Jude rolled his eyes as he passed over two bags. “Hey, man. Thanks for picking him up.”
“Of course.” Like Law would have let anyone be stranded. Especially not Liam’s best friend, whether Law was interested or not. “That’s a lot of food,” Law commented.
“The chef decided that we needed to try everything on the menu. Nice guy but I think he went a little overboard.”
From the aromas coming from the bags, Law was not going to complain. The Italian restaurant was already receiving rave reviews online and in the local paper. Their community depended on tourists to make their revenue, and a restaurant of this caliber would be a true asset.
“Let’s get these into the kitchen and set the table. Then we’ll see if we can get the boys to let each other go long enough to get them settled,” Jude suggested.
Law couldn’t help glancing over at Nicky. He’d hoped to have some more alone time with the boy. Maybe he could still salvage most of the night since it appeared that Jude would have his hands full with a little Liam.
Chapter Two
Nicky
“Jammies!” Liam declared, pulling hard enough on Nicky’s hand that Nicky nearly fell face first onto the couch when his feet got tangled. He grunted as his hip smacked the edge of the couch.
“Careful,” Law called. “Don’t break your friend.”
“I not break him!” Liam argued. “I helping!”
“Help him gently into the playroom,” Jude admonished. “Pick your jammies out. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Liam huffed. “Yes, Daddy.” He waited until Nicky had his feet back under him before pulling once again.
He stumbled but allowed his bestie to drag him down the hall. Honestly, Nicky was so wrung out that he appreciated Liam being over the top. It was usually him that created chaos when they were together.
“I’m so sorry that you had a bad night but I’m glad that we get to have a slumber party,” Liam said, stopping right before they entered the playroom. He slipped his arm around Nicky’s back. “I should have thought about this first. We could have dinner any time.”
“It’s fine,” Nicky lied.
“You look so tired,” Liam pointed out. “And sad.”
“I’m better now,” Nicky said. He tucked his head into Liam’s shoulder. “Just need this.”
Liam turned to fully hug him. “Why didn’t you tell me? You know I’m always up for a playdate.”
“I just don’t want to ruin whatever you and Jude had planned.” Now that he thought about things, Nicky wasn’t sure that he would’ve been good company at dinner. He should have said something. Liam was right.
“Plans change.” Liam patted his back. “It’s okay.”
Nicky drew back. “Love you.” He was a very lucky boy.
“Love you too!” Liam said with a grin. “Jammies?”
“Yeah, big boy clothes suck!” Nicky exclaimed.
“Totally!” Liam began to jump around.
The excitement inside him grew. Liam’s house was gorgeous inside and out with all the decorations, so Nicky wanted to be there way more than in his own house. And now they could get yummy messy food and play. Nicky shook his booty in his happy dance.
“Yay! Dancy-dance! Wait! Jammies! No dancy-dance in big boy clothes. Want Sharkie?” Liam was back to dragging Nicky.
They both banged against the doorframe when they didn’t quite gauge how close they were to the door.
“Liam!” Jude yelled.
“Sorry, Daddy!” Liam shouted back. He looked at Nicky with wide eyes.
