Page 29 of Spoil Me, Daddy
“Yes, what?”
Zaire sighed. “Yes, Daddy.” Zaire linked his fingers in his lap, squeezing them together.
“Good boy.” Aaron reached a hand over and placed it on Zaire’s, rubbing his thumb against his fingers and, hopefully, soothing his worry. “Are you okay?”
Zaire moved his hand, threading their fingers together. “Yes, I’m okay. Apart from an awful headache, which is easing now the painkillers are kicking in. I expect today to be hell on earth, but I’ll be fine.”
“I know you will. You’re strong. Just remember to drink plenty of water.” Aaron had a thought. “Did you drive to the bar last night?”
“No, I drove home first and got a taxi. I knew it would be an…enthusiastic night.” Zaire gave a half-smile.
Aaron squeezed his hand again and smiled at him. “I’m glad you were sensible. You make me proud, sweetheart.”
“Except when I’m an asshole,” Zaire muttered.
“Stop! You don’t ever call yourself that.” Aaron’s voice rose in the small area. “You are not an asshole and never will be. Certain people, yes. You, hell no. You made a bad choice. I agree. But it does not make you an asshole.”
They were quiet for a while after his outburst, and he wondered whether he’d gone too far until Zaire spoke, “Thank you for believing in me. Although I remember someone else calling me an asshole before.”
Aaron chuckled. “You told me to. I will believe in you always. Even when you don’t believe in yourself. Especially then.”
They lapsed into silence for the remainder of the journey. When they arrived, Aaron exited the car to help Zaire to his house but remained on the porch.
“You need to get ready, and you don’t need me helping.” He smirked. “We’d end up being late, and neither of us needs that.”
“Okay, Daddy. Thank you for everything.”
Aaron wrapped his hands around Zaire’s back and kissed his forehead. “You’re welcome. Remember what I said. Straight to my house after work.” He pulled back and fixed a stare on Zaire until he nodded. “Good boy.” He pressed another kiss to his lips and pulled away, waving over his shoulder when he reached his car.
Today was going to be a long day.
****
Chapter 11
Zaire
Regardless of what Aaron said, Zaire couldn’t help but think of himself as an asshole. He hadn’t even waited to get Aaron’s side of the story from him before he thought the worst and put Aaron in the same category as the other Daddies Aaron had said treated Zaire wrongly. As he dressed for the day, he winced with every movement, his head complaining at him for his foolish antics. Rod had been a great listener, but maybe Zaire had told him too much about his relationship with Aaron. There was nothing he could do about it now, but he grabbed his phone and messaged him, apologising for being a crap friend before he hightailed it out of the door and to his car; otherwise, he would be late.
When he arrived at the school, he grabbed his bag and…shit, he’d forgotten to pack his lunch. He’d have to make do with whatever snacks he had in his bag. As he walked towards the school, he saw Aaron in his office on the telephone. He looked impeccable as always. A small smile graced his lips when he saw Aaron notice him and wave him in. Forehead creasing, Zaire headed straight towards the headteacher’s office.
“Good morning, Pamela,” he said.
“Morning, Zaire. Everything okay?” They fiddled with a few files on their table as they spoke.
“Yes, thanks. Aaron—Mr Brown—waved me in through the window. Not sure why.”
“Okay, bear with me a sec.” They scurried out of their chair, knocking quietly on the door and poked their head through. Lowered voices were heard, and they came back out, indicating for him to go in. “Yes, you’re good. He’s finished on the phone.” They resumed their seat.
“Thanks.” He headed through the open door, closing it when Aaron told him to. “Is everything okay?”
Aaron nodded with a smile. “Yeah. I have something for you.” He pulled a white paper bag from under his desk and held it out. “I wasn’t sure if you’d remember your lunch, so I got something for you from the deli when I got mine. If you have something, this can go in the fridge for tomorrow instead.”
Zaire’s throat narrowed, and he swallowed convulsively. He couldn’t believe he was so lucky to have this man as his Daddy. He wanted nothing more than to go over and wrap his arms around Aaron and never let go. How he ever thought Aaron had been lying to him, he had no idea.
“Zaire?” Aaron came around the desk, and Zaire was worried he would do as he wanted, so he held out his hand palm forward. Aaron stopped, a frown on his face as he scanned Zaire from head to toe. “What’s wrong?”
“I…You…God!” He rubbed a hand over his face and tried to regain his composure. After breathing deeply for a few moments, he managed to say, “Thank you so much.” He waved his hand towards the bag in Aaron’s hand. “For this. For everything you’ve given me so far. It’s so much more than any other Daddy did. It seems completely unreal. I’m…” he broke off, not able to say anymore without bursting into tears.
