Chance grins. “Exactly. So when the workday ends in—” he makes a show of checking his watch “—one hour and thirty-three minutes, you go get your Boy.”
My Boy.
I like the sound of that.
***
“Hi.”
“Hey.”
Benji and I stare awkwardly at each other for a long moment, then he starts to chuckle, making me laugh along with him.
“Well, that was weird,” he declares, giving his shoulders a little shimmy, as if trying to shake the moment off. Closing the distance between us, he presses a kiss to my bearded cheek. “It’s good to see you.”
I kiss him back, just as chastely. “You too. I’ll admit, I’ve really been looking forward to it.”
“Me too.”
We start to make our way down the sidewalk together, towards the restaurant I arranged for dinner. Meeting in the parking lot atthe end of the street was the smart choice, I decide, because it gives us a chance to get the jitters and weirdness out of the way.
“I can’t believe we’re going on an honest-to-god date,” he says, filling the silence with his quiet awe. “Like…I’ve never been on a real date. Is that pathetic? It’s pathetic, right?”
“No,” I’m quick to assure him, reaching for his hand and giving it a squeeze. “It’s not. You’ve had other priorities and experiences instead.” After a beat, punctuated only by the soft sounds of our footsteps, I add, “You look incredible tonight, by the way.”
And he does. Wearing a soft pink sweater over ass-hugging blue jeans, Benji looks positively edible. He preens.
“Thank you. You scrub up nicely, too.” He bumps my shoulder with his playfully. “You’re pulling out all the stops tonight, huh?”
I’m probably a little overdressed in my black pants, business shirt (with sleeves rolled up my forearms), and tie, but it’s worth it to see the appreciation reflected back at me in his pretty blue eyes. “I wanted to give you a first date to remember,” I tell him honestly. “And I think I really project the Daddy vibes when I’m dressed like this.”
“Oh, you do,” he winks at me as we make it to the open doorway of the French bistro Matteo and London recommended to me. “Oh, god, this place already smells amazing.”
I can’t help but agree. Wafting on the breeze around us is an intoxicating mix of aromas, from the warmth of fresh bread to rich garlic and something with a hint of sweetness. The bistro itself is small and intimate, with scattered dining both outside and in. Fairy lights are strung throughout the entire space, while the tables and chairs are wrought iron, and the tablecloths are pristine white linen. Soft instrumental music can be heard beneath the quietmurmur of private conversations from the diners already seated and enjoying their meals.
We’re shown to our table in the corner by the window overlooking the street, handed our wine lists and menus, then left to our own devices while we peruse and decide what we’d like to order.
“This is…wow,” Benji’s eyes are wide as he takes in the menu. He looks across the table imploringly. “I can’t choose.”
“I’m going to choose for you, sweetheart.”
His shoulders immediately loosen from their position near his earlobes. “Thank you, Daddy.”
I shift in my seat, willing my cock to remember that tonight I am being a gentleman. A Daddy on his best behavior. “You’re welcome, baby.”
Benji blushes prettily. “I really like the nicknames.”
“I know. That’s why I’m trying to use them more often.”
“Oh.” The word comes out soft with a hint of surprise. He blinks rapidly. “Wow. That’s…that’s really sweet.”
My heart does that clenching thing again, and it aches with the reminder that he’s never truly experienced anyone doing things just to make him happy. Well, no more. His happiness is my mission. Even if dating doesn’t work out, if we’ve missed our window and things don’t feel as effortless as they did back at the camp, I still want nothing more than for him to be happy.
“I’m glad you think that’s sweet.”
He recovers his equilibrium and leans forward, ignoring his menu as he smirks at me. “Are you a super sweet Daddy?” The question is asked with an accompanying little butt wiggle in his chair.
I cock an eyebrow at him. “Are you saying you didn’t think I was sweet?”
