Page 15 of Pretty Baby

Grant looked over at him and Caleb shrugged. He didn’t care. He’d drink water if that was what Grant wanted.

“How about water for now but a glass of red with our dinners,” Grant suggested.

Caleb nodded happy that Grant had made the decision for him.

“Great idea,” Marco said. “We have a beautiful house wine that matches perfectly with our menu. Let me grab you some bread and get your waters.”

Marco hurried off and Grant finally let go of his hand. Caleb moved his hand under the table cold for some reason that Grant was no longer holding him.

“How about we look at the menu?” Grant suggested. “I didn’t get breakfast and lunch was a sandwich in my car as I worked. I’m starving.”

Caleb had been too nervous to eat more than toast. “The reviews raved about the lasagna. I think I’d like to try that.”

“Ah, Jace said that was Avery’s favorite so I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Pleased he had chosen well Caleb sat back and peered out at the river. He could imagine Grant running out there. How many men and women sat in restaurants as Grant sweated in their view. A flash of jealousy burst through him but then he remembered it was him that Grant was at dinner with.

He looked back to the table as Marco returned.

“Here you go, gentlemen. Would you like to hear about our specials for the evening?”

“I think we know what we want,” Grant responded.

“Fantastic,” Marco said. “What can I bring you?”

“My boy would like your lasagna,” Grant said. He’d claimed Caleb again. “And I’ll take chicken alfredo.”

“Wonderful choices. They will pair nicely with the wine. I’ll go and place your orders, just flag me down if you need anything.”

“Thank you, I think we’re fine for now.”

Marco left and Caleb couldn’t take his eyes off Grant.

“What are you thinking about pretty baby?” Grant murmured. “You look happy.”

“You keep claiming me as your boy,” Caleb told him.

Grant frowned then nodded. “I do, don’t I? Does that bother you?”

“You just said I looked happy,” Caleb pointed out.

“I did, I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Grant said.

Caleb smiled. “I don’t think you can, you go out of your way to make sure that I have everything I need.”

Grant leaned back and smiled. Caleb had made Grant happy and he couldn’t have been more pleased with himself. He wiggled and then got more comfortable in his chair.

“Tell me how you met Jace and Mitch?” he requested. He plopped his elbow on the table and laid his hand on his propped arm. He just wanted to listen to Grant talk.

“Well that is an interesting story,” Grant said. He laughed. “Picture three college boys attending an open house at the club for the first time. You wouldn’t believe how out of place we were.”

Caleb laughed, knowing he didn’t need to do anything but allow Grant to take the lead. It was nice.

Grant

Date three and Grant had a bounce in his step as he strolled up to Caleb’s door and knocked. Caleb wasn’t waiting to rush out as soon as he pulled into the driveway but the door did open seconds after he knocked.

A smiling and beautiful boy greeted him and Grant held out his arms.

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