Page 41 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

“I can’t believe you’ve just done that.” His shirt muffles my voice as he holds me in his arms.

“Hey, mister, have you got a brother?” a kid of about seventeen hollers. Nate hid hides face in his hands, shaking it slowly from side to side. Is he still pissed off?

“Sorry, mate. Only child.” Carl grins.

“Can I have him when you’re finished with him, Spence?” I laugh as the kids all push me good-naturedly.

“I don’t think I’ll be done with him for a long time. Get your own Daddy, Dex!” I call back.

“Too right, little one. I need to say a few words to Nate. Is that okay?” Carl looks at his son, who’s smiling widely now.

“Okay, I have to get back to work.” The kids surround me, with looks of admiration on their faces, all asking questions I’m not going to answer. “Nope, not telling you. You’ll have plenty of time to find out who and what you like.”

With a few grumps and “not fair,” the children all get back to their homework or games. A couple of minutes later, Carl returns. “Can I see you tonight?” He pushes my floppy fringe off my forehead.

“I’d like that. I finish at seven thirty.” The burn on my cheeks is back again. Will I ever be able to be around him and not blush?

“I’ll be back to pick you up, little one.”

I scan the room, but no one is paying us any attention anymore. “Thank you, Daddy.” His eyes darken, and his lips part with a soft sigh. “If you’re lucky, I’ll scream it for you soon.”

“Trust me, boy, it will be very soon.” He kisses me again, only a peck this time. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

For the rest of my shift, I float around the centre on cloud nine. About thirty minutes after Carl left, Nate walks over to me. I’m nervous all of a sudden. Will he feel differently now that he’s seen us together?

“I’ve never seen my dad look at anyone like he looks at you, not my mum, not ever like that. He’s going to fall in love with you, Spencer, if he hasn’t already. Look after him and make sure he looks after you. You both deserve to be happy.” It probably took him a lot to say that, but judging by his serious expression, he means every word.

“Thank you, that means a lot to me. What about you, Nate? Who’s your type? Who can make you happy?”

“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll know him when I see him.” He gives me a wink and strides out. “See you next week. I’m going to be here a lot.”

Wow, that came out of left field. How had I not picked up on Nate being gay? I have exceptional gaydar, but he’s managed to fly under it. Does Carl know? I’m so not going anywhere near that conversation with him. He’d have to find out himself.

After my shift, I go to see Maggie, the centre supervisor. She welcomes me with a smile. “He seems nice, Spencer. And you look much happier now. Was he the cause of your sadness?”

“No, that was all on me and my overanalysing tendencies. He wouldn’t give up, though.”

“Good, you’re worth fighting for. Have a nice evening and a lovely weekend.”

When I get outside, Carl is leaning against his Porsche, deep in conversation with a few of the kids. As I approach, they stroll away, all thanking him for whatever they asked him.

“Ready, little one? Do you want to get changed or stay as you are?” He lets his eyes roam over me as if I were a tasty morsel. I wouldn’t mind being gobbled up by him.

“What are we doing?” I step in closer and stand between his parted legs.

“I thought we’d get dinner. Then we can decide what we want to do next.”

“Am I okay going like this?” I gesture at my grey skinny jeans, worn black Converse, and a “Kiss Who the Hell You Want” T-shirt.

“Of course, but if you want to change, I’d love to come and watch.” He winks, then kisses me.

“I’d better stay like this, then. I doubt we’d get dinner if we went to my place.” I grin and sashay towards the passenger door.

Chuckling, Carl gets in as well and starts the engine. We keep up the banter until he parks in the car park of Gaston’s. “Seriously? Here?”

“Yep, so get out before I change my mind and take you to my place.”

I jump out of the car but hold back as he strides purposefully to the restaurant. I want to get a good eyeful of his long legs clad in dark navy designer jeans that mould around his arse perfectly.

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