Page 44 of Controlled Burn

“Julius is a brat. I would prefer for my boy’s friends to be a good influence,” I grumbled.

“Your boy, huh?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do know. The question is, do you?”

“Both you and Abe seem to have forgotten that this relationship isn’t real.”

He chuckled. “Both Abe and I know you well enough to hear what you aren’t actually saying. You like him. And not as a friend.”

“I do like him. He’s sweet, smart as fuck, and has a big heart. And yeah, he’s also sexy as hell, but he’s also Robert’s son. You might have forgotten that part, but I can’t.”

“I haven’t forgotten. But I also haven’t forgotten he and I are the same age, which means he’s a grown-ass man who’s old enough to make his own decisions.”

I pulled into the parking lot of Caleb’s apartment and killed the engine. “Believe me, I know he’s a grown-ass man. But that doesn’t change the fact that Robert’s my best friend. Anyway, I’m here to pick him up. Go get those horses taken care of and tell Spencer I said hello.”

I’d had a similar conversation with Abe the last time we met for coffee. And while I might not admit it to either of them, they weren’t wrong. If I were going to settle down with a boy, I would want him to be like Caleb, but I’d promised him a safe place to figure out if he wanted a Daddy, and that was what I’d done. The best thing for both of us was to give him a chance to meet other Daddies and see that finding one of his own wasn’t hopeless like he’d originally thought. Then we could put an end to this and both move on. No harm, no foul. That was what was best for both of us, no matter how much it would suck.

And I got an immediate reminder just how much a few minutes later when he pulled open the door because, fuck me, if he didn’t look good enough to eat.

I stood there for a second, taking in the sight before me. Gone was my adorable geeky librarian, and in his place was a very sexy boy. He had on a pair of black short-shorts, a burgundy-colored cropped v-neck tee that fit snuggly to his chest, and he’d opted to wear his contacts instead of his glasses.

“Is this not okay?” His expression changed from one of shy hopefulness to worry as he took a step back, tugging at the bottom of the cropped top in a pointless attempt to hide his exposed skin, and I realized that he’d mistaken my awe for displeasure.

“Baby boy, what you’re wearing is more than okay. You look amazing.”

“I wasn’t sure. I mean, it isn’t what I normally wear. I had to go to my friend Toby’s and rummage through his closet. He likes to go to clubs, and sometimes, he even goes to San Antonio or Austin to go to the bigger ones. Anyway, he has all kinds of outfits like this, and he let me borrow this one. He said this was really my color and that the shirt made the green in my hazel eyes pop, but I’ve never been good at that, you know, like figuring out fashion and clothes and colors and—”

I reached out with a finger and placed it over his lips to stop his nervous ramble. “Honestly, Rabbit. You look stunning. I promise. Are you ready to go?”

That adorable blush crept its way up his exposed chest, up his neck, and into his cheeks. “I’m ready.”

The parking lot of the club was packed tonight, and I was reminded of Jesse telling me they might add a second Daddy/boy night. In the beginning, I knew his partner Victor was worried it might not be popular enough and that he might lose money by dedicating the entire club to one demographic for a whole night, but he’d been worried for nothing.

I got out and went around to Caleb’s door, pulling it open. I tried not to watch as he turned in the seat and stuck his bare legs out the door. And I absolutely did not picture those long legs wrapped around me. Fuck, tonight was gonna suck. I reached out my hand and pulled him to his feet.

I held onto his hand on the way up to the club entrance. We got to the door, and he reached for his pocket, but I leaned down near his ear. “Rule number three. Daddy pays.”

“But—”

“Rule number three,” I said firmly and waited until he nodded. I handed the guy my card to cover both our cover charges, and we headed into the club.

If Caleb was hoping to make an entrance quietly, I knew he was out of luck. There wasn’t another boy here tonight who looked half as sexy as my boy did. I was tempted to put my arm around him and make sure everyone knew he wasn’t available, but that would defeat the whole purpose of the night, now wouldn’t it?

Instead, I forced myself to put a little bit of distance between us so that if any of the other Daddies were interested, they would feel comfortable to at least approach him.

He looked at me. “Is everything okay? You seem tense all of a sudden. Do I really look okay?”

“Yes, baby boy, you look fabulous. I just thought you might want to spread your wings a little. Maybe try to meet some of the other Daddies. With me here, of course, so you know someone has your back.”

I knew I was sending hella mixed signals tonight. Holding his hand, then stepping back. Giving him a new rule and then suggesting he find another Daddy. But the signals I was sending weren’t half as mixed up as my own thoughts were. Damn Nash for what he said tonight of all nights.

An expression I couldn’t quite place flashed across his face. Disappointment or maybe determination. He was probably just anxious after his experience the last time he was here.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be watching the whole time.” Even if it killed me. “If you get uncomfortable or need any help, all you have to do is motion for me, and I’ll be right there.”

He straightened his shoulders and nodded his head. “Okay, if that’s what you think is best.”