Page 18 of Ethan’s Dazzling Daddies

“After that night I gave it my all,” Ash continued. “But the day that client came in upset about their account I lost my cool because they blew up at me. Every inch of progress I’d made disappeared. The horrible truth of it all was that I'd made errors in those reports because I'd been so lost in thoughts of you. That doesn't excuse my behavior. Not in the slightest. It doesn't make anything right. I could spend years groveling, and I know it won't be enough, but I had to tell you that I was sorry. I had to explain myself. I couldn't let you go on in life thinking you were anything less than perfect.”

“Oh,” Ethan whispered.

“I understand that you may never want to see me again, and that I am probably filled with only bad memories for you, but I would really like for us to try to be friendly. Maybe get to know each other in a setting that isn't work-related. I'm going to dial things back. It's long past time for me to get my shit together.”

Daddy scoffed, his arms banding around Ethan. “Are you wanting a chance at my boy? Is that what you're saying? You think you'll take him from me?!”

Ash shook his head and held his hands up. “That's not what I'm saying at all. I would like to be friendly with Ethan, and if one day he decides I'm worthy of something more, then I would like to present the option to share him.”

Ash's voice dipped at the end, and the room went so silent you could hear everyone breathing.

Koa hadn't said a word, nor had Manny. They were merely sentinels amidst the trio's conversation.

“You want to share him with me?” Jacob asked, as if to clarify.

“I do,” Ash agreed. “I simply want to be a part of his life. I can't go without him. I have for the last few days and it's been hell. Nothing has gotten done. I don't even want to be in the office, and that's coming from someone who had an apartment suite installed in the building so he wouldn't have to leave.”

There was a sorrow in Ash's voice, a darkness he'd done well to hide for a long time. Ethan leaned back further into his Daddy's chest, and the other man’s arm tightened in response.

“I don't understand,” Ethan admitted. He did, to an extent. It just seemed illogical. “You like me?”

Ash laughed, but it was dark and laden with something unspoken. “I more than like you. I adore you endlessly. You're all I think of and want to be around. You fill up every ounce of joy I've experienced since I met you. It used to be mergers and increasing my bank account that mattered most. Even my previous submissives didn’t capture my attention the way you have, Ethan.” He paused. “And again, I'm not asking for anything right now. I would just like the chance for proving I’m not only an asshold. Are you willing to let me be your friend?”

Ethan turned his head to look at his Daddy. He needed to know what Jacob was thinking, because if he did befriend Ash, it was obvious that Ash would want more eventually. Ethan didn’t think he’d feel that way, but he couldn’t conclude it would never happen.

More would change the dynamic he and Jacob had. The one they had just somewhat solidified. The one that was still fresh and new.

Jacob was already looking at him. One hand came up and stroked along Ethan's cheek. “I only ever want you happy, sweetheart. Everything else is your decision.”

Ethan blinked a few times. “You want to share me?”

Jacob smiled. “I don't necessarily love the idea, but if this man grovels half as well as he is at business, then he might be worth a little more of your time. Besides, he is quite handsome, and he did say some very nice things about you, so he's clearly got good taste.”

The smile kicked up into a smirk, and Ethan giggled. When he turned back to Ash, there was no doubt that hope shone in the other man's eyes.

Koa chose that moment to clear his throat, and everyone looked at him. “I just want to point out that Ethan getting two Daddies was not on my bingo card, and I think it's kind of awesome, but I am absolutely in agreement that Ash has to grovel. Head to the ground, beg for forgiveness level of groveling.”

As soon as the words were out of Koa's mouth, Ash was moving around the table and dropping to the floor. His forehead pressed into the hardwood and his hands came forward.

Ethan froze. Jacob hummed appreciatively. It was clear his Daddy respected the gesture. Ash was submitting to Ethan, admitting he was wrong, and asking for the chance to simply get to know him.

“You can never raise your voice again,” Ethan declared.

Ash rose slowly, staying in the kneeling position, hands on his thighs as he looked up at Ethan. “You will never hear my voice that way again. I would walk away before it came that. Or I’d go pour a bucket of ice cold water on my head to make myself stop. Anything ridiculous and distracting.”

“You could just stuff his cock in your mouth if you need to quiet him,” Jacob muttered.

Ethan shook his head, but Ash smiled, a blush tingeing his cheeks. “I could also do that… if I'm allowed one day.”

“It's one of my favorite things to do, though I’m not groveling when I am. He’s got an addictive taste,” Jacob added.

For as torn up as Ethan's mind was, his body reacted to the notion. He had always thought Ash handsome, and despite the bad temperament, his former boss was good at heart. Ethan’s intuition had told him so. All the philanthropy and volunteer work Ash did proved Ethan’s point many times over the years as well.

“I'll consider it,” Ethan said slowly. “But you have to come to the club consistently, and you have to be nice, and you have to let Jacob be in charge because he's Daddy.”

Ash nodded along with every point Ethan made. “That's fine. I don't need the title of Daddy. That's entirely Jacob's. He was here first. I could be Papa one day, maybe, or some other name. Or nothing at all.”

Ethan tapped his chin. “Papa,” he said aloud to test it out.