Page 40 of Spoil Me, Daddy
Aaron measured his words, not wanting to push anything on Zaire. “I would like to be able to take care of you while we are out as well as at home.”
“Alright. Can we try? And if I don’t like it, then we stop?”
“Of course! Well done for trying, sweetheart. You’re so brave. I’m so proud of you.”
Zaire blushed and gave a big smile as Aaron helped him with his shoes.
“One more question. Do you want to keep your collar on in public?”
Zaire nodded before Aaron had even finished his sentence. “Yes, Daddy. Definitely.”
“Right. I think we’re ready to go.”
****
The ride to the aquarium was uneventful, although Zaire had found the website on his phone and got excited about all the different things he read about. The seahorses, starfish and turtles were the favourites going by how often Zaire mentioned them.
Aaron had to keep himself from chuckling the closer they walked to the place after parking the car because Zaire bounced on his feet and talked a mile a minute. At least, until Zaire saw the place. Aaron had honestly thought Zaire had been to the aquarium before, but when Aaron asked him, he’d said he hadn’t. When they came upon the large building made from lots of windows, Zaire stopped and stared, mouth open. If it wasn’t likely to spoil the moment, Aaron would’ve taken a photo. Instead, he pulled on Zaire’s hand and, as pure unadulterated joy crossed Zaire’s face, they entered.
“Oh my god,” Zaire whispered, eyes round as he took in everything around him.
Aaron had been many times but tried to see it as though he hadn’t. There was a reception area to the left, and to the right was a walkway, which, when followed, would take them to every area of the underwater haven. They would be able to cut in and out to different areas if they wanted to, but Aaron would try and keep Zaire on the winding route, so they didn’t miss anything. From where they stood, they could see an enormous, floor-to-ceiling, cylindrical glass tube in the centre of the area, holding a multitude of rainbow-coloured fish.
“Let me go and pay, and we’ll head on through, okay, sweet boy,” he murmured in Zaire’s ear, receiving a distracted nod in return. He kept his eye on Zaire as he waited for his turn and joined him once more, Zaire wrapping his arm around Aaron’s biceps. It appeared to be a favourite position for Zaire.
“Come on. The underwater beauty awaits.”
Aaron couldn’t remember a time when he had smiled so much at the genuine joy and exuberance of someone. Every little thing was magical for Zaire, and he was like a kid on Christmas morning. This was what Aaron had missed all these years. Taking care of Zaire was amazing, but Aaron also got to see Zaire’s awe at experiencing something new…something Aaron had been able to give him. As he watched Zaire, his heart filled more. He knew there was no turning back for him. Not now.
****
Chapter 15
Zaire
Zaire could not believe how amazing the aquarium was. He had always wanted to go but had never been inclined to go by himself. In some ways, he wished he had gone before because he hadn’t realised what he was missing, but in other ways, he was glad because he’d been able to share it with Aaron.
They’d taken a few selfies of themselves in front of different exhibits. It had been a fantastic day, and although they were on their way home, Zaire had loved every tiring minute of it.
He rolled his head on the headrest towards Aaron, watching as he concentrated on the road ahead. “Did you have a good day, Daddy?”
Aaron spared a glance at him and grinned. “I had a wonderful time, Zaire. We’ll have to go back again sometime.”
Zaire beamed. “Really? I’d love to go back. The seahorses are so small, I never realised that. And as for their babies, they are so cute,” he said in a high, squeaky voice, then giggled. Actually, fucking, giggled. That thought had Aaron snorting and shaking his head.
“What’s so funny?”
Zaire sighed, smiling out the window as he thought about the day. “I realised how happy I am. I didn’t feel strange when I called you Daddy, and I was able to ignore any weird looks being sent our way. It was nice not to have to worry about anything because I knew you were there to take care of me.”
“Yes, I was, and I will continue to if you’ll allow me.”
Zaire bit his lip. “I’d love that.”
****
By Friday morning, Zaire was so calm and content, he didn’t even mind getting up early to get ready for work. He’d stayed at Aaron’s the previous night, but they’d grabbed some clothes from Zaire’s house on the way back from rock climbing, or rather, Aaron had grabbed the clothes. His weekend had been unbelievable: the aquarium on Saturday and rock climbing on Sunday. Zaire’s perfect weekend. He’d spent the majority of the time as a boy, letting Aaron do whatever he needed to do to look after Zaire, and he’d spent time watching TV and relaxing with his toys. At several points, Aaron had joined him on the carpet and raced cars around the track or helped build a castle to protect the people from an evil dragon. It had been wonderful. The working week had been a normal week at Aaron’s school. It was his last day there because Aaron had found a replacement for him, and although he was sad, he knew he was making the right choice. He didn’t want to confuse the lines of their relationship: Daddy and boy, or boss and employee.
“Zaire? Time for breakfast!” Aaron called from the kitchen.
