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Chapter Nine

William hadanother job interview that evening, so Parker got out of work a little early to go pick Nate up from the day care center. The little boy sat strapped into his car seat in the back of Parker's Bentley and filled him in on what had happened during theday.

"And then,we pretended to be fish, and we all swam around like, fsshhhhh." He waved his hand through air. "And then, after that, we sang asong."

"What kind of song?"Parkerasked.

"Idon't know."

"Oh,"he said, chuckling. "Did you havefun?"

Nate nodded.

"Make friends?"

Nate nodded again.

"That's good."

Parker loved talking to Nate.In fact, he was probably the only person in the world who managed not to test his patience. Sure, he could be stubborn and bratty in all the ways a little boy could be, but Parker could tolerate that. He was just a kid, so it was to be expected. Parker was delighted by Nate's naturally inquisitive nature, and the innocence and joy he had about everything. It reminded him of what it was like to be a kid himself and helped him tap into new ideas for hisartwork.

If it hadn't beenfor Nate, Parker probably would've had no interest in ever having kids. Not that it was necessarily on his list of things he had to do, but now he was at least open to the idea. And Kell coming into his life had pushed things along evenfurther...

He was happy with Kell.It was a strange thing to feel for someone who didn't often feel that way, but it was true. It'd only been two days since they'd discovered how they felt about each other, but even in that short amount of time he'd experienced a level of warmth, happiness and excitement that he hadn't felt in a long time. Not even his paintings had been able to bring him those feelings, which was a bit of a shock torealize.

He washesitant to even think the thought, but... maybe he was in love withhim?

Could it be love?The feeling was so much more powerful than the one thing he knew hedidlove: his painting. It was something strong. Something passionate, like a smoldering ember deep in his heart that was ready to become a bonfire. Put a bit more fuel on it, and it would. Kell was thatfuel.

Maybe he andKell might even someday... havekids?

He laughed to himself.He couldn't believe he was even thinking about something like that. He had so many other things to take care of, how could he even think about having a kid? Especially with a guy he'd only just started seeing. But that's how strong the feelings were. It almost felt normal to be thinking about things likethat.

"What's funny?"Nateasked.

"You are,"Parker said. "Your face isfunny."

"No, it's not!"Nate said, laughing. "Yourface is funny!" Parker laughed withhim.

Nate was nearingpre-school age and he wanted him to have that experience, but there was no way that he could afford to take care of him on his own. He knew what he'd have to do. It was simple, and hardly a sacrifice at all—he'd sell his car. With the money he could easily buy a modest car, send to Nate to preschool, and have money left over for living expenses. He could even put it towards his loans. He didn't want to be relying on his parents for anything, and with the Bentley gone, it'd be a complete fresh start. The beginning of a newlife.

He pulledinto the apartment parking lot and parked the car, and then went around to the back to get Nateout.

"Carry me?"Nate asked, and Parker obliged. He hoisted him up, carrying his work bag with one hand, and Nate perched up in the crook of the other arm. He walked through the complex to their front door, set down his bag, and put the key into the lock. The moment he did, the door flung open. William stood there, grinningwidely.

"Jesus, you scared me,"Parkersaid.

"Daddy!"Nate shrieked,happily.

"Hi, sweetheart,"William said to Nate, and then he stepped forward and wrapped Parker in a tighthug.

"Whoa,"Parker said. "You're happy. Why are you sohappy?"

"I've got some amazing news,"hesaid.

Parker went insideand shut the door, and Nate bounded off to the bedroom. "What is it?" Parkerasked.

"I. Got. Ajob!"William pumped his fists in the air. "Yes, yes, yes, yes! I starttomorrow!"