Page 23 of His Boys to Protect

“If you could come by, even for a few minutes, I'dreallyowe you one.”

Ward didn't even hesitate. “I'll come straight there.”

The relief in Dakota's voice was palpable as he gushed, “Thank you. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

“See you soon,” Ward promised. They ended the call, and Ward had to tug on his jeans again after he set down his phone.Damn. If his dick was getting hard just at the thought ofseeingCharlie, he was pretty sure that made him officially bisexual. He couldn't wait to see what happened once they were in the same room. Would he get to hold the boy again? Even if it was only for a few minutes, he'd take it.

Ward thought of Skylar and winced. A tiny part of him felt guilty for going straight from one boy to another, but it wasn't enough for him to change his mind.

The next hour dragged on endlessly. The traffic suddenly seemed worse, keeping him from his destination. Finally, Ward spotted the exit he needed. He pulled off the freeway, cut through town, and took the country road that led out towards Living in Zin.

He eyed the sleeping vineyards that surrounded him. There was nothing quite like the view of all that land during thesummer, when everything was carpeted in green. But there was something appealing about this, too. Seeing the vines bare of leaves, the twisted branches reaching out in every direction, looking wild and untamed, just waiting to be pruned so they could bring out fresh growth again come springtime. Ward found himself smiling as he looked all around. Over at Vista Robles Vineyard, where he worked, they'd be gearing up to start pruning here in the next few weeks. Before he knew it, the vines would start showing little pops of green here and there as new leaves grew.

Ward grinned to himself as he slowed down and made the turn up the long driveway for Living in Zin. There were only a couple other vehicles in the parking lot at the top of the hill. Ward picked an empty space, locked his truck, and let himself into the house.

He almost ran right into Dakota.

“You made it!” the boy exclaimed. “Sorry, I was looking out for you. Charlie's been getting more anxious every minute.” Dakota beckoned him farther into the house, so Ward followed.

They stepped inside the sitting room. Just beyond it, the tasting room doors stood open, allowing a view into the space. Several people were gathered there, munching on snacks and drinking wine. Ward recognized Dakota's partners—Beau, Mav, and Ryder—as well as Dakota's middle brother and his parents, whom Ward had met briefly at the party in May.

Mostly when they'd all been apologizing to him for Charlie dropping into his lap without asking.

And there stood Charlie himself. His thick, dark hair was trimmed short and neat, his handsome face clean-shaven, just as Ward remembered him. Charlie's body was slender, his skin smooth and pale. His expression appeared vacant at first glance, but something in the boy's wandering gaze spoke of a deep, quiet intelligence.

Charlie shied away from the crowd, hunched in on himself, rocking on his feet.

Dakota slowly approached him. “Hey, Charlie,” he said, his voice a gentle murmur. “Look who's here.”

Charlie looked up at Ward. The boy didn't make eye-contact, but he seemed to recognize Ward all the same. Charlie darted across the room and came to a stop right in front of Ward, rocking on his feet again.

“Hey, Charlie,” Ward murmured.

Charlie rocked harder. “Hhnn.”

Ward looked to Dakota for help, but the boy only shrugged.

Charlie tipped his head to one side, staring at nothing in particular, then started to scowl. Ward waited, unsure what to do, when Charlie suddenly made a violent gesture: both hands had the index and middle fingers extended while the others were curled against his palms, and he slapped the two fingers of one hand down on the fingers of the other.

“He wants you to sit down,” Dakota said.

“Oh.” Ward stepped back and started to sit.

Charlie let out a whining noise and jabbed a finger at a different chair.

Ward held up his hands. “Okay.” He got back up and sat in the other chair instead.

The one, he realized, in which he'd been sitting at that party, when Charlie had curled up in his lap.

Sure enough, as soon as Ward was settled, Charlie's scowl vanished. The boy inched closer, his eyes wide as he studied Ward all over. Charlie dropped onto Ward's lap, drew up his knees, and burrowed against Ward's chest. The boy took a deep breath, let it out on a contented sigh, and closed his eyes.

Ward's heart banged against his ribs. He slowly lifted his arms, watching for Charlie's reaction as he curled them around the boy.

Charlie relaxed against him, snuggling into his embrace.

Ward inwardly cursed. He'd actually forgotten just how good it felt to have this boy in his arms. It was better than he remembered. Of course, last time, the shock had overwhelmed everything else. But now?

Geez. It was perfect.

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