Page 27 of The Puck Daddy

Because of me. He didn’t want to miss class because of me. I can read between the lines. Guilt swirls in my stomach. Adrian was so bummed out when we couldn’t meet up earlier in the week, but damn, I didn’t know it was so bad at Delfy House that he literally had to sleep in the fucking library.

Sighing, I press a palm to the small of Adrian’s back and guide him toward the line that’s starting to form. “While I appreciate seeing you this early in the morning, I don’t think you should lose sleep over it. You need a good night’s rest before each practice. Plus, what you worked out with Higgens for attending his other classes seems to work for you.”

Adrian squirms, looking down. I didn’t mean to make him feel guilty, but that damn need to take care of him overrides any of my thoughts. And that’s when it hits me. I can’t push down my need to care for him because Idocare for him. I’m developing strong feelings for Adrian, and I want him to know that. I want him to know I’m here for him. That I care.

Changing my tone, I go for cheerful, because I need to see that pretty smile on his face and know that I put it there. “Well, there isn’t much we can do about it now. Why don’t I treat you to your favorite coffee, and we’ll worry about your schedule later? If you want, I can have a look at it. I’m sure there’s somewhere you can sneak in some extra time to catch some z’s. Even if you have to take a nap here or there, we can figure it out.”

Adrian beams at me. “You’d help me do that? Wouldn’t it be boring?”

“Not at all.” We shuffle forward in line, our arms casually brushing against each other, and sending jolts of electricity through me. I glance around us to make sure no one can overhear. “I kind of have a confession to make.”

He eyes me curiously.

“That night at the bar, your brother thought I looked familiar.”

Adrian’s blush returns and spreads down his cheeks to his neck. Interesting. Does he already know? Or is it something else entirely?

“Felix saw me at Clutch, the local kink club. I’m a Daddy.”

A surprised gasp leaves Adrian’s lips. “Oh. Um. I wasn’t sure. I mean, it’s kind of obvious when you say it out loud,” he rambles. “And I kind of hoped, but yeah. Thank you for confirming.”

Fuck, he’s so adorable.

We make it to the front of the line, and I ask him what his favorite drink is here. Our arms brush again, and I lean in close. “Would it be okay if I ordered for you?”

Our gazes lock as he gives me a sweet smile and nods. It might be something minuscule. Something so small that others wouldn’t understand. But for me, I’m asking if I can take control, and he’s giving me permission. Does he understand? Does my wide grin tell him how happy it makes me when he lets me take care of him?

As if reading my mind and giving me all the reassurance I need. He leans against me, almost cuddling up to my side as I order our coffees for the two of us. After I pay, we find a small table to wait and chat, but just before I sit down, he tugs on my arm and whispers in my ear.

“I have a confession to make, too.” His breath is caressing the shell of my ear, causing me to shiver.

I pull back to look at him. “And what’s that?”

There’s a sparkle in his eye and a sassy smile playing on his lips. I love that smile. I’m completely captivated by the way he switches from sweet and shy to sassy so naturally. It just does it for me.Hedoes it for me.

I always thought I should settle for one or the other, but never dreamed of seeing both in one person.

He glances around, like the way I did when I made my confession. Then he playfully tugs me back to him. “I’m looking for a Daddy.”

Chapter 12

My advice—make that man your Daddy.

Adrian

For the next several days, Theo and I text each other during any spare moments we get. I don’t mention the whole fake dating thing again, because I don’t want to put any pressure on him, and oddly enough, I’m okay with it. I like what’s growing between us.

We only see each other once during the week, meeting right before Mr. Higgens’ class. He treats me to an iced mocha before we walk to class together. Every time our arms brushed together, I thought about the kiss we shared and wished we could hold hands.

Over the weekend, while my team and I were on the bus to our next away game, he texted me. Wishing me luck and giving me all kinds of great advice. And when we won, he was there texting me his congratulations, before reminding me to celebrate with a nice meal and making sure to drink plenty of fluids. Some people might think it’s strange that he’s reminding me to eat and drink, or to get plenty of sleep.

But I fucking love it.

Theo is everything I ever could have wanted in a boyfriend, and my crush on him only grows the more I get to know him.

Right as practice ends for the day, I message my brother.

Adrian: You know, you were supposed to give me advice on Theo the other day. And I totally just realized you didn’t!!

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