Page 44 of Step Daddy

Chapter Thirteen

Kit needed…something. He tapped his fingers on the granite counter of the kitchen and tried to banish from his mind the memory of the detectives’ visit the day before. At least, until he had to face up to the reality of what was coming.

Gareth had doted on him after everyone left, making good on his promise to take him for ice cream. Then they’d strolled together on The Boulevard, the bright lights and rush of activity surrounding them a great distraction. Kit had never been to Vegas prior to seeking out his brother, so he had to admit he found the atmosphere and sights exciting.

Then, they’d returned to the condo and Gareth had run him a bath. His face heated as he recalled how sensual the evening had been. Gareth had dimmed the lights and washed him with a thick, soft sponge after Kit had soaked for a while in the hot water. Then he’d rubbed Kit down with an amazing oil that had a woodsy scent Kit loved. By the time Gareth had finished with him, he’d passed out.

But now he was back to being on edge. Jittery. Unable to keep his thoughts from tumbling around in his head. The urge to call his mom was huge now that he knew he’d worried her. Why hadn’t he called her before this? He wasn’t sure why he’d assumed she wouldn’t care when he took off the way he did.

Although, it had been a while since she’d paid much attention to him—years, in fact. They’d become distant, Kit no longer bothering to try and communicate or spend time with her once he’d graduated high school. As it was, she’d made an excuse for why she couldn’t attend the ceremony.

So, after meeting with the detectives and discovering that she actually did care, he felt ashamed. Her life with Ted hadn’t been easy, either. Maybe she thought Kit had become close to Ted because he continued working at the management company. Maybe that’s what Ted wanted her to think.

However, now he had to wait to contact her until after the sting was over with.

Kit groaned and opened the refrigerator door, peering inside to see if anything looked appealing. It was almost time for lunch, and Kit told Gareth he’d put something together while Gareth took his shower. They’d been working out downstairs in the complex’s gym, but Kit had returned earlier and had already cleaned up. His workout routine wasn’t as intense as Gareth’s.

Kit moved a few containers around and checked the bins. Their last stop before coming home the night before had been the market, so there was plenty to choose from. He simply couldn’t figure out what he wanted. Gareth told him he was fine with whatever they had, so Kit should decide.

Great.

The last thing Kit felt capable of doing right now was making a decision. He struggled enough with that task when everything was going smoothly. Saying yes to the sting operation probably filled his quota for the year. Kit plopped down at the kitchen table, leaning on it with one elbow and rubbing his forehead. He might be getting a headache.

Why couldn’t he simply relax? Gareth was here for him, was going out of his way to take care of everything so Kit didn’t have to. Sure, their connection was still new. Yet that didn’t mean it wasn’t intense and real.

What he needed to do was be grateful for what he had. In truth, he never could’ve guessed how well things would turn out when he fled to Vegas. Showing up at Gareth’s door out of nowhere after eight years could’ve been an utter disaster. He had no right to complain about anything.

However, he still needed…something.

“Hey, babe.” Gareth breezed into the kitchen, his palm trailing across Kit’s shoulders as he passed by. “What did you decide on?”

Gareth already had the door to the fridge open and pulled out a bright green sports drink. He cracked open the bottle then took several long swallows before setting it down on the counter. A frown marred his features as he considered Kit.

“What’s going on, baby boy? Talk to me.”

Kit couldn’t meet his gaze. The last vibe he wanted to convey to Gareth was ‘I’m a needy little bastard’. Sure, Gareth insisted he loved the caretaker role, but there was only so much a person could take, right?

“I’m…” Kit made fists under the table, digging his nails into his palms to keep from messing with his hands. “I’m not sure. It’s like I can’t make my brain shut up. What’s worse, is that my brain isn’t making sense. It’s like white noise, but with pictures.” Kit groaned. “That made no sense. God, I’m a mess.”

Gareth moved closer then crouched before him, setting his palms firmly on Kit’s knees, the wordless gesture conveying to Kit that Gareth was in charge.

“I’ve got you, baby boy. I’m going to grab you something to drink then make lunch.” He rose, placing a portion of his weight on Kit’s thighs as he did. “Then, I’m going to feed you.”

Kit didn’t respond but wondered why Gareth had phrased his intentions so strangely. It almost sounded as if Kit was the family pet, and Gareth was going to put down his food bowl. Kit mentally shrugged. All Gareth probably meant was that he’d make the food then bring it to him.

Gareth handed Kit the orange sports water that was his favorite. Kit smiled up at him. “Thanks, Daddy.” Saying that was not only getting easier, it had become more necessary. “Let me know if I can help.”

Gareth was already pulling various items from the fridge. “Thank you, baby. Right now, though, I’d like you to have some of your drink and tell me what first got you interested in fan fiction.” He peered over his shoulder with a smile. “I know what it is but haven’t read any before. Maybe you’ll be brave enough to let me see yours?”

Kit’s cheeks heated. “Maybe.” He stalled for time by following Gareth’s orders and starting on the fruit-flavored water. “Remember how I used to read the Lord of the Rings books all the time when you’d let me hang out in your room?”

Gareth chuckled as he sliced up an apple. “Yeah. I never understood the appeal of those movies. So ridiculous.”

Kit gasped. “Sacrilege! They’re the best films ever made.”

Gareth turned around again, radiating an evil grin. “Gotcha.”

Kit’s jaw went slack. “You’re mean.”

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