“This one, he’s beautiful… I can tell a lot of love and care went into him. Did you make them?”
“Ellery, I’m b-” My breath hitched as a young man appeared. His bouncing step faltered as his beautiful blue eyes met mine, holding the dragon. He let out a quiet gasp, “Ember.”
Ellery, who was relaxed, now looked at me, appearing slightly nervous, although I wasn’t sure why.
“No, I didn’t make him, Tristan did.” They pointed to the man, making him jump slightly.
I smiled warmly at Tristan, loving the way his wavy chestnut hair framed his face and how his soft freckles danced over his nose.
“Hi, I’m Daniel. Ellery here was telling me that you made this adorable little guy. He’s very soft, and I can tell a lot of care went into making him. The stitching is so clean. You did amazing.”
His eyes widened in shock, and I worried I had said something to upset him. Not very many people were accepting of an older man gushing over a stuffed animal. Even though he was shocked, his eyes still shone with excitement and pride.
“I-yes. Thank you so much. I’ve made a few other dragons before… but Ember’s my favorite.”
He rocked back and forth nervously, his fingers fidgeting with the bags of food still clutched tightly in his grasp. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, but I was excited to hear more about his creation.
I looked down at the plush dragon and hummed thoughtfully. “Ember is a perfect name. Do you name all the creatures you make?”
Tristan smiled, the tension easing out of his body as he set the bag of food down next to Ellery.
He let out a small sigh. “No, I don’t. I love every stuffie I make, and there’s something about bringing them to life that feels so magical. Each one has their personality, but Ember just felt… special.”
“I see what you mean. He seems very spirited, like he’s ready to fly off on an adventure.” He bounced slightly as his eyes lit up with excitement.
“Exactly! It’s like he’s more than just a stuffie. He’s got an adventure waiting for him.”
Be still, my heart. This man was precious; his joy for his craft was contagious. I would stand here all day and listen to him talk about every single one he’s ever made. I could tell he poured hiswhole heart and soul into his creations, and that made each one as special as he was.
4
Tristan
Daniel, the sexy silver fox who stood before me, smirked; his beautiful crystal-blue eyes shone with excitement.
“I’m sure he does. I want to buy him and be a part of his amazing new adventure.”
I wasn’t thrilled that Ember was being purchased, but Daniel had been nothing but friendly and seemed to appreciate my work. He hadn’t made fun of me for talking about Ember like hewas real. He even agreed with me, and it didn’t feel like he was simply playing along.
My fingers twisted together as I thought of my response. He seemed like the perfect home for Ember. I was almost jealous. Of Daniel, of course, I definitely wasn’t wishing I could be Ember and be wrapped up in Daniel’s arms, tucked against his muscular yet pillowy chest.
I know we just met, but something about the man just screamed Daddy, and he’d been so sweet and excited about Ember, I couldn’t help but want to be surrounded by him.
His voice was deep and commanding, but also soft and gentle. I wondered how it would sound as he held me against his chest and whispered sweet words into my ear. I squirmed at the thought, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. He was buying Ember. It didn’t mean he was a Daddy, I didn’t even know if he was gay.
“Embers, lucky you’re the one buying him, you seem like you’ll take amazing care of him.”
I grabbed the card reader off the table and pointed the screen towards Daniel so he could pay.
“Thank you, sweetheart, that means a lot. I promise he’s in good hands.”
I blushed at the name. I looked at the hands in question; they were big and calloused from obvious hard work, but also soft as they held Ember with such tenderness and care.
He swiped his card, tucking my Ember under his arm, and patted his head. My heart melted at the gesture, and suddenlyI was tempted to put myself on the table in hopes he’d want to take me home as well. He was everything I’d ever dreamed of.
The machine beeped, signaling the end of our interaction, and I felt a ping of sadness.
“All set! Thank you for your purchase!”
