Page 4

Ollie

“So, they’re going to build this special section for people like us,” Knox says. “Little’s who want to come and dance, but our Papa’s won’t let us dance around large groups. I’m so excited. And my security system is top-notch. It will be the safest gay club in the entire country.”

“It sounds like it’s going to be fun,” I say, placing my phone on speaker. “But don’t you already go to the Cage to dance?”

“Of course,” he says. “But, that place is mostly single women and horny men. Have you never been to a gay club before, Ollie?”

“Can’t say I have,” I answer, putting the milk away.

One of my clients sent her payment for the book I have to edit. Luckily, this four hundred dollars was enough to pay my electric bill and get some groceries.

I lean against the counter, glancing at the receipt in my hand before slipping it into the drawer. I’ll need to send my dad some money before he calls again. Or worse, decides to come for a visit.

Knox’s voice brings me back from my thoughts. “You’ve never been to a gay club?” he asks, sounding surprised.

“No. I haven’t,” I say softly. “I don’t really go out much. You know that. Your house, Oasis, and home.”

“Well, that’s going to change when this place opens,” he says, enthusiasm in his voice. “It’s a whole new world. You’ll love it.”

I smile, though it doesn’t quite reach my eyes. I want to believe him. I do. But every time I think about going somewhere new, about being around people I don’t know, that knot in my stomach tightens again.

Ryker’s face flashes before my eyes, and I feel my whole body blush. God, the man is... something else . He’s big. Not just tall but thick with muscles in a way that makes him look powerful, dangerous even. But there’s this softness about him, too, something I didn’t expect from a man who looks so powerful. Maybe it’s the way he talked to me, slow and careful, like he was weighing every word. Or the way he held himself. He’s not intimidating, even though he could easily make anyone feel small.

And man, do I want him to make me feel small. Even during our brief encounter, I could feel my mind letting go. Any longer, and I would have had him running away as I slipped into Baby headspace. A man like that would never want a Baby. He probably thought I was Little, like Knox.

His eyes are intense. Like they could see straight through you. But when they focused on me, I swear there was a gentleness behind them that made my heart stutter. And then there’s his smile. It’s like the room lights up, like suddenly, it’s okay to be there, to exist in that space with him.

I can’t quite pin down how he does it, how he makes me feel safe and on edge all at once.

He looks like he belongs with the Obsidians.

“Ollie, are you listening to me?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Were you off in la la land again?”

“Guilty,” I sigh, grabbing a pack of ramen. “Hey, if I make ramen in the microwave, do I have to add water or milk?”

“Water, I think,” he answers. “We’re having chicken casserole. Do you want to come over for dinner?”

My mouth waters at the thought alone.

“No, thank you,” I say, trying my very best to not let him hear the disappointment in my answer. “I have two books to edit. I don’t want to get behind.”

“Tomorrow?” he asks. “You coming to Oasis?”

“I thought Taylor worked the Cage tomorrow?” I ask. I know his schedule because I don’t ever go to Oasis without Knox there with me, and Knox only goes the day his Papa works. I used to go a lot on my own after my Daddy died, but then I met Knox and realized how boring it was without him.

“The Cage is closed tomorrow,” he says. “They’ve got a team coming in to update the floor. Want to come with me?”

“If I can get enough work done between tonight and tomorrow, I’ll meet you there,” I reply, sliding my bowl of ramen into the microwave.

How long does this take? Usually, I settle for cans of soup, pot pies, pizza rolls, or chicken nuggets. This will be my first pasta.

Twenty minutes sounds about right.

I set the microwave and head over to my computer.

“Well then, get your sexy ass to work,” he laughs. “Love you. Bye.”

“Love you, too, brat,” I laugh back.

While my food cooks, I make sure my laptop is plugged in. I’d seriously cry if it died after hours of work.

Deciding to grab a drink, I shuffle to the small kitchen corner of my apartment. I open the cabinet and glance longingly at my bottle. I don’t have many Baby things, but I love that bottle.

But that’s only for bedtime. It’s my reward. I’m thinking chocolate milk.

With a nod, I grab my favorite tumbler and fill it with iced tea. It’s not a bottle, but it’s the next best thing.

The microwave dings, and I rush to get my food. However, all of the water is now gone, and there’s a large burnt spot in the middle of the still-hard noodles.

Either I didn’t add enough water, or I cooked them for too long.

Sighing, I toss the noodles in the trash and make myself a bologna sandwich. It will have to do.