Page 34 of Bossy Baby

“That was a good first kiss,” Mac managed.

“It was a scorching first kiss. Let’s do it again.”

Mac began to lean down, then frowned. “You need a bath and rest.”

“Oh no,” Hayley said hotly. “I need another kiss like that.”

“If you’re a good boy in your bath, you’ll get more kisses.”

“Deal.” Hayley could totally get behind receiving kisses as rewards.

Mac set him back down on his feet. He gently rubbed his fingers above Hayley’s elbow. right where the cast started. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No,” Hayley quickly assured him. “Trust me, I’m feeling no pain.”

“Good.” Mac nodded. “I never want to hurt you. You have to tell me if I ever do.”

“I’m tougher than I look,” Hayley responded. He didn’t want Mac being too careful with him. There was a time and a place for a little rough loving.

“Let’s get that cast wrapped up and you into the tub,” Mac suggested.

“Then more kisses.” He wasn’t going to let Mac forget.

“Then more kisses,” Mac agreed.

Getting his cast wrapped was interesting. Mac was so worried about hurting him that Hayley ended up having to talk the big guy through the process.

Now that Mac was bent over the tub pouring bubbles into the water, Hayley got his chance to check Mac out without being observed in return. Mac’s awareness of his surroundings at all times and how he avoided questions was starting to paint a picture in Hayley’s mind. He could be totally off base, but Hayley didn’t think so.

Retired from the government.

No way had Mac been FBI or a suit-wearing agent. But CIA, yeah, that was entirely possible. Still something else niggled at his brain. Stories told by his Papa Brandon.

He’d wait. Mac wasn’t ready to tell Hayley. But Hayley also knew the conversation was going to have to happen.

“Ready?” Mac turned toward him, then frowned.

“What?” Was Hayley supposed to be doing something? Mac had insisted on doing everything for him since they’d entered the bathroom.

“You have to get undressed to take a bath.”

“I know.” Hayley wiggled his eyebrows. “I need help.”

Mac’s lips twitched. He wanted to laugh.

“I’m so helpless,” Hayley drawled. “I need you to undress me. I couldn’t possibly do it on my own.”

Shaking his head, Mac stalked toward him. Oh yeah, he looked like a predator sneaking up on his prey. Hayley would not mind being preyed on by Mac.

“Is that so? You need Daddy to help you?” Mac’s eyes widened as soon as he said the wordDaddy.

Hayley knew exactly how Mac felt. That word sounded so right. Hayley dropped all playfulness. “Yes, Daddy, please help me.”

Mac made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a whimper. Then, for the first time since they’d met, Mac touched him first. Mac wrapped his arms around Hayley and hugged him.

Hayley leaned into the hold and embraced Mac too, letting Mac know that he understood. They hugged for a long minute before Mac pulled back.

“Let’s get you undressed and into your bubble bath.”

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