Page 34 of Born Daddy

Chapter Ten

Tate’s jaw dropped as they neared the beach. His chest tightened, one of the few joyous memories of his childhood slamming into him like a wave crashing on the shore. He could stare at the scenery all day. It occurred to him that he’d stuffed his recollections of that field trip somewhere deep inside, almost as if remembering a happy moment would highlight how depressing the rest of his childhood had been.

Rogan’s voice tore Tate’s attention from the coastline. “I was thinking we’d just park somewhere along the avenue, then explore the boardwalk.” Rogan glanced his way with a smile. “They probably have coffee somewhere and I bet it’s better than what that old, smelly diner served us.”

Tate laughed. “It wasn’t smelly. But you’re right.” He took in the view again, still wondering if he should pinch himself. Being there with Rogan was like a dream. “There must be a bunch of amazing places we can go to.” Tate continued drinking in the scenery then gasped. “Look! There’s the carousel building!” He turned to Rogan. “Can we park near here?”

Rogan grinned. “We can park right here. There’re plenty of spaces.”

Tate’s heart thumped from all the excitement. Yeah, he remembered the carousel, but the long stretch of boardwalk with freshly painted buildings seemed different. Of course, he’d only been about eight years old the one time he’d been there, so he probably didn’t remember a lot of the details.

As if reading Tate’s thoughts, Rogan spoke up. “Wow. A lot’s changed since the last time I was here.” He pointed at the building containing the carousel. “There’s a museum attached to it now.” Rogan signaled to turn into a parking lot across from the boardwalk area. “Do you like museums?”

Did he? “I think so. I only ever went to one on a school trip. It was the naval museum where Old Ironsides is, but I mostly remember how excited I was to go on the ship. All I recall from the museum was this presentation some guy gave in an old uniform talking about the War of 1812.” He scrunched up his nose. “I hate anything to do with wars.”

Rogan put the truck in park and turned to him. “Well, Old Ironsides is a war ship.”

Tate nodded. “True. But that was wicked cool.”

Rogan barked out a laugh. “I’m sure it was. But why don’t we give this one a try? I’m guessing there’ll be some history on the old rides.”

Tate’s jaw dropped open. “Awesome. Yeah, that sounds way better than war stories.”

Once Rogan had grabbed a jacket of his own from the back seat of the extended cab vehicle, he jerked his head in the direction of the carousel building. Tate’s gaze landed on Rogan’s muscular ass, the outline a glorious site in his khaki-colored chinos. The rest of the pants were a looser fit, but Tate imagined there wasn’t a pair of slacks on Earth that would fit loosely around Rogan’s spectacular backside.

Tate choked on his own spit and heat rushed to his face as Rogan glanced over his shoulder. He’d pass out from embarrassment if he were caught, but Rogan didn’t appear as if he’d noticed Tate’s invasive stare.

“We can cross here then grab some coffee and maybe a snack before we check out the museum.”

Tate almost sighed aloud in relief that he hadn’t been busted. “Okay.”

Rogan smiled and they paused to wait for a line of cars to go by before they entered the crosswalk. He hoped Rogan didn’t go back to asking him what they should do. Not that he expected Rogan to go full Daddy on him, but having the older man take charge would make the day even better than it was already turning out to be.

Once they’d crossed the street, Tate wasn’t sure where to look. The multiple wooden doors with glass slatted windows were left open along the rounded building. They offered enticing glimpses of the massive carousel within, beckoning him to ride the large, colorful horses. The sharp edges that shaped the structure supported a roof that gave the impression that the building was wearing a bowler hat. Jingling music and flashing lights only served to entice him further, and he wondered if Rogan would think he was weird if he wanted to take a ride.

A clock tower rose up next to the carousel with another structure attached, which Tate assumed must be the museum. The lawn that stretched out in front boasted a whimsical wooden sign that announced they were indeed in front of the historic ride. Beyond that, a long, open air boardwalk stretched down the avenue. The excitement of spending a day at the beach firmly took hold.

If he wanted to, he could even pretend he was out with his boyfriend.

His face heated again, and Tate lowered his head. He shouldn’t be viewing Rogan that way. Not when the handsome man would never be more than a friend.

“Here we go.” Rogan’s voice interrupted Tate’s thoughts, and he tracked where Rogan was pointing. “This place looks like it has come good eats.” He regarded Tate with a chuckle. “Much better than the usual beach fare. They’ve really spruced this place up. Let’s grab a couple things then take a seat at one of the outdoor tables where we can get a good view of the ocean.”

Tate nodded with enthusiasm and checked out the menu. Rogan was right. In addition to burgers and dogs there were less typical options such as a fried turkey leg and a host of interesting salads.

“Wow. Everything looks really good.”

Tate chewed on his lip as he willed himself to pick something and get it over with. The amount of time he spent in the grocery store wasn’t that big of a deal since he was always alone, and it helped pass the time. But this was different. The fact Rogan stared at him expectantly was only making his brain slam shut that much faster.

Rogan scratched behind his ear. “I wouldn’t mind picking out a few things for us to try, but I don’t know you well enough yet to choose what you like or avoid what you don’t. Also…” Rogan cleared his throat. “Are you able to eat more now? And don’t feel like I expect you to finish whatever we get. It’s okay if you can’t.”

Tate’s eyes welled with tears, but he sniffed them down. Rogan would be such an amazing Daddy, yet Tate would never know what it was like to be truly cared for by Rogan. Tate refused to let that realization ruin his day. Rogan could be his boyfriend and Daddy for a few hours, even if it was only in his fantasies.

“I’ve been eating better.” Because of you. “But you don’t have to get a whole lot. I’ll probably get full pretty fast.”

Rogan smiled. “Well, I’m starving, so I’ll decide on a few things and we can share.”

Tate’s stomach swooped. Share. He swallowed hard. “Sure. That sounds good.”

---