Page 47 of Reaching Roland

I pressed harder into Roland. “Daddy, I'm scared.” I was teasing.Sort of.

He kissed my temple. “Don't worry, shortcake. Call if you need me, and I'll rescue you.”

Cameron stood, too, and whispered something in Indie's ear. I didn't know what it was, but the young man pouted. Cameron noticed, leaned in, and said something else. Whatever that was, made Indie very happy if the sly grin that slid across his face was any indication.

I grabbed aBlow Popthat I’d set on the edge of my plate while I ate dinner and reluctantly followed the four boys into the other room and sat down. When I noticed them all watching me expectantly, I sat up straighter. “What?”

“So you and my Rolly, huh?” Indie asked.

“Yes, I know he told you and Cameron this morning.”

Chip sighed. “I think that's so romantic.”

“I'm so happy you finally found someone, Kenny,” Julian said. “And Roland’s one of the best.”

Luca's gaze around the room to each of us, then he huffed. “Why are you all acting like this is brand-new? They've been dating for weeks.”

“No, we haven't,” I said, startled at the accusation.

“No?” Luca asked. Then on his fingers, he counted out, “First, you went to The Tap with him, which you do every Thursday now with regularity. Then, he took you to the Strawberry Festival. The next week, the Farmers’ Market. Let's not forget him coming over to your house, where I heard you made him the most fabulous dinner. One that he went on and on about for weeks.”

“Well—”

“And Rolly fixed the latch on his gate,” Indie said, cutting me off.

Luca nodded. “And then, last but not least, he took you down the shore for fireworks.”

“Something he doesn't do,” Indie added, like he just couldn’t help himself.

Wanting to get a hold of this runaway train, I said, “Yes, that's all true, but our first date was only last night.”

Julian smirked. “But I bet you didn't have to do any of those awkward getting-to-know-you questions, right? I mean, he's been coming into the salon for months, so I’m pretty sure you’d already created a pretty solid foundation.”

“I guess that's true,” I admitted, pissed that I had to give up ground. I wasn’t letting these four run roughshod over me, or I’d never stand a chance in the future. I knew for a fact that they were all here a lot, and if I got my way, I would be, too.

Chip giggled. “That's so romantic. You two were dating and didn't even know it.”

Indie put a finger up in the air. “Which only goes to prove that I've been right this whole time. Kenny is a boy, and therefore, should be added to Toby's Crew Group Chat.”

Julian frowned. “Why do you want to do that to him? It's going to scare him away.”

Chip shrugged. “I don't know. If I can handle it, anyone can.” He smiled at me sweetly. “Just mute it if it gets too overwhelming.”

What the hell were they implying? Especially Julian. He’d known me for years, so he knew better than this. “What are you guys talking about? I'm not a boy.”

All four of them stared at me like I had horns sprouting out of my head. “What?” I asked, uncomfortable with their continued silence.

“Um, I kinda think you’re Roland’s boy,” Chip said.

“Definitely Roland’s boy,” Luca agreed.

Indie’s whole body vibrated, and he smacked himself lightly on the cheek. “Sorry, I think I misheard you. Surely you didn't say that you're not a boy?”

“I'm not.” Unfortunately, what was supposed to sound like a statement sounded more like a question.

Julian sighed. “I get it, Kenny. It's confusing when you're friends first and don't walk into it knowing that you're looking for a Daddy like these guys did.” He pointed at the others.

“But—”

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