Page 16 of Love Me, Daddy
Robbie’s eyebrows rose again. “Why would you say that?”
Nathan squinted off to one side, focusing inwards instead of outwards. “Am I rushing into this because of how I live my life? On the streets? I can’t decide if I’m…seeing what I want to see instead of what is actually there.”
“What’s happened between you so far?”
Nathan felt his cheeks flush again. “Nothing sexual.” He didn’t mention the bathroom scene, it was too embarrassing. “He’s taken care of me, took the lead in things we do, cooked for me. Generally taken care of me.” He paused, peeking back at Robbie. “He gave me colouring to do while he cooked tonight.”
Robbie’s mouth curled at the corners. “Grab onto him, Nathan. You’ll never know for definite unless you try. We’ll be here for you if you need anything.” Robbie rubbed the back of his neck, something he did when he was thinking. “Trust yourself. You wouldn’t have gone back to his place the other day if you didn’t believe he was a good guy, would you?”
Nathan pondered his words and shook his head. “No, I would’ve told him to piss off.”
“Exactly. If the worst comes, come back to us.” Robbie reached a hand to Nathan’s shoulder, squeezing gently.
“Thanks.” Nathan turned, seeing Loren going through the bag they’d brought with them with Daisy. He smiled, turning to his stuff and packing some little bits into a backpack he kept ready for a quick exit. Once he had everything, he pivoted back to Loren. “I’m ready.”
Loren nodded, glancing at his friends. “If it eases your concern, Nathan is welcome to leave at any time. He is not being held prisoner, and, although I will try to change his mind, I will never keep him from his freedom.” He hesitated. “I put my—our—address in there in case you need anything or want to stop by. You’re welcome any time.”
Daisy came forward, throwing her arms around Loren, who’s eyes widened. Nathan and Robbie guffawed.
As she pulled back, she threw over her shoulder towards Nathan, “He’s a keeper.”
They said their goodbyes after several more minutes, and Nathan and Loren headed back the way they came.
“I wish I could do more for them.” Loren’s tone was laced with regret.
“You’ve done plenty. Giving them a place to come to if they’re not safe is one of the best things you could’ve given them.” Nathan sidled up next to Loren and linked his arm around his elbow, resting his head on Loren’s shoulder as they ambled back to the house. After a few minutes, Nathan realised what he’d done, and he tensed.
“What’s wrong?” Loren asked.
Nathan hesitated. “Nothing. I…I’ve never felt so at ease with someone as quickly as I have done with you. It’s a little unsettling sometimes,” he admitted.
“Thank you, Nate.”
“For what?” Nathan tilted his head to see Loren’s profile.
“For telling me the truth. Where possible, I always want the truth from you, even if you think it will hurt my feelings. Okay?”
“Yes, Daddy,” he whispered.
“Good boy.”
They continued in silence until they reached Loren’s house. Nathan could feel the butterflies beginning in his stomach because he wasn’t sure what they were supposed to do tonight.
Loren led the way, helping Nathan out of his coat and shoes then removing his own. Then he held out his hand to Nathan, who grabbed it eagerly.
“Let’s go watch TV for a little while before bed.”
At the word bed, Nathan pulse skyrocketed, he inhaled and exhaled to slow it. He didn’t know what he should be doing. This was new to him, except where he’d had a few interactions with Daddies previously, but nothing to this degree. Those previous meetings had been in a bar and for a release, nothing more.
As they sat, Nathan stared at the TV with fascination, fiddling with his fingers in his lap as Loren found something to watch. The film chosen, Loren sat back, and they watched in silence. Every second that ticked by without conversation, fed Nathan’s anxiety.
When a hand rested on his shoulder and pulled him towards Loren with a “Relax, Nate,” he went without a fight. Resting his head once more on Loren’s shoulder, he tucked his feet under him on the sofa and relaxed into the position.
A gentle shaking motion along with a slide of a hand along his arm woke him gradually. He became aware of a fruity scent and nosed himself further into it, being rewarded with a rumbling chuckle felt through the chest he burrowed into. At the noise, Nathan’s eyes opened, instantly taking in his surroundings and finding himself laid on top of Loren on the sofa. He glanced up at Loren, seeing a smirk on his face.
“You were tired, it seemed.” Loren’s voice was husky, as if he, too, had been asleep, though, Nathan doubted it. Why? He wasn’t sure, but he didn’t think Loren would’ve slept while Nathan had.
Nathan pulled back, cheeks flushing with mortification at their positions, which were undoubtedly his fault. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall—”
