Page 51 of Born Daddy

“What is it? Is something wrong?” Rogan laid a gentle hand on Tate’s arm. “Whatever it is, honey, you can tell me.”

“Do…do you mean that?”

“That you can tell me anything?” Rogan gave him a soft smile. “Absolutely.”

“No, I was talking about the honey part. And there was a sweetheart too. That’s what I meant.”

Rogan suddenly became overly aware of his and Tate’s skin touching. But if he pulled his hand away, he’d only cause Tate to become more upset. He’d fight actual dragons to keep from upsetting Tate.

He scooted a bit closer in the hope he wasn’t sending the wrong message. He wasn’t rejecting Tate, but still needed to work everything out.

“I did. But I’m sorry if you felt that was inappropriate of me. I can watch myself in the future, that is, if you still feel comfortable enough with us spending time together.”

Clearly, Rogan had only made things worse. The crease between Tate’s eyebrows deepened and his eyes watered.

“I feel very comfortable. Please don’t watch yourself. But…” Tate lowered his eyes and fiddled with the edge of his plate. “I’m supposed to hold off a few more weeks, so I thought I should be polite and wait for you to join me before eating instead of…” Tate sighed. “Instead of acting like your boy.”

Rogan’s throat closed and his mouth went dry. Tate had been the one to voice what Rogan had been too chickenshit to say. Then another part of Tate’s statement filtered through.

“What did you mean by hold off? Hold off on what?”

Tate’s head jerked up and his mouth made a small ‘o’. “Sorry. I’m really nervous right now. I didn’t mean to blurt that part out.”

Rogan gently encouraged Tate to let go of the plate so he could set it on the table. Cold pizza wasn’t the worst thing in the world. He might be guessing like a madman, but if he was a true Daddy, he’d need to decide what the priorities were. If Tate was too nervous to eat, then there was no point in insisting. But if he could calm him somehow, reassure him that everything was okay—that Rogan saw him—then maybe Tate would be able to face food.

After he placed the plate next to the bowl, he drew Tate to his side, keeping his arm draped across his shoulders. Then he gathered Tate’s hand in his own and laid their joined fingers on his thigh.

“You know what? I’m nervous too. It’s fine.”

Tate let out a loud exhale. “Oh, okay. I’ve been worried you’d push me away, not ever want to speak with me again if you found out…” He bit his lip then peered up at Rogan. “If you found out I’m attracted to you.”

Rogan squeezed Tate’s hand. “You know what? I had the same fears. But I still don’t understand what you were referring to when you said you had to wait a few weeks?”

Tate scrunched up his nose, a light flush highlighting his cheeks. “I hope you don’t mind, but when I did my check-in this morning, I told Master Zane about you and, you know, how I was feeling. I wanted some feedback on whether he thought it was too soon.”

“Oh, I see.” Rogan cleared his throat. “And his advice was that you should, that we should wait?”

Tate nodded. “Yeah. He’s probably right, but what do you think?”

Rogan rubbed his thumb along Tate’s shoulder while he processed that unexpected morsel of info. He’d already been inexplicably butthurt that Tate was seeking advice from someone else, and now that person was in a position to steer Tate away from him.

Rogan’s eyes burned and his chest tightened. Maybe this mystery Master would provide some clarity for Tate. After all, he and Tate were from the same world and he’d understand better what would be good for Tate. Maybe discouraging Tate from following through on his emotions was what should happen.

Then why did it hurt so much?

“I realize I’m very uninformed when it comes to your lifestyle, Tate. So, in this instance, I’ll defer to Master Zane.”

“In this instance?”

Rogan regarded Tate, his expression filled with so much vulnerability that it terrified him. How easy it would be if Tate were to meet the wrong person then find himself in their clutches.

To end up living with a serial killer for three years.

Rogan vowed to himself right then that he’d do whatever it took to make sure Tate was safe. Whether it was with him, or someone else, he’d make it his mission to keep Tate protected.

But oh, how Rogan hoped it was him. Which meant it was time to put his big boy pants on and take charge.

“Tate, I need you to say what you mean. Tell me what it is you’re actually asking.”

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