Page 11 of Brighton

“You really did get everything they’d need. Putting the condo in front of the window will make them happy. Good job,” Edward pointed out.

“I thought they might want to people and bird watch.” Pride. That’s what filled me at his praise. “Can I, um, can I ask you a question?” More like fifty, but we’d see how he handled the first one.

“Go ahead.”

“After I talked to Mario, I fell down the Daddy/boy wormhole, and well, I’m still confused. There are many dynamics to it, and I really don’t understand what it means to you. To be a Daddy that is. I guess that’s the question. You’ve called me boy a couple of times and I’m not really sure how to take it.”

“I think the main question you’re asking is what being a Daddy with a boy means to me, am I right?” I nodded. “For me, it’s about taking care of someone I have romantic feelings for. As a Daddy, I take pride in knowing my boy has everything he needs and knows I’m there for him. I’ve had littles before, and I’ve had boys, and both are good fits for my lifestyle.”

“Littles?”

“Yes. Boys who enjoy being younger either full-time or when you have a play date. Some are middles, such as middle school aged, some are toddlers and wear diapers or big boy pants, and some are babies that wear and use diapers.”

“Oh, that’s not me.” I couldn’t picture myself acting in that manner. “What is just a boy?”

“Just a boy is more than just a boy. Daddy still takes care of things. Each Daddy/boy or Daddy/little relationship varies based upon those in it. There is no cut and dry or one way only to be. Each relationship is defined by those living it. Some boys want a Daddy to take care of everything such as paying the bills and the boys don’t work. Others just want a Daddy who is there part-time. Honestly, for me, I like having a boy to cuddle with and take out on dates and spoil rotten. I’ve never minded my boys choosing to work and pay their own bills. To be a Daddy/boy relationship is the same as saying we’re boyfriends in my eyes. Does that help clear it up?”

“I’m not sure. Why not just say you’re boyfriends?”

“You could, or we could, but I do like to be called Daddy whether openly or in private as long as my boy was comfortable with it.”

Daddy. Could I call a man, a boyfriend, Daddy? I liked it when he said I was a good boy which from what I read was a praise kink. Did I like it because I never heard it from my parents? Was I over analyzing it and overthinking as I tended to do?

Yeah, that was a given.

“What are you thinking so hard about over there?”

Go for it, Brighton, you literally have nothing to lose.

“I like you. I like being around you. I’ve never been on a date, never kissed, never…anything.” That was one way to say I was a loner, loser virgin. “I guess I want to date but I don’t want to wear diapers.”

Edward threw his head back and chuckled. “That is not a problem for me. Like I said, I’ve had littles before, though it’s not my preference. And just for the record, I like you, too.”

Whoosh. It was like all the air left my lungs. “I donated the present you brought Stevie toToys for Tots.” Why I felt the need to bring that up during our conversation was unknown, but at least it was out there while my brain digested our conversation.

“Thank you. I understand why you didn’t accept the gift and I appreciate your honesty. Now, would it be too forward to ask if I could take you on an actual date?”

“It kinda felt like last Saturday ended up being one.”

“Agreed. How about a formal date? Dinner and a movie? Dinner and a walk in the park? Dinner and Christmas lights?” I perked up at the last option. “Ah, dinner and Christmas lights it is.” My stomach chose that moment to growl. I was stupidly excited this morning and forgot to eat. “But first, how about we order dinner?”

“Deal.” Edward went about ordering food, asked if I had any allergies or dislikes which I didn’t, and I wondered if this was what it meant to have a Daddy. That they made sure you were fed and taken care of, not that I couldn’t do that on my own. Like he said, it would be defined however we defined it if our relationship moved forward. Which I hoped it did.

Chapter Six

Edward

This was nice. No expectations, just two men getting to know each other over Thai. It had been years since I’d been on an actual date. The boys I’d had over the last decade I’d met through apps or at the club where our desired outcomes were pre-negotiated. Given how well thathadn’tworked out for me, this might be the better approach toward something real. Gods, how I wanted that.

“Food will be here in forty-five minutes.” Brighton was too cute, sitting cross-legged on the floor playing with the girls. They took to him immediately, I mean, how could they not? He was adorable, and sweet, and everything I hadn’t had in far too long. If ever.

Brighton giggled. “I am so in love with them.”

“I’m happy to hear that, sweet boy.” It just slipped out. He truly was a sweet boy but was new to all this as well as to me and the scary world of dating. Nurturing and praise came naturally to me, and I could literally sit here for hours to listen and watch Brighton play. “They seem quite fond of you, too.”

“I hope they like their new home. It will be nice to not be alone.” Brighton paused then resumed tossing the toy he had in hand. Had he regretted sharing that with me?

“Well, if you’ll allow me to be, I’d like to be around more.” Another pause, but I wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass me by. “Starting with taking you out on a proper date.”

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