Chapter Three
Nicky
Stretching his arms over his head, Nicky yawned then opened his eyes.
Liam’s painted playroom walls greeted him as soft morning light filtered in from a slit between the curtains. It had been a good night. After eating the best meal ever, he and Liam played for hours, way past their normal bedtimes, before Jude had read them a bedtime story.
Law had even stayed until Nicky had drifted off to sleep. Which might have been the reason that Nicky had dreamed of Law all night long. Good dreams too where Nicky was loved, spoiled, and maybe spanked a time or two. It made sense with the unexpected playdate that had unfolded.
Nicky couldn’t remember a better night. For the first time in way too long, Nicky had someone there to care for his needs exclusively.
Nicky was thankful for all the times that Jude had stepped up during playtime, but there was something about having a Daddy’s complete attention that Nicky had missed.
Not that Law was his Daddy. Nicky knew that the prior night had been a fluke.
He didn’t expect to find his forever Daddy like Liam.
Nicky was fully aware how rare it was to find someone whose kinks aligned as perfectly as Liam and Jude’s had.
Liam had to literally move across the country in order to find his Daddy.
Nicky wouldn’t be making such a dramatic life change.
He’d worked far too long building his business into one he was proud of.
The massive house he’d purchased in the gated community had everything that Nicky could ever want.
Nicky had expensive clothes, cars, and a nursery that most littles would kill for.
Not that any of those things mattered when Nicky was alone night after night with no Daddy to call his own.
Six months before Liam had moved to town was the last time that Nicky had been exploring a Daddy relationship. He’d genuinely believed he’d found the one. Nicky couldn’t have been more wrong. Once again, the fact that Nicky didn’t need his Daddy to financially take care of him had become an issue.
Why was it that Daddies thought that their boy, especially a little, should be in a lower tax bracket than them?
Nicky was proud of his hard work. He’d got out of that small town that he’d been raised in.
He’d ignored all his teachers, friends, and father who said that he’d never make it on his own.
Years of only eating noodles, working eighteen-hour days, and not knowing if he’d make enough to cover his bills the next month had been worth it when Nicky looked at the business that he had built.
And every Daddy that he’d tried to be in a relationship with wanted Nicky to give it all up.
Rubbing his eyes, Nicky rolled out of bed. It was such bullshit! Nicky could be a smart and talented businessman and a cute and sassy little. The two weren’t mutually exclusive.
He shuffled his way toward the closed playroom door and opened it to stick his head into the hall. There was noise coming from the kitchen, so someone must be awake. Most likely Jude, who started his morning with a long ocean swim. Even in the winter mornings, which Nicky found to be crazy.
Depending on Liam’s creative mind, he could have gotten up to write in the middle of the night, was sleeping in, or by his Daddy’s side, as this was his favorite place to be.
Nicky made a stop in the bathroom to take care of his morning business and use the spare toothbrush that he kept there. Once he was at least semi-presentable—the shark onesie might be a little wrinkled, but sharks didn’t care about things like that—Nicky made his way to the kitchen.
He had to pass through the living room. Nicky detoured to give Hades a morning cuddle then was standing in the kitchen doorway watching Jude work at the stove.
Liam sat on the island, kicking his feet as he drank out of a huge mug. It didn’t matter if his bestie was big or little, coffee was the only thing he’d drink in the morning.
Jude turned and caught sight of him. “Good morning, Nicky.”
“Morning,” Nicky said, covering a yawn.
“Morning, bestie!” Liam called, kicking his feet faster. “You slept a long time.”
Yeah, the light filtering in the kitchen was stronger than Nicky suspected. “Tired,” he admitted.
Liam huffed. “You work too hard.”
That was funny coming from his best friend. “Says the guy that would write for two days straight then sleep for three.”
Liam’s eyes widened in horror before he glanced over at Jude.
Nicky snickered as Jude shook his head. “He doesn’t do that anymore,” Jude said.
Yeah, because Liam had a Daddy who made sure that Liam had his writing time but didn’t overdo it.
“Tattletale,” Liam whispered at him.
Nicky strolled over to lean against his bestie’s legs, making him stop kicking his feet. “It’s not like you’re going to get in trouble for what you used to do,” he pointed out.
Liam stuck his tongue out in retaliation.
Just for that, Nicky swiped the coffee mug from Liam’s hand.
The mug was nearly empty, but it was enough to jump-start his brain.
He needed to make a plan for the day. Really, for the next few weeks.
His office was closed for the holiday and with the final project complete, it was Nicky’s time to relax and recharge.
“Did you wash up?” Jude asked as he removed the empty mug from Nicky’s hand and replaced it with a full one.
“Yes,” Nicky replied then took a drink of his coffee that was perfectly made. Liam always liked his coffee a little too sweet for Nicky.
“Take that to the table,” Jude ordered. “Breakfast is ready.”
“Daddy! Nicky drank all my coffee!” Liam whined.
Nicky snorted as he walked toward the table.
“Nicky didn’t drink all your coffee,” Jude corrected. “I will however make you half a cup.”
“Just half?” Liam argued. “But I’m thirsty.”
“Then you can have juice with your breakfast.”
He slid in his seat as he waited for Jude to get Liam sorted out.
Nicky hoped it wouldn’t take too long. He was really hungry.
And anxious to get started on his plan. He was taking back Christmas.
Everything that he and Liam had planned would be happening.
It had taken one night of being his true little self for Nicky to wake with a renewed purpose.
Liam stomped into the dining room. Which really was just a table in the space between the kitchen and patio door. It was barely big enough to hold the four of them the previous night. Which was why Nicky had insisted on hosting Christmas at his house this year.
Not that Nicky minded the intimate space for breakfast. The sun shone brightly, making the space warm and welcoming. His bestie dropped into his chair with a scowl.
“At least you get half a cup more,” Nicky said, slurping on his coffee.
“Not fair.” Liam pouted.
“Boy, you better wipe that look off your face or there will be no more coffee at all,” Jude warned.
Liam immediately stopped pouting.
Nicky didn’t even feel a little bad as he took a bigger drink.
Jude placed a plate in front of Liam then him.
Leaning forward, Nicky sniffed the crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and buttered toast. “Thanks, Jude.”
“Of course.” Jude patted his back. “I know how you boys are after a playdate.”
Yeah, because Jude cared about them. He was the type of Daddy that every little sought. It was enough for Nicky too. Sure, he wanted his own Daddy, would love to spend more time with Law like they’d done last night, but if he never got that, Nicky was going to be okay.
Everything was going to be okay.
Nicky pulled his plate closer as Jude returned to the kitchen. He really was hungry. Being little used up a lot of energy.
By the time Liam had his half mug of coffee, they all had juice, and Jude joined them at the table, Nicky was halfway done with his breakfast.
“What are your plans now?” Jude questioned, picking up his fork.
Nicky shrugged, chomping on the last slice of bacon from his plate. “I guess I need to decorate.”
“You love decorating!” Liam reminded him. “It’s your favorite time of year.”
“I’m just not feeling it this year,” Nicky admitted.
“Because you’ve been gone. That doesn’t mean that it’s too late. You’ll be home and with us,” Jude said. “Don’t let a bad trip ruin this holiday.”
“I know.” Nicky flopped back in his chair. Jude’s advice was solid and appreciated. It wasn’t too late. He might not get everything done that he had planned, but Nicky was able to roll with the punches. He always had been. Nicky hadn’t been in the right headspace but that was different now.
“You stay here?” Liam asked.
“No,” Nicky shook his head. It was nice having playdates with his bestie, and he loved being around Jude, but Nicky was a grown-ass man that had his own place.
And he loved his house. Sure, he didn’t need the huge house, but it was pride that kept him holding on to the place.
It had been his dream growing up in a cold and lonely house with his father.
“Why not?” Liam whined. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too,” Nicky told him. “But I like spending the holidays at my house. I’m sure once I get everything decorated, I’ll feel better.”
“Just remember you’re always welcome here,” Jude said.
“Thanks. We’re still having Christmas dinner at my house?” Nicky asked. Had they changed their minds with Nicky being gone? Maybe they’d made other plans?
“We’ll come over Christmas Eve and spend the night,” Jude confirmed.
“Two nights.” Nicky held up two fingers. “Remember?” He relaxed as it didn’t seem the plans had changed due to his absence.
“We remember,” Liam said. “We have to set cookies and milk out for Santa too.”
“Oh! I invited Freddie to spend Christmas day with us,” Nicky told them. “With him ousting his father from the business and all the changes we made, he’s pretty much on his own. No one in his family is currently speaking to him.”
“The more the merrier,” Jude agreed. “And Angelo will be there around noon.”