"Orion," I answer automatically, my eyes flicking up to his on instinct.
"Like the constellation?" I nod. That's always the first question anyone asks when I give my name. "I like it. I'm Garrett Beachum, but you can call me Gare or Garrett."
"Not Daddy?" My whole body floods with embarrassment. I clearly don't have a filter around this guy. "I'm sorry. That just came out without me thinking."
"You could call me Daddy," he says. His eyes darken a bit when he says it and steps closer to me. It's not intimidating the way he's standing so close to me. He seems genuine when he asks the next thing. "Are you okay?"
Am I okay? I just spent the majority of my last money to come here in hopes of finding a place to stay that isn't the freezing cold box of an apartment. I'm here for the wrong reasons, I know it. Everyone here is having fun and enjoying themselves. I just want to sleep. Actual sleep, not really sleep with someone.
I look up at Garrett. His eyes are scanning my face, looking for what, I don't know. There are small lines at the outer corners, but otherwise his face is clear. He has to be around forty, though, if I had to guess.
"Do you like dogs?" Garrett asks, throwing me for a loop.
I do love dogs, actually. I was never allowed to have one. For some reason, my parents thought I could raise three kids but not a pet. Any spare time I got to myself, I would walk by the dog park or go to the shelter. It's been years since I've done that though. Survival mode is a brutal thing.
Garrett must sense my excitement at the mention of dogs. He pulls his wallet out and flips it to me, showing me a picture of an adorable pit bull. "This is Riley. He's super playful and a sweetheart."
"He's cute," I say. Garrett shows me another picture. He's dressed in a pajama set and surrounded by his toys. I let a small laugh slip out at that picture. He's a chunky boy, but definitely adorable and spoiled.
I also take note of the house that the dog lives in. High ceilings, spacious living room area. A huge backyard. I didn't think that was even possible in the city. It looks homey. Warm. Everything I was hoping to score tonight. Am I about to fall into the trap of "Do you want to see my dog?"? Yes, yes I am. But after just a glimpse of that place, I want to visit.
"Can I meet him?" I ask, looking up at Garrett. His smile is warm and genuine and he nods.
"Did you drive here?"
"No." I don't offer anything else. He doesn't need to know any more than what my clothes tell him of me. This is just one night.
"Okay, then. Let's go."
Chapter Two
Six Weeks Ago
Takingsomeonehometonightis not in the plan, but fuck. He's cute. More than cute; he's hot. And he has this… thing about him. I can't pinpoint it, really. He says he isn't interested in being a Little, but I saw the way he scanned the room when he walked in. It wasn't disgust or judgement. He looked bewildered and a bit envious. I'm interested in what his story is, but I don't want to pry. I don't even know what we're going to do once we get to my place.
I'm very much a Daddy. While most of my friends are into the age play aspect of being a Mommy or Daddy, I was never privy to it. Not until recently. I've been doing my research, learning more about the dynamic and how it differs from being a Daddy Dom. The caretaking is there, setting rules and boundaries, scenes, but there's also just this… extra layer that I never thought I wanted. Not until I experienced first hand how much deeper that bond between a Daddy and his Boy is when they're in that headspace.
I wasn't even meant to be at the club tonight. I had a last minute cancellation of a meeting, so I was able to run home, grab some dinner, and get back to the club to help out a friend. Granted, I wasn't told exactly what I was needed for. Decorating Dreamland for the party tonight was fun. Luke, Rachel's Boy, ran around the room playing and singing, stealing snacks off the table. When others started showing up, the room quickly filled with laughter and excited squealing. By the time Remington and his Boy showed up, it was a full house.
"This is your car?" Orion asks when the lights flash after I hit the unlock button from the key fob. It's a Range Rover, one of the newer models. It's my pride and joy, a sign of the dedication and hard work it's taken to build up my business. I've developed a large team for an Accounting Firm. Well, I started the Accounting Firm and then developed a large team. I've been told I'm every cliche of the rich boss with an office overlooking the city. I'm not a dick, though. I treat everyone in my Firm with respect and everyone, no matter their pay or job title, are compensated fairly and have the same benefits and opportunities. I take pride in that, too.
"It is," I say proudly. "I have a truck as well, but it's more for trips outside of the city."
And now I sound like I'm bragging. I stop talking and guide Orion to the passenger side, opening the door for him. He hesitates for a second and I see him glance down at his clothes before looking back at the interior of the car. It's clean, yes, but I'm not one to make someone feel uncomfortable. I lay a hand on his lower back and push gently to get him to step in. He looks back at me and gives a quick smile before I shut the door. His seatbelt is already on when I slide in behind the wheel.
"You can adjust the seat temperature if you want. It only takes a minute for the heat to kick in."
He doesn't move right away. I give him a second before pulling out of the parking space and heading down the ramp of the parking garage. The car is silent as we pull off into the road. The traffic is decent, but I don't live far away, just on the edge of the city where there's more trees and the houses have actual yards.
"Where'd you grow up?" I ask, trying to think of something to make conversation. He doesn't answer. I try again. "Do you live around this area?"
He moves his head to look at me. He looks tired and I think the warmth of the car is lulling him to sleep. I don't know what to do about that. His hands are in his lap and he's fidgeting. I want to reach out and hold them still, but refrain from touching him without his permission.
I recall his excitement at seeing Riley and the whole reason he's in the car now. How naive he was to just agree to go with me based on a few pictures of a dog. I'll have to talk to him about that tomorrow morning. There's no way he isn't staying at the house tonight.
"Do you have any pets?" I glance over at him while we wait at a red light. He shakes his head and a look of sadness crosses his face.
"Honey, you're going to have to talk to me." I drive through the intersection before he says something.
