Page 77 of Bossy Baby

Jayme sounded so sad. Hayley hated hearing it, so he hugged his brother. Being boys and craving a Daddy was what connected them. They’d supported each other over the years, each searching for the man who would complete them.

Now that Hayley had found Mac, he wanted to see his brother settle down with someone like his Daddy.

“You’ll find the right Daddy. Or whatever you decide you want. There are so many different types of boys. Even with all my friends—we’re all unique and crave something different.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that?”

Hayley stepped back so he could look Jayme in the eye. “I swear. We’re all different from one another, but we still want to have a Daddy. Have someone to take care of us. To share important moments in our lives. You don’t have to know what kind of boy you are. You just have to be yourself.”

“What if there’s something wrong with me?”

“Wrong?” Hayley laughed. “You’re perfect. I love having you as my brother.” Even if Jayme did drive him crazy on occasion. Jayme was just a lot to deal with at times. He had a big heart, though. That was what Hayley thought was important in people, anyway.

“Even if I think your Daddy is hot?”

“Brat.” Hayley pushed Jayme away from him. “Now let’s go get the food. Daddy really will come looking for us if he thinks we took too long.”

The deli was only a few doors down. Once inside, he introduced Jayme to everyone that worked there and the patrons Hayley knew. Jayme was his normal charming self, but Hayley could see a sadness that he’d never noticed before.

What was going on with his brother?

He’d accepted Jayme’s story about coming to help with the store, but there was something else going on with his brother. Hayley was sure of it now. He could call his mom, but Hayley needed to figure this out on his own.

Hayley was learning that maybe the way his family always butted into each others’ lives wasn’t always the answer.

Maybe he could talk to Mac about it. Mac read people well. He’d probably have some thoughts that would help.

They grabbed the bags of food and headed back to the shop.

“What happened to that guy you were dating back home?”

Jayme shook his head. “It ended.”

“It ended?” Hayley repeated. “I need more than that. Don’t make me call Mom. You know I will.” Hayley wasn’t serious, but the threat would be enough to convince Jayme into opening up. Hopefully.

Jayme sighed and slowed. “He said I was exhausting.”

“That’s crazy,” Hayley told him, although, yeah, Jayme took a lot of energy to deal with. Still, a lover should never say that.

“He’s not the first guy that’s told me that. That’s a big reason why guys break up with me. I’m just too much.”

“Too much perfection,” Hayley stated.

Jayme snorted. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m serious,” Hayley insisted. “You’re awesome.”

“You think that because you’re my brother.”

“Actually, I would be the one who didn’t think so if you weren’t.”

“You’re sweet, Hayley.”

“And running late.” Mac appeared annoyed. Or maybe worried.

Hayley turned to the door of his shop. “Hi, Daddy.”

“Yeah, hi, Daddy.”

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