Page 27 of In the Middle of No(ah)where
"Yes. That would be the one." Most people think of Florida when they hear Orange County, so I'm pleased he guessed correctly the first time. "How do you know about Orange County, California?"
“They have Legoland.” He sets the photo back on the shelf, turns around, and offers me a wide grin.
I shake my head. "Technically, Legoland is in San Diego County. But close." I offer him a wink. "Are you ready to continue the tour?"
"Yes. Lead the way, Da—"
Noah freezes and looks away from me. I don't tease or press the slip-up of him almost tacking on Daddy to the end of his sentence. As much as I want to pick up where we left off, I know a lot has changed over the couple of years we've been apart. He's putting on a carefully crafted façade, but his eyes reflect that everything might not be as it seems.
With the initial awkwardness dissipated and a tentative sense of comfort blanketing us, I try to keep our reunion light—keeping the conversation in neutral territory. There will be time for the heavy stuff later.
???
"So, the elephants use their trunks to hunt for the food?" He asks while putting a handful of vegetables into one of the many hiding spots around the habitat for their evening feeding.
"Yep. In the wild, elephants use their trunks to aid in hunting for food. By us hiding the food around the habitat, it helps stimulate their brains," I tell him while his smile grows with the new knowledge.
"And what's that out there?" He asks, pointing to a newly erected structure in the center of the enclosed area.
"Come on. I'll show you."
I open the door and guide him out into the habitat for a close and personal tour. Usually, the elephants don't engage with the staff while roaming, and we just let them be. For the encounters, we guide them into the barn for a bit more privacy so the elephants feel secure.
"This is called a utility tree, I explain as we approach the structure that looks like a modern art sculpture of a tree. It has many functions and benefits for the elephants.
"I see some of the toys hanging from the…branches?" He says, sounding a bit unsure as he points to some large balls and barrels dangling from the structure."
"Yep." I encourage him to explore the tree as we get closer.
"I've seen them playing with the ball. They're like big puppies." He says before letting out a soft giggle.
"I never thought about it like that, but yes." I hold out the pail of vegetables. "Come on, Puppy, let me show you where to hide this in the tree."
If there were a picture next to the word'swoon' in the dictionary, it would be a photo of Noah and the way he looked when I used the endearment'Puppy.'
Once we finish the walking tour of the habitat, I lead us back into the barn to put the pail away and fill out the logs, indicating that the evening feeding has been completed and the locations where we placed the food, as it changes daily to keep the elephants' brains stimulated. During the next feeding, we check to ensure all of the food has been consumed. Otherwise, we need to remove it so it doesn't rot.
Before I close the door to one of the supply rooms, I glance over and see Noah nervously biting his lower lip. What's going through my poor boy's mind?Nope, not my boy. Not yet, at least.
The Daddy in me wants to wrap him up in my arms, protect him, and never let him go again. The Dom in me wants to help him get out of his headspace. I recall when we first met, he asked me about the consequences. Particularly spanking. Oh, how I'd love to see his cheeks redden from my handprint. However, since this is my workplace, I don't think spanking him would be appropriate.
Let me see how he responds in another way.
"Noah. Come here," I tell him with a bit more authority in my tone while pointing to the floor in front of me. He looks up at me with wide eyes, and at first, I think I overstepped. But then a blush creeps up his neck. Stepping over to stand in the spot I pointed to, he stares down at his worn-in Converse. Using my thumb and pointer finger, I lift his chin so his damp blue eyes are staring back at me. "Tell Daddy what's going through your mind. I know I'm notyourDaddy, but I want to help you. Right here. Right now. You remember your safewords?"
We discussed the stoplight system safewords during one of our chats years ago, so if anything bothers him, he knows how to put the brakes on.
He nods shyly.
"Noah. I need to hear your consent." I tell him.
"Yes. I remember talking about the stop light system."
"Good boy, Puppy," I tell him softly before pulling him into my chest and holding him tightly. "Now, what's going on in that brain of yours? I can see you struggling with something." I tell him with a softer tone.
"I-it's just…," he takes a deep breath. "I've thought about this since we parted ways that night we ran into each other at the aquarium. I've missed you. I mean…"
"I've missed you, too," I cut him off. "I know we barely knew each other back then, but I did feel a connection to you. I've searched for you all over town and thought maybe you moved away for college after all."
