Page 40 of Step Daddy

Chapter Twelve

Gareth checked the time on the oven clock. The criminal attorney and the L.A. detectives would be arriving in about fifteen minutes. Despite repeated reassurances from attorney Oliver Evanston that the detectives didn’t believe Kit had stolen the money, it didn’t make the anticipated meeting any less nerve-wracking.

He’d been trying to get Kit to eat something all morning and had finally given up. Truth be told, he had a nervous stomach as well. So now, here he was with a bag of whey protein powder, almond milk and assorted fruits to be tossed into the power blender. His boy needed his strength and Gareth needed to be alert. If this meeting was all part of a ruse to catch them unaware or to haul Kit off to jail, Gareth planned on being ready.

As he sliced up some bananas, Gareth pondered how well the past few days with Kit had gone. The sudden call from one of the investigating detectives had intruded into their newfound bliss, but prior to that, they’d been lost in their blossoming connection and embracing the rush that came with the possibility of a future together.

Gareth had stayed in charge—as was to be expected—and while he could tell already how eager Kit was to please, he’d also had to slow him down when it came to sex. Their physical interactions had been limited to one evening of mutual masturbation and another blow job for Kit because he was being such a good, patient boy. Begrudgingly patient—but trying.

Gareth chuckled to himself. He had to admit that Kit’s eagerness was flattering. After all the mental preparation Gareth had done regarding Kit’s sex drive, it had turned out to be completely unnecessary. The last thing Gareth had to worry about was whether Kit found him attractive.

Gareth finished dumping the ingredients into the blender cup then screwed on the cap and placed it on the motor. He pulsed the concoction a few times to get the consistency he preferred before pouring them each a glass. Right as he was about to take Kit’s drink to him, his cell went off. Gareth glanced at the screen and noted it was his manager. The guy probably wanted Gareth to let him know whether he’d decided to fly out to Texas to fill in for a rider who’d dropped out of an event at the last minute.

Why was his enthusiasm so low for the chance to squeeze in an extra race? In the past, he would’ve jumped at the chance to get out of town. But all he could think about was sticking close to Kit, especially with the uncertainty of the situation with Ted. Gareth grunted to himself. He was struck with the realization that for the past couple years, any excitement over leaving town every chance he got might’ve been an unconscious wish to get away from Colby.

While he’d been struggling with the question of whether he wanted to answer and deal with his manager, the call went to voicemail. Decision made. He could let his manager know after the detectives left that he couldn’t make it. For the next couple months before he hit the circuit again, he’d be spending his time with Kit.

Gareth entered the bedroom—their bedroom now—and was surprised to find Kit sitting at the end of the bed, still naked after his shower, his towel balled up on his lap. He was staring into space but jerked up his head as Gareth moved toward him. Kit’s fear was like a living, breathing entity occupying the room. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was terrifying his boy.

Gareth took a seat next to Kit and handed him the drink. Kit regarded the glass with scrunched up features.

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I know you went to a lot of trouble to make this for me, but my stomach…” He laid a hand across his abdomen as if to illustrate his point.

Gareth had noticed that the more stressed-out Kit was over something, the more he referred to Gareth as Daddy.

“Mine too.” He pushed the drink into Kit’s hands. “But we both need to be sharp and keep our sugars up. This is too important. Small sips. You don’t have to have the whole thing, just as much as you can.” Gareth smiled in reassurance. “Can you do that for Daddy?”

Kit posture no longer seemed as rigid and he tentatively accepted the glass. “Okay, Daddy. I can do that.”

His grip became more assured, and he brought the drink to his lips. After taking a few sips his eyes locked on Gareth’s as if seeking approval. Gareth gladly gave it to him.

“Well done. I’ve got to go make a call while you finish getting ready, so don’t forget to keep drinking.”

Gareth started to rise from the bed, but Kit clutched his arm.

“Can you come back when you’re done?”

Gareth glanced at the nightstand clock. “Babe, everyone’s showing up in about ten minutes. When I’m finished, it’ll be time to come out to the living room.” Kit’s pained expression was killing Gareth. His manager could wait. “What do you need from your Daddy?”

“I’m sorry, never mind.” Kit stared down at his hands still clutching the glass. “You should go make your call. I’m being a pain.”

“I didn’t ask you to apologize, I asked what you needed.”

Kit head shot up. “I know. But I was thinking I was starting to sound like Colby. I don’t want to be annoying and bratty.”

Gareth put an arm around Kit’s shoulders with a chuckle. “Babe, you couldn’t be like Colby if you tried, and sometimes the situation calls for a brat.” Gareth whispered in Kit’s ear. “But you’re not a brat. You’re my sweet baby boy.” He stole a peek at the clock again. “However, meeting with the detectives naked probably won’t help your situation, so let’s get you dressed.” Gareth rose. “Will that make things easier?”

Kit gave him a sheepish smile. “Yeah. It’s silly, I know. But when you help me with small stuff like that, it relaxes me.”

“Not silly, not at all.” Gareth tapped the bottom of Kit’s glass to encourage him to take another drink. “I had a hunch that’s what you needed.” He waited until Kit got halfway through the contents, then gestured for the container. “Come on.” Gareth set it on the nightstand then held out Kit’s briefs, allowing Kit to use Gareth’s body to brace himself while stepping into the underwear. “There.”

Gareth let the waistband go so that it made a light snap against Kit’s skin. With each piece of clothing Gareth helped Kit into, he allowed his hands to linger longer than necessary, to pinch or tug or squeeze as he adjusted Kit’s jeans and shirt. By the time Kit was completely dressed, Gareth’s touch was all over him.

Gareth smiled. “Can you finish the shake now?”

Kit grinned back. “Yeah. Thank you.”

Gareth stole a kiss then handed Kit the glass again. “Come out to the living room when you’re done. I’m gonna down mine before everyone gets here.”

---