Page 20 of Slippery When Wet

Ellery licked his lips. The windows were tinted, and the privacy screen was up. And he trusted that Calvin would be careful not to out him.

“I’d like the cup, please.”

Ellery lifted his gaze to gauge Calvin’s expression. The warm smile he received said it all. He’d pleased his Daddy.

“Wonderful.”

Calvin dug into the bag then pulled out a different cup than the one Ellery had used before. Ellery gasped when he spotted the sea creature design on the baby blue cup. Without thinking, he held out both hands, wiggling his fingers in a ‘gimme’ motion. Calvin grinned as he relinquished the adorable item to him.

“Does my baby boy like it?”

Ellery bounced a little as he turned it around in his hands so he could see all the pictures. “I love it!” He grinned at Calvin in return. “Thank you, Daddy. It’s perfect.” He hesitated before continuing but decided to go ahead. Daddy would probably appreciate what he had to say. “I saw this exact set in the window of a children’s boutique uptown and wished I could get it.” He lowered his voice as if others could hear. “I’ll tell you a secret that no one knows, not even Reese. Sometimes I go to FAO Schwarz and look at the stuffed animals. I’d never have the courage to buy any, and besides, every dollar I make has to go to more practical things.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Not something stupid like that.”

Calvin frowned. “There’s nothing stupid whatsoever about wanting a stuffie, or even lots of stuffies.”

He should’ve known Calvin wouldn’t think wanting childish things was dumb. It’s just that it had been drummed into his head over and over by his well-meaning father that bills came first, and not to waste his money on frivolous things.

“I brought Honey Bunny,” Ellery blurted then promptly clamped his lips shut.

Calvin broke into a big smile. “You did? When do I get to meet him?”

Ellery’s face heated again. “When we get to the house?”

For some reason, he wanted to be certain they were alone and there wasn’t the chance for an interruption.

Calvin’s smile remained reassuring. “Then I’ll be looking forward to it.” The limo had been crawling through traffic but came to a complete stop. Calvin squinted as he peered out the tinted glass. “Well, this appears to be an excellent time to pour juice.” He chuckled as he regarded Ellery. “There’s quite the traffic jam out there, so I doubt we’ll be moving again anytime soon.”

That’s what it is.

Ellery had been turning around in his mind what it was about Calvin that was so appealing. Well, other than the fact that he was tall, incredibly handsome and had a smile that could melt icebergs.

But what struck Ellery even more was Calvin’s even-tempered demeanor. Here was a high-powered, rich businessman who probably had a ton of responsibilities on his shoulders, yet he wasn’t constantly bitching and snarling about every tiny inconvenience. If one of Ellery’s customers from Mr. Schultz’s store was in the same predicament with the traffic, he’d probably be having an utter meltdown—complete with cursing and blaming the whole world for his problems.

Once Calvin had finished adding the cranberry juice to the cup, he snapped the lid back on then offered it to Ellery. Ellery grasped it with excitement, barely able to believe he was so lucky to have found someone who not only accepted, but encouraged, the kinds of things he’d never dared to indulge in. Being with Calvin had unlocked the elusive part of himself that hadn’t wanted to admit that maybe age play wasexactlywhat he needed.

Chapter Eight

By the time they had reached Southampton, Ellery was sound asleep and leaning against Calvin’s arm with his head resting on Calvin’s shoulder. He’d hated to wake up his sweet boy but knew that if he let him sleep too long, Ellery would be up all night.

They were just finishing up the tour of the inside of his Tudor-style mansion, and now Calvin was ready for the grand finale. He couldn’t wait to see Ellery’s reaction. If Ellery’s enthusiasm was anywhere near what it had been over the sippy cup he’d given him, then Calvin would consider his purchases and redecorating a resounding success.

As they approached the final bedroom at the end of the long hall that was carpeted with a plush, mauve rug, Calvin swiped his wrist across his forehead. Most of the time, he was an assured man with a strong sense of self and his surroundings. But that didn’t mean he was made of iron. Already, Ellery had gotten under his skin. Making sure Ellery was happy was tantamount in Calvin’s mind, and he found himself questioning the choices he’d made in the playroom and nursery that only a day before had seemed perfect.

“I’ve saved this room for last.”

Calvin grasped the crystal doorknob and gazed down at his expectant boy. He hadn’t even thought to ask him whether he was aware of nurseries for age play couples or if Reese had one. Calvin swallowed without spit. God, he needed to get hold of himself, be the rock his boy needed.

“Why is it so special? We already saw your bedroom.”

The blush that bloomed in Ellery’s cheeks told Calvin exactly where his boy’s thoughts had gone. He could only hope Ellery was as thrilled about the nursery as Calvin was.

“Well, this is a room that’s especially foryou.”

Ellery blinked up at him then watched as Calvin pushed open the door to the large, sunny room then switched on the overhead light. The audible gasp that came from Ellery didn’t necessarily reassure Calvin. Was that a thrilled, happy gasp? Or a what-the-holy-hell-is-this gasp?

Ellery stepped out of Calvin’s embrace and slowly moved into the room, gazing at his surroundings, turning this way and that as if he couldn’t take it all in. The suspense was killing Calvin.

“Well? What do you think?”

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