(Joshua's POV - Sun. 27 July 2014)

"I'm coming, Tom!!! Get ready!!!" Liam calls in a playful warning tone from the wall he has been counting and for the toddler's attention. I hear Tom chuckle underneath the garden table, hidden by the cloth that reaches the ground. Allan, Amely and Tom arrived about two hours ago for a mid-afternoon coffee, bringing some pastries, and while we are relaxing in the backyard, protected by the parasol, Liam and Tom are playing hide and seek in the garden. This is only the second time that we have a dinner or brunch with the Brightmans but when they arrived, Tom threw himself at Liam right away, completely ignoring me - when I used to be his great friend. The little boy immediately became fond of Liam when they first met a few weeks ago, one evening we had dinner at their place, and the reverse is true.

I discovered a new side to Liam when I first saw him interacting with Tom and this is even more blatant today. His gestures are natural with the boy, his patience infinite and he obviously loves playing with him. His eyes take a different light every time they fall on Tom and he feels much better at ease around him than around adults in general. Well in this case, it might be because Allan is his current manager and that it feels weird for him to see him in different conditions than at the office, but even if he has gained a lot in confidence over the past year, there is still this shyness lingering when he is around other people and that disappears around Tom.

Tony might be another exception. It is funny how these two are getting closer and closer now that Liam has accepted the fact the old man - who is not old by the way, but I like to call him like that - won't leave him alone. I am really happy to see that they are developing some sort of father to son relationship, or rather uncle to nephew. Tony was more affected than I thought when things went bad between Liam and me and even worse when he went missing and was in danger. During one of our one-on-one conversations, he recently told me how much he and Liz like Liam and even warned me that I'd better do my best to always keep him. As if I didn't know that already... Whatever, I like to see them bind their relationship and even more when they have their little teasing fights. Liam definitely feels comfortable around him, and that's huge progress.

While Alan, Amely and I discuss their vacation projects for this next September, I keep an eye on my boy, who looks absolutely delightful in his shorts and white tank top, as he continues to look for Tom. His enthusiasm is clear and I wonder if... No, not yet... This is not something I can think about already.

Admitting my love for him was already a huge step for me, even if I have completely gotten over that fear by now, but thinking about a kid is out of the question for now. I still want to take things gradually with Liam and before we even start thinking about adopting a child, there are many other things that we need to do. First, I need to finally convince him to move in with me, but I have a feeling that this shouldn't be too much of a problem now. The second one is a subject we haven't mentioned in a long time but that I need to bring up sooner than later. I would like him to go back to his studies; Liam loves the work he does with the architects and designers, and that would be a shame not to pursue in this direction. Besides, if I want him to ever lead a subsidiary within the Pierce Group, he has to know the job, so he needs to go back to school and learn the basics. And then... there's another huge step that I am still not ready to take - and neither is he, I believe: I will propose to him... at some point... but not now. Then, and only then, we will think about kids.

Tom screams in a high-pitched tone when Liam eventually lifts the table cloth and finds him after a good five minutes of searching behind bushes and around the garden. Liam reciprocates the squeal when he fakes being surprised by the toddler's presence under the table and they both chase each other in the garden, heading toward Tony and Liz's house behind the hedge of cedar trees.

"Have you discussed with Liam about the trip to Los Angeles?" Allan suddenly asks.

"I'm not his boss," I reply with a smirk. "You should ask him..."

"Oh come on, Josh! That was your idea!" Allan argues.

"It wasn't mine!!!" I exclaim, chuckling. "I just said I intend to take him to Los Angeles for a week-end some time soon to see his parents and you suggested I should do that next week-end so that he can accompany us to our meeting there on the following Monday!"

"True, but you are his lover, and the week-end comes first before the Monday meeting, so you should be the one telling him!" Allan says proudly and I have to admit that he has a point.

"Fine, fine... I'll tell him tonight..." I concede.

"Why don't you tell him now?" Allan smirks.

"Because he's having fun with your kid...?"

"Liam really has a thing with children," Amely comments softly, her look full of affection when she lays her eyes on Liam and Tom who are still chasing each other between the trees at the back of the garden.

"Yep... he really likes Tom," I reply absent-mindedly.

"Tadaaaaaaa..." Allan murmurs maliciously, wagging his eyebrows and earning a scowl from me.

"Just shut up!! Don't even mention it!!" I warn him and he bursts out laughing.

A few seconds later, a little devil comes crashing into my thighs, gripping his small fingers on my shorts, and looking up at me with pleading brown eyes as he tries to hoist himself on my lap.

"Joss... Can we go to simming-poo with Li??? Pwetty pwease????" Tom asks with an exaggerated pout forming on his lips.

"Did Liam teach you that pout??" I ask, pressing a finger to lips playfully before I grab him and lift him to kneel on my lap.

"Nooooooooo," he says, shaking his head vigorously and biting his lips to avoid laughing.

"It's funny, but I don't really believe you..." I reply, grinning at him.

"Tom!! I told you to ask mom and I said I would take care of Joshua!!" Liam exclaims when he reaches us.

"Don't worry Lili, Mom will say yes..." the little boy whispers mischievously to Liam, making me laugh out.

"But you don't have a bathing suit, sweetie... and you can't swim!!" Amely replies.

"I Can go in my bwief..." Tom argues, scowling at his mother.

"And I'll hold him..." Liam adds shyly, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"And it's hot!" Tom insists, running his little hand on his forehead, as if to wipe the sweat off.

"Yes, you can," I chuckle. "Just make sure you stay on the shallow side, Liam," I then recommend to Liam, looking up at him, and to my surprise, he dares rolling his eyes before he grabs a squealing Tom from my arms, sticking his tongue out, and heads to the swimming pool. Oh boy... someone's seeking problems again.

The rest of the afternoon goes well. After I have convinced them to stay for dinner, Amely takes a nap on one of the deck chairs while Allan and I discuss about work. Tom and Liam spend a good two hours in the pool until the little boy gets too exhausted to keep on jumping and splashing around.

We have a light dinner made of salads and fruits, all in a very good atmosphere, and it's almost nine when Amely decides that it is getting late for Tom and they leave. I have just walked back the Brightmans to their car while Liam finishes cleaning up the kitchen and I can't suppress a groan when I see that his bare shoulders have turned to a bright pink, now that we are no longer under the sun.

"What's the matter?" Liam asks, turning to me with worried eyes.

"It seems like you didn't use enough protection this afternoon," I reply, lightly pressing a finger to his shoulder. His skin briefly turns white before it gets back to a darker pink. "Let's go take care of this before we go to sleep..."

Once in the bathroom and after a long and mild shower, I apply a large amount of cream on his shoulders and massage them until his skin has completely absorbed the substance. That should help but he might feel it in the morning.

"Thanks..." Liam whispers with a huge yawn.

"You're welcome. Someone looks tired..." I comment softly as he spins around to face me.

"No, I'm fine..." he replies seductively, wrapping his arms around my waist for a hug. I gently press him against my chest and kiss the top of his head.

"We're going to LA, next week-end," I simply announce, quite out of the blue, and that has him pull back immediately.

"What...? I thought we were having a public scene at the club?" he exclaims with concerned eyes.

"We are. We will fly out on Sunday morning very early. Allan and I have a meeting in LA on Monday and Allan suggested that you come with us. It should be interesting because the client we are meeting still hesitates between getting a new building and keeping the one he has and make huge modifications to the existing frame... And I was thinking to go to LA with you for a week-end anyway. So I thought we could spend the afternoon and have dinner with your parents on Sunday and then go to that meeting on Monday. What do you think?"

"That would be cool!!!" he exclaims. "I'll call my parents tomorrow morning to let them know!! They'll be so happy!!" he cheers, reaching up for a kiss, but I lean up to dodge him.

"All things considered, I might change my mind," I whisper teasingly.

"Why...?"

"Hmmm... I suddenly remember some eyes rolling and a tongue being poked out..." I hint at him, squeezing his ass cheeks.

"I was just kidding!! And we were not in Dom/Sub mode anyway!" he argues with mock offense.

"True... but I still want to spank that ass," I reply, giving him a firm slap on his backside.

"Ngh... Sounds good, Master. It would match my shoulders..."

Ugh that naughty boy!! That's definitely an idea though! I really like how our Dominant / Submissive has returned and progressed too. I don't think I was ever afraid we would lose that but I am particularly happy with how Liam blooms in our lifestyle and how bold he is getting. This young man is full of surprises and I have a feeling that he will never cease to amaze me.

* * *

The beginning of the week has been very busy and intense with new contracts and projects, without mentioning the preparation of our short trip to Los Angeles. However, it is rather early when Tony drops us off in front of the house on this Wednesday. We left the office just before five, because tonight, there are serious things I need to discuss with Liam. Having let Liz know in advance, she has already left when we get home and she has also prepared a cold meal for our dinner. So after we have changed into trunks, I lead Liam to the swimming pool where we refresh for a long while before we go to lie on a long deck chair, Liam laying on me with his back to my front and his head resting against my shoulder. I have laced my fingers over his stomach and his hands are resting on my hands.

"You need to make a decision, Baby, about your studies," I finally say, feeling him tense a little. "I spoke with the dean of the college this morning, and he's still holding that place for you, but you need to decide on which program and confirm your enrollment as soon as possible now."

"I just don't know what to do..." he sighs.

"The choice is not that difficult, Liam, since you already know the programs they offer. You only have to choose between stopping to work to follow a regular course over 4 or 5 years at the college or try that program that will allow to continue your job part time," I remind him.

"I know, but... it's not that easy... I know that if I keep working, it will be intense and more difficult... but at the same time, I like working so much at your company..." he explains again.

"I'm sure the guys from the projects and operations will gladly help you on your courses if you have difficulties. I'll be able to help you too..." I encourage him. Personally, I would rather goes for the second option, even if it means more work for him, but this is his decision to make. At the end of the day, all I want is for him to follow a career where he has a talent.

"But I haven't looked up for a grant or something yet and I haven't told my parents either... and I don't know if they'll be able to financially hel..." he rambles, and I'm getting tired of this bullshit we have already discussed many a time.

"Stop that, Liam. I don't want to hear your rubbish about money. I already told you that I would pay for the fees, and I will," I scold him.

"I can't accept that, Josh," he sighs.

"Except if I make it an order." Liam chuckles despite the seriousness of my tone. "I'm not joking, Liam. I am paying for the fees, period."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I can, and because I love you, and because I just fucking say so," I reply, catching his chin and tilting his head to kiss him.

"I love you too..." he whispers after a while.

"That's good to know, because I have another request coming up," I add, slightly strengthening my hold on him.

"A request or a command...?" he asks warily.

"A command, actually. I want you to move in with me. Permanently." Once again he tenses in my arms.

"Ughhh... It's been a while I haven't heard that..." he grumbles under his breath. "We already had that conversation, I think..."

"Yes, but things are different now. Shannon is in good hands; Mark is training him and hopefully he will soon become a good Sub who will then soon find a good Dom. I trust Mark to teach him well and from the conversation you had with Shannon yesterday, it seems like he likes it a lot already! So I don't think you should continue worrying about him going wild or whatever."

I have myself thought about it lot over the past few days and even if I haven't spoken to Mark yet, the more I think about that look he had when he first met Liam's friend and how eager he was to take care of his training, the more I am persuaded that my friend has something else in mind and that can only be good for Shannon. Mark may have tried to hide behind his blank expression but I have known him for long enough and I can tell that something is brewing inside his head.

"We don't know yet..." Liam argues.

"Of course you know..." I reassure him. "Shannon is a good guy, and I understand that you want to look after him, but he is not stupid and I am convinced that he will soon realize how the lifestyle could suit him. This boy needs guidance and authority, Baby; not a best friend who tries to push him around and to lead him on the right track. I'm not saying that he doesn't need you, because of course he does, and you've done a great job with him. But give him a chance to grow up with someone who will manage to tame and mold him into a more responsible adult."

"Wow... you're impressing me..." he chuckles ."But there's still that problem of money... Shan can't afford the rent on his own... and it might take some time before he settles down with a Dom," Liam argues.

"Bullshit again. That's not a problem, I can pay for his rent," I suggest, already knowing his upcoming reaction.

"No!!! Your money can't buy everything, Joshua!!" Liam exclaims, trying to sit up, but my biceps are a bit stronger than his abs and I manage to keep him firmly against me.

"That's not what I'm saying, Liam! I'm just proposing to help. If I wanted to show off, I would just buy him an apartment, and in a better area of Chicago at that!" I reply. See what I'm doing? Offer high propositions to reach a medium compromise... I've learned a lot recently.

"You wouldn't do that!!??" Liam growls with irritation.

"I more than definitely would, but I guess you wouldn't like it..." I concede.

"Certainly not!" he grunts, shifting his head to the side to look at me with angry eyes. I take the opportunity to cup one side of his face and hold him quiet.

"I just really want you to officially move in with me, Baby... I love you and I'm seriously getting tired of your silly excuses. Please accept," I beg him, even it sounds more of a command.

Liam thinks it over for a moment, our eyes locked to each other. "I don't want you to pay for his rent. I will... or at least, I'll continue to pay for my part of the rent, until Shan finds a stable job. I just hope he will accept the offer..." Finally! That's some comprise coming up!

"Liam, you don't have to. I can..."

"No, you stop this time... You can't win all the time!" he replies. That's what you think, Baby... "Besides, it's not like I need all that money I earn... You never let me pay for anything anyway..." he grumbles, but his determination makes me laugh. "Stop making fun of me!! And now I think about it, I want to use my savings to pay part of my college fees!"

"Yeah, we'll see about that. So? Shall I take that as a yes that you will move in with me soon?" I ask, arching my eyebrows.

"Yes..." he replies, a grin forming on his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too, Baby..."

My left hand leaves his hip to reach for the back of his head, catching a handful of his hair, and I gently push his head up a little to allow his lips to reach mine. As the kiss deepens, my right hand slowly glides down his chest before it slips inside his swim shorts, finally reaching for that thing that hardens at the contact of my fingers. After a few strokes and when I hear his stomach rumble, I retrieve my hand and break our kiss.

"Time for dinner, Baby..."

"Ugh... can't you finish this, first?" he whimpers as I pull us up.

"Nope, I like you on edge," I reply with a chuckle as I lead him back inside the house.

So, that was rather an efficient evening! We made some progress on his education and I know that he will accept that I pay for the fees. And soon enough, this little man that I love so much will finally and permanently move into our house.

Yes, I really like how things are turning!

Published on 6 Jan 2017

Three more to go! I really need to start writing the epilogue!