Page 26 of Slippery When Wet

Calvin laughed heartily. “Yes, I’ve been around a few of those brats myself. My Daddy style doesn’t lean toward that type of boy, though.” Calvin favored him with an intense stare. “I prefer sweet, polite boys. A sense of self and healthy appreciation of humor is needed as well.”

Ellery was back to worrying. Calvin seemed to pick up on his thoughts.

“It’s very fortunate that I’ve found such a boy. Who knew that a slippery ladder could be so lucky?”

Ellery burst out with a relieved laugh. “Right? I’ve never been so grateful that I’m a total klutz.”

Calvin grunted as he poured their drinks. “I’ve never been so grateful that I was in the right place at the right time. That bastard could’ve caused you to get seriously hurt.”

“I still take responsibility for my part in that, though.” Ellery shrugged. “I didn’thaveto do it. I’d actually reached that conclusion and was on my way down when I spotted you.”

Calvin regarded him, his head inclined. “I appreciate the maturity of your observations, and your willingness to accept blame. However, I’d like to suggest that when someone is in a position of power over another person, the abuse of that power can lead to negative situations like the one you were in.” Calvin arched his eyebrows. “I gather you felt you had no choice because your boss held your need for a paycheck over your head? That he abused that knowledge to get what he wanted out of you, no matter how unreasonable?”

Ellery took a moment to consider Calvin’s words. “Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. You said something similar to me before, but I guess now I’m really understanding it. I can relate that to what it’s like when a Dom abuses his power over a sub.” Ellery shook his head at his own lack of clarity. “I don’t know why I didn’t connect the dots a long time ago and get out of that job.”

Calvin came around the kitchen island and wrapped an arm around Ellery’s shoulders. “I’m hoping you’ll allow me to work on your tendency to make everything your fault. Accepting responsibility for one’s actions is important too, but knowing when someone is taking advantage is also critical.”

Ellery rested his head on Calvin’s shoulder. “Thanks. That’s probably a good idea. Reese has gotten on me about that before, but he’s never given me any helpful suggestions. So far, ‘knock it off’ is the only advice I’ve received.”

Calvin chuckled and gave him a jostle. “That’s all right. One of the many reasons I’m here for you.” He pressed a kiss to Ellery’s temple. “Come on, baby. Let’s eat.”

To Ellery’s delight, his new ocean-themed dishes along with the matching cutlery made up his place setting, just to the right of Calvin’s chair at the head of the long, majestic antique table. Of course, Calvin’s dishes were fine China ones with black and gold striped edging. In the past, Ellery would’ve been excited to use fancy dishes, but honestly, he preferred the ones he had now.

Calvin fixed up Ellery’s plate for him, Ellery watching with interest when Calvin picked the meat off Ellery’s pheasant then added it to one section of his plate before scooping up some mac and cheese and veggies for the other two. He set Ellery’s dish in front of him then set about preparing his own. Ellery noted that Calvin simply took the whole bird for his meal.

Calvin glanced sideways at Ellery. “There’s plenty more of everything if you want some after you finish what’s on your plate.” His lips twitched. “Even the pheasant.”

“Thanks.”

Ellery’s gaze landed on the small crystal dish filled with the relish, a tiny crystal spoon stuck in the burgundy concoction with bits of orange mixed in. He plucked his napkin from the table then laid it across his lap. Ellery figured he should probably try some of the pheasant first before adding the relish. Was he supposed to eat them together? He wasn’t sure.

“If you’re feeling adventurous, I can add some relish to your plate. It would be touching the pheasant, though.”

“Is that how it’s eaten? Like turkey with cranberry sauce?”

“That’s how we always ate it growing up. This is my mother’s recipe.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll try it that way then.”

Calvin hadn’t spoken that much about his family, other than a cousin who lived nearby. Ellery kept his hands folded in his lap while Calvin spooned some relish then added it to his dish.

“Thank you.” He glanced up at Calvin. “Do you have any other family nearby, you know, other than your cousin?”

Calvin regarded him as he placed his own napkin on his lap. “I’m afraid my mother passed away a few years ago. They were living in France at the time, and my father still lives there. They always loved the countryside. He was a successful investor, so I’ll confess I had a privileged life growing up.” Calvin smiled, his eyes misty. “I credit my father for mentoring and supporting me when it came to business. I was fortunate enough to attend Harvard then find investors almost immediately after I achieved my Masters.”

“Wow.”

Ellery hadn’t considered where Calvin came from before now. His impression from the start had been as if Calvin had sprung out of nowhere as a fully formed amazing human being.

Calvin jerked his chin toward Ellery’s plate. “Eat up before it gets cold.”

Ellery smoothed his napkin across his lap then reached for his cute fork that had a fish-shaped handle. He frowned at the piece of cutlery. Something was off.

“What is it, baby boy?”

“Um, I don’t want to be any trouble so I can go get it myself, but I kind of want to wear a bib instead of only using the napkin. Are they in the nursery?”

Before Ellery could protest, Calvin laid his napkin on the table and rose. “Nonsense. I’ll get it for you. Any particular design?”

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