Page 39 of Soothe Me, Daddy
Isaac snickered. “So long as you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters.”
“Very happy.”
Isaac rubbed a hand up and down Henley’s back. “We need to talk. I know it’s late, but it would be better to get this conversation done so we can start sorting it out.”
“I know.”
“Let’s get ready for bed, and we’ll snuggle up and talk it through, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
They went through their usual routine, Isaac helping Henley get ready as well as himself, and Isaac heading to the kitchen to grab them fresh drinks for overnight. It was something Isaac always did, but Henley had never thought about doing for himself.
When they were settled with Henley draped across Isaac’s front, their legs and arms entwined, Isaac asked his first question.
“Can you tell me what happened earlier?”
Henley thought back to earlier in the day, although now, it seemed a lot longer ago. “I guess I forgot I would be working alone. I’m so used to working alongside you, it escaped my notice that it would soon be over.”
“It’s not over, Henley. I promise you.”
“No, I don’t mean us. I mean working together. I’ve had so much fun these last few weeks, I guess…I’m worried that I won’t like the job as much if you’re not there with me. And that I won’t see you as much because of where we will be working.”
Isaac was silent for a moment. “It’s true we won’t see as much of each other as we do now. There’s nothing we can do about that, unfortunately. But we can figure out other stuff. Since we started our relationship, we have been together almost all day, every day. We’ve not spent a night apart.” He hurried on before Henley could get lost in his head again, “And I love it. But the job demands some nights away. If that happens, we will sort out a routine for you to follow, we will be on the phone to each other or video calling. There are ways around it.”
Henley considered Isaac’s words. “It’s not the same as when you’re with me, though.”
“No. It won’t be the same. But we will manage because when we see each other again, it will be amazing. I’m not at all concerned about you being able to do the job. I know you can do it. You are fantastic with the staff and everything else that the job entails.”
Henley preened under the praise. “I am good, aren’t I?”
“And so modest, too.” Isaac snorted then sobered. “If something happens and one of us is unhappy with how things are working, we will talk about it and find a solution. The only way this will work is if we communicate.”
“Okay. I understand.”
“Do you feel better about next week now?”
Henley smoothed his hand across Isaac’s chest, above his heart. “I do. We just need to talk.”
Isaac pressed a kiss to the top of his head and held him tighter.
****
“As we have a bit of time before we have to leave, you need to take your punishment,” Isaac declared the following morning.
Henley spun around, eyes wide. “What! What did I do?”
Isaac raised his eyebrows. “Going silent on me yesterday. What did I tell you when we first started this relationship?”
“That you do what’s in my best interests.” Henley twisted his hands around each other and bit his lip.
“Yes, and what else?”
Henley studied the floor, trying to remember everything they had talked about. He could feel himself getting flustered because he couldn’t remember.
“That you need to tell me the truth at all times, even when it scares you,” Isaac answered his own question when Henley fumbled for a response. Henley ducked his head. Isaac’s hand brought his chin back up. “I’m not cross with you. We talked it out last night and fixed it. But I would’ve preferred to sort it out immediately. You had me worried for a long while yesterday. You need to remember to trust me, trust us, trust in this.” Isaac pointed from Henley to himself several times.
“Yes, Daddy. It’s hard sometimes. I’ve been on my own for so long…”
