Page 21 of Ethan’s Dazzling Daddies

Ash arrived in comfortable clothing. He'd abandoned his stuffy suits and formal wear since his change in attitude. Ethan quite liked seeing him more relaxed. It made it easier to picture this new version of the man rather than the old, controlling one.

“Hi,” Ash said in greeting, lifting a hand.

Jacob smiled and waved back. His hand moved to Ethan's lower back, and with a single tap of his finger, it was all the encouragement Ethan needed. His Daddy knew what he wanted, and he saw this as an opportunity.

Ethan took the few steps forward to close the distance between himself and Ash. He slowly lifted his arms, giving Ash the chance to move away if he didn't want this.

Hopefully he wanted it.

When his arms wrapped around Ash in a hug, the other man jolted, then sank into the embrace.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Ash whispered, running a hand down Ethan's back like he was holding something precious.

They stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other. Ethan had only ever felt this comfortable with Jacob. No other partner or friend had made him want to close his eyes and trust he'd be taken care of.

When they pulled apart, there were tears in Ash's eyes. “Thank you,” he said.

Ethan had to bite his lip. He wanted to cry too.

Thankfully, his Daddy stepped up, wrapped an arm around Ethan's shoulder, and gripped Ash at the back of the neck. “No need for tears. You've more than proven yourself lately. Our boy wanted to show he's opening up.” He paused, his tone dropping just slightly. “Don't blow it.”

Then he turned away with Ethan in tow, moving towards the hostess stand.

Ethan looked over his shoulder at Ash, who was watching them, his heart in his eyes. Ash wiped the trails of tears from his cheeks, then strode forward. He moved up beside Ethan, and very gently pressed his forehead to Ethan's shoulder.

Other people might see that and think nothing of it. They might question what it even meant. But Ethan understood. It was Ash respecting boundaries, not taking more than Ethan was willing to give, while still reaching for more touch, more connection.

Taking another bit of Jacob's advice, Ethan held his hand out to Ash. His fingers were immediately wrapped in Ash's, and the connection held even as they moved into the restaurant.

People looked at them, no doubt noticing the way Jacob had a possessive hold on Ethan and Ash seemed to be following along like a lovesick shadow. Ethan couldn't help but smile at it all. It was surreal. It didn't mean that he and Ash would work out forever. But a step in that direction was happening, and all parties were open to it.

Brunch turned into a long, relaxed affair, with Ethan's hand being held by one or both of his men throughout. They fed him bites of their food alongside his own. He was pampered and at ease, not a care in the world. If this was what it was like to have two Daddies, Ethan would take it for the rest of his life.

Sign him up. Give him full membership.

He giggled to himself at the thought, and though both men looked over at him in question, they continued their conversation about stocks while he sat happily between them.

At the club, Ash stuck close to their side. Jacob stayed with them for a bit, but eventually had to pull kitchen duty. Left alone with Ash, Ethan noticed the other man stepping back slightly, as if trying to blend into the background.

Ethan frowned and shook his head. When Ash still didn't come closer, he stomped his foot and whined, “Papa!”

Ash bolted over, dropping down beside Ethan where he sat on the floor. “Yes, sweetheart? I'm here.”

Ethan beamed at the quickness of it. He hadn't intended to call Ash Papa yet. It had simply come out. It felt natural and easy.

And wasn't that how things were meant to be? Why fight what came naturally?

“Play,” Ethan said, pushing a toy over to Ash.

“Okay, sweetheart. I'll play.” Ash settled in beside him, attentive and patient, waiting for whatever Ethan wanted next.

It amused Ethan, but it also pleased him to no end. Having a man like that care for him was everything he'd dreamed of, everything he'd wanted. And while it still seemed almost too good to be true, he believed it. He believed he deserved happiness as much as anyone else.

And it turned out that happiness might just come with two Daddies instead of one.

CHAPTER 9

Ethan couldn't deny that life was better than ever with his two Daddies at his side. Both men were working hard and proving that they cared.