Page 6 of For the Love of a Boy

Chapter Two

Seth checked the oven timer to verify how much longer the turkey had left to cook. The pumpkin and pecan pies had been made the night before—as well as the deviled eggs—with both him and Daddy sharing the duties. He snickered to himself as he recalled Daddy’s expression when he’d told him his father had never allowed the family to have deviled eggs, due to the name. After verifying Seth wasn’t joking, he’d asked him if it was a dish he’d be interested in trying. Seth had responded that if his father didn’t like it, then it was all the reason he needed to give it a go.

“How’s that bird doing?” Daddy breezed past the tiled counter where Seth stood stuffing celery sticks with a gourmet cheese Daddy sold at the winery. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out the bottle of Pinot Noir he’d been chilling for dinner. “It smells amazing, so I’m guessing we’re getting close.”

“I’d say about thirty minutes. But I’ll make sure it’s at the right temperature before I take it out.”

Daddy stilled, holding the corkscrew in one hand and the wine in the other as he considered Seth. He set down the bottle and opener, then stepped toward him. He leaned against the counter with one hip.

“I know you will.” Daddy pried the knife from Seth’s hand then brought one of Seth’s fingers to his lips. He flicked out his tongue and licked up a bit of cheese that had clung to Seth’s skin. “I trust you. Have faith that you’re capable when you say you are. It’s not necessary to reassure me.”

Daddy sucked Seth’s whole finger into his mouth then swirled his tongue around the tip before letting go. For a moment, Seth forgot what they’d been talking about.

Oh yeah. The turkey.

“All right, Daddy. I’m trying real hard not to worry so much and be more confident. I remember what you told me.”

Daddy gave him a quick peck on the end of his nose. “I realize that, too. Everything’s fine the way it is, baby. And as the days go by, you’ll keep heading in the direction you want.” He snatched up a celery stick already stuffed with cheese then bit off a large chunk, crunching away. Daddy pointed to the wine and through a mouthful of food said, “Want some?”

Seth grinned. “Sure. But not much. I’ve been waiting all day for dinner, and you know how I am if I have more than one glass.”

“Do I ever.” Daddy rolled his eyes. “I want you to be awake for dessert. Pecan pie is my specialty.”

“I know, Daddy.” Seth laughed lightly. “You haven’t stopped teasing me about it all week.”

The one and only night he’d shared a drink with Daddy had been a lesson in how much of a lightweight he really was. After two glasses, he’d passed out and not woken up until much later than his usual time the next morning. He’d held off on having any more alcohol since then.

Daddy had yanked the cork out of the bottle and poured only a splash of the Pinot before offering it to Seth. He accepted it but wasn’t sure if he should set it on the counter and wait for a while before drinking any of the white wine. Daddy had made them wait for an hour with the red one. He’d even poured it into a fancy crystal decanter. Seth watched in surprise as he took a big swallow.

“I thought it had to breathe?”

“Not with this particular one. As a matter of fact, the longer it sits out, the more likely the true flavor will be damaged. Which reminds me…” Daddy retrieved the cork from the screw then stuffed it back into the bottle. “Not the most elegant way to protect it, but practical.” He raised his glass then took a less generous drink than before. “Even a decanter can aerate the Pinot for too long.”

“Wow. It’s so interesting to hear you talk about the different varieties and the grapes and soil and everything.”

Daddy chuckled. “It’s a habit whenever wine is brought up in conversation. I’m always afraid I’m either coming off as too pompous or boring the shit out of everyone.”

Seth smiled. Daddy had relaxed around him and wasn’t being as cautious with the type of language he used anymore. Not that Seth wanted him to curse up a storm, and he truthfully didn’t either, yet it was another way of separating himself from his old life. He didn’t need to use bad words, but he didn’t expect everyone else to have to edit their behavior on his account. Seth wanted to be a part of his new world—not standing off to the side as if he didn’t belong.

“I’m sure you don’t bore anyone, and you should talk about what you know. I’ve learned a lot from you.”

Daddy’s lips quirked and Seth flushed. Clearly, both of their thoughts had gone right to the more intimate activities he’d learned from Daddy. Seth ducked his head and returned to his celery-stuffing task.

“How is this working out for you?” His feisty Daddy fondled Seth through his sweatpants, playing with the new cock cage he’d put on Seth that morning after his spanking.

“It’s kinda heavy.” Seth arranged the finished celery sticks onto a small crystal dish. “I’m not sure I like it as much as the silicon one. The metal feels so…different.”

“I’m guessing because you’d become accustomed to the other one, didn’t even notice it was there most of the time. Correct?” The mischievous tone in Daddy’s voice caught Seth’s attention.

“Well, yeah. But I thought that was a good thing.”

Daddy gave a one-shouldered shrug then plucked the celery dish off the counter. “Maybe. Maybe not.” He jerked his chin toward their wine glasses. “Grab those for me, please. Let’s sit down and relax before Mr. Turkey is done and it’s time to get all the last-minute fixings together.”

They’d already had a couple of the deviled eggs with their breakfast, so Seth wasn’t sure if maybe Daddy might want more to go with the celery. He wasn’t very up on deviled egg etiquette.

“Do you want me to get the eggs?”

Daddy glanced over his shoulder. “Nah. We’ll have plenty in a minute and I don’t want you to miss out on the pie if you get too full.”

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