Page 52 of Just A Little Fling

“Bunny, if you eat all that, you’ll make yourself sick.”

“But, Daddy, I like all those things. I won’t get sick. Me and Nico are gonna share.”

Gabe shot me a concerned glance. “Bunny, today isn’t the day for Nico to come with us. I don’t think he feels very well.”

Rory grew concerned and glanced at Nico. “You sick?”

“Wanna go home with Babbo.”

With that cleared up, I stepped forward and said, “Today he’s too tired, but we can make sure you go together soon.”

“You gotta promise,” Rory said stubbornly.

“I promise you and Nico will go to the zoo together soon. And if your Daddy’s okay with it, I’ll buy you the first treat.”

Rory gave me an abrupt nod. He walked over to Gabe, unfolded his arms, and snuggled up closer to him while wrapping his arms around Gabe’s waist. Gabe reciprocated the hug. “You hear that, Daddy? He promised.”

“I heard, Bunny,” he answered, followed by a kiss on Rory’s nose, “and I’ll buy the second.”

With that settled, I helped Nico put on his jacket. I kept his bag in one hand and clasped his own with my other. “You ready to go home?”

Nico didn’t answer but gave a quick nod. Good enough for me, and we headed out the door while Rory tried to negotiate more treats from his Daddy. Before we even made it to the elevator, my phone pinged with a message.

Gabe

Please let me know how he’s doing this afternoon.

Levi

No worries. I’ll give you an update later.

Gabe

Thanks, Babbo.

* * *

I was still unclear about what had happened in Nico’s office today. It was so unlike him to be anything but the consummate professional. Whatever triggered his regression must’ve been something unexpected. Owen had told me when he started working with Nico how over the top he was with his organization and ensuring everything was precise. None of that was evident in the boy standing inside my front door with a lost expression.

“Are you hungry, sunshine?”

“Yes, grilled cheese.”

“Manners?”

“Babbo, can I have grilled cheese, please?”

I booped his nose and said, “Yep, you sure can.” Nico fiddled with the cuffs of his outfit. No little should be confined to that when in little space. “Before we eat, you need to get comfy.”

I took his hand and led him through the house and out the back door toward his own. Nico kept up with my strides at first, but his footsteps slowed as we reached his place.

“I gotta go home?”

Oh shit, I forgot to tell him what we were doing. “No, Sweet Boy. Babbo’s gonna take care of you. We have to get your comfy clothes on is all. I’d never make my boy make his lunch. That’s a Daddy’s job.”

“You wanna be my Daddy?”

“Of course I do. I’ve always wanted to be your Daddy. Did you not know that?’

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