Page 176 of Daddy's Pride
Spank
A MM Dirty Daddies Story
Nora Phoenix
Chapter One
Josiah craned his head, cursing his utter lack of height. Most days, he didn’t mind being only five-foot-six, but it was damn inconvenient when he wanted to spot someone in a crowd. Especially when it was a busy airport like LaGuardia.
Where was Denali? He caught sight of a raised hand and smiling eyes that were still so familiar. Josiah’s face split open in a wide grin. It had been six months since he’d seen his best friend—about five months more than they both preferred—but life had gotten in the way.
His backpack bounced on his back as his stride quickened, and his carry-on suitcase nearly slid from his hand, but he set a course straight for Denali. A few moments later, they were in each other’s arms. Josiah breathed him in, tears forming in his eyes. How could Denali still smell the same after all that time?
“God, I’ve missed you,” Denali mumbled, echoing Josiah’s feelings.
“Same. I’m so glad I’m here.”
Denali finally released him, though their hands remained clasped, unwilling to let go completely. “So am I. We’re gonna have the best week ever.” He gave Josiah a thorough once-over. “You look tired.”
Josiah snorted. “Thank you. Glad to see my efforts of putting on some makeup this morning are appreciated.”
Denali chuckled. “Oops, sorry. Didn’t mean it like that.”
Josiah sighed. “No, but you’re not wrong. I am tired.”
Denali cupped his cheek and pressed a soft kiss on his lips, a warm reminder of their past. They’d been each other’s first until they’d decided they were way better off as friends. Soulmates. “You’re here now, and we’ll take good care of you.”
They linked arms as they headed for the exit. “Did you drive here?” Josiah asked.
“God, no. I don’t even own a car. Milan and Asher both do, and technically, I’m allowed to drive them, but…” He shrugged. “They’d prefer me not to.”
“I take it your driving skills haven’t improved?” When they’d been teens, living just outside of Anchorage, getting into a car with Denali behind the wheel had tripled his heart rate and blood pressure.
“I haven’t driven in years, so no, not really. And the traffic here is insane, so they prefer I take an Uber or cab.”
Josiah wasn’t surprised. He’d met Milan and Asher, Denali’s two boyfriends, a few times by now, and both were the overprotective type. Milan especially. He scared Josiah a little, although he also found him insanely hot. When Milan put on his Dom voice… Josiah shivered. He could see why Denali was so crazy happy with his men.
Was it too much to ask that Josiah find one too? He wasn’t asking for two. Just one man, one Dom, to take care of him. That shouldn’t be so hard, right? Alas, reality had shown time and again that it was.
They didn’t have to wait long for an Uber and then set course for Brooklyn, where Denali lived with his men. Dusk was falling over the city, and everywhere, lights were coming on. Josiah leaned back into the cushioned seat, his gaze flitting across the cityscape.
A hand briefly touched his. “You okay?” his friend asked.
Denali had always been able to read him like a book.
“Chicago’s been”—Josiah fiddled with the hem of his shirt, a unique design he’d made himself—“lonely.”
“Lonely?” Denali furrowed his brow, concern washing over his features. “Still? You’ve been there three years now.”
“Yeah, you know, the community there… I just can’t seem to find my place.” Josiah’s lips twisted, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I guess I’m not the type of sub they’re looking for, or maybe I’m too much.”
“Josiah, you’re perfect,” Denali reassured him gently. “You’re passionate, creative. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
Josiah was touched by the sincerity in Denali’s words. “Thanks, D. I know you mean that, but it feels like I’m wearing a high maintenance tag on my forehead. It’s frustrating, you know?”
“Of course I know.” Denali laced their fingers together. “But you’re here now. We’ll figure this out together.”
Josiah’s tension eased. He wanted to believe that somewhere in the vast tapestry of this city’s nightlife, a thread was waiting to weave him into the fold. He wanted to believe in the possibility of belonging without having to dim his vibrant hues. He wanted to believe that he, too, would find happiness—someday, somehow, somewhere.