Page 12 of In Daddy's Hands

Jupiter rushed to the closet and found some teddy bear pjs. He pulled them on before disappearing into the bathroom. Boone gingerly sat upright and grabbed the half-smoked cigar. He lit it before making his way to the thermostat. There was an app on his phone to control the temperature in the house, but he honestly had no idea where his phone was, and his eyes still weren’t working right. Boone wandered through the house. Everything still had a looming feeling—like he wasn’t out of the woods. He grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and headed back to bed. Jupiter emerged from the bathroom in time to see him getting back into bed.

“What were you doing up?”

With the cigar held between his lips, he couldn’t speak. He held up the two waters.

“You should’ve let me get them. I don’t want you up yet.”

Boone didn’t argue. He wasn’t sure if he should even be awake. These moments after a major event were the worst. He felt slightly confused and off balance. Everything had a surreal edge—like his brain didn’t get enough oxygen. He finished the cigar and chugged half the water while Jupiter watched, looking worried.

Boone dropped. His head hit the pillow with a thump.

Jupiter scurried into bed. “Are you okay? Tell me what to do?”

Boone held open his arms and waited. Jupiter didn’t hesitate to cuddle with him. A sigh escaped Boone as his arms closed around Jupiter. He kissed the top of his head.

“I’m sorry I’m such a mess. This isn’t what you signed up for.”

“This is exactly what I signed up for.” Jupiter kissed his chest before continuing. “You take care of me, and I take care of you—like a family. Our own little cozy pod.” He looked up and held Boone’s stare. “You mean everything to me. If you hurt, I hurt. So, get better. Understood?”

Fuck. Boone really was completely in love. He hadn’t stood a chance. “How can I disobey the cutest teddy in the world?”

Jupiter’s smile was everything. Boone wanted to spend the rest of his life seeing it. That meant, eventually, Boone would have to let him in completely. He couldn’t think of anything more horrific… for both of them.

Chapter Six

Jupiter bustled from tableto table, trying his best to keep up. The restaurant was twice as busy as usual, but that wasn’t uncommon for this time of year. Living in a beach town during the summer was always crazy. Jupiter kept a smile plastered on his face. As he headed for the kitchen to grab some refills, Ross stepped into his path.

“Beau Bosi is here.”

Jupiter blinked. “Okay.” Ross looked pissed off and Jupiter couldn’t decide how that was his fault.

“He’s demanding to be seated in your section.” Oh no. “I told him your section is full, but he’s unbending.”

“Okay.” Jupiter didn’t know what else to say.

“I’ve put him in Monica’s section, but I’ve let her know he’s your table.”

An irritated sigh rang through Jupiter’s head. His expression must have given him away.

Ross’ features softened. “Just do the best you can. I know it’s brutal out there.”

Jupiter worked up a faint smile. “Thanks, Ross. I’m sorry about this. I don’t know why he’s demanding me, but I’ll make sure Monica gets the tip.”

“No. You’re doing the work. I just hate—” Ross shook his head. “Never mind. I’m holding you up.” He walked away, leaving Jupiter confused.

Jupiter didn’t have time to worry about Ross. He had drinks to refill and Beau fucking Bosi waiting. Jupiter was a wreck. How had he found out about him? Why was he here? Horror overcame Jupiter. Maybe he wanted to warn Jupiter off—like he thought Jupiter wasn’t good enough. With that terrible thought weighing him down, Jupiter delivered his refills and headed Beau’s way. His anxiety needed him to deal with this now.

Beau sat alone, looking unconcerned by life, yet still hard. His dark eyes and hair looked so much like his sons’, except without the something they possessed that made them human. His gaze latched onto Jupiter and didn’t move as Jupiter crossed the room.

Jupiter smiled, trying to look happy to see him. “Good evening, Mr. Bosi. I hear you were pretty adamant about seeing me.”

Beau’s gaze raked down Jupiter’s body in an uncomfortable way. “I see what my son sees in you, and it’s Beau.”

Jupiter dipped his chin. “Thank you, Beau.”

“Boone has been keeping you from me.”

Jupiter had no idea how to respond.

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