Page 36 of Just a Little in Love

Rowan nearly blurted out ‘on your lap’ but he managed to nod toward the big chair in the corner. He preferred the bed, but he had a feeling he needed to be grown up for this. Daddy solemnly led him over, sat, and then opened his arms for Rowan to climb on, and all Rowan’s grown-up intentions vanished like smoke. Rowan didn’t hesitate; he desperately wanted Daddy’s arms around him. He needed them. Especially as he knew it was coming to an end.

Rowan got comfortable and laid his head on Daddy’s chest so he could listen to the thud-thud of his heart.

“Why did you just switch to calling me Master Gabriel?”

Rowan’s lips parted in shock. Of all the things Daddy might say, he hadn’t expected that. “I still call you Daddy in my head,” he admitted, “even though I’m not supposed to.”

Daddy cupped Rowan’s chin and gently made him look up to meet his gaze. “When did we agree to that?”

Rowan stared in utter confusion. “But you did. You said you didn’t want this.”

Daddy returned his gaze, but then his eyes crinkled as a wry smile curved his lips. “Baby boy,” he said admonishingly. “I said I was sending you mixed signals but I’m assuming you took a giant leap and thought that meant I didn’t want to be your Daddy anymore?”

“I—” Rowan swallowed. “Yes,” he whispered.

Daddy nodded and shifted his weight so Rowan could snuggle a little more, then pressed his head down on Daddy’s chest. “That’s my fault. I’ve been a Dom long enough that I should check that my words are clear. I also should have taken into account that you don’t see yourself as the beautiful boy I do.”

Rowan’s heart beat a little faster.

“So, honestly, I’m going to tell you what I want and also explain why I’ve been holding back, and maybe if you do the same, we can work out where to go from here. We have plenty of time to get ready, and this is important.”

“Get ready?” Rowan asked. For what?

“In a bit.” Daddy kissed his head. “I want to explain what I mean first. I’m very aware that you’re in an incredibly vulnerable position, and as your Daddy I need to take care that no one harms you, including me.” He rubbed Rowan’s back soothingly, and Rowan knew if he could freeze a moment in time this would be it. “You must know I’m really attracted to you. Fuck baby, you make me hard most of the time. You have to have noticed.”

He had. But he thought…

“What? I know you did.”

“I just thought it was you,” he mumbled.

Daddy threw back his head and laughed, and a tiny amount of joy unfurled in the pit of Rowan’s belly. “You’re adorable, but I’m not fifteen anymore. Trust me Rowan, it’s all you. I want nothing more than to feel you naked and in my arms, but I know you’re not ready for that.” Daddy paused because Rowan hissed in a breath. Loudly. Being beset with images of him and Daddy naked had struck him like a lightning bolt, and a part of him that Rowan had started feeling more and more began to ache.

“You do?” Rowan asked, a lot of hope in his voice.

“What did you think was happening, sweetheart? I thought I was clear, but obviously not.”

“I-I know you…” feel sorry for me.

“Rowan, baby, I want you in every way I can have you, but a hell of a lot has happened to you in the past few days, weeks.” Daddy nuzzled the top of his head. “I also have a small surprise. For me too.”

Rowan tilted his face up and Daddy groaned and took his lips in the sweetest kiss ever. It made Rowan tingle all over, and when Daddy drew back, he wanted more. Lots more.

“We’re going to Max’s bookstore this evening. He has a signing arranged from a fantasy author I would love to meet, and Charlie and Dash are going to be there.”

“Really?” That sounded fun.

He grinned. “It’s Friday, had you forgotten the club?”

Rowan blinked. He had. Usually, his week dragged at a snail’s pace until he got to Friday, the one bright spot in his week. “You don’t want to go?” Was it because Daddy didn’t want to be seen with him? But Daddy didn’t have to go into the little room. A pang of disappointment curled in his chest.

Daddy shook his head. “I can guess what’s going through your head but seeing as how most of your friend’s are going to the signing as well, we’ve all decided to skip the club this week.” Daddy kissed Rowan gently and squeezed him. “Stop worrying.”

Rowan flushed, relieved, and a little embarrassed he’d doubted Daddy.

“She writes young adult fiction as well and I’m a huge fan. Plus, all her books have LGBTQ characters in them.” Rowan smiled. Daddy sounded excited. “Daddy Caleb will be there, and I happen to know he’s made yummy cupcakes, and Daddy Jensen has arranged for you three to have your own private corner, so I think you should take Bear.”

Rowan swallowed down the sudden tightness in his throat. “You mean Baby Bear.” Then no one would see.

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