Page 21 of In the Name of the Father

“Seth, that’s not even close to what I meant. Of course, we have to stop. How can we go to the ocean and not squish our toes in the sand or get our feet wet? That would be a crime.” Malcolm kept his laugh light. “Although, I have to warn you. It’ll be icy. The wind blowing across the shore alone will chill your skin.”

“Oh, wow. I had no idea. I don’t want you to get too cold.”

Before he could stop himself, Malcolm reached over and clasped Seth’s shoulder. He then quickly came to his senses and yanked it back. “You’re such a sweetheart. But I’m game for whatever you are. I want this to be a great memory for you.”

“This whole day already is. It’s been the best day ever.”

Malcolm noted in his peripheral vision that Seth had ducked his head.

“Well, good. I’m glad to hear it.” Malcolm turned onto the 101 Highway and drove north to Heceta Beach. “Thankfully, we’re past tourist season, so it’ll be quieter. I prefer coming to the shore when it’s more peaceful.”

“I like peaceful too.”

Seth kept peering past him and wiggling in his seat to get a better view. Malcolm smiled, his heart filling over the fact that he’d been able to give this to Seth.

“I took the opportunity to make reservations before we left the vineyard. I wanted to ensure we had a table with a view.”

“I’m so excited, I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat.”

Malcolm bit his tongue. If Seth was his, he’d remind him that good boys didn’t miss meals, even if all they had was a small portion—that his boy needed to stay strong and healthy.

And I could discipline him if he disobeyed.

Malcolm tapped the steering wheel in aggravation at himself. His only saving grace at the moment was that he’d opted to wear jeans instead of suit pants in deference to their beach trip. He doubted his aching erection was visible. Fortunately, they had another few minutes for him to regain control before they reached their destination.

“Here we go. We can park in the resort and restaurant lot then take a stroll down to the beach.”

Once they’d gotten out of the SUV, Malcolm surreptitiously eyed Seth, making sure he zipped his jacket all the way up. He shrugged on his own tweed coat, then handed Seth a scarf he’d brought for him.

“Here, put this on. You’ll need it.”

Seth gazed at him in appreciation as he accepted the black and grey plaid, cashmere accessory.

“Are you sure? This is so beautiful.”

“Your comfort is much more important to me than a strip of cloth. Please wear it.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Without another word, Seth deftly wrapped it around his neck then tucked the ends inside the closed jacket. He stuffed his hands into the front pockets and Malcolm determined Seth was now ready to face the windy beach. Malcolm added his own scarf then headed to the short trail that led to the sand.

Seth remained beside him as they strolled along, and Malcolm had to stuff his own hands into his pockets to keep from wrapping an arm around him.

“Are the sands always this white? With dunes?”

“Yes. This is all part of a National Park that stretches up the coast. This is actually a very nice little town. There are sea lion caves nearby.” Malcolm smirked. “A bit smelly and noisy, but still a fun stop. We could put that on the list of things to do for next time.”

He’d given up on trying to pretend they weren’t going to be in some sort of relationship for at least a while. Maybe just as friends and for only a short time—but whatever was happening between them had clearly gone beyond the ‘you can spend one night in the guest room and talk to me if you ever need to’ stage.

“That would be amazing.” Seth had responded to him in a tone of awe.

Something settled inside of Malcolm. Seth’s simple statement that didn’t reference ‘next time’ indicated that he’d come to the same conclusion. What it would all mean in the long run remained to be seen.

* * * *

Seth looked over the menu and wondered what the politest thing would be to order, because Malcolm was paying. No matter what, he’d have to get the clam chowder since Malcolm had mentioned it. He hoped it wasn’t gross, since he’d never tried it before. Back home, it was all about steak and potatoes. The closest he’d ever gotten to seafood was fish and chips or canned tuna.

But what should I get to go with it?

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