“Fine.” Liam pouted then perked up. “But I bet Law will make us cookies!”
“Law makes cookies?” Nicky questioned. He knew that Jude made homemade cookies. That was how Nicky figured out that Jude was first interested in his best friend. He hoped that Law’s cookies were as good as Jude’s had been.
“The best cookies,” Liam responded as he rubbed his belly. “But don’t tell Daddy.”
Nicky mimicked locking his lips. He’d just keep that secret until Liam was a brat again. He mentally cackled. And he would get cookies. All the cookies!
Liam crawled over to the strands of garland that were spread out over the floor. Nicky sat there as his bestie started to wrap him up.
“What are you doing?” Nicky asked even as he tried to bat Liam’s hands away.
“You the best prezzie ever!” Liam announced. “And this way you can’t eat all the cookies.”
That was probably a good plan on his best friend’s part. Except now Nicky wondered if Law would hand-feed him cookies. That seemed like a Daddy thing to do.
Chapter Four
Law
Giggles filled the kitchen as Law set the third batch of cookies onto the cooling rack before the fourth and final batch went into the oven. The sweet sound along with the amazing aroma of baked cookies made the long day of hanging up the house lights worth the demanding work.
“You need to stop wrapping Nicky up in garland,” Jude said.
“But, Daddy, he ate four cookies!” Liam argued loudly.
Nicky remained sitting on the barstool in front of the island like he didn’t have a care in the world. They’d decided to order soup and sandwiches to be delivered from a nearby deli for dinner, and while they waited for the food, Law had started mixing up the homemade batter for cookies. Of course, it had been at Liam’s insistence that the night just had to end with cookies. It was the hopeful look in Nicky’s eyes that had sealed the deal.
Not that Law minded the task. The cookie dough was much easier to deal with than the two tired but hyped-up boys. The first batch of cookies was already gone. The glasses of milk empty on the counter. Law had one more batch in the oven for the night. Not that he was sure the boy’s sugar crash would have them making it that long.
“I think someone is tired and cranky.” Jude pulled Liam onto his knee as he remained seated beside Nicky.
“Am not!” Liam said even as he yawned.
“You better watch out!” Nicky started to sing. “You better not pout!”
“Stop it!” Liam smacked at Nicky’s arm.
Jude caught Liam’s hand. “No hitting.”
Law glanced from Jude and Liam and over at Nicky. He nearly dropped the bowl that he’d picked up to clean. Jude had not been kidding about the amount of garland that had been wrapped around Nicky. Not that Nicky hadn’t been covered in garland most of the day, but this was ridiculous.
There had to be at least four long strands from Nicky’s shoulders to his waist. The boy couldn’t even lift his arms or use his hands. Law cleared his throat as he tried to remember what he’d been doing. He couldn’t help but imagine having Nicky tied up and at his mercy for other purposes.
Nicky peered up at him and grinned. And it didn’t appear that Nicky had an issue with the bondage. Was that because it was playing around with his best friend, or was there more to it? Law was dying to find out.
“I think it’s time that I get a sleepy boy home,” Jude said as he rubbed Liam’s back.
“But cookies,” Liam said with a whine.
Law set a batch he’d put in a baggie in front of Jude. “Cookies to take home.”
“That means I get the fresh ones out of the oven,” Nicky said as he danced in place.
“Not if I don’t unwrap you,” Law threatened.
“Hey!” Nicky exclaimed. “That’s not nice.”
“Neither is teasing your best friend,” Law pointed out.
