The Hampton Road Club: Hesitant Heart Part 12

"I...I don't want you to think I'm going around with you because you have money and can take care of me. That Louis fellow told me he would take me in and do that for me. When I told him I didn't care about him that way, he said it didn't matter to him, that he wanted to do it anyway so that he could have me. I don't understand why anyone would do that, but I don't want you to think that's why I'm with you."

Aaron cleared his throat. "I can understand why someone would do that, especially for such a sweet thing as you, but that's not the point." Aaron glanced around the street then cupped his face with one hand. "Sam, I don't believe for one instant that you're with me because of money. I never have. That being said, there's nothing wrong with you wanting to be with me so I can take care of you. I'm not talking financially, although that could be a part of it, but I'm talking about your true nature, what you need. You're a submissive man, Sam. You understand that about yourself, you told me in so many words when we first met. That's part of the reason you're with me and it's part of the reason I'm so enamored of you. We answer that compulsion in one another, right?"

Sam nodded, but tears still threatened.

"Give me your words, Sam."

"Yes, Sir. We do."

Aaron let his hand drop to his side. It was too risky to touch out in the open for very long. Sam knew that, but it still felt like a loss.

"There's something more, Sam. Tell me what it is."

How could Aaron speak so quietly and soothingly all the time? Sam's admiration for his lover was renewed. Aaron made it so that everything seemed so simple and easy, that there was nothing ever to get upset about. It kept Sam calm. He liked being calm. He stuffed his concerns about his father back down because he knew Aaron would keep him safe. But there was another thing that maybe Aaron could help him understand.

"I feel as if I should be doing something more. It's not even because I need to pay you back." Sam shrugged. "I'm used to working very hard. I used to have to do all my ch.o.r.es, my learning plus I would take care of a huge greenhouse filled with tons of plants. They needed me all the time."

Aaron regarded him with the twinkle. "The plants do for you what my painting does for me."

It hadn't been a question, merely a statement of fact. It wasn't until Aaron had said it that Sam realized it was true.

"Yes, I think that's what it is."

Relief surged through him. Aaron always helped him figure out the confusing thoughts in his head. Whenever they talked, Aaron would make it better somehow.

"I have an idea, little Sam. It works right in with my surprise perfectly."

He didn't know what Aaron had planned but now that they'd discussed things, Sam felt a bit giddy. Bouncy even. His a.s.s was still as sore as h.e.l.l, yet the nerves that had plagued him like an unscratchable itch all morning had finally managed to dissipate.

"Okay, Sir. I'm fine now."

"Such a good boy. Come along then."

He fell back in step with Aaron. When they rounded the corner that took them into the Larchmont Shopping Village, he knew immediately where they were headed. There was a very small plant nursery on the street and Aaron had promised him they would go there. After they reached the front of the shop and Aaron had ushered them inside, Sam had thought he would faint-only it would have been from an overload of joy, for once.

Plants and flowers were everywhere. There were even cacti and succulents, which Sam didn't know much about because he hadn't had them where he'd lived. He wanted to learn about them though. He took in the grand sight of every single one of the varieties the shop owner had. There were more types of the Areca palms, but there were also smaller plants such as philodendrons, spider plants, African violets, bamboo plants and potted ferns.

He absent-mindedly fingered a shriveled brown leaf on one of the purple violet plants. The poor plant desperately needed to be culled. Without thinking, he plucked it away.

"Ahem."

He startled, turning his head to see the shopkeeper frowning at him. Sam turned to Aaron for guidance, but he only raised his eyebrows and gestured for Sam to address the man.

"Oh, uh, sorry, sir. I was only trying to help it. One of its leaves had died." He held his hand open to show the proprietor the offending leaf.

The man narrowed his eyes at Sam as he peered down his nose at the wrinkled brown thing.

"I see." The man glanced over at Aaron, as if trying to ascertain what was going on. "Mr Rubenstein. A pleasure to see you, as always. How's the Areca doing? Or is that why you're here, looking for yet another replacement?"

Sam's jaw dropped. "Did you kill the other ones, Sir?"

Aaron slapped a hand across his mouth a bit too late to stop a snort of laughter. "Oh, Sam. You should see your face. It wasn't intentional, I a.s.sure you. It's that I don't possess your gift."

"You mean the Areca has survived in spite of your murderous touch?"

"I can't take any of the credit. It all rightfully goes to Sam." Aaron indicated in Sam's direction. "He's done wonders for it. He keeps it trimmed and properly watered. He was telling me that we needed some peat moss for it, so that's part of the reason why we're here."

Martin c.o.c.ked his head as he regarded Sam.

"I see. Will Sam be staying with you for a while then?"

Aaron made a gruff noise and Martin immediately turned to Aaron. Sam could see the glare in Aaron's eyes.

"I should mention that Phillip and I are doing marvelous."

The dark expression on Aaron's face seemed to lighten at Martin's words.

"Well, then. That's very good to hear." Aaron straightened one of the cufflinks in his shirt. "In that case, yes, Sam will be staying with me for good."

There was a quirk at the corner of Martin's lips. "I'm very glad to hear it, friend. Very glad."

Sam had been following the conversation as if it were a tennis match. There sure did seem to be a lot of men living with other men in Hollywood. He'd definitely come to the right place. Even though it no longer seemed like some sort of horrible fight was about to break out, Sam still wasn't sure what was going on or why picking up peat moss was such a grand surprise-even if the palm really needed it.

Martin addressed Sam.

"I'm afraid you're quite correct about the violet. The issue is time. There are so many of them and I don't have enough hours in the day for their care. Since you'll be staying with Mr Rubenstein, perhaps you could come in for a few days a week to help me with them?"

Sam gasped. It was too wonderful. But would Aaron let him out of his sight? He whipped his head around to get Aaron's reaction. He was met with Aaron's warm smile and kind eyes.

"Really?"

He was about to run into Aaron's arms when the shop bell jangled as the front door opened. An impeccably dressed older woman strolled in. Aaron held his hand in front of him and shook his head slightly. Sam lowered his chin, his knee jiggling as he tried to rein in his excitement. All of his calm and focus had come unraveled. He was pretty sure Aaron would have some discipline and maybe even some punishments later. But it was all worth it if he could be with the plants.

Martin excused himself to help his other customer and Aaron came over to stand near him. He leaned down and spoke quietly next to his ear.

"Would that make you happy, little Sam?"

"I'm very happy, Sir, please don't think I'm not."

"Ssh, I know that. But you can have more than one happiness, can't you?"

He mulled that over. Sure he could, Aaron was right. He could have Aaron and the plants.

"Yes, Sir, you're right." He peered up at his lover. "Thank you. But I'll miss you when I'm here."

They were shielded from Aaron's waist down by the wooden step shelf with the numerous plants that were on display. Aaron reached over to clasp his fingers. He gave them a squeeze.

"I shall miss you very much as well, little Sam."

Martin returned to the back area where they stood.

"So, Sam is it? Let's discuss when you can come in next. And we need to get you that peat moss too, before you leave."

"And two plants to take home."

Martin and Sam both regarded Aaron.

"That was my original reason for bringing you here today, Sam. You need to have some at home. I think the palm is lonely." Aaron winked at him.

The bell jangled again and the woman had left. Aaron peered over his shoulder then gestured for Sam to come to him. He didn't question whether he should or not, not for an instant. He threw himself into Aaron's arms and Aaron kissed the top of his head.

Aaron whispered. "Go pick out your plants. I'm going to talk to Martin about what days you can work."

Sam tipped his head back. "Does that mean you'll let me repay you?"

He pressed his lips together, but seemed to have determined he was fighting a losing battle. "When you find out how much you'll be making, you can give me ten percent."

"That doesn't seem like very much, I should give you at least half."

"Sam. Are you arguing with me?"

He thought about the punishment where he'd had his c.o.c.k and b.a.l.l.s tied up and hadn't been allowed to come.

"No, Sir. I'm not arguing. Ten percent sounds perfect."

Aaron whispered into his ear again, "Good boy."

He worked for four hours, three days a week, helping Martin and his special friend Phillip take care of the plants. Sam had figured out that they were going around together, which was why Aaron hadn't minded that they hug in front of Martin. Once in a while, Sam would help customers who had problems with their plants. Martin had told him that he had a natural instinct when it came to them.

He was getting paid ten dollars a week, which meant that Aaron would only be getting a dollar. It seemed very unfair to Aaron, but he didn't dare argue. Sam had just received his first week's pay and had purchased a new plant to take home with him. He loved the small barrel cactus he'd bought. As he walked back to their house, he kept turning it around in his hand. It was his first cactus and he was very excited about it. He'd been staring at it all week and had barely been able to contain himself when he'd gotten paid. The money had scarcely been pressed into his palm before he'd run over and grabbed it.

The short journey to the bungalow he shared with Aaron was a nice stroll. It had taken some convincing for Aaron to agree to let him go on his own. It had bordered on arguing, but he'd explained to Aaron that he would be embarra.s.sed if Martin were to see Aaron dropping him off and picking him up every day in the Bearcat when they were only a few blocks away. And anyway, it had been so long since he'd been gone from home, surely his father had given up on searching for him. They'd compromised, with Sam agreeing to be transported when there was inclement weather.

He came to a complete standstill when he got to their driveway. There was a strange blue car parked behind the Bearcat. He wondered if it was Mr Liebowitz, Aaron's older friend from the bathhouse. Aaron had mentioned that it had been a while since he'd seen him and thought he might have him come by for dinner sometime. Sam knew that as soon as Aaron thought he was fully trained that he would be seeing Saul at the club Aaron had told him about. He shivered when he thought of that, but put it out of his mind in favor of discovering who was in the house.

Cradling the cactus in one hand, he used the other to unlock the door with the key Aaron had had made for him. He heard joyful laughter from inside and figured that he'd guessed correctly about it being Mr Liebowitz. It had to be someone Aaron knew and liked very much. After entering the house, he closed the door then headed for the living area. He almost dropped his new cactus. Aaron and a very handsome young man were lounging on the floor. Aaron had on his silk robe-and nothing else-and he leaned against the wing chair. The stunning blond man-who looked to be not much older than Sam-had the top b.u.t.tons of his shirt undone, with his bowtie loose and hanging about his neck. His shoes and socks had been removed and he was reclining against the sofa perpendicular to Aaron.

Sam stood in the entryway as if he had just grown roots like one of his plants and couldn't move. Their merry conversation came to a halt as soon as Aaron spotted Sam.

"Little Sam! You're home. Come join us. I want you to meet someone."

Aaron patted the floor next to him. Sam's stomach was all twisty and his face felt flushed. Everything seemed disjointed. He knew his role when he was inside their home, but he wasn't sure if he was supposed to be following those rules in front of Aaron's mystery guest. Aaron had already had the talk with Sam where he'd explained that most people, even if they were gay, wouldn't understand about being Dominant and submissive. Only other people like the ones he knew at the club could be trusted.

But who was this elegant and attractive young man? Why was he in their home? Why was Aaron sitting there with his beautiful long legs on display for this blond man's eyes?

"Sam. What is it? Are you ill?"

Sam opened then closed his mouth. Yes. He was ill. He didn't want to be in the same room with that...person.

"I have to go lie down."

Aaron jumped to his feet, worry etched on his brow. He rushed to Sam's side, pressing the back of his hand to Sam's forehead almost as soon as he was near him.

"You don't seem feverish, but your skin is clammy."

Aaron's eyes narrowed and Sam looked away. He was sure Aaron suspected that he didn't want to go lie down because he wasn't feeling well. Aaron was too smart to be fooled by such a thing. But Sam didn't care. He couldn't be around that other man.

"Thomas, would you excuse me for a moment? I need to make sure that Sam is attended to."

"No worries. I should be headed out anyway." Thomas gathered his shoes and socks to begin putting them back on. "I'll see you both at the club Sat.u.r.day then?"

The grip that Aaron had had on Sam's shoulder since he'd rushed to his side tightened. "Possibly. I'll let you know."

"Oh? I thought...Uh, of course. Well, if not Sat.u.r.day, then another time."

"It was great to see you, Thomas. Thanks for stopping by. We'll talk soon."

Aaron squeezed Sam's shoulder until it bordered on painful and began to lead him to their bedroom.

"You can leave your plant on the dresser."

He had the sensation that he'd just made some sort of horrible mistake, but he still couldn't erase the stabs of jealousy that had pierced his heart when he'd first walked in on his lover and his friend, Thomas.

Once he'd set the cactus down, he began to shake. He'd never seen Aaron angry before. He wasn't sure if that's what Aaron was right then, but it seemed like it might be. Would he hit him when he was like that even though he'd promised he never would? Would that forever change what they were to one another?

As soon as he heard the front door close, Aaron spoke.

"Strip."

Aaron's tone had been commanding, but he hadn't raised his voice. The trembling started immediately. Sam wanted to ask why he was being punished. That had to be what was happening. He removed all of his clothes then piled them neatly on a chair in the corner of the room.

"Morning display position."

Aaron had stood stock still, eyeing him the entire time. Fortunately, he wasn't required to have an erection for his morning position as he doubted that would be possible under the circ.u.mstances. Once he'd achieved his stance, Aaron slowly walked around his naked form, as if inspecting him carefully.

"You're to stand here in perfect position for thirty minutes. Use your focal point on the wall. Concentrate on stillness. I'll be checking on you from time to time."

With that, Aaron walked away.

He was alone. What was worse was that it wasn't the kind of literal alone where all it meant was that Sam was the only person in the room. It was more of an empty, achy feeling in his gut. If he cried, he wouldn't be able to remain in proper position. The image of Aaron with Thomas kept invading his thoughts. Logically, he knew whatever Aaron was doing with him at that moment was for his benefit. Aaron was trying to help him somehow. That knowledge was the only thing that motivated him to stay in perfect position and focus on his stillness better than he'd ever done before.

Soon, a thread of peace filtered through him. His breathing evened out. The nausea that had threatened him from the moment he'd walked in the door had abated. He heard movement behind him and knew that Aaron had come to check on him.

Because he loves me.

Sam remained focused-he never let his gaze waver from the spot he always used on the opposite wall. It was the blue scarf in the painting that Aaron had first done of him. He detected Aaron in his peripheral vision. Soon, he stood in front of him, but skewed to the side so as not to interrupt Sam's line of sight on his focal point.