Page 61 of Losing his Daddy

My Gerald was like a delicate flower. He needed all the right things — safety, comfort, love — in order to bloom. I vowed to give him all of that and more as long as he allowed me to.

When Makyn eventually declared Gerald finished, I had a permanent grin etched on my face. I couldn’t take my eyes off him either.

It was amazing what a haircut could do for a person. Without the hindrance of his long locks, I saw every expression, every nuance of his features.

I pulled out a couple of bills for Makyn. “This should cover your time for today. Thank you for fitting us in.”

His eyes widened when he saw how much there was. “Um, sure. But there’s no need to give —”

“Yes, there is. You welcomed us into your home on a weekend when you might have had other plans. You got Gerald to talk more than I usually do. And you were kind to him well before I ever had the chance to. If I thought you’d accept, I’d pay even more.”

Makyn backed away with wide eyes. “Calm down, Mr. Rockefeller. I’m good. It’s as much fun for me to spend time with Gerald with or without a payday. He’s going to call me sooner next time though, right? Right??!”

Gerald laughed as stood from the chair. “I promise to text and call more. Even when I don’t need a haircut.”

Unable to hold back any longer, I stepped right into Gerald’s space. He went shy as he looked up at me. I gripped his waist to hold him steady, then I pressed my lips to his in a soft,tantalizing kiss. He sank into me, body languid and lips yielding as I had my way with him.

When we pulled apart, Gerald wore a lazy smile. I tucked him into my side as I shuffled him past a dramatically amused Makyn.

“Don’t be strangers! Have fun tonight!” he called as we left his place.

I had no doubt we’d do just as he said. I’d make sure of it.

“You got us a car?”Gerald said when I ushered him out the front door towards the sleek black town car.

“I did. We deserve a night to relax.” I climbed in behind him, then motioned for the driver to take us to the venue. “Remember that tonight is about enjoying ourselves. There are no rules to follow. No guidelines we’re required to stick to. I’ll make small talk with a few people and introduce you around.”

He bit his lip as he smoothed his hands over his pants. “I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous. You’ll stay with me, right?”

“Absolutely. You won’t be able to shake me.”

That seemed to settle him a bit. He turned his gaze to the window. I watched him as he watched the city pass us by. With him distracted, I went back to staring my fill. Back in the apartment, I’d nearly swallowed my tongue when I’d come out of the bathroom to see him in his suit.

My date was so damn sexy. He looked good every day, but I could admit the suit did him all kinds of favors. The tailor had earned every penny and then some. I would need to find more reasons for us to get this fancy if it meant I got him looking like he did.

The venue was packed when we arrived. People milled about outside, along with a host of photographers. I ushered Gerald around the side and away from the cameras. He didn’t have to tell me he wouldn’t want the experience for me to know it wasn’t his preference.

My man wasn’t one for the pompous.

“This place is gorgeous. I don’t think I’ve ever attended an event quite to this scale,” he admitted once I got us past the entry.

Not wanting to slow the progress we’d made; I walked him directly to one of the servers. He held a tray of champagne. I put myself between Gerald and the tray itself.

“Sir, can you get us some non-alcoholic drinks? I’ll take care of you if you can help take care of us.” I pulled out two hundred-dollar bills and slipped them in his hand.

He nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. I’ll be right back.”

As he left, Gerald tugged on my hand. “You didn’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

I looked over at him, my gaze firm. “It’s not about you being fine. I want you to enjoy yourself. If you have a drink in hand, then no one will offer you another. It lessens the chance of exposure best. I read up on it.”

“You read up on it? On what would help me?” His voice softened.

“I did. You should never be forced into a situation you’re uncomfortable with. I asked you here as my date. I wanted to have the best plan of attack to help keep you happy, sober, and mine.”

His hands found their way to my beard again. Instead of stroking the hair, he tugged until I came forward.

“Thank you, Sir,” he whispered against my lips. I couldn’t resist kissing him. He was so close, so tempting. And to use mytitle here after we’d been tiptoeing around it at home, well, he simply wasn’t playing fair. Neither would I for that matter.

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