Page 91 of Pretty Baby

“Just wanted to tell you I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of the drug dealers that have been hanging around lately. Seems they’ve up and disappeared. Maybe relocated.”

“I noticed.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

The guy shrugged. “Good thing in my opinion. Gives the good citizens of this town some peace.” He nodded and smiled again. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again though Detective.” The guy was sprinting off and Grant couldn’t give chase. Not with Caleb’s dogs with him.

Grant pulled out his cell phone and called his partner. He also needed to make the call to the security company he’d found. He was getting the damn alarm and cameras installed at the house. His boy would not be vulnerable.

Caleb

Caleb bounced in the car the entire drive home. He’d slept on the plane ride home and now he was ready to spend some quality time with his Daddy. For his part, Grant spent the entire ride teasing Caleb about the surprise his Daddy had for him. It didn’t matter how Caleb tried to plead or barter his Daddy wouldn’t give in.

“Please Daddy,” Caleb begged.

“We’re about to be home. I think you can wait.”

“I can’t,” he wailed. “I’m dying.”

“You are not dying. Don’t be dramatic.” But he winked so he wasn’t too upset.

Caleb huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine.”

“If you can’t be a good boy then you can wait until tomorrow or the next day for your surprise.” This time Grant’s face was serious.

“No! I’m sorry Daddy. I’ll be good,” Caleb promised.

“I hope you can behave for the whole five minutes until we get home,” Grant responded but he was smiling so Caleb didn’t think he was in too much trouble.

Caleb decided that he would be good for the rest of the drive home just in case. He really didn’t want to test his Daddy. Being gone for two weeks was way too long and Caleb did not want to be punished.

When Grant pulled up in front of the house Caleb squealed. He was home! “Did you tell the babies I was coming home? Were they excited? I bet they were!”

“Of course, they are excited to see you,” Grant agreed. “Let Daddy get your door.”

Caleb waited as Grant climbed out of the car, went to the trunk to grab his suitcases, before opening his door. His Daddy leaned down and unbuckled the seatbelt before kissing his forehead. Caleb leaned into him. This was what he’d been missing. The little things that Grant did for him. He would never take his Daddy’s love for granted. He didn’t need gifts or surprises, although he wanted them, Grant’s love was everything to him.

They’d only shared a small kiss in the airport and a kiss on the forehead wasn’t enough especially with him feeling so damn grateful for Grant. Caleb grabbed Grant’s face and pulled his head down until their lips met. Caleb pressed his mouth hard against Grant’s until Grant took over the kiss.

Caleb strained against Grant all thoughts of surprises leaving as his body came alive for the man he needed. The two weeks away had been hard. Harder than he ever imagined. When he’d been on jobs before it hadn’t mattered if he made it home or not. Caleb hadn’t had anyone waiting for him before Grant. This time he’d been annoyed by delays and had raced to the airport as soon as the job was over.

Also having someone who cared about his feelings and health had made a huge difference. Throughout the day Caleb could count on a text waiting on him from Grant. Caleb could hold a position for an hour, his muscles aching, and skin dry but as soon as his phone had been in his hand he felt better.

It was all because of his Daddy.

Grant pulled away with a soft smile. “I missed you, pretty baby.”

Caleb closed his eyes to hold in the warmth from Grant’s words. “So much.”

“Never again,” Grant said as he held Caleb’s face gently. “You are never leaving me again.”

“I agree.” Caleb bobbed his head. “I don’t want to leave you again.”

“If you decide you want to take more jobs or do any modeling I’m going with you.”

Caleb felt his eyes widened. “You would do that.”

“I’ll do anything for you boy.”

“Thanks.” He wiped at his eyes. “That means so much. But I don’t want to model ever again. I just want to go to my cooking classes and take care of our home.”

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