Page 55 of Born Daddy

Rogan allowed the gut twisting truth to settle in his mind. He might’ve been a closeted homosexual for a time, but Mitch was still a closeted bigot. And after his unexpected outburst from the other night regarding Tate, the sad truth became evident. It appeared as though his path through life with Mitch had come to an end. If Mitch was that incensed that Rogan believed Tate was innocent, he’d completely lose his shit over Rogan wanting to be his Daddy.

He let out a long groan and swiped the back of his hand across his brow. Lenny’s reaction would be interesting. However, something deep down told him that, while his laidback buddy might be shocked, he’d treat Rogan the same way he always had. Like a true friend.

Rogan started and he lifted his head at the sound of the floor creaking. “Tate?”

“I’m sorry.” Tate half-whispered. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I was thirsty.”

“That’s okay, I wasn’t asleep anyway.” Rogan flipped the blanket off his legs and sat up. “I should’ve thought to give you a water bottle to keep on the nightstand.”

He shuffled his way to the kitchen then hit the light switch, scrunching up his eyes for a few seconds to allow them to adjust to the sudden brightness. Rogan regarded Tate and smiled. Was it weird how much Tate’s expectant expression thrilled him? How Tate had waited patiently for Rogan and hadn’t protested or gone ahead and gotten the water himself?

Wow. Hello kink. My name is Rogan, pleased to meet you.

“I couldn’t sleep either.”

Rogan opened the fridge and grabbed the water. “Yeah, trying to sleep in a strange place can be tough.” He handed Tate the bottle. “That’s always been a thing with me.”

“Thanks.” Tate accepted the water before continuing. “It was more that I couldn’t shut my mind off.”

Rogan grunted, cracking open a water bottle for himself. “Same here.”

“Yeah?”

Tate peered up at him in a way that told Rogan he was waiting for him to take the lead. Rogan took a big gulp of his water. The way Tate would always want him to take the lead. Rogan swiped his hand across the back of his mouth.

“I have an idea. Why don’t we put on a movie and relax on the couch together, see if that helps get us sleepy.”

“Cool.” Tate smiled. “I’d like that.”

Rogan smiled back. “Great. You go on and have a seat while I grab another blanket for you to wrap yourself in.” Tate’s face fell and Rogan paused mid-stride. He could work this out. A lightbulb went off in his head. “Or, we could share.”

Bingo.

Tate’s features lit up at the suggestion and Rogan realized what all this was truly about. Tate needed to be held, wanted to be cuddled. Rogan smiled as he took Tate’s hand and led him to the couch. Hell, maybe that’s what he’d been wanting all night, too.

The moment they were seated, Tate curled into Rogan’s side, his legs tucked underneath him, his head resting on Rogan’s chest. Rogan plucked the remote from the coffee table, then tugged the blanket up so it covered them both. He let out a happy sigh. He had to admit, having the sweet Tate in the circle of his embrace was like magic.

“What kind of movie are you in the mood for? I have a ton on my streaming account.”

“Things that aren’t real.”

Rogan frowned. “You mean no documentaries?”

Tate’s head shook against his chest. “I mean stories that are too much like real life. My favorite kind are the ones that are fantasy or adventure. Superheroes, or magic or treasure—that kind of thing.”

“Ah, okay. We’ve got a lot to work with then, because I prefer those kinds of movies as well. I never watch mystery thrillers or crime dramas because it’s like coming home from work and reliving it all over again.”

“Huh.” Tate yawned as he settled more against Rogan’s side. “That makes sense. It also makes me glad.”

Rogan kissed the top of Tate’s head. “Who are your favorite superheroes?”

“I can’t think of any I don’t like, but I do love Wolverine.”

Rogan chuckled. “Is it Wolverine you love or Hugh Jackman?”

Tate snorted. “You found me out. But you have to admit, he’s pretty hot.”

“I can’t deny that. All right, let’s watch one of his films.”

As they snuggled together on the sofa and watched Wolverine kick ass, a part of Rogan became whole. He still had so much to learn about himself and this sweet boy in his arms, but something told him he’d found what he’d been missing in his life.

He’d discovered who he was.

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