Page 17 of Slippery When Wet

Calvin still held him close with one arm but was now slowly carding his fingers through Ellery’s hair.

“I can tell you’re in the middle of pondering something. Have you changed your mind about our weekend? I’d understand if you think it’s too much too soon.”

Ellery tightened his grip around Calvin’s waist. “No!” He cringed. Sometimes he got a bit too enthusiastic. “Sorry, didn’t mean to be so loud.” He angled his head back and locked eyes with Calvin. “It’s not that, I promise. I’ve been looking forward to being with you again all week and was excited when you invited me.”

Calvin arched his eyebrows. “Oh? What is it then? I don’t want my baby boy to be worried about anything. Perhaps you’ll let me reassure you?”

Ellery swallowed hard. “Um…”What the hell. “You smell really good—amazing, actually. So, I started thinking how it would be nice to have something that smelled like you for when we can’t be together.” He screwed up his nose. “But that’s sort of creepy, so pretend I didn’t say it.”

Calvin chuckled. “Not at all creepy. I think it’s sweet and a wonderful idea. It would make me feel better knowing I can still soothe you, even if I’m not there.”

“Seriously?”

Calvin smiled, affection shining from his eyes. “I’m very serious.”

Ellery’s throat tightened. More than ever, he had the feeling this Daddy thing was going to be the kink component he’d been missing all along.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Calvin pressed a kiss to his forehead. “That’s what I’m here for, sweetheart. Now what about your ankle? Still doing better? Are you wearing the wrap like I told you to?”

Ellery’s chest swelled and he couldn’t stop from grinning. Having Calvin’s attention made him feel so cherished.

“Yes, Daddy. It’s not swollen anymore and there’s only a small bruise left, but I’ve been propping it up and wearing the wrap like you told me to.”

Calvin squeezed Ellery’s arm. “Good boy. I can still get you a cane if necessary.”

Ellery held in a snort. He could just picture how goofy he’d look. As klutzy as he was, using a cane was more likely to make him fall again rather than help. And truthfully, he didn’t need one anyway.

“No, I’m okay. I promise.”

He’d had to use an older, looser pair of sneakers and leave the one shoe unlaced to fit his foot inside, but he’d made sure to clean them up beforehand, so they were spotless.

“Are you ready to get going?”

Ellery grinned. “Super ready.”

Calvin relaxed his hold and gazed around Ellery’s tiny living area. Ellery inwardly groaned. In all the excitement, he’d forgotten how humiliating his apartment was.

“Your place is very tidy.” Calvin nodded as if he were examining a priceless object. “You’ve done a nice job with the space you have, and I love the added touches with the twinkling lights.” Calvin gazed down at him. “You truly do have an excellent eye. Have you checked out the design school links I sent?”

Ellery was stunned to discover he’d gone from feeling embarrassment to being filled with pride in a span of a few seconds.

“I did. I’d be interested in any of them, they all seem good.” He didn’t want to add that he’d been interested right up to the point where he’d seen the tuitions. Even the public one would require a big investment for supplies. “As soon as I get another job, I’ll start saving up.”

Calvin’s jaw ticked, a slight crease marring his forehead. “Well, I’m sure we can figure something out.” He straightened and his features brightened. “But for now, let’s get going. I want to get out of the city before the lunchtime traffic hits.”

Ellery smiled, relieved at the change in subject. “Okay. Let me grab my bag.”

All he owned that was halfway decent was a small, canvas duffel that he’d used for an overnight school field trip and for visiting his aunt in Maine. Other than that, the only things he had were crinkled up shopping totes. No way was he going to the Hamptons with his clothes stuffed in something that tacky.

Once Ellery retrieved his bag, his excitement about the weekend returned. He had on his best pair of jeans and a nice button-up. The cotton dress shirt was a soft lavender with tiny white pinstripes running through it. Mr. Schultz hadn’t approved of the color, so he’d only worn it to work one time.

Calvin reached for Ellery’s duffel. “Here, let me get that for you.”

“Oh, that’s okay. It’s not heavy.”

Calvin wiggled his fingers. “Don’t argue with Daddy. Hand it over, please.”

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