Chapter 15
Danny
“This sure beats the cold,” I chuckle as I wipe the sweat from my brow and rub my hands on my white work vest. “Hot. Hot. Hot.”
The sun hangs high over the coastline, turning the ocean into a glittering sheet of blue that stretches forever. It's been just over six months since that life-changing morning at the old site—six months of changes, challenges, and more happiness than I ever thought possible.
The Construction Boys and I are wrapping up our latest project, tools winding down, the air filled with that satisfied buzz of a job well done.
But this isn't just any build.
It’s no mansion, affordable housing block, or beach condo complex.
This is a restaurant—Lexi's Lair—perched right on the sand with floor-to-ceiling windows framing those magnificent sea views.
Waves crash just yards away, the salty breeze whipping through the open frames as we put the final touches on the deck. It's sleek but cozy… weathered wood beams for that coastal vibe, an open kitchen where patrons can watch the magic, outdoor seating with fire pits for cool evenings.
Olivier's dream spot, and now it's real.
I can’t quite believe how much of a key role I’ve had in my Daddy’s new restaurant!
I chuckle to myself, wiping sweat from my brow as I secure the last railing. The name—Lexi's Lair —came from a naughty bet one steamy night a few months back.
Olivier and I, tangled in sheets, playing a game of "who cums first loses."
I won, barely, my body shaking with laughter and release as he groaned in defeat.
"Fine, boy," he'd panted, pulling me close. "Name the place after your dragon."
I did, and now here it is, etched on the sign above the door. Every time I see it, heat creeps up my neck, but pride swells too.
My cherished stuffie, immortalized. Who'd have thought?
Ha!
Life’s funny sometimes, right?
The crew is in high spirits—it's Friday, end of a long week, and this build's been special. Mikey’s blasting music from his phone, Taylor and Lane high-fiving over the finished bar area, Taylor organizing tools with that efficient grin.
Xander's overseeing the final inspections, clipboard in hand, but even he's got a relaxed vibe.
"Looking good, boys," Xander calls. "Lexi's gonna be a hit."
And then Olivier arrives, striding up the beach path with a massive picnic basket in one hand and a cooler in the other. He's in casual mode—fitted t-shirt hugging his chest, jeans that make my mouth water, that silver-flecked beard catching the light.
My heart does its usual flip.
"Lunch for my hardworking crew!" Daddy announces, voice booming over the waves. The guys cheer, tools dropping as they converge.
But Olivier’s not alone.
Behind him trail Antonio, Lazlo, and a new face—a hunky guy with broad shoulders, dark hair cropped short, and an easy smile that screams Daddy confidence.
"Boys, you know Antonio and Lazlo," Olivier says, setting down the basket. Antonio waves, looking tanned and happy in a button-down, Lazlo's pale blue eyes twinkling as he hugs me quick. "And this is Mitch—Antonio's new Daddy."
Mitch extends a massive hand, grip firm but warm. "Pleasure. Heard a lot about you all."
His voice is deep, with a hint of an accent—maybe Midwest? But wherever it’s from, it’s cool as hell.
Olivier explains that Antonio and Mitch met at the whole foods warehouse a couple months back. Antonio was sourcing produce for the restaurant there, Mitch was there for his organic vegetables. Sparks flew over heirloom tomatoes, apparently.
"One chat about sustainable sourcing," Antonio says, blushing a bit. "And boom… dinner date."
“And a butt as red as the tomatoes unless I’m mistaken?” Mitch laughs.
The crew welcomes them like old pals—fist bumps, back slaps, Xander offering site tours.
As everyone unpacks the picnic—fresh sandwiches on house-baked bread, salads bursting with color, fruit tarts that look like art—I pull Antonio aside near the deck rail.
The ocean roars below, foam licking the shore.
"So... Mitch, huh?" I grin. "Daddy material?"
Antonio laughs, eyes lighting up. "Oh yeah. Stern but sweet. And those arms? Whew."
We gossip like old friends—turns out Mitch's got a thing for creative play.
"Vegetables, man," Antonio whispers, leaning in. "You wouldn't believe the fun. Carrots for... well, you know. Zucchinis as paddles. Even eggplant for stuffing games."
I snort, covering my mouth.
"No way! Olivier tried cucumber once… cool and firm, right?"
We crack up, swapping tips… radishes for nibbling teases, bell peppers as makeshift bowls for lube. It's silly, naughty, but freeing—talking Little life without filters.
"You're glowing," I tell him. "Happy looks good on you."
Antonio nods. "Same to you, Danny. Coast suits you both. I’m just so happy for Olivier. We went through a lot together over the years. To see him refreshed like this. Damn, it’s just perfect to witness."
Everyone settles on the deck for the picnic…
blankets spread, sodas cracked, the sea providing the perfect backdrop.
Olivier's outdone himself, the turkey clubs with avocado are pure fire, quinoa salad with feta and herbs hit the spot, and those tarts flaky and filled with lemon curd are the bomb as always.
The crew digs in, moans of approval mixing with ocean waves.
Mikey teases Taylor about his "diet" falling apart, Taylor snaps photos for the crew’s Instagram.
It's family—blended, boisterous, and mine.
But midway through, Olivier catches my eye, nodding toward the beach.
"Walk with me?"
I grab Lexi from my bag, tucking him under my arm, and follow him down the steps to the sand. The grains are warm underfoot, waves lapping gently. We stroll to the water's edge, his hand in mine, the horizon endless.
"Look at this," Olivier says, gazing out. "Six months ago, I never quite believed it could be real. But here we are."
"Me neither," I reply, leaning into him. The move—him leaving the city spot to Antonio, starting Lexi's here—has been brilliant.
The business booming already with pre-open buzz, Olivier happier, less stressed.
And me? Settled with the crew, but with my Daddy every night…
Cuddles, stories, playtime. It doesn’t get any better than that.
"Life's good, Daddy,” I say. “Really good."
Olivier stops, turning to face me, wind ruffling his hair. "Because of you, boy. You make it all worthwhile." His eyes soften, that Daddy warmth shining through. "I'm so damn happy."
I beam, heart full. "Me too. Everything worked out... perfect."
We stand there, waves tickling our toes, the crew's laughter faint behind us. He pulls me close, lips brushing mine in a soft kiss that deepens, salty and sweet. When we break, grinning like fools, an idea hits…
"Hey!" I shout back to the group. "Touch football on the beach! Construction Boys vs. Daddies!"
The crew erupts again.
Cheers, trash talk flying.
"You're on!" Mikey yells. "Daddies are going down!"
Antonio laughs, Mitch cracking his knuckles playfully.
We play and play hard. Sand flying, bodies colliding in gentle tackles, laughter echoing over the waves. And sensing that reinforcements are needed for the Daddy team, Olivier calls Mikey, Xander, and Taylor’s Daddies to join too—and that makes it quite a formidable team.
Xander’s Daddy Reece is a former soccer star with fast feet.
Taylor’s Daddy Harrison is a real estate investor with serious tactical skills.
And Mikey’s Daddy Trent is a surfer who has a seriously great throwing arm to go along with his super-elusive surfer balance too.
But nonetheless, the Construction Boys haven’t got an inch of quit in them!
I score first, dodging Olivier's grab with a spin, the Boys whooping. He catches me later, tackling with a kiss that draws groans and cheers. Mitch and Antonio team up seamlessly, Xander's strategy keeping it close.
It's chaos.
But a total joy too—sweaty, sandy, and kinda sexy too.
As the sun dips lower, game tied, we call it, collapsing in a heap.
"Rematch next weekend," Taylor pants.
As everyone packs up and leaves for the day, Olivier and I linger on the deck, arms around each other, watching the sea turn golden.
"Home," I whisper.
Olivier nods. "Ours."
Everything—crew, Daddy, life—worked out.
Just like Olivier is my Forever Daddy, I know that the Construction Boys are my Littles for life too.
And with the ocean as witness, I know it'll stay that way.