Page 15 of Love Me, Daddy
“Thank you.” Nathan couldn’t remember a time he had been warm—well, when he was on his way outside, that is.
“You’re welcome. Now, are you sure you don’t want anything else to take to Robbie and Daisy? A couple of blankets and some tinned fruit doesn’t seem enough for what they’re going through. I wish I—”
“I know what you wish you could do, but this is more than enough for the moment.” Nathan cut Loren off, earning a narrowed eyed stare. “Sorry, Daddy. I don’t want you to feel like you need to do more. We’ve looked after ourselves for many years now. Too much would hinder, not help.”
Loren nodded. “You’re right. I don’t know enough about these things. I’m trusting you to show me the way.”
Nathan’s mouth widened until he beamed. “Thank you, Daddy.” Unable to stop himself, he threw his arms around Loren’s neck in a hug he never wanted to end. Loren’s arms came around him, holding him tightly against his form.
“Let’s get going.”
Nathan reluctantly pulled back, wanting to keep hold for longer, but knowing he had things to think about.
They had decided to take a stroll with the shack being close and Nathan feeling better. Nathan decided he needed to speak to Robbie about the situation and get his advice.
Within twenty minutes, they were at the wire fence. Nathan bit his lip again. “You don’t have to come—”
“I’m coming,” Loren replied, voice firm.
Nathan inhaled deeply then ducked through the hole, holding it open for Loren to get through. Worrying his lips, Nathan led the way around the edge, relaxing minutely as the shack came into view. He hoped they were still there and hadn’t moved on. Stopping at the door, he exhaled and knocked twice, opening the door slowly.
Seeing Robbie crouched in front of Daisy, protecting her, had Nathan slumping in relief.
“Nathan!” Daisy pushed Robbie to one side, scrambling up and running to him, throwing her arms around him. “I thought something had happened to you. I’m glad you’re alright.”
“Hey, Daisy. Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry to worry you.”
“What happened to you?” Robbie came forward, frowning, hesitation clear on his face as he inspected Loren up and down. “Nice bruise.” He nodded towards Nathan’s forehead.
Nathan ran his fingers across the lingering evidence and grimaced. “Yeah, things took a turn for the worse the other night.”
“What happened?” Daisy asked, fingers gripping Nathan’s coat sleeve.
“Some guy left him injured in an alley. I happened to be walking past and heard him in pain. I helped.” Loren filled in the blanks succinctly enough Robbie and Daisy’s eyebrows rose.
“What did he do?” Robbie’s eyes narrowed, and his lips thinned.
“Doesn’t matter. I’ve been staying with Loren for the last couple of days to recuperate…” Nathan paused, unsure of how to explain everything.
Robbie tilted his head, locking gazes with Nathan. “You’re heading out, aren’t you?”
It was what those on the streets called it when someone left the homeless situation.
Nathan bit his lip. “For the moment.”
Daisy piped up. “And can you give him what he deserves?” The question was directed at Loren as she manoeuvred around Nathan to stand in front of him.
“I’ll give my boy everything he needs.”
Robbie and Daisy gasped jointly, redirecting their gazes back to Nathan. He blushed under their perusal. They knew what he wanted from a relationship, so to them, this would be perfect for him. Nathan was unsure because it felt a little like Loren was rescuing him.
He cleared his throat. “Robbie, can I have a word?” He indicated the opposite side of the small space; it wouldn’t give them a huge amount of privacy, but enough for what Nathan needed.
Nathan stood with his back to Loren, knowing it would be more difficult if he could see him.
“What’s up?”
Running his hand through his hair, he lowered his voice. “I don’t know if I’m making a mistake.”
