Page 32 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
14
Briar
When I arrived back downstairs, dinner was just being wheeled in and set up buffet-style. I grabbed a plate and started piling on the food. I'd eaten way too much today but as my mother always used to say, “Calories don't count on the holidays.”
There were a few tables set up with chairs but some of the guys were eating their food with their plates in their laps.
I found an empty space at a table, then looked around for Rivi. He was nowhere in sight. Maybe he'd gone to the bathroom and would be back in a minute. I put my napkin in the seat next to me to save his place. I knew he would want to eat with me.
During my shower, I had made up my mind that I would allow Rivi to hang out with me but at the same time not defy Trent. We wouldn't do anything more than talk and spend time together. That would be my new rule.
Trent and Ozzy took up a table nearby. I leaned back and said, “Rivi’s not here?”
Trent glanced up, mouth a straight line.
Then Ozzy piped up. “He was tired and not hungry after all the snacks. Said he was going up early.”
Trent said nothing.
I nodded and turned back to my plate. As my own appetite plummeted, the food didn’t look nearly as good. I took a few bites, then got up. I walked to Trent and Ozzy’s table.
“I want you to know I have all of Rivi’s best interests at heart.”
Trent picked up his napkin and dabbed at his mouth. “Good.”
I went for the blunt truth. “Then why do you disapprove of his taking a liking to me?”
“I don’t.”
“You do. You told me to be careful, and I am.”
Trent stood, tossing his napkin on the table. To Ozzy, he said, “I’ll be right back.” To me, he said, “Let’s go look at the tree. There are some lights that might be out.”
I followed him to the corner by the roaring fireplace.
As we stood apart from his guests, Trent faced me. “I’ve known Rivi all his life. He’s a sensitive kid.”
“Adult,” I corrected.
Trent frowned. “All right. But he needs to have someone… someone else this first time around.”
I had to force myself to keep my voice low. “Someone not like me?”
“You’re a bit on the rough side, don’t you think? And Rivi’s sensitive. Vulnerable.”
I nodded. “Yes, he is. Which is why I just said what I said. I’d never do anything to harm him. A stranger is the unknown. I’m the known.”
“He’s not into the BDSM stuff like we are.”
“All littles are different. I understand that. I’ve been around the block once or twice, Trent.”
“And that’s just it. He hasn’t been even halfway around the block. I’m looking out for him.”
“It doesn’t bother me that he wouldn’t want a bondage scene. I’ve done enough of that in my life. A daddy role is much more than that.”
Trent grimaced.
My fingers curled. Whenever I became impatient, I counted. Sometimes to three. Sometimes to ten. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten.
