Chapter 12 Sebastian
SEBASTIAN
One month. It had been exactly one month since Brandon first walked into Dr. Weismann's office with that terrified look on his face and gripped the armrests so hard his knuckles turned white.
One month since my life completely changed. Forever.
And now my big, brave Daddy was back in the office for his first cleaning and exam in decades. This time, he was totally relaxed and confident as he sat in the waiting room scrolling through his phone.
When he first asked me to move in with him, I planned to wait for my lease to run out before doing it. That seemed smart and responsible. But after that second weekend we spent together, I couldn't bring myself to sleep alone in my apartment ever again.
And it had been heaven since.
He helped me move my stuff until there was nothing left to worry about. My dinosaur collection was one of the first things we moved onto the shelves in Brandon’s living room.
Our living room.
Unable to spend any more time apart, I poked my head into the waiting room. "Brandon Cooper?"
He looked up and winked. "That's me."
I had to bite my lip to keep from smiling too wide.
Everyone in the office knew we were together now.
They'd figured it out pretty quickly when Brandon started showing up with coffee for me when he moved to a jobsite across from my office.
That, and kissing me goodbye in the parking lot when we rode in together was also a bit of a giveaway.
Brandon followed me to the exam room and settled into the chair without any hesitation. No white knuckles or panicked breathing. Just my sexy Daddy looking completely at ease.
"Any questions or concerns?" I pulled on my gloves and adjusted the overhead light.
"Nope. I've got the best dental tech in the state." He waggled his eyebrows playfully. "Why would I be nervous?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You're such a flirt."
"Only with you, baby boy." His voice was low enough that only I could hear the endearment.
Dr. Weismann walked in and shook his head with an amused smile. "Mr. Cooper, it's good to see you again. And looking so relaxed too. Sebastian must have worked some magic on you."
Brandon laughed. "He certainly did."
"He's clearly tamed the angry bear." Dr. Weismann pulled up a stool. "Last time you were here, you looked like you were about to punch me. Now you're practically falling asleep in my chair."
"What can I say? Sebastian's very persuasive." Brandon reached for my hand, and I let him take it, even though I was supposed to be working.
Dr. Weismann noticed but didn't comment. He just smiled and started the exam. "Let's take a look at the rest of those teeth."
I held Brandon's hand the whole time Dr. Weismann poked around in his mouth. He didn't need me to, but I liked being able to comfort him. And from the way he squeezed my fingers every now and then, I knew he liked it too.
"Everything looks great." Dr. Weismann sat back and pulled off his glasses. "No cavities, no issues. The extraction site looks great. I'd say you're in excellent dental health, Mr. Cooper."
Brandon smiled up at me. "Told you I've been taking good care of my teeth."
"That's because someone's been nagging you to floss every night." I squeezed his hand.
"It's not nagging if I appreciate it." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it.
Dr. Weismann stood up. "I'll leave you two alone. Sebastian, just do the cleaning and he's all set. See you in six months, Mr. Cooper."
"Six months." Brandon nodded. "I'll be here."
After Dr. Weismann left, I got to work cleaning Brandon's teeth. Every once in a while, I'd run my fingers through his hair, and he'd make a contented sound in the back of his throat.
It was nice to take care of him for a change. He did such a good job of always taking care of me that having the excuse to comfort him made me feel like I was truly an equal partner in our relationship.
When I was done, I helped him rinse and handed him a mirror. "What do you think?"
He chomped his teeth together and grinned. "Nice and shiny. Great job, sweetheart."
"It’s easy when I have the best patient." I pulled off my gloves and tossed them in the trash. "You ready to go?"
"Almost." He stood up and pulled me close. "First, I need to give my favorite dental tech a proper thank-you."
He kissed me softly, and I melted into him.
Even after a month together, his kisses still made my knees go weak.
When he pulled back, I was breathless. "You're gonna get me in trouble."
"Worth it." He kissed my forehead. "I'll see you at home, baby. I've got some errands to run."
"Okay." I walked him to the front desk and watched him leave. Being with him made my heart so full and happy.
That night, Brandon took me to the same Italian restaurant where we'd had our first date. He'd made a reservation and everything, and when we walked in, there was a table waiting for us in the back corner.
The same private spot where he'd first ordered for me.
"This is so nice." I sat down and looked across the table at him. "I can't believe it's been a month already."
"Best month of my life." He reached across the table and took my hand. "I got you something."
I bit my lip. "I got you something too."
"You first." He smiled like he was surprised I’d remembered.
I pulled out the gift bag I'd been hiding under the table and handed it to him. "It's nothing fancy, but I saw it and thought of you."
He opened the bag and pulled out the coffee mug. It was black with white lettering that said "Best Daddy Ever" with little hearts around it.
Brandon stared at it for a long moment, and when he looked up at me, his eyes were wet. "Sebastian."
"Do you like it?" I bit my lip, suddenly nervous that I’d crossed a line in public. "I know it's cheesy, but I wanted you to have something that reminded you of me when you're at work."
"I love it." He put it down carefully and wiped his eyes. "I'm gonna use this every single day."
"Really?" Those butterflies in my tummy were in flight, just like they always were when Brandon looked at me like that. Like I was his sun and moon all in one.
"Really." He squeezed my hand then pulled it to his mouth for a kiss. "Now it's my turn." He pulled out a small wrapped box and slid it across the table.
“What is it?” My hands were shaking as I took it.
"Open it and find out." His voice was low and gentle.
I carefully unwrapped the box and inside was a sterling-silver T-rex figurine, about the size of my palm. It was beautifully detailed with tiny scales and sharp little teeth. "Brandon." I picked it up and felt how solid and heavy it was. "This is beautiful."
He was watching me intently with bated breath. "Look at the bottom."
I turned it over and saw the engraved letters. "Daddy loves you."
Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them. "You did this special for me?"
"I wanted you to have something permanent." He came around the table and knelt beside my chair, wiping my tears with his thumbs. "Something that reminds you every day how much I love you."
"I love it so much." I threw my arms around his neck and held him tight. "And I love you even more."
"I love you too, sweet boy." He held me tight as I cried happy tears against his neck. "More than anything."
This was my forever. This man, this life, this love. And it all started with my sexy Daddy in the dentist chair.
A simple crush turns to forever when this Daddy steps up to protect a boy in need.
Ellis stops for coffee at the Quik-Fuel every morning just to see Adam, the sweet attendant who blushes from the slightest bit of attention. On the day Ellis finally works up the courage to ask him out, he walks in the store and finds Adam being cornered by his ex.
For months, Adam has been avoiding his stalker ex who won't let go, as well as his Little side that his ex weaponized to control and shame him. It’s bad enough that he works alone at night but being vulnerable during the day makes him anxious all the time.
He can’t remember the last time he actually felt safe.
When Ellis discovers the danger Adam’s in, he doesn't run. He digs in to protect the boy and create a safe space where Adam can be his true self.