Page 67 of Daddy Down Under

Ocean’s arms enveloped me, strong and secure, as we tumbled backward onto the bed. “Of course, baby. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

I nestled my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a soothing counterpoint to the tumultuous emotions swirling within me.

“I’ve never felt this way before. It’s like you cracked open something inside me that I didn’t even know was there.”

Ocean’s fingers carded through my hair, the gentle touch igniting sparks along my scalp. “That’s beautiful, baby boy. And a little scary too, I bet?”

I nodded against his chest. “Terrifying, actually. But in a good way, I think.”

“Like the moment before you drop into a big wave. That rush of adrenaline, knowing you’re about to experience something incredible.”

His surfing metaphors were beginning to grow on me. “Yeah, exactly like that.”

We lapsed into a comfortable silence, the connection between us deepening with each shared breath. I marveled at how safe I felt in his arms, how natural it was to let my guard down around him. “Ocean?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not ready to call you that yet. To call you Daddy.”

Ocean leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “That’s okay. It’s not about the name or title or whatever it is. Just let me take care of you, and the rest will come when you’re ready. Or maybe not. Maybe we won’t have the kind of Daddy-boy relationship where you call me Daddy, and that’s okay too. There’s no pressure here, baby boy.”

Relief filled me, immediately followed by a rush of warmth. He’d been right about one thing.

I really,reallyliked it when he called me baby boy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

In which Ocean shows me the road that’s his namesake and I fall in love with Australia.

With tomorrow markingthe end of the seven-day wait for the audit results, Ocean didn’t have to work hard to convince me to take one last day off. It was Sunday, after all.

I texted Oliver that I would be offline for most of the day, and he sent me a whole stream of GIFs that communicated his shock, followed byTHREE DAYS IN A ROW? DO I NEED TO CALL A DOCTOR? He was so funny.

Ocean had arranged for my private car service to drive us along a scenic ocean road—aptly named Great Ocean Road—that offered spectacular views over the ocean, rock formations, and more. And he said we might see koalas. My body was still sore from the surfing lesson, so I was glad to not have to exert myself much. We left earlier than I had expected—it was eight on the dot when we stepped outside—but we’d need the whole day, according to Ocean.

“Good morning, Mr. Sullivan,” our driver greeted us. He looked awfully familiar, and it took me a second to place him. “You wouldn’t be related to Mike Gerber by any chance, would you?”

He flashed me a grin. “Yes, sir. He’s my brother. I’m Danny Gerber, sir.”

I extended my hand, and after a moment of surprise, he took it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Danny. Thanks for driving us today. I know it’s gonna be a long day for you.”

He shrugged. “Beats having to drive a van full of tourists or, worse, a school trip.”

I had to give him that. Ocean introduced himself to Danny as well, and then Danny opened the door for us to get in.

I was genuinely excited when I slid onto the plush leather seat of the sleek black Mercedes. Ocean settled beside me, immediately reaching for my hand. “I can’t wait to share this with you, baby boy. It’s my favorite spot in all of Australia.”

Nope, I still hadn’t gotten used to him calling me that. “I’m looking forward to it.”

As the car pulled away from the curb, I gazed out the window, drinking in Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape. Gradually, towering skyscrapers gave way to a very different landscape. The fields were brown, sunburned, with only the occasional green vegetable plot in between.

“It’s not as green as I had expected,” I said.

“Not in the summer, no. It looks very different in spring and fall.”

That made sense. Ocean and I only exchanged occasional comments, but I loved the way he played with my fingers, that constant reminder that he was right there. He’d told me it would be a bit of a drive to get to the start of our scenic ride, but I didn’t mind at all. He’d brought a basket full of delicious snacks and a cooler with food and drinks. The man thought of everything.

The road made a turn, and the transition was dramatic. Before us stretched the coastline, imposing limestone cliffs dropping away to where massive waves crashed against their base. The ocean stretched endlessly toward the horizon, a deep blue that shifted and changed as clouds passed overhead. It was raw, untamed beauty that made me feel incredibly small.

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