Chapter Fifteen
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Ben
Kai left with the mockup arrangement Caleb made, and we’ve been putting together a few new arrangements for the past few hours to restock the showroom floor.
"Are you excited to hang out with everyone tomorrow?" Caleb's voice interrupts my thoughts. He's talking about the group playdate at his house tomorrow.
"I think so,” I tell him hesitantly. “Jason and I got together last night for some daddy-little time. We didn't want to do the whole romantic thing for Valentine's since we just started dating." Wait. Are we dating? It's only been a week, but I can't imagine seeing anyone other than Jason.
His warmth and caring have been nothing shy of spectacular.
He's everything I've been looking for in a relationship, and a daddy.
He's tall and in good shape, handsome, the sweetest guy I've met in a long time, and a great listener.
When he held me while we watched a movie, it felt like he was made just for me.
It was like I was a puzzle piece fitting into the perfect slot in his side.
"How was it? Your first time playing together?” Caleb bounces on his feet in excitement. “I remember when Barrett and I started dating, it was awkward because he just got out of a terrible relationship–"
"It wasn't a relationship," Barrett interrupts, rolling his eyes, as he comes into the back room to check on us.
"I dated a guy for a couple of weeks and realized he wasn't the right fit for me.
I just happened to meet this cutie while I was getting coffee one morning.
" He steps up to Caleb and wraps him in his arms. Caleb melts into him. They are too cute together.
Will I have that someday? The daddy who just wraps me in his arms for no reason. I let out a soft whine.
When they both look at me, I feel my face heat.
"What? You guys are just too cute," I tell them before turning to my workstation and packing up my notes and clearing the few springs I was messing with.
I place the flowers in a small jar of water and set it aside.
It's nothing special, but it will brighten my space. I hate tossing good flowers away.
"So...you never said how it went?" Caleb prods, and Barrett clears his throat.
He seems to do that a lot when Caleb gets too nosy.
"Sorry, Ben. I know it's not my business, but you and I are becoming good friends, and I love Uncle Jason.
He's the sweetest guy, and he needs a sweet little to take care of him. "
I feel my cheeks burn at Caleb’s comment about “Uncle Jason needing a sweet little.” It’s true, though.
Jason is so incredibly good to me. For me.
He’s so patient and loving. I’d woken up this morning with a feeling of completeness I hadn't known was possible.
A quiet joy that settles deep in my bones.
The thought of our daddy-little time, of the gentle affection and secure feeling Jason provided, makes me physically ache to be back with him.
The upcoming playdate tomorrow with everyone, including Jason, brings a different kind of excitement that I cherish just as much.
It’s been a while since I had the chance to play with other littles.
I went to a few events at Club Pierre in the city, but never really made lasting connections.
Not like what I already feel toward Caleb.
I glance over my shoulder at Caleb and Barrett; their comfortable affection is a beacon of what I hope for. Maybe someday I’d have that with Jason. A daddy who could just wrap me in his arms without a second thought. Would he see me as a puzzle piece meant to fit perfectly into his life?
Boy, am I jumping the gun. It’s only been a week, I reprimand myself.
Barrett nudges Caleb playfully. "He's right, you know.
Jason's a catch. And you were practically glowing when you talked about your first daddy-little time.
Don't leave us hanging, Ben, because now I want to know," Barrent teases, and I manage a small, shy smile, tucking a stray blonde curl behind my ear.
"It was…good," I admit, the word feeling far too small for the whirlwind of emotions and comfort I'd experienced.
"Really good. We just focused on hanging out.
No pressure. Just…being together." I look down at the small jar of flowers on my workstation, a mix of cheerful daisies and a few sprigs of baby breath.
Simple, a little bit wild, and perfectly imperfect, much like my feelings.
Caleb claps his hands together, a wide grin returning to his face.
"Wonderful! That's the best way to start. Now, about this playdate tomorrow, I was thinking we could all have a snowball fight. Littles versus Daddies. The weather’s supposed to snow later tonight, so it will be amazing, and it would be so much fun to see everyone together having fun.
" I nod eagerly, a happy flutter in my chest.
“Maybe we can build snowmen and have hot chocolate, too?” I ask. Hopeful.
My cell phone buzzing in my back pocket startles me as I fumble to pull it out. I don’t listen to it and try and read the message. It takes me longer to read it but I’m determined to get better with my reading. Practice makes perfect, and all that.
Jason: Hey Flower. Hope your day is as bright as you.
With slow fingers, I type back with a smile.
Me: Brighter now that I heard from you. I miss you.
I hit send before I can think better of it. My stomach twists. I miss you? He’s gonna see that and think I’m too clingy. My head starts to spin and my chest hurts. I need to slow down before he runs in the opposite direction. Jason doesn’t let me spiral for too long.
Jason: I miss you too. I feel like my life is complete when you are near. Can I see you for dinner tonight? My place?
Me: Big person date or little?
Jason: What would you prefer? I like you either way. I just want to spend some time with you. Unless you have other plans.
Me: No plans. Can we do a big person date?
Jason: Deal. I’m making spaghetti. Bring you and your appetite at 7.
Me: Yum. See you then.
When I pocket my phone, I look up to see a pair of brown and blue eyes staring at me.
“What?” I inquire.
“Nothiinnnnnggg,” Caleb draws out the word. “It’s just you went all dreamy face there for a second.”
“Did not,” I protest with no fight in my words.
“Let me guess. Jason?”
“We have a date tonight.”
Caleb jumps up and down, doing this little clap thing. He can’t be any cuter.
“Daddy, can we watch Dumbo tonight and eat popcorn. Extra butter?” Caleb asks.
“Of course, Peanut. Now, clean up your work area, and I will finish a few things out front. We’ll leave in about thirty minutes.” Barrett kisses the top of his head before heading out.
I help Caleb clean up, and we put on our coats, saying our goodbyes with promises to see each other tomorrow.