Page 13 of Just A Little Love

“I know I’m going to regret asking this, but why aren’t you wearing a jacket?” Damn it, this boy would have pneumonia before spring if he didn’t start dressing appropriately.

“This is dumb, and I know it’s dumb, but I still couldn’t find it. It doesn’t look like it, but I try to keep things organized. Anders helps, but he’s busy at work, and I hate to ask him when he’s exhausted. Plus, his shitty boyfriend gets needy when he goes around anyone else. So I tried to wing it. Thank God, I always keep my work stuff together.”

Rory sounded beat down and looked defeated when I glanced over at him. I squeezed his fingers, and he gripped mine back. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it. Organization, too much and too little, is hard. I know I’m organized to the point of being a pain in the ass about it, and that’s not a good thing either. If we merged ourselves, we’d have the perfect system.”

Rory turned to face me with a contemplative look but opened and closed his mouth a few times like he was trying to decide what to say. “I was doing some research last night about daddies and boys. It was interesting. One blogger I found mentioned his daddy helps him organize his life, which I thought sounded pretty cool. Uncle Tobias and I had that in common. He was as disorganized as I am.” The moment Rory spoke his uncle’s name, his voice softened. His uncle wasn't his actual father, but Rory loved him like he had been.

“Say the word, and I’ll be happy to offer my sweet label-maker skills,” I said with a laugh. He might think it was a joke, but I fucking love my label maker.

I kept my hand on Rory, and he didn’t try to extricate himself. This didn’t feel like a business arrangement but more like the beginning ofsomething. I couldn’t let my mind wander down this road, so I forced myself to think about anything, anything else at all. It finally settled on driving habits. Twice now, Rory had either walked or taken the option to be picked up. My curiosity got the best of me.

“Do you not drive for a reason or just because?”

“Meh, I can drive, but I don’t like it. I worry I’m going to hit a kid or a squirrel. With a grocery store and work being close, I only have to do it once, maybe twice a week. I count it as exercise, so no guilt when I have dessert.”

“We are a match made in heaven,” I said. A glance in his direction gave me a fleeting view of a grin. “I hate letting anyone drive me, so I’m the one who always volunteers to pick up and chauffeur everyone.”

“I’m glad to hear someone likes it because I hate it. Like a lot, a lot.” Rory’s twinkling laugh made me join in with him.

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes while Rory looked out at the wet streets as we traveled away from the Old Town area of the city where he lived. After a bit, he asked, “I should have said something sooner, but where are we going?”

“It’s a kink store with a nice selection of littles paraphernalia. I thought you might like to pick up a few things to try out and see how it feels to try them on. You’ll need them for the party.” Rory’s shocked expression made it hard for me to keep a straight face, but I tried my best to keep my expression neutral. “If you’d rather not go, it’s not a big deal.”

“Dude! You gotta warn a guy.” Rory’s sputtered reply came out between choked laughs.

“Sorry! Yeah, maybe I shouldn’t spring shop on you. My bad.” I chuckled, he laughed, and I felt lighter than I had in years.

Chapter 8

Rory

“Bunny, this is it.”

The drive from downtown to what Gabriel said was his favorite kink store took about 30 minutes with the mid-afternoon traffic. We pulled into the parking lot, but I was confused. It looked like a high-end shopping center with retail stores.

“What’s wrong?” Gabriel asked at my obvious confusion.

“Where is it at? The shopping center?”

“Yeah, it’s in there. Stay put, and I’ll come around to get you.”

Gabriel opened my door and unbuckled my seat belt before taking my hand and helping me out of the car. Was I supposed to be annoyed when he stepped up and did for me what I could do for myself? Hopefully not because I felt protected and cherished and, well, little. I murmured my thanks, and heat rushed to my cheeks. The urge to take Gabriel’s hand almost overwhelmed me. Given his solicitousness toward me, it felt unnaturalnotto put my hand in his. It was a struggle, but I kept my hands to myself.

We walked farther into the open-air pedestrian mall, which resembled an old-fashioned street with brick facades. Because it was only a few days past Christmas, the outdoor area still had all its decorations up. Planters held miniature Christmas trees, and large framed windows had fake snow sprayed on the edges. About halfway down the block, we paused in front of a store with an unassuming wooden sign that readPièce aux Épices. Both front windows were decorated in various sizes of red, gold, and black lace snowflakes. The effect was sweet and sexy, and I liked the vibe.

Before we stepped inside, I knew this place wouldn’t be cheap. I quickly recalled my bank account in case something caught my eye. The Magic 8-Ball answer was not a damn thing better catch my eye because I was down to double digits. My once-a-month paycheck had to stretch to the end of the month, and December was always tight. I tried to mask my concern, but Gabriel picked up on my dread.

“Bunny, tell me the problem.” Gabriel phrased his question as an instruction, and that made my heart rate quicken. A request was simple to brush past, but a pointed, direct demand was difficult to ignore. Gabriel’s had a patient but determined look on his face. There was no chance he would let me skate by with a non-answer, and I didn't want him to let me, either.

“It finally clicked where we were, and no way I could afford anything in Mercer City. I don’t know exactly what stuff you think I need, but maybe we can compromise? We make the list here, and I’ll see what I find online.”

Gabriel watched my twisted fingers as I spewed about my money problems. Being forced by circumstances to admit the pathetic state of my bank account was awful, but my card being declined in front of him would be a fate worse than death in the embarrassment realm.

“Bunny, you aren’t buying anything. I am. You’re helping me, and so I’m footing the bill. I apologize for making you worry about this. The only thing you are providing is you. Everything, and I mean everything, will be on me. Part of being a daddy is to take care of the stress of adulting stuff.” Gabriel paused to brush my hair off my forehead. “Budgets? Bills? That’s adulting, so I’m taking it. If it becomes an issue, I’ll let you know. Today, the only thing we’ll look for is an outfit or two and some paraphernalia they’d expect you to have at the party.”

Gabriel took my hand in his and laced our fingers together. Immediately, the lost feeling churning in my stomach settled. There was no reason for me to hide the relief his words gave me. My body ignored my brain and moved closer to his warmth.Snuggled up near him was where I was supposed to be. This moment was magical. I didn’t understand why, but I wanted the feeling to continue. I understood the words he said, but that didn’t make them easier to process. It had been a long time since I wasn’t in charge of my problems, big or small.

Being so close, I could see Gabriel’s deep brown eyes framed by impossibly dark lashes. He had the hint of a bump on the bridge of his nose, and I made a mental note to ask if he’d ever broken it. His lips, with the sweetest bow, were slightly parted. I wanted to know how his mouth would fit against mine. Every time I came within touching distance of Gabriel, I forgot this wasn’t real.

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