From Straight to Sub

Everyone in this story is 18+

I tugged at the collar of my shirt for the tenth time since pulling into Ashlee’s driveway. The button-up felt too tight, too formal—it wasn’t me. But Ashlee had insisted, and I figured if I wanted to stay on her good side, I’d play along.

The door opened before I even knocked. Ashlee stood there, grinning like I was the best thing she’d ever seen. She looked… shiny. Her dress was pink and so tight it was a miracle she could breathe in it. Her blonde hair was styled into perfect waves, and her lips, glossed to a blinding sheen, caught the light when she smiled.

“Babe! You look, like, so cute,” she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me inside before I could respond. Her perfume—sweet and sugary—hit me immediately. It was overwhelming, but it was Ashlee, so I was used to it. “Mom and Dad are at the table, and Ayden’s in the kitchen. You remember my brother, right?”

I nodded stiffly, the memory of our first encounter flashing in my mind. Ayden had been… a lot. Confident in a way that made me feel self-conscious just standing near him. He’d been wearing this loud floral shirt, all fitted and tight, and his hair was perfectly styled, dark and slicked back. I’d only met him for five minutes, but he’d left an impression.

We stepped into the dining room, and there he was. Ayden.

This time, his look was different. He was leaning against the kitchen island, scrolling on his phone, dressed in a black tank top that showed off his shoulders and arms. His jeans were ripped and so tight I didn’t understand how he could move in them. A silver chain glinted at his neck, and his nails were painted a glossy black. He looked up when we walked in, his sharp features lighting up with a sly smile.

“Well, if it isn’t *the boyfriend,*” Ayden said with his characteristic lisp, tucking his phone into his pocket and walking toward us. He moved like he owned the place, his confidence filling the room. His dark eyes flicked over me, and I felt my stomach do this weird twist. I told myself it was just nerves.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Good to see you again.”

“Is it?” Ayden’s smirk widened. His voice was smooth, playful. “You didn’t seem so thrilled last time.”

Ashlee groaned. “Ayden, stop. Don’t, like, scare him off or whatever. Dallas isn’t into your weird vibes.”

“Relax, Ash,” Ayden said, waving her off. “I’m just being friendly.”

Dinner was… awkward. Her parents were polite but kept asking me these loaded questions about my plans after college and my plans with Ashlee. I answered as best as I could, but I could feel Ayden watching me from across the table. Every now and then, I’d glance his way, and there he’d be, staring, that same damn smirk on his face.

“Dallas,” Ayden said at one point, leaning forward. “Do you work out?”

I froze, caught off guard. “Uh… yeah. Sometimes.”

“Hmm. Thought so.” He tapped a painted nail against his glass. “You’ve got that ‘gym bro’ vibe. All chest, no legs. Am I right?”

I could feel my face heating up. “I—uh…”

“Okay, Ayden, stop,” Ashlee cut in, rolling her eyes. “He doesn’t care about that stuff.”

Ayden didn’t respond. He just smiled and leaned back in his chair, his eyes still on me. It felt like he was peeling back every layer, like he could see something I didn’t want him to.

After dinner, Ashlee and her mom disappeared into the other room to talk about something, leaving me alone in the living room with Ayden. I tried to focus on my phone, but he was hard to ignore. He was stretched out on the couch, his phone glowing in his hand, one leg casually draped over the other. He already had a habit of making me so nervous around him.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence. “How’s it going?”

“Uh, good,” I said. “Dinner was nice.”

He laughed softly, setting his phone down. “You’re cute when you’re awkward, you know that?”

My head snapped up. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, tilting his head. His dark eyes were sharp, but there was something playful in them too. “Let me guess—Ashlee told you all about me. About how I’m in my ‘Grindr era’ or whatever?”

“Uh…” I shifted uncomfortably. “She might’ve mentioned it.”

Ayden smirked. “Yeah, figured. She loves to make a big deal out of it. It’s not a phase, though. It’s just me. No shame.” He leaned forward, his gaze locking with mine. “How about you? Any phases you’re hiding?”

I swallowed hard, not sure how to answer. “I don’t… what do you mean?”

Ayden’s smile widened. “Relax, Dallas. I’m just messing with you.” He stood up, stretching lazily. “But if you ever get curious, let me know. I’d be happy to help you figure things out.” Then he turned and added, “Oh, and I heard Ash is planning a getaway to the water park—I can’t wait!”

My heart was pounding as he walked past me, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. I told myself it didn’t mean anything, must have been Ayden just being Ayden. But as I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

The way he looked at me, like he could see right through me. The way he moved, confident and unapologetic. The way his smirk made my stomach twist in ways I didn’t understand.

I didn’t know what was happening to me. But I couldn’t get Ayden out of my head. And how the hell was I supposed to survive a trip to the water park with Ash—and her brother?