Page 41 of Master Daddy

“Cardio. Right. That’s what the kids are calling it these days.” He lowers his voice just enough for me to hear. “You’ve got a hickey starting on your neck, brother. And your boy’s got that freshly fucked glow. Nice work.”

Heat creeps up the back of my neck, but I can’t help the smug little smirk that tugs at my mouth. “Shut the fuck up and pour faster.”

Kaleb chuckles, finishing the pour and screwing the cap back on. “Taron’s waiting at the diner. You two should join us. Breakfast sounds like a solid plan after all that… rigorous training.”

Luke bounces over, eyes sparkling. “Breakfast? Yes please!”

I wrap my arm around Luke’s waist and pull him close, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “Good idea. We burned off a lot of calories. Need to refuel before we hit the gym later.”

Luke lets out the cutest little squeal of delight and claps his hands. The sound goes straight to my chest, warm and bright. “Yay! I’m starving. And I want pancakes. With extra whipped cream.”

Kaleb shakes his head, amused. “You two are disgusting. Cute, but disgusting. See you at the diner.” He gives me one last knowing look—half warning, half approval—before climbing back into his truck and pulling away.

I watch him go for a second, then turn Luke in my arms so we’re face to face. “He definitely knew.”

Luke giggles, hiding his face against my chest. “Oh my gosh. Was it that obvious?”

“Windows looked like we’d been driving through a car wash,” I admit, grinning. “But I don’t care. Let him know.”

We climb back into the truck, now properly fueled, and head toward town.

The morning sun is higher now, lighting up the lake and the forest in brilliant greens and blues. Luke reaches over and laces his fingers with mine on the console, his thumb stroking the back of my hand.

It all feels so natural. Easy. Right.

As we wind down the familiar road, my mind drifts to the bigger picture…

Breakfast with friends. Playful teasing. Luke squealing with joy over pancakes. The way he looked riding me in the truck just an hour ago—wild and trusting and mine.

If this is what life could look like every day… waking up next to Luke, impromptu sex in the truck, shared meals, training together, building something real here… then maybe buying the Hardrock Healing Club with him isn’t just a half-baked idea.

I could see myself running maintenance, keeping the place safe and strong. Luke handling the warm, welcoming side—the Little-friendly events, the community feel. Us building a future that doesn’t involve me disappearing for four months at a time.

The thought settles deep in my chest, solid and hopeful in a way I haven’t felt in years.

Luke’s voice pulls me back. “So… did Kaleb really know we just had sex in the truck?”

I glance over at the boy, one eyebrow raised, and answer with perfect deadpan wryness. “Kaleb had no idea.”

He bursts out laughing, swatting my arm. “Liar! His face was hilarious.”

I chuckle, squeezing his hand. “Yeah, he knew. And he’s probably already texting Connor about it. But that’s what Daddies do.”

We drive the rest of the way into town with the windows down, music playing low, Luke singing along badly and making me laugh harder than I have in months.

By the time we pull up outside the diner, I feel lighter than I have since the Patrick text bullshit started. But he’s not on my mind now. Far from it in fact.

Whatever the future holds—the rig, the wellness center, that damn sonofabitch ex, all of it—we’ll figure it out together.

One breakfast, one training session, one honest conversation at a time.

Right now, though? I’ve got my boy, good friends, and pancakes on the way.

Life’s looking pretty damn good.

Chapter 13

Luke