Damn, but life was good. And it would only get better.
He knew there were two things Joss dearly wanted that Carson had been unable to provide. One, Dash had already provided. Dominance. The other? Children. Carson had been reluctant to have children, but Dash had no such reservations.
As soon as he convinced her to make their relationship permanent and legal, as soon as he got his ring on her finger, they’d discuss her becoming pregnant. There was no need to wait. Joss had already waited long enough. He wanted nothing more than to make all her dreams come true.
He walked inside and as he’d come to expect, Joss was waiting, on her knees, naked, her eyes welcoming as he strode into the living room.
He went to her instantly, picking her up and cradling her in his arms. He kissed her lovingly, allowing all the love he felt for her to show. He hadn’t given her the words, but his actions told her on a daily basis. Surely she knew. And soon he’d give her those words. When he felt the time was right.
“Hi,” she said breathlessly, her lips swollen from his passionate kiss. “Good day I take it?”
He grinned. “Not until now, no. But coming home to you is the very best part of my day. Every day.”
She smiled and cupped his jaw with her hand, lightly caressing. He savored her touch, craved it with everything he had inside him. He hadn’t lied. He looked forward to the end of every day, merely going through the motions at work. He hadn’t been late a single day because it would mean missing out on this time with her.
The evening was now theirs. No interruptions. No outside world to interfere. Only their world behind the closed doors of their home. Their home.
“It’s my favorite part of the day too,” she said in an adorably shy voice. “When you call me and I come into the living room to wait, it seems interminable.”
“Sorry, honey. Is it uncomfortable for you to kneel that long?”
He wanted her to suffer no discomfort. Not on his account. Yes, he wanted her waiting, kneeling, naked and utterly submissive. But not if it caused her an ounce of discomfort.
She smiled and shook her head. “No, darling. I love the moment you walk into the living room and I love how your eyes light up when you see me. I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything.”
He was absolutely and absurdly delighted over the endearment she used. She’d never used one, never called him anything but Dash. He was a grown man and nearly taken to his knees over the sweetness of her calling him darling.
“What is it, Dash?” she asked, worry furrowing her brow. “Did I say something wrong?”
He kissed the lines away from her brow. “Not at all, honey. You said something very right. You called me darling. I like it.”
She blushed and ducked her gaze, but he forced her back, cupping her chin so he could kiss her again.
“I like it, Joss,” he reiterated. “I like it a damn lot. It makes me feel special. Like I’m special to you.”
“You are special, Dash,” she whispered. “I hope I’ve shown you that in our time together.”
“You have, but it’s still nice to hear it.”
She reached up and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he stood holding her, cradling her in his arms. He never wanted to let her go.
He walked to the sofa and eased down, still holding her firmly in his arms.
“I have something I wanted to mention to you. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I thought it might be better if you’re prepared for it. And if it’s not something you want to do, then just say so. I won’t be angry. I don’t want to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.”
There was confusion in her eyes, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue. He loved that about her. That she didn’t immediately panic or protest. She trusted him and he savored that trust.
“I thought we could go to The House tomorrow. As a couple. It’s a place you were interested in, and I can make the experience special for you, Joss. Trust me to know what will please you.”
To her credit, no doubt marred her expression. Just trust, shining in her eyes as she stared up at him. She didn’t even appear to be nervous or apprehensive.
“I do trust you, Dash. If you want to go, then I’ll be happy to go with you. Just tell me what I should wear. I don’t want to disappoint or shame you.”
“You will never shame me,” he said gruffly. “There is nothing you could ever do that would bring me shame. It’s not possible.”
She smiled back at him, her eyes warm and full of . . . love? Dare he hope for that so soon? He pulled back from that thought, not wanting to set himself up for disappointment, no matter that he’d just told her he could never be disappointed in her. That was the one thing that could shatter him. Her not returning or being able to return his love.