Page 34 of Slippery When Wet

“Baby boy…” Daddy pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I love you, too.”

Calvin scooped Ellery up in his arms then carried him to the nursery bed. He set him on the comforter, then climbed over the wavy side to lie down next to him. He tugged Ellery to his chest, spooning him, rubbing his stomach above the diaper with one hand and carding his fingers through Ellery’s hair with the other.

Even though they were both almost naked, the moment wasn’t a sexual one. Ellery wouldn’t put any expectations or restrictions on what might happen on a different occasion while he wore the diaper, but this wasn’t about kink. It was about connection, about them.

It was about love.

Chapter Twelve

Calvin snuck sideways glances at Ellery as he finished packing up the picnic basket for their outing. The fact that he’d been doing that from almost the moment he’d brought Ellery home wasn’t lost on him. In addition to gauging whether his boy might be experiencing any stress in his new circumstances, he couldn’t help himself. It was as if he didn’t want to miss one second of Ellery’s reactions, wanted to experience through Ellery’s eyes the discovery of a new way of life.

Calvin noted how Ellery kept lightly patting his own behind when he thought Calvin wasn’t paying attention. Admitting that he’d already grown to love Ellery and that Ellery felt the same about him was such a gift. The memory of what they’d shared that day would forever be seared in his consciousness and there was still much more to go.

He was certain of it.

Finally, he believed he’d found the boy truly meant for him, his sweetheart to keep forever. Someone he could pamper and care for who truly appreciated him.

“Daddy? Could we have the tarts today for our picnic?” Ellery batted his lashes. “You know, because we didn’t have them last night.”

“Of course, baby boy.” Calvin smiled. “But that means it’s fruit and cheese for dessert tonight.”

Ellery stuck out his bottom lip. “Oh man.” He narrowed his eyes as if considering the situation. “Hmm. Tough choice, but maybe we could have the fruit without the cheese for lunch, then the tart after dinner?”

Calvin had to laugh. Ellery might be sweet and polite, but he could already tell he had a debater on his hands.

“What’s wrong with the cheese?”

“I love cheese, it’s not that. But I can’t imagine why I’d want it fordessert.”

Calvin chuckled as he placed the container with the cold pheasant into the basket. All that was left to do was wrap up the toast points his cook had made for the weekend, then settle the dessert quandary.

“Well, a cheese and fruit platter after a meal is popular in many places. My mother served one regularly when I was growing up.” Calvin shrugged. “Although, I suppose it’s not as prevalent as it once was here in the US.” He glanced at Ellery. “Haven’t you ever heard of having apple pie with a slice of cheese?”

Ellery screwed up his nose. “Gross!” He slapped a hand to his mouth. “Sorry. That was rude. I shouldn’t put down what other people like.”

Calvin gave Ellery’s arm a gentle squeeze. “You’re such a good boy. Maybe trying new things that aren’t related to kinks is something we can put on our list?”

Ellery tilted his head. “Yeah. I think we should. After all, I ended up enjoying that pheasant, and I loved the relish. I doubt I ever would’ve tried either of those in my entire life if I didn’t know you.”

Calvin gave a sharp nod. “Good. In that case, let’s have the tarts now. We’ll save the fruit and cheese for tonight.”

Ellery scratched his head. “Sure.” He cleared his throat. “But do I have to eat it with apple pie?”

Calvin almost snorted out his last sip of coffee. “No, baby. We’ll only have fresh fruit with it tonight. And as I said before, I won’t force you into anything. I’m only asking you to give unfamiliar things a try, to expand your horizons.”

Ellery nodded slowly. “You’re right. After all, the pheasant was a big surprise. I shouldn’t judge something until I know what I’m talking about.”

Calvin finished packing the remaining items they needed for their mini excursion, ruminating on how he must’ve done something right in his life. That’s the only way he could account for how fortunate he was that the universe had brought him Ellery.

“What about the ducks, Daddy? Did you find out if we could feed them?”

Calvin snapped his fingers. “Ah, thanks for reminding me. Yes, I did.” He made his way to the fridge. “There are a few vegetables they can have, and zucchini is one of them. There are still some leftover raw ones that weren’t used last night.” He reached into the crisper drawer. “Let me slice these up while you put on your jeans for outdoors.”

It was a shame to cover up the adorable onesie Ellery wore, but it wasn’t quite warm enough yet for him to venture outside sans pants. Calvin grinned to himself. He couldn’t wait for summer.

At Ellery’s fallen expression, Calvin frowned. “What is it, sweetheart?”

Ellery wrung his fingers and shifted from foot to foot. “Do you have lots of staff, like, helping you here? I mean I’m sure you do.” He glanced around the room. “It must take an army of people to take care of such a large home and property.”

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