazed her fingers.
“What do you do for work?” she asked.
“I own a retail establishment.” He was a little worried this may scare her off before they’d had a chance to get to know each other.
“Impressive. Being an entrepreneur is no easy feat. That’s why I still work for the hotel. I’m afraid to completely break off on my own. It’s successful, I assume; your business, that is?”
Better to start by being completely honest. She won’t appreciate it if you don’t give the whole truth. “Yes, it is. I’ve actually just hired an employee to help me. It’s called The Tool Boxxx.”
Her eyes snapped up to meet his and she looked alarmed but excited. “The Tool Box? That’s where Bruce, my brother, works! Is he your new employee?”
He wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing. “Yes! He’s been wonderful. He’s so great with the clients. Has he told you anything about it?” Please say yes, please say yes.
“No, I keep asking him what kind of tools and he always seems to avoid the question. But he says that you’re a great boss and he enjoys going to work every day. He’s been so happy the past couple of weeks.”
“I’m just as happy he’s on board, believe me. I’ve been closing on Wednesday evenings for rehearsals and now he can keep the store open. I needed to make some time to be away, so I didn’t go crazy.” He took the last bite of his cake and heroically avoided licking the plate.
“Tell me more about it. What kind of tools do you sell?” she asked.
Her face was open and earnest, and he was afraid she was just going to get up and leave. Or what if this messed up her relationship with Bruce?
Here goes nothing… “It’s The Tool Boxxx, with three x’s.”
Her face scrunched in apparent confusion. “Why would you spell it like that? It isn’t grammatically corr…”
He saw the moment it clicked. Her eyes widened to a comical degree and her body stiffened. Her knuckles went white around her mug. Suddenly, she covered her face and her body started to shake.
He expected her to be shocked, but not this. He reached out to touch her arm and she uncovered eyes full of mirth. She was laughing. Oh, thank God.
“No wonder Bruce didn’t elaborate. I fussed at him about saying he needed to buy headphones because of his roommate.” She wiped her eyes with a napkin. “I know I’m sheltered. Bruce has been telling me I need to loosen the bun a little. I know he’s right.”
“Would you like to come see the store sometime?” He had a feeling he knew the answer.
“Oh, heavens no! I…” She made tremulous eye contact with him and took a visible breath. “Not right now. But maybe.”
“Good girl,” he rumbled. He flinched, unsure of where that had come from. He opened his mouth to apologize, but her eyes had a pleased gleam and her mouth had quirked up on each side. Hmm, interesting.
Celia appeared beside the table and took his empty plate. “June, you’re entering the competition on Saturday, right?”
“Yes, but Bruce is working and can’t accompany me, so I’m trying to see if someone at the convention center or one of the other bakers can assist me when I get there.”
“I can go with you,” he interjected before his brain caught up with his mouth.
“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that. Won’t it be busy Saturday?”
That wasn’t a rejection. “Yes, but Bruce is ready to handle a busy day alone. And I’d love the chance to spend more time with you and see your work in the competition.” Please say yes. Please say yes.
“I…” She turned her mug around and around. “Loosen the bun…” she whispered. “Yes, that’s very kind of you.” She met his eyes shyly. “I…since you work with Bruce, and he’s said so many good things…I’d…I think I’d like to spend more time with you too, Gavin.”
Gavin’s heart fluttered. He wanted to reach over and hold her hand but didn’t want to push things. He wasn’t ready to leave either, so he continued the conversation. “Do you have any pets?”
“We had a cat when I was little, but Gran wouldn’t allow any, no matter how much Bruce begged.”
“You didn’t beg?” he asked.
“I wanted a pet so badly, but I tried to make Gran’s life as easy as possible. She took us in after all. And after my mother was such a difficult child for her, I wanted to be perfect for her. She told me all the time how I was unlike my mother, and to her, that was the best compliment she could give. Bruce was a boy, and she’d never had a son disappoint her, so she wasn’t as strict with him. Not that she treated me badly! Quite the opposite.”
“You’re amazing to have tried to be everything that she thought she missed with your mother. But it wasn’t fair of her to put those expectations on you.” He sighed internally. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me to say.”
“It’s hard to hear, but you’re right. After I got married, I spent those ten years trying to live up to Robbie’s expectations, which I failed at.” She paused to take a sip of her drink. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this. This is not conversation fit for a cup of coffee.”
“Says who?” he countered. They’d go back to her supposed failure later.
She blinked at him and then smiled. “You’re right. Anyway, Robbie didn’t want pets either. I’ve been seriously considering going to the shelter to adopt a cat or two. I’m off tomorrow, maybe I’ll go see what’s available. Do you have pets?”
“Yep. A mutt named Balooga, and a cat named Minnie. There’s nothing like coming home to pets happy to see you. And I’m lucky enough to have a neighbor that stops in to let Balooga out when I’m working. I’d love for you to meet them sometime.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Baluga like the whale?”
“B-A-L-O-O-G-A. Because of the sounds he made when I first adopted him. He sounded like an old-fashioned alarm going off.”
She graced him with a smile again. “That’s cute. And he gets along with Minnie?”
He snorted. “Oh yes. I’m convinced they’re planning world domination.”
“Would you…no, listen to me, that’s too much to ask.” Her face was turning that pretty pink again.
“Would I? Please continue.” This time he did reach across the table and hold her hand. His skin tingled at the contact. She met his eyes and didn’t pull away.
“Would you like to come with me to the shelter tomorrow morning, if you aren’t working?”
His heart did a flippity flop and his smile took over his face. “I’d absolutely love that. Bruce can open the store. I gave him a key earlier today.”
She gave him one of her genuine smiles and he had to physically tense his back muscles to keep from leaning over the table to kiss her.
“Yay!” She pulled her hand away from his and clapped both hands over her mouth as if she couldn’t believe what had just escaped. Her blue eyes were full of laughter, and he couldn’t help but laugh along with her.
He pulled out his phone. “Here, let me send you a text so you can send me your address.”
They exchanged information.
He stood and offered her a hand. “Thank you,” he called out to Celia.
“Bye guys, have a good night!” Celia replied cheerfully.
“I really enjoyed our coffee date,” Gavin told her as she unlocked her car. He intentionally used the word date so that there wasn’t any question about his intentions. “I’d very much like to hug you goodbye. Would that be okay?”
She nodded. He opened his arms, and she stepped in. Her smaller frame fit into his perfectly and he rested his chin on top of her head. She was stiff at first but then seemed to melt into his embrace and he felt her breath leave her in a sigh. He squeezed her a little tighter and dropped a kiss on top of her head before releasing her.
She shocked him by going up onto her tiptoes and pecking a kiss on his cheek and then gently tugging his long beard. “Goodnight, Gavin.”
“Goodnight, June.”
Chapter 4
The next morning at 9 am sharp, there was a knock at her door. She had dug through her closet and found an old pair of jeans (they had pleats but were still jeans) and a tee shirt advertising an old CROP-Walk from the 90s. She hadn’t been able to muster up the strength to wear her hair differently, but she was proud of herself for taking baby steps. Even if her fashion wasn’t from the current century.
She opened her door to find a smiling Gavin holding two cups of coffee. The weather was warmer this morning, so he was wearing a short-sleeved tee. Her eyes caught on the tattoos covering both arms from wrists to under his shirt sleeves. Her mouth went a little dry. “Oh, how dreadful!” Gran said in her head. June, not Gran, found the art of his tattoos to be fascinating and very well done.
“Good morning, Gavin.”
“Good morning, June. You look lovely. I didn’t think you owned a pair of jeans.” He bent down to kiss her on the cheek.
“I might be offended if I didn’t have to dig these out of the vault. Bruce would tell me that the 1990s phoned and asked for their apparel back.” She thought for a moment. “Or something like that. I’m probably saying it wrong.”
Gavin chuckled. “Close enough. This might be a weird thing to say, but I’m proud of you.”
Her scalp tingled at his praise. Something about his nature with her just felt…right. “Thank you for saying that,” she replied softly.
“Here, this is for you.” He handed her one of the cups. “I stopped by to see Celia on the way. No whipped cream today, though.”
“That was so thoughtful, thank you. Are you ready to go? I’m so excited!”
“Yep, all ready! I’ll let you drive since I have the truck today.”
She led them through the door to the garage. “Does that mean you have more than one vehicle?”
“I have a motorcycle and an old beater car that I drive when I need a back seat.”
“You look like someone that would ride a motorcycle,” she said as they buckled in. Oh, June. “I’m sorry, that was so rude of me!” Humiliation settled in her stomach.
He threw his head back and laughed. “You aren’t the first to say that and you won’t be the last.” He buckled his seatbelt and reached over to squeeze her thigh gently. “And I would prefer that you don’t try to filter yourself. I’d like to get to know you. People say silly things sometimes. We can laugh about them and then move on. And you weren’t wrong anyway. I used to be part of a Motorcycle Club called The Metal Rocks.”
She backed carefully out of the garage and onto the street. “The Metal Rocks?” She tried to work through that in her head.
He must have interpreted her confused tone. “Like Heavy Metal and This Rocks. Not like rocks made of metal.”
She laughed. “That makes so much more sense. That is, however, an odd name.”
“Yep. It was just a small club with a good group of guys who liked riding and wearing leather. We only kidnapped a few people over the years,” he said lightly.
She almost ran the car off the road and corrected at the last second. “Only a few…wait, you’re kidding, aren’t you?” She glanced over to see his shoulders shaking with laughter. “Gavin Conover, that was mean.”
“I’m sorry, June. I couldn’t resist.” The smile in his voice was audible.
“Tell that to Bruce but make it a whole elaborate story about how you got away with it. Don’t tell him you’re joking for a couple of days.” If she could have turned around and looked at herself in disbelief for that statement, she would have.
“Can I call him BB while I tell it?” he rumbled out.
She giggled. “Please! And I want to hear all about it.”
“Can I call you JB?” he teased.
“Absolutely not,” she answered out of habit. She thought about it for a moment and responded slowly. “But…maybe it’s okay if only you call me that.”
She heard his quick intake of breath and risked a glance in his direction. He was staring at her profile with an intensity she couldn’t quite name and didn’t want to think too hard about.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
After that, they rode in comfortable silence. She appreciated that he didn’t seem to need to talk. When his hand snuck onto her thigh about halfway there, she allowed it to stay. His palm was warm, and it made her feel tingly.
They pulled into a space close to the entrance, and he came around to open her door. He took her hand and intertwined their fingers, looking at her for confirmation that it was okay. She smiled in acceptance.
As they entered, they were assaulted with a smell that reminded her of something from her childhood. It wasn’t completely unpleasant. Just…animally?
“Good morning,” someone with a shirt bearing the logo of a volunteer greeted them. “Are you here to adopt today?”
“I hope so,” June replied. “I’d like to look at the kitties.”
“Great! Go down the hall to the right. Let me know if you’d like to interact with anyone. We’re at capacity right now, so I’m sure that someone will pick you out.”
“They’ll pick me out?” June asked.
“Animals will often show you when they want to adopt a human. And sometimes, you’ll just feel it,” the volunteer told her.
They walked down the hall into a large room that smelled of bleach with a hint of ammonia. Immediately, some of the kitties started to meow. Her eyes were drawn to a white, adult cat on the top row. Her tag read: This is Mitzy. She’s been here for over a year. She has a strong maternal instinct and will accept most other cats. She’s very calm but shies away from children. We often put new cats with her when they get here to make them comfortable. She’s an asset to us, but we’d much prefer she found her forever home!
“Hi, Mitzy,” June said softly. She put a finger in the cage and Mitzy butted her forehead against it. “Is that it? Did she choose me?” She scratched Mitzy under the chin and earned a purr.
Gavin laughed and squeezed her hand. “Maybe, but keep looking.”
There were cats of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Some were cowering at the back of their cages, others came immediately for pets. Some meowed incessantly. There were kittens housed together that June assumed had come from the same litter. Each time she passed a tiny orange tabby, he would stick his paw through the bars and try to catch her. His tag read: My name is Jumbo Shrimp because I stole one. I’m only nine weeks old and I’m a handful. My nails are sharp, but I never use them to be mean. I like to play. I’d be good to adopt with another cat because I have a LOT of energy. Will you take me home?
June didn’t realize that Gavin had let go of her hand, but he walked back into the room with the Volunteer who opened Mitzy’s cage and gently pulled her out, then opened Jumbo Shrimp’s cage. Gavin took Jumbo Shrimp.
“Right this way,” the volunteer told them.
“What’s going on?” June asked Gavin.
The volunteer led them to a room with a couple of benches, a cat tree, and a bunch of cat toys. She put Mitzy on the tree. “Just let me know if you want to meet anyone else! Take your time.” She left and closed the door behind her.
Gavin set Jumbo Shrimp on the floor, and he immediately pounced on one of the toys. Mitzy jumped down and rubbed against June’s legs. June sat on the bench and Mitzy threw her body against June’s calves, purring.
Last night, June had spent an hour researching before bed and knew that this was very positive body language. “She likes me!”
“She does.” Gavin threw a toy and Jumbo Shrimp bounded after it. He pounced on it and then attacked the cat tree, rabbit kicking it with his back feet. “He sure does have a lot of energy. He’s adorable.”
Suddenly, Jumbo Shrimp ran and leaped at Mitzy. Mitzy flipped him like a pro wrestler and started licking his head. Jumbo Shrimp started to purr.
“I want them both,” June declared.
“I knew you would. I’ll go get the volunteer.”
June felt a bright giddiness. She picked Jumbo Shrimp up and he immediately headbutted her nose and swatted at her hair, his nails pulling a piece free. She went to fix it out of habit but decided to just tuck it behind her ear instead.
“I think you’re making a great choice,” the volunteer said as she reentered the room. She picked Mitzy up and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you, sweet girl. You’re getting a good home and a baby to play with.”
June’s eyes started to tear up a bit and she hugged Jumbo Shrimp.
“Let’s leave them in here for a few minutes while we finalize some paperwork and then you can take them home today! They’re both fixed and have had all their shots.”
June filled out the paperwork while Gavin was a warm presence beside her. When she pulled out her wallet for the adoption fee, Gavin put his hand on top of hers.
“I’d like to pay for this for you, if that’s okay with you, JB.” His warm voice rumbled through her.
“O…okay, yes. Thank you.” The use of her new nickname made her feel gooey inside. She impulsively kissed him on the cheek.
“We have a store right here where you can purchase carriers, food, toys, and anything else you need. All proceeds come right back to the shelter, so we’d love it if you’d shop here, but of course, it isn’t required,” said the volunteer.
“Yes, that will be quite convenient. I hadn’t thought of what to do while we shopped.” June took recommendations on food and picked out two carriers, litter boxes, litter, and toys before loading the kittles up and strapping the carriers into the backseat of her Volvo. This seemed to be some kind of signal because both started meowing. Loudly.
June buckled in and looked over at Gavin with wide eyes.
Gavin laughed and kissed her hand. “This is normal. Most cats hate riding in the car.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I was afraid there for a minute.” She put the car in gear and aimed for home.
The kitty chorus settled about ten minutes in but picked up ten-fold when she turned into the driveway. They got out and each took a carrier inside.
“Do you have a guest room?” Gavin asked. “It would be best to let them out in there so they can have a home base to come back to until they get used to everything. We can also close the door while we bring everything else inside.”
“Yes, over here.” She led the way into the room, and they set the carriers down. Mitzy put a cautious nose out, but Jumbo Shrimp had no reservations and scaled the bed, his tail puffing up as if he were attacking an enemy.
“He’s adorable. How attached to your furniture are you?” Gavin asked playfully.
She couldn’t seem to stop smiling. “If I get to watch him be silly, I don’t care.” Most of it had been Gran’s anyway.
“Come on, let’s bring everything else in.”
They trekked back out to the car and managed to bring it all in one trip. It didn’t take long to get everything set up and open the guest room door.
“Now we get to sit back and enjoy. Don’t be surprised if they don’t come out right awa…”
Jumbo Shrimp bounded out and attacked the couch before doing a sideways crab walk. Mitzy poked her nose around the corner and stalked out low to the ground.
June was suddenly hit with a pang of nervousness she hadn’t felt all morning. What now? She started to pat down her clothes and fisted her hands at her sides to stop it. “Would you like something to drink, Gavin?” A good hostess should always offer drinks. Imaginary Gran told her.
“Come here, JB,” Gavin insisted softly.
The nickname made her breath hitch. She turned to him, and he led her to the couch, sitting down beside her. He wrapped a warm arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. She fought the urge to turn her head and breathe in his fresh scent.
They sat quietly and watched the kitties explore until it was like Jumbo Shrimp got unplugged and he started dozing off while standing up. Mitzy cautiously walked over and licked his little head then curled up around him.
“I’ve missed out on so many years of this simple joy. They’ve been here 30 minutes and I already feel like my life is completely different. What else have I missed out on?” She turned her head to look at Gavin and found his eyes focused on her lips.
Could she? A proper lady wouldn’t…She cut Gran off and tilted her chin up, grazing Gavin’s lips with her own. Gavin made a noise deep in his throat and cradled her cheek in his large palm. He pulled back, and his steel gray eyes bore into hers for a moment before he kissed her for real.
Her breath came in little gasps and the hair on her arms stood up. Is this what a kiss was supposed to feel like? His beard tickled her chin, but his mustache was soft. His lips were plush, and she tentatively tasted one. Gavin groaned and deepened the kiss, now cupping her face in both hands. As their tongues touched, her little bud started pulsating and she wiggled, panting.
“Okay?” Gavin panted into her mouth. “Too fast?”
She nodded her head affirmatively. “No.”
He pressed his forehead to hers and nuzzled her nose. She could feel his smile. “So, which is it?”
“Uh-huh,” she breathed and touched their lips together again. Was she supposed to be able to think? What question was she answering?
“God, you’re sweet,” he told her as he pressed kisses to her forehead, eyelids, and cheeks before moving back to her tingling lips.
She fisted a hand in his soft beard and pulled his lips back where she wanted them. Lust was beginning to cloud her mind, and she was acting on instinct. She went up on her knees to try to get closer, and his arm banded around her lower back to hold her in place. She heard herself whimpering, and a distant part of her brain was appalled, but she was too far gone to care.
“Baby…we need to slow…this down,” he grunted out between kisses.
She whined and kissed him harder. Her nipples were starting to tingle, and her panties felt wet. Had she started her period? The seam of the unfamiliar jeans was right up against her little bud, and her hips were jerking.
Her breath started coming faster and she felt as if she would hyperventilate. Suddenly, Gavin abandoned her lips for her neck. The softness of his lips with the tickle of his beard made her hips jerk faster. When he scraped his teeth under her ear, she wailed, and her little bud started going crazy. She thrust against the seam of her jeans as hard as she could and felt like she exploded all over the room. She saw stars and fireworks and hearts.
“That’s it,” he whispered in her ear. “So sexy, baby. That was the single hottest thing I’ve ever seen.” He kissed her neck and cheek gently while rubbing up and down her back.
She came back to herself slowly and her body started to stiffen. Oh, my heavens. How I’ve just behaved…he must think I’m a harlot. But…no…he just said it was sexy. She opened her eyes to find him staring at her with an emotion she couldn’t pinpoint, but it wasn’t negative. Her eyes were drawn to his lap where a long phallic shape stretched down his left thigh and a wet spot marked the end.
Before she knew what she was doing, she reached a tentative hand out and put it on the phallus. It was hot under her hand, and she could feel his heartbeat. She was about to squeeze it when he removed her hand and kissed her palm.
“As much as I want that- and JB, I really, really want that- I’m going to get you a glass of water, and then I’m going to go in the bathroom and take care of this. I really like you and I don’t want you to have any regrets. I’d rather slow down and do this right.” His voice was gentle and kind.
Her eyes welled with tears. Had she disappointed him as she had disappointed Robbie? Had she been too wanton after all?
Gavin gently pinched her chin and turned her head towards him. “June, listen to me. That hard cock you felt?”
She gasped at his crass language and then mentally rolled her eyes.
“YOU did that to me. Just from kissing me. I haven’t been that hard from kissing in many, many years. Believe me, I’d like nothing more than to lay you back and make love to you right here, but you’re not ready for that yet. And if you keep touching me, my dick is going to take over.”
That made sense. And she was grateful. “Thank you, Gavin. And I look forward to touching your peni…your cock soon.” She experienced a hit of adrenaline filled with shame and excitement at saying something so crude. Don’t even think about it, Gran.
He groaned and kissed her forehead. “Now you’re just making it harder. Literally AND figuratively.”
She giggled. Was sex supposed to be fun?
As promised, he brought her a glass of water after searching the kitchen and disappeared into the bathroom for about two minutes. About a minute in, she heard a long groan.
She went to tidy her hair out of habit and felt that it was halfway out of her bun. It must look like she’d been through a cyclone! She fought the urge to find a mirror and simply re-pinned by feel. I don’t need to be perfect.
When he came out of the bathroom, the kitties woke up, and Gavin & June spent the afternoon cuddled on the couch watching the kitties, the TV, and each other.
*
As she snuggled into her bed later that night, she texted her brother.
June: Hello, Bruce. How are you tonight?
Bruce: ummm…fine junie. u ok? u never next at night.
June: How is the job going? Still well?
Bruce: yeah, its great.
June: It turns out that your boss and I play in the band together.
Bruce:????? no way! how did you find out?
June: We went on a…well, it was a date.
Bruce:!!!!!!!!!! YOU WENT ON A DATE??????
June: Two dates, if you count that we spent the day together today.
Bruce: I literally just pinhed mylsf.
June: You what?
Bruce: pinched myself because this can’t be reality
June: laughing out loud
Bruce: so um did he tell you about the store
June: The Tool BoXXX, not the Tool Box? Yes, he did.
Bruce: and you didn’t faint or run screaming?
June: I almost did, but I kept hearing you tell me to loosen the bun a little. Oh, and here…
She took a picture of the kitties snoozing on the end of her bed and sent them.
June: Meet Mitzy and Jumbo Shrimp. I adopted them today. I already don’t know what I’d do without them.
Bruce: HOLY SHOT! WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE IS JUNE DID YOU KIDNAP HER
June: I think I really like him, Bruce. We kissed today. A lot. And it felt…swoony…and incredible. He’s going to come with me to Sugar Show on Saturday.
Bruce: i’m so fracking happy for u sis. Gavins great and I approve. proud of u. love u lots.
June: I love you too, Bruce.
Maybe it was time to make more changes and ditch the bun completely. Her heart beat a staccato rhythm at the thought. Okay, maybe start with a haircut.
Chapter 5
The next morning, Gavin stood in the shower and slowly jacked his foreskin over the head of his cock while playing with his balls. Kissing June had been foreplay, no other touching required. He closed his eyes and thought of her tentative kisses becoming needy, her tongue reaching out for his. The way her hips were thrusting, and her breath panted against his face. And oh, the feel of her tiny body against his. He just wanted to own her. He bet her little pussy would wrap around him so tightly it would yank the orgasm right out of him.
“Fuuuuuck,” he groaned as cum shot out onto the shower wall. He milked more dribbles out and imagined June on her knees waiting with her tongue out. “Getting a little ahead of yourself there, dude,” he said aloud.
He finished washing and dried off before dressing and heading out to work. He was in the back working on paperwork when Bruce arrived an hour later.
“Yo! Daddio!” Bruce called out.
He raised an eyebrow even though no one could see him. Bruce hadn’t actually pulled the Daddy out until now. He supposed he should respond in kind. “Yo, BB!”
Bruce ambled into his office with an angry face and crossed arms. “So, I hear you know June.”
Ah, so that’s what this is about. “Yes, is this the ‘if you hurt her, I’ll kill you’ conversation?” He matched Bruce’s posture.
Bruce’s stern face cracked, and he smiled wide. “Man, I’m so fucking happy right now!” He cleared his throat and tried to adopt the angry face again. “I mean, I’ll fuck you up if you hurt her.” The smile came back out. “I’m not kidding about that, but I’m so glad it’s you, for real. I know you’ll take good care of her. But if you aren’t serious, please let her down easy and soon. She’s been living life, first for our grandmother, and then for her dickhead of an ex. Who, by the way, didn’t know a pussy from a nipple and didn’t even know how to spell foreplay.”
Gavin’s head was starting to spin. “How do you know all this about her ex?”
“Junie ‘n me are super close. She has trouble talking about sex in general…Gran taught her that wasn’t proper for a lady, but I got some wine into her one night and the whole story came out. I won’t share more detail than that, but the guy was a douche who didn’t care about her pleasure at all. I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t know the joys of sex, which is a sad, sad thing.”
“Thank you for telling me that. I can’t promise this is serious, but I won’t count it out either. I sincerely like her and promise to take care of her feelings, even if things don’t work out,” Gavin told him earnestly. “I’m glad you guys are so close.”
“She’s my best friend, even over my roommate, Chase. She’s been more than just my sister since the day I was born. Her happiness is more important than my own.” Bruce had visible tears in his eyes.
“Aw, come here, man.” Gavin stepped toward Bruce, and they gave each other a back-slapping hug. “Now go get to work. Those new cock cages won’t display themselves.”
“Yes, Daddy,” Bruce said with a salute before going back into the main part of the store.
“Fucker,” Gavin said under his breath with a smile.
*
The next morning, Gavin arrived at June’s house at 7 am with coffee and breakfast. He normally avoided this hour like the plague, but the excitement of spending the day with June burned away the sleepiness.
When June opened the door, he almost dropped everything. She’d been to the salon, and her hair had been cut so that shiny waves framed her face. It looked like she was wearing a bit of mascara and lip gloss, making her eyes pop. She was wearing a fitted, blue, V-neck top, and a stylish, long, denim skirt, and her Keds. Nothing about her outfit was provocative at all, but the transformation was stunning.
“H…hi, Gavin,” she said, shyly.
He unfroze himself with effort. “Damn, JB.” He almost told her how beautiful she looked, but he didn’t want her to think she hadn’t been beautiful before. “You look like…you. How do you feel?” That may not have been the right thing to say either.
“I…I feel beautiful. I feel…transformed. It’s shocking the difference a simple haircut and a new outfit can make. Here, come in before Jumbo Shrimp runs out.” She took the coffee from him, and he closed the door behind him.
He took one step into the room before there was a tiny furball attached to his pants. He reached down and gently detached the tiny claws before picking him up and nuzzling the little head. Jumbo Shrimp repaid the gesture by biting Gavin’s nose and then licking it.
“He’s full of himself. I went out and bought one of those flyer toys yesterday and had him flying all over the room.” Her smile showed how much fun she was having with it.
He couldn’t get over how different she looked. Impulsively, he put down the bag of food, stalked over to her, and kissed her deeply. She fisted his beard in one hand and his shirt in the other and tentatively licked into his mouth. She gasped and went up on her tiptoes to get closer.
He was going to deepen the kiss when the sound of a bag ripping caught his attention. He turned his head to find Mitzy tearing into the bag with her teeth and Jumbo Shrimp looking like he was getting ready to join in.
“Oh, Drat!” June ran over to extract the bag before the kitties could rip into the actual food. “This smells good; what did you bring me?”
“Sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. I figured we could rearrange any ingredients you didn’t like.”
“Yum, thank you. I’m starved. I didn’t eat dinner last night. I was too nervous about getting everything finished.” She set the food on the kitchen table and then brought the coffee over. Before she could sit, Jumbo Shrimp was in the bag again like a little shark trying to chomp on the food.
“Shrimp, no!” she said sternly. She picked him up and took him to the guest room where she locked him in. She huffed a sigh as she sat back down. “My research indicates that this is typical behavior for kittens, and he should grow out of it if we don’t encourage it.”
His heart warmed at her use of ‘we’. “You shortened his name to Shrimp?”
“Not officially. I think Jumbo Shrimp is really cute, but it’s a mouthful. I’ve called him both Jumbo and Shrimp. I know I can change his name to whatever I want, but I’m sticking with it for now. And Mitzy will still be Mitzy. It fits her. She cuddled on my lap last night. It was marvelous…So calming when I was so stressed.”
They ate their food quietly and he was once again grateful for her ability to let a comfortable silence be just that.
She balled up her trash and put it in the torn bag. “Okay, we’d better get on the road. All of the boxes on the counter need to go. Everything is packed securely but is extremely fragile. Hopefully, we can get everything arranged in the car so that nothing slides around.” She shook out her hands as if shaking off nerves. “Okay, let’s do this.” Her new look seemed to give her a new confidence that was magnetic.
He put Mitzy in the room with Jumbo Shrimp and they propped the garage door open. They brought all the boxes out and carefully arranged them in the trunk and backseat. June went back inside and made sure the kitties had food and water before letting them back out into the house and locking the door behind her.
As she started the car and plugged her phone in, Outkast’s B.O.B started blaring through the speakers. Gavin jumped so hard his head hit the ceiling and he would have fallen out of the car had the door not been closed. He turned his head slowly toward June and raised an eyebrow.
She turned the volume down and a giggle, then another, and another poured out of her until they were both belly laughing. “I’m…sorry…” Her laughter was so contagious. “I love Outkast. Are you shocked?”
He leaned over and kissed her soundly. “The best kind of shocked. What other hidden layers do you have buried in that pretty head of yours?”
“I feel like this is where a normal woman would say something coy,” she said uncertainly. Maybe…you’ll just have to find out?”
“Is that an invitation?”
She put the car in drive, opened the garage, and turned out into her neighborhood before answering. “Yes.”
He settled his palm on her thigh. “Good.”
The radio still played softly, though now it was some kind of female-fronted rock band. “Who is this?” he asked.
“Icon For Hire. I love their sound.” She glanced over at him, presumably to see his reaction.
“I like it. So, tell me about today. What should I expect and how can I help you?”
“I’m entering in two categories: Sculpted Cakes, and Decorated Cookies. For the cake, 85% of the material has to be edible. The theme this year is At The Ball and artists can interpret it however they choose. I’ve created a formal dress. If I’m able to get everything assembled properly, I think I may have a chance of placing this year. The cookies are the same theme, but I’ve gone in a different direction and made a hanging display.”
“Wow! What do you get if you win?”
“There’s a small cash prize, but mostly notoriety and validation.”
“Have you won before?”
“This is my first year entering in Cookies. I got an honorable mention in Cakes once. The talent you’ll see here is incredible.”
He removed his hand from her thigh and idly played with the waves at her nape. Her hair was so soft. She made a sound almost like a purr.
“That feels very nice. Thank you.” She took her right hand off the steering wheel and held it in the air for a moment before hesitantly placing it on his left thigh.
He trailed his knuckle down her arm and then intertwined their fingers. He watched goosebumps follow his path and felt a deep sense of satisfaction at knowing he affected her as much as she affected him.
“So, what can I do to help you today?”
“Mostly muscle, to be honest. I think I’ve accounted for things that might go wrong, but I may need you to help me troubleshoot. It just helps to have someone to talk things through with.”
“That I can do.” He squeezed her hand. “So, Bruce said you told him about us?”
“I did. Is that okay?” Her brow furrowed and her expression looked like she was waiting for him to respond negatively.
“Of course, it’s okay. He only threatened me a little bit. Called me Daddy. Did the whole protective brother bit. And then hugged the hell out of me.”
“He called you Daddy?!” she asked through a laugh.
“Heh, yeah. Within the first five minutes of meeting him, I asked if I could call him BB when he pissed me off, and he said, only if he could call me Daddy when I pissed him off. It’s a joke between us now.”
She was quiet for a moment. “Have…do…” She seemed to be unsure of what she wanted to ask.
“You can ask me anything, JB.”
“Have you been called Daddy before?” she asked timidly. “Not as a joke, I mean.”
She seemed intrigued. His breath caught and his dick plumped in his jeans. “No.”
“Oh,” she said quietly.
He watched her profile intently. “But I’ve thought about it before. I just haven’t had a relationship that worked with that dynamic.”
Her tight grip on his hand relaxed. “I’ve read a couple of books with that dynamic and I always found it intriguing. It wasn’t even the sex, just the trust and care between the characters; the communication so there was no guessing, you know?”
He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “I do. Every relationship should have that communication, even without the power dynamic. In practice though, that’s not always the case. Even when someone doesn’t stop talking, it doesn’t mean that they’re really communicating.”
Her head whipped to the side briefly. “Yes,” she said emphatically. “Robbie talked and talked but never seemed to say anything useful. He would tell me all of the ways that I wasn’t right, or I disappointed him, but he could never help me understand how I could make things better. It was always about what he wanted and needed.” She shrugged.
“My ex was the same. Maybe we should introduce them,” Gavin said facetiously.
“That would serve them right, would it not?” She giggled. “In the end, I think I just kept leaning on Gran’s teachings and hoping that would solve all my problems.”
“Did it work?” he asked softly.
She let out a very unladylike snort and then jerked her hand out of his to slap it over her mouth. At least she had the presence of mind to keep a hand on the wheel.
“That was adorable. I’m guessing it didn’t work?” He gently grabbed her wrist and stole her hand back.
“No. But things are starting to look up.”
“I think you’ve made huge strides in the past few days. I can see your shields falling away.”
“My old lady costume, you mean?”
“Well, you said it, I didn’t.” He kissed her hand.
“You weren’t supposed to agree with me!” she said with a laugh.
“No? Okay. It wasn’t an old lady costume. You were auditioning for Sophia on The Golden Girls.”
She snorted out another laugh and thankfully pulled up to a stoplight where she laughed so hard that a few tears escaped. “Oh goodness, it really was that bad, wasn’t it?”
“All you needed was the purse. I’m sure I can find you one on eBay.”
A horn honked behind them, and she wiped her eyes and started moving again.
“Thank you,” she said sincerely.
“For what?”
“For being kindly honest and laughing with me. You’re fun. I think I had forgotten fun.”
What a sad concept. “You deserve honesty and laughter. And you deserve fun.”
“You’re right. I do.”
He squeezed her hand again in support.
“Okay, we’re here. Now for the stress before it can be fun. Would you mind hopping out and grabbing a cart?”
“Sure thing.” He got out and snagged one of the rolling luggage carts and pulled it into the parking lot where June found a space.
When she got out of the car, she had a serious expression that he assumed was her ‘game face’.
“It’s warm today, so we need to work as quickly as possible to get everything in, but not so quickly that something gets jostled.”
“Heard. I’ll let you direct, and I’ll just do what you ask me to do.”
She proceeded to boss him around with efficiency and kindness that most supervisors could take notes from. When they got inside, he waited while she completed the registration cards. Her handwriting was neat and feminine, and long letters like y and g had swoopy bottoms.
“Let’s take care of the cookies first so I can focus on the cake for as long as possible.” She walked briskly to the cookie area and found an empty space. She opened one of the boxes and handed him a spherical object wrapped in bubble wrap. “Will you open that, please?”
He gently removed the tape and unwrapped the bubble wrap to reveal a spiky ball in shades of blue. “What’s this? Is it decoration for your area?”
She looked at him with a funny expression. “No, that’s one of the cookies.”
He startled so hard he almost dropped the precious item. “This?!” He looked at it up close and could now see that the blue spikes were icing.
She giggled. “Yes. They’re going to hang from this.” She gestured to a structure she’d just put together. “I went more literal with the Ball theme here.”
They worked quickly to unwrap and hang the remaining balls in varying colors. They were stunning and he couldn’t seem to look away. While he was hanging the last one, the hanging mechanism broke off and the cookie fell to the table, cracking in half. His heart fell to his stomach. “JB, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened! Oh my God.” If he ruined this for her…
“Hey, Gavin.” She tugged his beard gently and pecked a kiss on his lips. “I came prepared. These things happen all the time. It’s part of what makes the medium a challenge.” She gently picked up the pieces and then pulled something out of her bag of tricks that glued the halves back together. She then pulled out a little piping bag of icing to fix the spikes that had broken off in the fall.
“There. What do you think?” she asked earnestly.
“It’s stunning. I didn’t even know you could do this with cookies.”
She blushed. “Thank you. Okay, now on to the hard part.”
He wasn’t sure if his heart could handle the hard part.
They rolled the cart to a new area and started opening boxes. Over the next two hours, he followed her directions with care as they assembled the “cake.” He would forever put quotation marks around that word to describe this display.
The result was…he was speechless. A long, indigo evening gown with a train that had tiny lights that looked like stars all across the torso stood regally on the table. Something she called wafer paper that she must have cut by hand created a lacy effect along the back. She had used rice cereal treats for some of the areas that had needed to be molded. He didn’t even know you could do that! She was currently putting the finishing touches on it with a piping bag.
“Do you see anything out of place?” She was looking at it with a critical eye and frowning or clucking at a few places.
“Are you serious?” his voice rose at the end. What could she possibly see that was wrong?