Page 14 of Pretty Baby

“Shit! Yes, I’m sorry. I’m ready.” He blushed hating how stupid he was.

Grant held his free hand up to the valet as the man came to open his door. The valet nodded and stepped back politely. “Hey, what’s happening? What’s wrong?”

Caleb turned to Grant. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for boy. Just tell me why you’re upset.”

“I’m not,” he swore. “I just get lost in my thoughts sometimes and I know it bothers people. You shouldn’t have to repeat yourself.” He just wasn’t used to talking to people. He’d only had his own thoughts to worry about most of the time. He talked to himself, a lot.

“You listen to me,” Grant ordered. He gently held Caleb’s hand and brought it up to kiss his knuckle. “I enjoy being with you. If something bothers me then I will tell you. You will never have to guess. Open and honest communication is important in every relationship but especially for one like ours. Just relax and let me take you to a nice dinner.”

Caleb took a deep breath. “I’d like that.”

“Good boy.” Grant released his hand and reached for the handle. “Stay in your seat.”

“Okay.”

Grant nodded to the valet who hurried back over. “I’ll get my boy’s door. Thank you.” He accepted a ticket for his vehicle before going around the Jeep to open Caleb’s door.

He’d claimed Caleb as his boy to the valet.

Caleb pressed his palms across his cheeks knowing his face would be red. He’d been claimed. He wanted to giggle and shout with joy. Instead, he jumped as his door was opened.

“Easy, it’s me,” Grant soothed. He reached over and undid Caleb’s seatbelt. Damn, Caleb should have done that. He hadn’t been thinking. “Such a good boy,” Grant said as he helped Caleb jump down. The Jeep was tall for someone of his stature.

Grant slipped his arm around Caleb’s waist before leading him to the front entrance. A pretty hostess smiled as they entered. “Good evening gentlemen, two for dinner?”

“Yes, we have a reservation under Grant Williams.”

She dropped her gaze to the book in front of her before smiling. “Yes sir, we have your table ready for you. Please follow me.”

Grant’s arm remained around him as they strolled through the entire restaurant to the back, more intimate area, the lights were dimmer, the music quieter. It was perfect.

“Is this table okay?” she asked showing them to a two-seated table by the window. They would be able to see the river from there.

“It’s perfect, Thank you” Grant responded. Caleb could only nod in agreement. He was getting teary-eyed because of a nice table in a nice restaurant. God, he was a loser.

“Thank you,” Caleb managed but didn’t know if he was talking to Grant or the hostess.

“My pleasure,” the hostess replied and set their menus down. “Marco will be right with you.”

Grant pulled out Caleb’s chair and urged him into his seat before strolling around to sit across from him.

“This is amazing,” Caleb whispered. There was no one close to them but he didn’t want to bother any other diners.

“It is,” Grant agreed. “I’ll confess that I called Jace and asked him for a suggestion for a nice place to take you. I’m more of a fast food or premade meals kind of man. He’d brought Avery here on one of their first dates and said the atmosphere and food were both outstanding.”

“He was right. It smells so good and the view is beautiful.”

Grant reached across the table and grasped his hand. “It sure is.”

Caleb blushed then jumped when someone cleared their throat. He looked up at a young attractive waiter standing by their table.

“Good evening gentlemen and welcome to Michelle's. My name is Marco and it is my pleasure to take care of you tonight.”

“Hello,” Grant greeted. Caleb nodded. He always got tongue-tied around strangers except at the club. Grant never let go of his hand.

“Can I get you gentlemen started with a drink? Maybe some wine?”

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