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“It was his favorite pastime,” Jesse admitted.

“I’m so sorry!”

“I’m over it now. Jacob and I lasted until we graduated but that was all. My father started talking about how much pretty boys like us could make him. We left in the middle of the night. Didn’t even take anything with us. There was nothing worth taking.”

“Where did you go?” Lake asked. He was fascinated with Jesse’s story. It was sad, yes, but it also showed that everything he had now Jesse had worked hard for. That he deserved his station in life.

“Luckily our town was located outside the interstate,” Jesse told him. “We bartered and hitchhiked our way across the country and ended up on a beach in California.”

“I bet that was different,” Lake said.

“It was wonderful,” Jesse said dreamily. “Everything was so simple. We were able to find day jobs in construction. The money started to come, and we bought our first house to flip.”

“And the rest was history,’ Lake said.

“Except every time I looked in the mirror and saw the scars I couldn’t forget.”

“The tattoos,” Lake replied.

“I started just covering the worst of the scars,” Jesse said. “And one day before I knew it, I was covered.”

“Covered?”

Jesse started to unbutton his shirt the rest of the way.

Lake’s fingers shook as he spread them over the skin that was revealed to his eyes. “I had no idea.”

Jesse chuckled. “I know.”

“I love them,” Lake told him. “And I love that I get to see you like this.”

Jesse closed his eyes before letting the shirt fall from his shoulders. “The only one to ever see me like this.”

Moving to his knees, Lake hovered in front of Jesse. “Just me?”

“Just you, baby,” Jesse answered.

“Well, if that’s the case, then I want a very close look,” Lake said.

“As close as you want.”

“Will you take me to bed?” Lake asked softly. The fear of rejection was there but Lake was a brave boy.

“We don’t have to,” Jesse said, cupping his face. “We can wait.”

“I don’t want to wait,” Lake replied. “I’ve been waiting.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure about us,” Lake responded. “I know what I want, Jesse.”

“Who am I to argue with a boy who has his mind made up?”

“That’s right.” Lake swallowed hard. “Daddy.”

Groaning, Jesse leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Lake’s. “I’ve dreamed of you calling me that. Of hearing that word come out of your sexy lips.”

“Then take me to bed, Daddy,” Lake ordered.