I hustled him inside and shut the door. It was getting colder at night now that it was autumn.
Sage slid out of his backpack and jacket. His backpack looked fuller than it had yesterday. I hung his jacket for him, then looked at his pack.
“Did you bring some things for overnight?”
“My favorite footie jammies with dogs and cats on them,” he replied. “And a clean change of clothes.”
I took it from him. “We can take this upstairs, then.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Daddy.”
I loved hearing him call me that. “You’re welcome, baby.”
We stood still for a moment, staring at each other like we were each looking at a miracle. Then I leaned down and kissed him.
When I straightened, Sage whispered, “I’ve been dreaming of that all day.”
“Me, too.” I ruffled his hair. “Well, if you’re not hungry, would you like to go upstairs?”
“Yes, please. I’m always a little tired after work.”
He didn’t look tired; he looked excited. But I let that go. “Come on.”
I carried his pack for him as he followed me upstairs.
He let out a loud “Wow” as we walked into the bedroom. I’d placed lit candles on both nightstands and on the table by the window. There was also one flickering between the two bathroom sinks. The door was open, so the light from there could be seen as well. I had a bookcase by the door where I also placed two more candles. Flame shadows danced upon the ceiling and walls.
The bed was made, the pillows arranged and stacked at the head of the bed. The curtains were partially open showing the balcony where I’d strung sparkle lights along the rail.
Sage turned to me, eyes shining. “It’s like magic. It smells so great, too.”
“Good.” I placed his pack on the bed. “Well, you said you’re tired. Would you like to change into your pajamas?”
He sat at the foot, still glancing about and nodded slowly as if in a daze. I hadn’t known him long, but I did know him well enough to see when he was sinking into the little he was. I knew he was waiting for me to take charge. I didn’t have to think about being a daddy. It all came so naturally.
It was interesting how an alteration in facial expression and body language could change who you saw before you. I was familiar with that in court. People in trouble who needed lawyers might come to the office in paint-covered clothes and hoodies, but always before a judge their hair was combed and they wore a pressed suit or skirt. Sometimes I didn’t recognize them.
A change came over Sage that was like that but not affected, not for others to see except in private, in safe spaces like the club, like here.
“I can help undress you if you lie back.”
“Yes, Daddy. Then will you hold me?”
The feeling in my chest was like warm water soaking through my skin. “I’d love to.”
Sage lay back. I went to his pack and saw his pajamas right on top. I took them out. They were ridiculously cute. The shirt was a pullover and the bottoms definitely did have feet. I hadn’t seen pajamas like that since I was a tiny boy myself.
Sage went practically limp as I maneuvered him to get his shirt off. When he was naked from the waist up, I ran my hands down his sides. Next came his pants. He wore stone-washed jeans. Yes, I’d noticed because they’d cupped his ass perfectly. But not as perfectly as my own hands could.
I undid the button and zipper, slipping them down over his hips only to realize I hadn’t taken his shoes off. With his pants down around his ankles, I removed his shoes and socks, putting everything in a neat little pile.
He lay on my bed, the perfect male for me, skin gleaming, ribs showing just a bit, wearing only his underwear. They were stretch briefs. And white. I could almost see through them. But later for that. He wanted to be held now. That was his baby side. And I was only too happy to accommodate that.
I held up the PJ bottoms. “Do you want these on with or without underwear?”
He blinked up at me. “Without, Daddy. Is that okay?”
“It’s perfect.”
