Embarrassment crashes over me like a wave, hot and suffocating.
I'm the new guy. What if they think I'm some kind of distraction? Or worse, a joke?
"Shit. I didn't... I mean, it wasn't planned,” I splutter. “I forgot about the lunch box, and he showed up, and…"
Taylor laughs, but it's warm, not mocking, his hand squeezing my shoulder.
"Whoa, easy there,” Taylor says, reassuring me. “Breathe, Danny. No one's judging. Hell, if anything, we're jealous. That chef's got serious Daddy Dom vibes."
Mikey nods vigorously, his eyes sparkling. "Totally. And trust me, you're not the first to get a little on-site discipline. Remember that time my Daddy showed up during the beach condo build, Taylor? Pulled me behind the tool shed for a quick reminder after I sassed him on the phone."
Taylor grins, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, and mine caught me slacking on safety protocols last year. Bent me over a sawhorse right there. The guys heard everything and didn't let me live it down for weeks, but it was all in good fun. We'rea crew of Littles, man. This stuff happens. No shame. It’s fun, even when it stings."
Relief washes through me, loosening the knot in my chest.
They're not freaked out.
They're sharing.
Like it's normal. Part of the bond. I let out a shaky laugh, leaning against my truck. "Really? I thought... I don't know, that I'd blown it. Being new and all."
"Nah," Taylor says firmly. "If anything, it makes you one of us. Spill the deets. What happened? He spank you good?"
I glance around—no one's close enough to overhear—and nod, the words tumbling out now that the dam's broken.
"Yeah. Six on each cheek. Over the timber stacks. Hurt like hell, but... felt amazing too. The way he took charge, no bullshit,” I say, settling into things. “Called me boy, made me thank him after each one." My voice drops, a shy grin creeping up. "And after... he,uh, took care of me. With gel. Front and back."
Heat prickles my skin again, but this time it's mixed with that thrilling buzz.
Mikey whistles low. "Damn, newbie. First day vibes and you're already getting the full treatment.Jealous."
Taylor chuckles. "Sounds like a keeper. You seeing him as Daddy material already?"
I hesitate, then nod, leaning back against the truck door.
"I can't help it. He's stern but caring, you know? Sees right through the big guy exterior to the Little underneath. Made mefeel...safe. Small, in the best way." I sigh, staring at the gravel. "But we live in different cities. He's here, we're back on the coast after the build. Long distance? With his chef hours and our travel? That sucks. I don’t even want to think about it."
Mikey waves a hand dismissively. "Pfft, details. If it's meant to be, you'll figure it out. Daddies like that don't come along every day."
"Speaking of Littles and fun," Taylor says, eyes lighting up. "Mikey and I are hitting up a Little club tonight. Local spot—playrooms, stuffies, the works. Low-key, just us and a few others. Wanna come? Could use a wind-down after your, uh, eventful lunch break."
My heart skips.
A Little club?
With them? It's exactly what I need—space to let go, no judgments. And after opening up, it feels like an olive branch. Or more like a stuffie hug.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'd love that," I say.
"Cool," Mikey grins. "Meet at the hotel at seven? We'll drive together."
As they head off to their trucks, waving goodbye, a warm glow settles in my chest. No more hiding. No more cringing over last night or today.
Taylor and Mikey get it.
They're like me.
And inviting me along? That's crew stuff.Realcrew.
