Page 33 of Pretty Baby

His Daddy tried to catch him but must have been surprised because he missed Caleb’s arm.

Caleb smacked his head against one of the built-in shelves and cried out as he landed on the ground. At least his carpet was soft.

“Caleb, don’t move.” Grant crouched down in front of him and cupped the back of Caleb’s head.

Unable to contain his tears Caleb sobbed. His Daddy had seen his secret. Caleb knew that he should have thrown those damn pretties away when Grant began staying over but he just couldn’t force himself to. Now Grant would be gone as soon as he got the chance.

“Is your neck hurt? Are you numb anywhere?”

Caleb shook his head as he let his tears fall freely. There was nothing he could do about it now. Grant knew that he was a freak and everything that they’d been building toward was now over. He tried to pull his head away so he could roll over and pretend not to see Grant leave him.

“Hold still,” Grant barked. “I’m worried about your neck.”

Caleb wiped at his eyes to see that Grant really did appear worried.

“I…fine,” he managed.

“You aren’t fine,” Grant said. “You are obviously hurt baby. I need to call an ambulance.”

“No!” Caleb wailed. He just wanted Grant to leave so he could curl under his covers.

“Caleb-"

“Just leave! Go! Go now!” Caleb screamed.

Grant jerked away like he’d been slapped. Maybe that would be better. He would make Grant leave.

Caleb raised his hand to swat Grant away but Grant grasped his wrist. “Caleb look at me.”

Caleb refused. “Go ‘way,” he mumbled.

Grant sighed and rose to his feet. Caleb clenched his eyes closed and turned his head away. He could hear Grant walking away and sobbed harder. He wanted to call Grant back. To swear that he’d get rid of all the girly clothes if he just stayed. He even opened his mouth but he didn’t get the chance.

A hand on his ankle had him jumping.

He lifted his head and saw that Grant had returned. His jacket removed and he straightened Caleb’s legs then bent and picked him up.

Caleb couldn’t resist. He laid his head on Grant’s shoulder as he was carried out of the closest. His bedroom door was now closed.

Grant sat on the corner of the bed with Caleb on his lap. He didn’t say anything just held Caleb for a long time. Until Caleb had no more tears to cry and the shaking had stopped. Caleb felt like an idiot for ruining everything and now that he was calmer he peered at Grant.

“I’m sorry.” He was sorry for crying. Sorry for screaming. Sorry for trying to hit him. Sorry for getting caught with his pretties. Sorry for even having pretties or needing them.

Grant didn’t respond he just held Caleb and rocked.

Unsure what else to say Caleb laid his head back down and just breathed. He couldn’t do anything until Grant decided it was okay to leave him alone. Surprised when Grant pressed his thumb against Caleb’s lips Caleb opened. Grant slipped his thumb into Caleb’s mouth. Caleb closed his lips around Grant’s thumb and sucked.

After what had to be a good ten minutes Caleb was cold and uncomfortable. He was holding himself tense and that made his body ache. He’d lost his towel somewhere. He squirmed and finally, Grant eased up his embrace.

“Are you ready to talk now?” Grant asked, not unkindly.

Caleb shrugged. What was there to talk about? Grant had found out his secret.

“You’ve gotten cold,” Grant said with a frown slipping his thumb from Caleb’s mouth. He lifted Caleb before placing him in the middle of the unmade bed. Oh yeah, Caleb had planned to make the bed earlier but had forgotten. Grant pulled the comforter up to Caleb’s chin. “Where’s the thermostat?”

“On the wall at the start of the hall from the living room,” Caleb answered automatically. When Grant asked questions it was Caleb’s job to answer.

“Stay put,” Grant ordered. He strode to the door then opened. “Not yet guys, go lay down.”

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