Page 16 of A Daddy to Love

The car dropped me off at my front door. The night air pressed cold against my bare arms. I entered my small, two-bedroom house and immediately checked to see that the heat was on. Glancing about, I saw my cozy living room, the couch covered with pillows and blankets for when I felt like sleeping away from my big, king-sized bed. Even though I had company for the asking at any time from any bar or club, I rarely brought anyone home. Living alone had made me territorial, a habit accompanied by a loneliness that made me restless. Yet I still chose to be a bachelor. If I partied, it was away from here. This was my refuge for work and downtime.

My laptop sat on the dining room table in one corner. My bedroom door opened on the right. The second bedroom, tiny in size, held my treadmill and weights. It had a lovely window overlooking a field of trees between me and my neighbor’s house. I’d set it up with a sound system. The closet doors were mirrors. I’d created the perfect little space for work outs.

I was happy here. No doubt of it. But tonight it all felt different.

I kicked off my boots, plopped on the couch and rolled up in a fleece blanket. I stared at my phone as if I could magically make it light up.

Would Kairo actually obey my request and text? Of course, he would. Why was I worried?

Usually, after a night out, with or without a hookup, I would fall asleep fast. Not tonight. I couldn’t stop my thoughts. As I stared at the ceiling, the high of Kairo’s sweetness, his lips, his funny humor had me already obsessed.

After what seemed like an eternity, my phone vibrated against my chest. I grabbed it. The text lit up.

Hi, Truce. This is me. Kairo. I just got home. I hope you are also home safe. Thank you for a good night.

His awkwardness and manners, even in texting, made me smile. Funny boy. A baby who needed a daddy to care, to look after him, to love.

Immediately, I replied.

I’m home and thinking of you. Happy you are safe.

I watched the ellipse bubble that showed he was writing. It paused for what seemed like a long time. Just as I began to think no text would come, a short one popped up.

Thinking of you.

I couldn’t wait to see him again.

Are we still on for dinner tomorrow night?

Yes, Daddy.

Great. Is there anywhere you’d like to go?

You choose.

I thought of all the nicer places I knew and suggested one. Then I texted him back the name of the restaurant and asked:

When can I pick you up?

I’ll meet you there. Is that okay?

Interesting. He didn’t want me to see where he lived yet.

That’s fine. Do you eat early or late?

Six sharp.

That was an intriguing answer since he didn’t work. Maybe he had himself on a strict schedule.

I’ll make the reservations.

I am excited. Thank you, Daddy.

I smiled at his use of Daddy. And his candor. Twenty-four but still wet behind the ears. He was tight as a drum with his nerves but I trusted myself to find a workaround. It was going to be wonderful to get him to loosen up, to allow me take care of him.

7

Kairo