Page 20 of Stirring Up Trouble
“Come this way,” I said before Elton could leave my side.
I led us to a mostly empty space between the stage and some of the animals. It was a walkway of sorts that didn’t have anyone in at the moment. It would be perfect for some privacy.
“There is something a bit more specific I wanted to talk to you about.”
Elton nodded. “I figured.”
“If this is awkward in any way, please tell me. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“You’re not going to make me uncomfortable, Robin. Not unless you’re here to confess your undying love to me or Bobby Allen. Then we’d definitely have some problems.”
I shook my head quickly. “That’s not it at all. I don’t have feelings for either of you like that. You’re my friends. Nothing more.”
“Then we’re good. Tell me why you’re flustered. Or rather, who.”
“Blaze,” I breathed out. Relief coursed through me as I spoke. Like a weight lifted simply by saying Blaze had garnered all my attention since we’d arrived on the ranch.
“I figured that’s what this was all about. Not sure I’ll have much advice to offer, but I’m all ears if you want to process this out loud.”
“It’s not about processing it. I know… I know I like him. There’s more to it though.”
Elton tilted his head. “What else could there—oh.Oh.”
At his widened eyes and quick bob of his head, I knew he’d picked up what I hadn’t said. If I weren’t here to talk about my feelings in general, then there was really only one other thing to discuss.
“He’d probably be a good Daddy. His attention to detail and his intense focus gives off that energy.”
“I think so too, E. I’m just not sure how to bring it up. This is all new to me.”
He hummed softly. “Yeah, it is. My Daddy said I shouldn’t talk to you about it, but we both noticed you kind of making eyes at Blaze. We didn’t even know you were bi. And I sure as heck didn’t know you wanted a Daddy. That is what you want, right?”
“I’m pretty sure it is.”
“Pretty sure?” his brows rose along with his voice at the question.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s all new, like I said. And it all feels right. I can’t really explain it. My body is drawn to him.”
“And your mind?”
“It’s following right behind. Even though I’ve been intimidated by it all, I haven’t once decided this is firmly not for me. Usually, I instantly know when I don’t like something. This is the first time I’ve gotten the same feeling but in a positive way.”
“So you wanted him right away? And the Daddy stuff was instant too?”
“Not really. It’s… E, it’s so strange how it all happened.”
I went about telling him how I’d dropped my phone in the truck and how the Daddy on Demand app popped up. He listened intently, just as he’d promised, as I ran through the emotions of what seeing the app did to me. I admitted to downloading out of curiosity; however, now I realized it was much more. Then I dove into what happened that morning when I brought Blaze breakfast. It was embarrassing, but I figured it was a part of the story I couldn’t leave out.
“You’ve been harboring a lot of feelings,” Elton noted aloud.
“It’s been a lot, yeah.”
“Maybe you should simply talk to Blaze about this. I’m sure he’d be honest with you. At least then you wouldn’t be alone in your thoughts. And if he wasn't, you can move on.”
My chest ached at the idea of moving on. Fuck. I was already too far gone.
Elton must have noticed my reaction because he pulled me into a quick hug. “No matter what happens, you have me and Bobby Allen with you. This isn’t something you have to be alone with after. We’ll gladly keep you company, even if it’s just to eat ice cream and curse the man’s name. In fact, we’d be honored to be with you if that’s what you wanted.”
It wasn’t often Elton’s past life came out. His royal lineage had long since been buried after years on the ranch. But occasionally, he’d say a phrase or something that was so clearly regal I couldn’t help but snicker at it.
