Page 6 of Wanted: Unwavering Daddy

Before Max responded, I stuck out my hand, palm down. I wasn’t sure if Donald had the type of friends who I’d even be interested in, but if we were going to mingle with these Daddies for a night, I was determined to have fun with it. “Well, hello. Why don’t you introduce yourself, Daddy?”

Timothy choked at my side. Several men made their way over to make my acquaintance, and I introduced Timothy and myself, while stroking the pearls around my neck and blinkingmy long black eyelashes playfully. I knew what my best assets were and how to work them.

The gentlemen ranged anywhere from their mid-thirties to their forties, most were pleasant enough, but no one had the kind eyes I was looking for. Neither Timothy nor I would be hanging with any of these guys unless I saw that special quality shining through the windows of their soul. My bestie and I had bonded over issues with the treatment we received growing up, and we both deserved someone who’d be altruistic and caring.

“Are we having fun?” Timothy whispered in my ear as I sent our latest acquaintance to get us both a drink.

Snorting, I threw both of my arms around his shoulders and leaned into him. “Relax. We don’t have to go home with anyone. Let’s enjoy the appetizers over on the table and the free booze. Donald promised Max he’d call a taxi for any of us who needed a ride home.”

“I don’t want to be a drag if you meet someone, though. I feel like I’m being a buzzkill.”

I smacked a big kiss to his cheek. “Even if I met someone, I wouldn’t let them drive me home. Have you noticed how much some of these supposed Daddies have been drinking?”

“Are you having fun running all of these poor schmucks around?” a deep voice asked.

Expecting yet another disappointment, I stroked my pearls in preparation for a little more harmless teasing and looked up into the palest green eyes dancing with amusement. He was on the younger side of the men here, but at least ten years older than me with a strong, smooth jawline and a businesslikehaircut. But the laughter in his eyes intrigued me. “What if I am? They deserve it.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, you’re a handful, aren’t you, boy?”

Listen, I’d been so obsessed and focused on what it would mean to have a Daddy that I’d never considered how I’d feel when someone called me boy. Hell, I didn’t think I’d care either way. How many times had a man I didn’t even know sidled up to me and called me baby or sweetheart? It was what it was, and I didn’t actually care. But this… my belly swooped, hearing boy directed at me in his silken tone. Cocking my head up, I asked, “And what if I am?”

He stretched out a hand, running his finger slowly down the side of my face. “I’m not complaining. I’ve been over at the bar enjoying the show.”

At my side, Timothy snickered. Ignoring him, I stepped into the taller man’s space. “Oh yeah? Then maybe you should tell me your name so I know who my voyeur is.”

“I’m John.” He clasped my hand in his and brought it to lay my palm against his chest with a cocky grin. “But you can call me Daddy.” It wasn’t the smirk decorating his face I noticed, though. No, it was the tenderness in his eyes as he said it. That special something I’d never thought I’d find. At least, not directed at me.

“I haven’t even introduced myself,” I said, grabbing for anything while I searched for my equilibrium.

The smile softened. “You didn’t need to. I already know you’re my boy.”

And like that, I thought I might actually have a Daddy.

Chapter Three

JOHN

“Don’t listen to him, boys. It wasn’t as easy as all that.” I stared fondly over at Will where he fluttered his long black eyelashes at me playfully.

He turned to his friends. “So my Daddy had hired a car and driver for that first night. He insisted we take Timothy home, which was a mark in his favor, and then we?—”

“Boy,” I growled warningly. There was no doubt in my mind that he’d love to tell them all about our sex life, but after watching him whisper into Timothy’s ear too many times early in our relationship, I’d given him his first rule. No gossiping about our sex life. I didn’t really care, per se, but I wanted to save everyone else.

His lower lip jutted out. “You never let me have any fun.”

Roland chuckled, clasping me on the shoulder. “So why don’t you give us your perspective.”

~Eight Years Ago~

It wasimpossible to take my eyes off the black-haired boy lounging in little purple boy shirts in the overstuffed chair in the corner of my living room with one long creamy leg thrown over the arm like he was posing for a portrait. He’d been delighted when I served him breakfast in bed this morning, but I wasn’t ready for our time together to end. “Why don’t I take you out for a nice lunch?”

Will’s gaze strayed over to where I’d left his folded outfit from last night, and he snickered. “You’ll have to loan me a shirt, I think. That one’s not exactly designed for polite society.”

Considering I wanted to take him out for fine dining, he had a point. “That’s true. I was thinking I’d take you home to change, and then we’ll go eat, then come back here and see where the rest of the day takes us.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “I know exactly what I want to do with the rest of today. We can consecrate the rest of your fancy penthouse.”

I fought a smile, but there was no hiding it. “We can do that. Maybe watch a movie or two, and then I’ll make you dinner.”

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