Page 28 of The Substitute

His eyes glint with amusement. Like he’s getting one over on Ambrose. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” I reply, ignoring Ambrose.

Tobi rocks up to his toes and reacts with his entire body, and it’s so endearing. It also makes me a little hard, which is new. I’ve never found someone cute and been hot for them.

I might be half-doing this to piss off Ambrose, but Tobi is hot, and I like hanging out with him.

It’s a short walk to where we’re going, and Tobi’s head is on a swivel the whole time, clearly trying to figure out where I’m taking him. When I open the door to a nondescript building, he gives me a strange look.

“Are you taking me to an abandoned apartment to kill me?” He hesitates.

I give him a flat look and hit the elevator button. “Really?”

He holds up his hands. “I’m not saying I’m not into it. I just want to know.”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “I’m not killing you.”

“Well, that’s disappointing.”

“Maybe I’ll torture you a little if you ask nicely.”

He tries to bite back a groan, but fails, and the sound goes straight to my cock.

We get into the elevator and go to the roof. When we step out onto the roof, we’re transported from the city into a garden, greenery climbs high trestles blocking out most of the city lights. Inside the garden are secluded cuddle pods. There are screens and blankets, and food to order.

Tobi looks around, trying to make sense of it. “What is this place?”

“It’s called Cuddle Buddy. You said you were lonely. I figured I could help.” I give him a huge smile, but can tell he’s still unsure, so I add, “In a safe place with no pressure. You can do as little or as much as you want.”

His brow pulls almost into a frown before he softens. “Which one is for us?”

I put my hand on the small of his back and lead him to ours in the back corner. It’s back past a little maze of trestles, nestled completely out of view. I got the massive, fluffy couch option. It’s double deep and big enough to sit with our legs outstretched or for us to lie down. There are lots of big pillows and blankets piled high, ready to use. With the sun setting and the crisp breeze, it’s the perfect weather for this.

Tobi walks up to the blankets, running his fingers over them, while distant chatter reaches my ears. I can almost make out words, but background music makes the conversations hard to distinguish.

Tobi cocks his head, listening. “It feels like we’re alone, but we’re not.”

“Yes.”

People would hear us if we were loud. The concept was made by a woman who wanted women to have a safe space to be outwithout needing to be at a bar, and I hope it will make Tobi more comfortable.

“Do you like it?”

He nods, selecting a blanket before climbing into the mass of cushions and pillows. I toss a few more over before joining him.

“What movie are they playing?”

“Rocky Horror. I hope that’s okay.”

He smiles, looking happier than I’d seen him. “I love that movie.”

Tobi makes himself comfortable, and then I do the same, grabbing more pillows and blankets. I’m close enough to touch him, but still giving him space—for now.

A server comes by with the drinks and snacks I ordered right on time. Tobi frowns again, but this time, I can’t figure out what has changed.

“Is this like a real date?”

“I did tell you I want to take you on a date,” I remind him.