Page 90 of Pretty Baby

“Yes, a present for my perfect pretty baby.”

Caleb snorted. “I’m not perfect.”

“You are perfect for me and that’s all that matters.”

Caleb smiled as he wiggled beneath the covers. Grant should make him get up and clean himself but Grant didn’t have the heart to make his boy move.

“Now close your eyes and get some sleep. I’ll call you and make sure that you are up to make it to your shoot.”

“I love you so damn much,” Caleb whispered.

“I love you too Caleb. More than I ever knew was possible. And once I get you home I am never letting you out of my sight again.”

Caleb sighed. “Promise Daddy?”

“I swear it.”

“Night Daddy,” Caleb murmured.

“Good night my sweet boy.” Grant ended the call before he stood so he could clean up.

Once he was cleaned he grabbed his sneakers. He’d take the dogs for a quick visit to the dog park before he got his shopping done. It would kill some time and spending time with the fur babies almost made him feel closer to Caleb.

Fifteen minutes later Grant laughed as Daisy and Gus raced after the ball he’d thrown. It took a little bit for them to bring it back as whichever didn’t have the ball would try to steal it from the other. Grant had tried to use more than one ball but without fail the two little monsters always went for the same ball.

Always aware of his surroundings Grant noticed the jogger coming up on the path. Dark sweatsuit with sunglasses. He didn’t appear out of place but something had Grant’s instincts coming alive.

He stepped behind Lucy where she laid at his feet. If the man made a move toward the older Labrador Grant would be in the way.

The jogger slowed down and Grant studied him. With his hood up the jogger was pretty covered up. Grant didn’t like not seeing the guys face.

“Morning detective,” the man said as he placed his hands on his hips while changing to a walk.

“Morning,” Grant responded. He didn’t recognize the deep voice.

The jogger stopped several feet away. “Great day to bring the dogs out. Safe.”

Okay, that was a fucking weird statement. Grant narrowed his eyes and turned to give the man his full attention. “Do I know you?” Grant had met a lot of people in his line of work.

“We’ve never met,” the man confirmed. “I’ve seen you around. You and your pretty baby.”

Grant took an aggressive step forward.

“Hey, I meant nothing by that.” The man held his hands up. “Just that I noticed your boy hasn’t been around lately.”

Grant nodded but didn’t respond. He was cataloging everything he could about the guy.

“This park seems a lot safer though lately. None of those disgusting drug dealers hanging around pushing their poison onto innocent people and kids.”

Fuck, Grant didn’t have his badge or weapon. This guy knew something. Grant could feel it in his gut. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

The jogger flashed him a smile with straight white teeth. “You can call me Mac.”

“Mac.” He’d said Grant could call him Mac not that Mac was his name.

“You live around here Mac?” Grant inquired.

“Close enough,” Mac responded. He was enjoying this. Having fun playing with Grant.

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