Page 12 of Little Boy Toy

“Your daddy is beautiful.”

“Oh, um, he’s not my daddy.”

“Does that mean he’s up for grabs?”

“Well, not really.”

“Then he’s yours?”

“I don’t know. I mean, no. But he’s not looking.”

I couldn’t breathe when I’d heard Kendry tell the other boy I wasn’t up for grabs, and that he didn’t know if I was his. I froze, two juice boxes in hand. My whole world tilted, a reality shift. Did I have a chance with this boy?

I wasn’t a daddy, but I wanted something. Him. I had been wanting a chance to show him my patience and truth, my very heart if he allowed it, since our initial meetup.

Now what?

Kendry hadn’t seen my reaction. When my senses returned, I moved to our corner and waited for him to return with the repaired book.

When he approached, my thoughts ran ahead of me, and I spoke before thinking.

“It would be really nice if—” I stopped. I had almost broken my own rule and suggested we see each other outside the club.

Wait for him. Just. Wait.

He needed to be the one to suggest. To ask.

I gestured at the book he held, handed him his juice, and we both sat to read together.

I forced a calmness I didn’t feel. I listened to his voice as he read, so pure, gentle. But I didn’t hear the words.

I set my juice box on the floor and clasped my hands over my tense stomach. Did he notice? Did he see them shaking just a little?

It had never been this bad being in his presence. I had restraint. I had composure. He deserved no less. I already surmised he didn’t want a leering, selfish daddy. I didn’t want to be that type anyway, daddy or not. He had been spot on to tell the other boy, “He’s not looking.”

But what if that very belief kept Kendry from making any move at all?

His voice swept over me, alluring and kind. I shut my eyes against all my confusion and let myself float on that sound, no pressure, no stress.

I had time, I told myself. I would take my time with Kendry, all the time he might need, even if it was forever. Deep inside, I knew without any doubt, after overhearing his conversation, a part of him did think I was his. I would take that knowledge like a tiny flame and keep it alive. I would hold onto that revelation and keep coming back.

I had no reason to be confused now. It was all so much plainer, like a light shining down on us both.

“Zale, did you fall asleep?”

“What?” I blinked open my eyes.

“Did you hear the ending?”

“I might have dozed off. But not because the story was boring.”

“Maybe it was a little boring.” His voice went soft. “Are you tired?”

“Not really.” I turned my head slightly, smiling at him.

“Do you work hard?”

I wanted to sit up and face him, but I was afraid to move and distract him in this precious moment. Kendry didn’t ask me a lot of questions. At least, not until more recently.

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