Page 14 of Ocean's Lost Octopus
“Oh, my sweet boy, I miss you too. I’m glad you’re having a great trip and that you’re accomplishing all your goals, but it’d be so much nicer if you could do that and still be close enough for me to hug.”
Duncan was so open and honest with his feelings. And while I tried to be, I’d always held them back a bit, always fearful that I was going to jump in with two feet and end up in a situation like I did last time. But, after this phone call, I realized I couldn’t do that anymore. It wasn’t good for either of us.
Duncan’s alarm went off.
“You need to go,” I said.
“Unfortunately, I do, sweet boy. And if I weren’t driving, I’d keep talking to you. But you know how morning traffic is around here.”
As early as it was, he was right. The traffic started that early. People no longer worked nine to five. They tried to get in early and leave early, which was great, but it also meant he neededto be focused on the road and not chatting with me while I was having a pity party in China over missing this man.
“I’ll talk to you later, sweet boy.”
“Sounds like a plan, Duncan.”
Only, I didn’t want to say Duncan. I wanted to say Daddy. We were almost there but not quite. But as I got to know him and we hung out more, I started to believe that maybe it was okay if we never fully did. He was taking care of me in his own way, and it might not be a “little” thing, but it was loving, and I was there for it.
I didn’t feel like that was the case. But coming to the realization that I truly and fully wanted Duncan, regardless of his desire to be my daddy, blanketed me with such warmth, I couldn’t wait to get home. Only a few more days.
Chapter Twelve
Duncan
“Are you sure I look all right?” I studied myself in the mirror, seeing someone I barely recognized. “I haven’t worn a suit in years.” So many, I didn’t even have one, had donated the last version two moves ago. “The collar is tight.”
“I told you you didn’t have to wear a tie. You can go open collar. No one will care.” Ocean ran a brush through his hair and set it on the sink.
“You’re wearing a tie.”
“I’m giving a speech. The guy giving a speech has to dress up more than the hot date waiting at the table.”
I reached for the tie then let my hand drop. “If I’m supposed to be the hot date, I’d better go all the way. It’s not going to kill me for one night.”
“You do look good. Eye candy.” He winked. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” It had taken some convincing to get me to agree to attend this dinner. When I pointed out the lack of appropriate attire in my wardrobe, I found myself in his tailor’s little shop on some exclusive street I didn’t even know existed, having one of my brother’s suits fitted for me. He was a little taller and about twenty pounds heavier, but Ocean was shorter and more muscular, making the alterations less possible. He wanted to buy me something new, but the quality in either of their closets was so much better than off the rack. I could only hope Bob would forgive me. And that it wasn’t one of his favorites.
Once he’d gone to all that trouble and pointed out that he didn’t want to be the only one at the table without a date or spouse, I had to cave. His past daddy had refused to go toanything work related, saying there was no need for him to work at all.
After he handed the keys to his hybrid to the valet, I asked, “Ocean? Your ex…what did he do for a living? I mean, if he wanted you to be a stay-at-home spouse, he must have had a good job.”
He snorted. “Gas station manager.”
“With an ego.” He reached out for my hand, and we strolled into the lobby.
“I see that now. And this place. Wow.”
“It’s nice enough. There’s the sign for our event. Ready to meet my work friends?”
“You’re sure you want me to?”
He stopped and looked me in the eye. “I want you here. If you feel uncomfortable, we’ll both leave. I’ll have one of the other VPs give my speech.”
“I would never ask that of you. But I’m also not going to ask you to be alone, and I’ll do my best to represent.”
“Just be yourself, Duncan. I’m proud to be with you.” He looked past me and smiled. “George, you made it. Come and meet Duncan.”
The fellow he addressed came level with us. He was as polished as Ocean, as was the man on his arm. “Duncan.” He shook my hand. “This is Stewart, my better half. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
