Page 40 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

“Yes, you should. You also need to keep any opinions about him and me to yourself. I want him back, Nate. And I don’t want you to interfere.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” He stands and rounds my desk. “If he’s as cool and funny as he was at school, you’ll be very happy with him.”

I give him a hug and a pat on the back. “He’ll be at the LGBTQ youth centre on Moss Street this afternoon. Go and apologise to him.”

“I will, and I’m sorry I upset you too. I’d better do some work. The boss here is a tyrant.” He grins, the cheeky sod.

“Go before the tyrant sacks your sorry arse.” I point to the door and chuckle when he gives me a Boy Scouts salute. “They threw you out. You were too badly behaved,” I call after him. I ring through to Debbie to let her know she can direct my calls again.

I let Nathan leave early. I want him to talk to Spencer in a place that makes him happy. Maybe he’ll see that these kids need role models of all ages. Should I send Spencer a text to alert him? Better not. He’ll probably refuse to see Nate. I don’t expect them to be friends again. At least not right away. I can understand it’ll be weird for them. But I’d like them to realise they’re both important in my life.

An hour later, I’m on my way home. When my phone rings, I click the pad on my steering wheel to accept the call. “Simpson.”

“Ooh, I got you, Mister Bossman.” It’s the voice I’ve been so desperate to hear again.

“Spencer.” I smile broadly. “What’s up, little one?”

“Nate has been here, or I should say is still here. Did you send him?”

Where’s he going with this? “I told him where you would be this afternoon. He wanted to speak to you again.”

“Yes, he apologised for being a dick last night. But now he’s helping some of the kids with their homework.”

A loud bark of a laugh breaks free. “He’s doing what? Why?”

“Homework. And the kids love it. Did you tell him to do that?” He doesn’t sound annoyed. “He said he’s going to sign up to do some more work here.”

“God help you all,” I joke, then grow serious. “Will that cause a problem for you, for us?”

“We haven’t decided if there is an us yet, Carl.” Is he teasing me?

“I hope there will be, Spencer. I have ways of persuading you.” I flick the indicator stalk and turn right into Moss Street. “Starting right now.” I pull up in the centre’s car park.

“How are you going to do that, Mister Bossman?” He sounds like he’s smiling, and my heart soars.

I get out and stride to the security-locked doors. I peek through the glass. Paintings of rainbows and unicorns cover the walls, and Pride flags hang from the ceiling. Even though the large room is full of kids, it isn’t too noisy but looks more like organised chaos. Nate sits with a couple of teenage boys, his hands working as fast as his mouth as he explains something. The boys look transfixed with whatever he says.

Spencer calls my name, but it’s through my phone, not in person. A woman approaches me, and I end the call.

“Can I help you?” She smiles. “You seem to be looking for someone.”

“Yes, I’ve got something to give to Spencer. It’s a surprise.”

“Oh, how lovely. He’s been so down lately. Can you sign in for me? Then I’ll take you through.”

I quickly fill in the book and follow her into the room. Spencer snaps his head towards the door. Has he sensed me? No, that would be wishful thinking. More than likely he’s used to checking who enters for security purposes.

“Spencer, someone’s here for you,” the lady says.

I shift my weight from one foot to the other as he weaves through the kids to get to me. “What are you doing here?” His wide eyes dart from me to the kids and Nate.

“I wanted to give you something, something to help you make up your mind.” I ignore anyone and anything around me, my focus solely on the gorgeous, blushing man before me.

As soon as he’s within arm’s length, I pull him against me. “No more ifs or buts, little one. You’re mine.” I press my mouth to his, tuck my hands around his bum, and hoist him up.He wraps his legs around my waist and opens his mouth for me. When I slip my tongue in, he moans and pushes his hands into my hair.

“Spencer’s got himself a hot Daddy!” one of the kids shouts, and they all clap and cheer.

I break the kiss before it gets too X-rated and lower Spencer slowly back to his feet. He wobbles a little but then laughs, his face bright red.

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