Chapter Twelve
Cliff
Two steps away, supporting Brax with an arm around his waist, I glanced back to see Edwin standing in the middle of the grouping of daddies. Still pink-cheeked, trembling slightly, he flicked a glance around as if frozen in place.
I couldn’t just leave him there…
I didn’t want to.
Guiding Brax into a chair near the door, I leaned in and whispered in his ear. “You stay here for just a moment, and I’ll be right back.”
His mumbles were unintelligible, but I had to take a chance. Attempting to keep one eye on my little, I took those two steps back and offered Edwin a smile and an extended hand. “Can we offer you a ride home?”
Edwin’s face lit up, and he placed his hand in mine. “I was going to call a rideshare, but if it’s not too far out of your way? I live at the Little House?”
“Not far at all. You can help me get Brax to the car if you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.” I said goodbye to the other daddies and together, we assisted Brax to his feet and outside the bar.
Deciding the back seat was the safest place for my little, I ushered him into the car and fastened his belt before opening the front passenger door.
“Do you mind riding in the front, Edwin? Give me someone to talk to?”
“Umm, no, that’s fine.” He sat down, and I closed the door and went around to the driver’s side.
“Thanks. I hate driving alone, and I’m afraid Brax is not in any shape to chat. So, you live in the Little House now? Do you like it there?”
“I do.”
While we made our way along the roads, we talked a little about the weather, the news…
ordinary topics people who don’t know one another generally speak about.
Especially when there is a little tension present.
But overall it was fine. With Brax asleep in the back and things left to be discussed between us, what else could we do?
It would definitely need to be resolved, though, to prevent awkwardness going forward.
Light relief ran over me when we pulled up in front of the Little House and Edwin opened the door to get out. “Thank you for the ride, Cliff.”
“You’re most—”
“Wait!” Brax called loudly, sitting up and poking his head between the seats. “You can’t go. You have to be my little friend.”
“Shh.” I put my finger to my lips. “You’ll wake everyone in the house, Brax.”
“But he hasn’t…he isn’t… Cliff, he has to be my friend. We’re going to go out together.”
“I am your friend,” Edwin said. “No worries. I think you’re a lot of fun.”
“See? Edwin is your little friend. Now, sit back, and we will be home soon. I’m going to walk your little friend to the door.”
He didn’t reply, and a glance showed he’d slumped back, eyes closed, asleep again.
“Is he all right?” Edwin asked.
“Yes.” I came around the car to meet him. “He doesn’t drink often because it hits him hard, as you can see. Brax will have a headache in the morning, but he’ll be fine.”
“I didn’t mean to get in the way of your relationship.”
“You’re not.” We started up the walkway toward the front door. “I knew Brax liked you from the day we met you at Chained. Listen, I have an idea. If you’re up for it, why don’t we go out to dinner some night, all three of us.”
“I-I’m not a unicorn!”
“Of course not.” I paused on the top step.
“We aren’t like that. We aren’t looking for a good time, just to get to know you.
” It sounded sketchy even to me, but it was important to Brax, and I liked Edwin as well.
Could it be more than that? I had no idea, but at least we could spend some time talking.
Our conversation in the car had been so pleasant, and I couldn’t deny finding him attractive.
“I’m not sure…” He glanced from me to the door and back again. “Can I think about it?”
“Absolutely.” I fished in my pocket and brought out my card holder. “Here. My number is on it. Just let us know if you’d like to have dinner, and if you don’t, that’s fine.”
Edwin rushed inside and closed the door behind him.