Page 13 of Wylan

“Good. Now, how about we get you into some warmer clothes and I can take you out on that first date?”

“Actually, I was hoping we could postpone our date. I need to do something else first.” I spin around in his arms until I’m facing him.

“What’s that, petal?”

“Would you like to come with me to the Little’s Room and watch me play with Riley? He’s my best friend, and I get the feeling he needs a little cheering up.”

Seth grins at me. “Of course.”

We spend the rest of the night playing with Riley, Ash, and Jules. More littles join our group, but I only feel happiness as I sink into that floaty joyful headspace that makes me want to care for my friends as we play. All the while, Seth is by my side, looking after me and playing with me and my friends.

For the first time in years, I truly feel accepted.

Chapter six

Seth

The work week flew by, filled with stolen glances, shy smiles, and secret touches. And every day we’ve spent our lunch breaks together, but other than that we haven’t had much time to do anything else. The closer we get to Christmas, the faster the days blend together. Since we’re in the middle of Olivia Cove’s main shopping center, we continue to get booked out at a faster rate with people trying to eat a fancy lunch or dinner in between shopping sprees.

We haven’t had our first official date yet, something I plan on changing tonight. Despite that, Wylan and I have surprisingly fallen into a comfortable work rhythm. Somehow working even more efficiently together.

Tonight, we are both working the same shift, and just like every night this past week, my boy has been exhausted by the time we finish. I get the feeling that if I buckled him up into mytruck and took that extra time to drive us somewhere, wait to be seated, and wait to order food, poor Wylan would pass out of exhaustion.

As soon as Wylan clocks out, he wraps his arms around me from behind. “Where are we going tonight, Daddy?” Just then, his stomach growls, causing me to chuckle.

“I have a surprise for you, petal. Follow me.” I lace his fingers with mine and tug him toward one of the VIP rooms. As I open the door, his face lights up at the sight of all the Christmas decorations surrounding us.

The soft lights cast a warm glow across the room, and his pretty blue eyes sparkle when he takes in the tree.

“You did all this for me?”

Suddenly feeling a little silly, I launch into my explanation. “I know you mentioned not having enough space to decorate around your apartment, and I don’t know, I thought we could decorate this tree together.” I point to the sparce tree in the corner. “This room is ours for the next month; no one is allowed in, and our decorations are just for us. I was hoping for a private, yet upscale dining experience, while avoiding the crowds and holiday chaos.”

Wylan spins around, taking everything in. Then he launches himself at me.

“Ooof.”

“I love it, Daddy. This is so romantic. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.” He points at the sofa in the corner and giggles. “What’s that for?” He waggles his brows.

I chuckle. “Don’t get any dirty thoughts, boy. I also wanted a nice place where you can rest if needed. Don’t think I didn’t notice you helping out even more than usual. As much as I appreciate your help, I also want you getting proper rest.”

Wylan laughs. “And you thought you’d let me nap on that sofa in between shifts?”

I narrow my eyes playfully. “Don’t get sassy with me, boy.”

“Yes, Daddy.” He licks his lips, looking innocent and mischievous all at the same time.

“Damn, petal. You really are my kryptonite,” I say as he leans forward on his tip toes, and I meet him halfway. My lips press softly against his. It’s a sweet kiss filled with hope and longing. He leans forward again, and I’m about to kiss him more thoroughly when there’s a knock at the door.

I groan. “That would be our dinner.”

Wylan’s whole face lights up. “You ordered me dinner already?”

“I did.”

Judy walks in, giving Wylan a wink. She places several plates on the table, including our salmon special and four cheese tortellini that’s to die for. God, I love my restaurant, my staff, and the cooks.

“How do you even know what I like?” He laughs.

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