Page 15 of Milo
I don’t have to wait long before Milo stands at the building door holding it open for me. He’s grinning widely and my heart could burst open. Today has been amazing. Working with Izzy, seeing my sister and Emily, now Milo. Though, I’m sure I’ll get to see Milo on the daily if I play my cards right.
Before I can ask, Milo stands behind me. “Can I help with anything?”
I chuckle. “Actually, yeah, that would be great.” We walk to the other side of my truck and I hand him napkins, then the two melty chocolate milkshakes in their drink carrier.
Milo sucks in a breath. “I love milkshakes.”
“I thought you might.” I grab the pizza and bag with the nuggies. “And I couldn’t decide, so I got pizzaandnuggies with all the different kinds of dipping sauce they offer since I didn’t think to ask what kind you like. I figured we can eat either thepizza or nuggies, then warm the other up in the oven later when we want them.”
He bounces on his toes, and I have to laugh. He’s so adorable. “Sounds perfect.” He grabs the door when we get to it. We pass up my door and go right to his apartment.
I set the pizza and nuggie bag on the table and he nibbles his bottom lip. “I can’t decide. Do you have a preference?” He looks up at me with those pretty blue eyes.
“Let’s stash the nuggies in the fridge for later?”
Milo nods and takes the bag to the fridge. He gathers some plates and water bottles, his mood suddenly more somber, and I don’t think it has anything to do with nuggies or pizza for dinner.
“Hey,” I say softly.
His shoulders drop, and he takes a deep breath. “Sorry. I’m ridiculous.”
I take his hand and guide him to one of the chairs at the table. “No. You’re just fine. Are you ready to talk about it, or do you need some more time first?” I flip open the pizza box and place a piece on the plate in front of him. “Have you eaten today?”
I don’t hear his stomach, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
Milo huffs a sigh. “Yesterday, I pretty much told you I’m a Little, right?”
“Correct.”
“I’m not ashamed of it, okay?” He puffs another sigh. “Yesterday I had every intention of coming home and playing in my Little space, but?—”
“We got sidetracked.”
We both snort and Milo grins back at me. “It was great. I don’t mind getting distracted like that.” It’s like he remembers he had pizza in front of him and he takes a huge bite. His eyes flutter back and he moans. “So good.” A few mouthfuls later, hecontinues his story. “Anyway, I played today. And it was great until—” He puts his pizza down and almost curls into himself.
“Hey. Hey. I don’t know what happened, but would it be easier if we cuddled? We can put the pizza in the oven to stay warm.”
“Like I said on the phone. My brain is just being dramatic. It shouldn’t be such a big deal. But it is, apparently.” He blinks and tears well in his eyes.
I push to my feet and grab the pizza box. I flip on the oven to a low enough temperature the pizza won’t burn, but will stay warm until we’re ready for it, then shove the box in.
“Come on.” I take his hand and lead him to the couch. He stares at me and nibbles his bottom lip. His hand lifts as if he’s going to suck his thumb, but he stops himself. “Oh, sweetheart, what happened?” I pat the cushion next to me. I just want to help him feel better.
“My Little time got interrupted by maintenance and I’ve been upset about it all day. I’m so fucking dumb.” He blinks and the tears finally race down his cheeks.
“You’re not dumb at all, Milo.”
“Yes, I am. Here you are offering yourself up for cuddles and I’m too afraid to take you up on the offer. You’resonice. So many people want you. I don’t deserve?—”
“Milo.”
He startles at my tone. His cheeks blush so sweetly.
“You’re a Little. I’m a Daddy. Let me help?”
More tears get caught in his lashes and he blinks them away.
“Okay,” he whispers and tentatively sits on the cushion next to me and leans on my shoulder. “I might need a minute. It took me a while to warm up to cuddles with Rory, too. He’s a good cuddler. Apparently, he and his bestie are platonic soul mates and they cuddled all the time when they lived together beforeRory found Jacob. The whole story is sweet to me.” He sniffles and wipes at his eyes.
