“I’m going to come around to the driver side,” Law told him.
“Okay.”
Nicky watched as Law rose then crossed in front of his vehicle. His door was opened and Law reached in to undo Nicky’s seat belt.
“Okay, boy,” Law said. “Come on.”
It was too easy, allowing Law to take control.
Nicky was drawn out of his vehicle as Law slid behind the wheel. In a fog, he observed Law rolling up the passenger window, checking that nothing was visible, then locking up his vehicle. It was all the responsible things to do and Nicky didn’t need to be the one performing the tasks. Not as long as all the tasks got done, right? Right! Little Nicky didn’t need to worry!
His little side was front and center as Nicky stood there in the cold. What could it hurt? Law was used to Liam being little. Nicky chewed on his bottom lip, wishing he had one of his binkies to suck on.
Law exited Nicky’s Mercedes then nodded toward the car. “I can change the tire for you,” he offered.
Nicky shook his head slowly. No, that is not what he wanted. Liam, Nicky wanted his bestie.
Okay, should I call for a tow?” Law questioned.
Nicky blinked at him. He had a number, right? In his wallet. Yes, in his wallet. Except he couldn’t force the words out. Already the regression was overtaking his senses. Only big boys had wallets. Little Nicky didn’t need silly things like money or phone numbers.
Law chuckled again. “I’ll take care of it, little man. Let’s get you inside and warmed back up.”
That worked for him, so Nicky nodded. Law placed his hand on Nicky’s lower back, guiding him to the still-running SUV. The passenger seat seemed to welcome him as Nicky settled into the heated leather. He closed his eyes, thinking of all the fun things that he and his bestie could do during the night. Maybe Nicky could talk Liam into playing cars? That always made Nicky feel better.
* * * * *
Law
Law knew that he needed to be careful. Jude had already read him the riot act when Law had first admitted to being attracted to Nicky Valentine. Jude had warned Law that Nicky was looking for his forever partner, lover, and most importantly Daddy.
At the time he’d first had that conversation, Law hadn’t been ready to commit to anything. He’d been opening the first expansion office of his business, new to town, and still reeling from a bad breakup.
Now that he’d spent time with Liam and as Liam spoke about his best friend Nicky all the time, Law was even more intrigued. He hadn’t minded the call from Liam and Jude that put Law in the position of rescuer. It was obvious that Nicky had reached his absolute breaking point. Law hated to see the normally cheerful and fun young man on the brink of tears. He was nearly certain tears might have already fallen.
Leaning over the boy in his passenger seat who sat with his eyes closed, Law brushed the hair off Nicky’s forehead. “You just relax. Everything is going to be okay.”
Nicky sniffed. “Thanks.” His voice was barely above a whisper.
Law grabbed the seat belt and fastened it over Nicky before backing away and closing the door gently. On his way to his side, Law sent Jude a text.
‘Got him. He looks exhausted.’
‘Take him to Liam’s. We’ll grab the food and be there soon. There are clothes in the playroom that will fit him if he wants to change.’Jude sent back.
‘I’ll take care of it.’Law replied to Jude before opening another text message chain. He sent the details to his assistant about Nicky’s car with orders to have the tire fixed and the car towed to Liam’s house. It was something that he could easily handle, allowing Nicky to get the break he needed.
After taking care of the pressing business of the vehicle, Law pocketed his cell. Now it was time to take care of the boy who was in obvious need of spoiling.
Waiting until the traffic passed, Law hurried to climb behind the wheel. He already had the seat warmers programmed and was happy that he’d thought ahead. Nicky appeared so comfortable.
Law buckled himself up then turned on his blinker. He smoothly merged into traffic, driving them away from the town center.
“I messed up dinner,” Nicky said softly.
“You didn’t mess up anything,” Law assured him. He gave a quick glance over to find Nicky staring out the window. “From what Jude said, Liam already made a new friend with the chef, which might not have happened if he hadn’t drawn attention being so worried about you.”
Nicky sighed. “I don’t want him to worry about me.”
