Page 79 of Pretty Baby

12

Caleb

Caleb shifted from foot to foot as Grant opened the trunk. His stomach fluttered with nerves and he rubbed his belly. It was finally time for his playdate and he didn’t know if he could go through with it.

They were parked in front of Avery’s Daddy’s house and Grant was getting out the bubble machine they’d bought the day before. Caleb couldn’t get his body to move from the passenger side. He was stuck.

Grant closed the trunk and looked over at him. “Caleb?”

“I can’t do this!” Caleb whispered in panic. Maybe Avery didn’t know he’d arrived yet and they could sneak away. He’d have Grant call and say he was sick or something.

“Baby,” Grant walked over and gathered Caleb against his chest. “Is it the clothes? It’s okay if you want to change. I think you look sexy. I never want you to be uncomfortable though.”

Caleb glanced down. He’d forgotten about his clothes. He was so used to having silk, or lace, or satin against his body now. Oh, God!

“Hey, hey,” Grant rocked him. “It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. But can you tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help.”

Caleb gripped Grant’s shirt. “They’re going to hate me! No one likes me!”

“I like you.”

Caleb shook his head. “You…you…your…weird.”

Grant choked out a laugh. “I don’t think that’s it. I know that you are sweet and kind. They will too. Avery wants you here.”

As Grant’s smooth voice started to calm him as Caleb remained clinging to him.

“What if I carry you? I’ll keep you in my arms until you are ready to play. If you decide once we’ve spent a few minutes here that you want to leave I’ll make up an excuse.”

Caleb wanted that. But he also wanted to be a good boy. He shook his head.

Grant gave him a strong hug. “I’m proud of you. All you have to do is tell me if you don’t want to stay and we’ll leave. I won’t let anyone be mean or make you feel bad.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

Grant held out a hand.

Caleb grabbed it. “Don’t forget the bubbles Daddy.”

“I won’t.” Luckily Grant was strong and could carry the big box and hold his hand at the same time.

Grant led the way to the front door and set the box down to knock. He never took his hand from Caleb.

“Hey guys,” Jace greeted as he opened the door. He waved them forward.

Caleb looked around for Avery but didn’t see his new friend.

“I’m glad you could make it.” Jace closed the door behind him. “Mitch hasn’t made it yet. Byron is in the back yard with my boy.”

“Everything okay?” Grant asked and Caleb glanced up noticing that Jace’s features were tight.

Jace sighed before he looked down at Caleb. Caleb wondered what he could have done wrong already.

“Avery had a slight freakout. He’s played with Mitch a few times. Still, this is the first time he’s been in full little mode in front of anyone but me.”

Caleb nodded. He’d had his own freakout.

“He wants to be little. He also really wants you to like him. He knows that you aren’t that same type of boy as mine and he got nervous.”

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