Page 14 of Love Me, Daddy
“I would.”
Loren’s heart soared at the words. “The things I need you to be sure about are that you want to try this and that you are honest about things. If, at any time, you are unsure or overwhelmed, you need to tell me.”
“Yes, Daddy,” Nathan replied shyly.
“Good boy.” Loren wanted to seal the deal with a kiss but thought it better if he waited for Nathan to indicate he was ready. He stood. “Let me finish cooking, okay.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Nathan wiped at his face and placed the book in front of him. Loren moved the chopping board and fruit over to the breakfast bar; he could watch Nathan while he cut up the fruit. Nathan opened the colouring book to the first page and flattened the cover until it stayed flat. He pulled out the crayons, choosing blue, and rested his right hand against the book. Loren paused. He hadn’t realised Nathan was left-handed. Not that it mattered, but it was a new piece of Nathan for Loren to file away for later.
He watched as Nathan meticulously coloured the balloon, the tip of his tongue visible through his teeth, wholly focused as he was. Loren tilted his head; he hadn’t been this content for a long while. Refocusing on the fruit, he finished the fruit bowls and turned to the oven. Pulling out the tray, he checked the contents, replacing them as they needed a little longer. Loren took a breath and pivoted around to face Nathan, finding him watching Loren.
“Are you okay, sweet boy?” Loren tilted his head.
“Yes, Daddy. I made a picture for you.”
“Thank you, Nate.” He took the proffered book, seeing the neat colouring of several balloons being held in a young boy’s hand. “It’s great. Thank you so much.” Loren slid the book back to Nathan. “Let’s get this cleared away.”
Nathan nodded and with a serene expression, replaced the crayons he had used in their box and pushed them across the table to Loren, who put them in the drawer where they lived.
“Good boy. Now, let’s wash our hands. Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes.”
Chapter 7
Nathan
Nathan’s heart felt full to bursting with everything that had happened over the last couple of hours. Naturally, Loren catching him using the dildo in the bathroom wasnotwhat he had planned, but it ended up with a result he couldn’t argue with. Loren was a Daddy. Nathan could not believe his luck. He felt a little silly about his mini-breakdown, but Loren was so understanding—as a Daddy should be. And being able to colour, under Loren’s watchful eye, was such an amazing experience.
Dinner was blissful. Not only because he was able to have a meal without having toworkfor it first, but because they talked. Not about anything in particular, but about the things they both enjoyed. Nathan had opened up about Robbie and Daisy—the only nod to the homelessness situation he was in—talking about them as a couple. He felt bad about not having been to see them to explain.
“We could go there tonight if you want to?” Loren’s voice broke into his musings. “You could collect some of your things.”
They had yet to discuss what the plan was for them. Nathan had assumed he’d head back out tonight and, over the next few weeks, get to know Loren more before progressing any further. Loren had a different idea.
Nathan bit his lip. “What things do I need to collect?”
Loren put his knife and fork down, crossing his arms loosely and resting his elbows on the table edge. “I don’t like the idea of you being out there. I’ve been thinking about whether you might want to move in here. Into the spare room.” Loren held up a hand when Nathan began to talk. “You don’t have to start any kind of relationship with me. I’m not forcing you to do it in payment for the room. The room is yours, free and clear, regardless of our…situation.”
Nathan studied his plate, moving the food around with his fork as he thought about what Loren had said. His life would be more comfortable if he stayed here, but he felt…unworthy. He’d done some demeaning things since he’d been on the streets. Yes, they ensured his survival, but it didn’t mean they were any less embarrassing. He couldn’t believe Loren would want anything to do with him, but it sounded as if Loren wanted him there.
Thoughts were tumbling around and around in his brain.
“Nathan.” The quiet but authoritative voice captured Nathan’s attention once more, encouraging him to face Loren. “You don’t have to make a big decision right now. You are welcome to think about it, but I would love it if I could make your life a little easier while you do think.”
Nathan’s gaze roamed Loren’s face, seeing the wrinkled brow, ocean blue eyes under sexy thick black glasses and the full lips which spoke with so much care. He nodded with a bite of his lip. “I’ll stay while I decide.”
Watching as he was, Nathan saw pure joy spread across Loren’s features, making him appear immediately younger than…whatever age he was.
“Shall we visit with Robbie and Daisy?” Loren pressed, reclaiming his cutlery and continuing to eat.
“Yes, please, Daddy.” Nathan had lots to tell them.
****
“Here.”
Nathan saw the coat Loren held out towards him. “What’s this?”
“Something a little warmer than your jacket.” Loren held the coat open for Nathan to slide his arms into, and immediately warmth encased him, more so when Loren turned him to face him and proceeded to zip up said coat.
