Page 3 of H & G Restorations

Chapter

Three

A week passed in a flurry of activities and calculations. Hans and Gretel helped Magnus get settled in a lovely four-bedroom home located close to the old Candy Lane Mansion. They didn’t know why he wanted a home that large, but he’d snapped it up immediately.

Hans and Gretel had run into him several times at the mansion as well as in town.

It was if they had the same tastes in stores, restaurants, and bars.

Each time, Magnus had chatted with them or invited the duo to join him with a delighted twinkle in his gorgeous blue eyes.

There was no debating that he was interested in them—but how?

They were meeting with him this morning with a more detailed estimate than Hans had ever before created.

Gretel crossed her fingers as she walked up to his rental home.

When he greeted her with a hug, she pushed her shock away that he had pulled her close to his body.

She couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the feel of his body against hers.

Damn .

When he hugged Hans as well, Gretel noted it wasn’t one of those back-thumping, boy hugs.

Magnus actually pulled him tight in a genuine embrace.

Gretel clenched her jaw at the sight of Hans in the older man’s arms. It was so hot, checking off all her kinky boxes in her desire to have a third for their relationship.

As Hans stepped backward, she noticed he also hadn’t been immune from the man’s charms.

“Come into the kitchen. I have some goodies set up for you and some milk. I need to keep your strength up.”

Hans spread out the original floor plans and the architect’s updated design. “This is a brilliant use of all the space you have in the house. There are a few things I’d recommend, but for the main part, we can follow this easily.”

Gretel walked Magnus through the largest expenses in creating a stable, healthy home and some upgrades she recommended to make the house more livable.

“While we’re rewiring, it’s easiest to anticipate everything you might need in the future.

We automatically put in outlets every three feet.

Are you interested in special features like heated floors in the bathroom? ”

“Definitely. Let’s add some luxury items.”

After running through his suggestions to change the architect’s plans, Hans answered several questions from Magnus.

“I agree with all your ideas except one. This room accessible from the master bedroom only must remain with the original dimensions. It is an integral part of my lifestyle.”

“You lose a lot of space there, sir,” Hans pointed out.

“I gain so much more from my nursery,” Magnus answered firmly.

“There’s enough space in here for four or five infant cribs,” Gretel pointed out.

“The room is designed for two special adult Littles to each have their own crib.”

Staring at him in disbelief, Gretel clarified, “Littles? Like with a capital L?”

“Exactly. I’d hoped you might understand my lifestyle. That will make it easier,” Magnus said, searching her face before checking Hans’s expression.

“We weren’t expecting that, sir. You’ll have to excuse our interest. That’s very unique. Of course, you’ll need a large nursery close to the primary bedroom. We’ll wipe away any ideas to alter that space.”

Gretel loved how he tried not to react to Magnus’s earth-shattering revelation. He was a Daddy to two Littles. She watched Hans pull his attention away from that thought to refocus on the job at hand. They would have a lot to banter back and forth between them when they were alone.

Finally, it was time to reveal the total. “I prepared two estimates. One bare bones and the other with the best materials and processes.” Hans took two sheets of paper from his folder and placed them before Magnus.

Hans dropped his hand under the table to wrap over Gretel’s knee and squeeze it.

She placed her hand over his and tried to think positive thoughts.

They needed this job. The economic conditions had hit H & G restorations hard in the last few years.

Without this income, one of them would need to return to some other job to pay their bills.

They were truly on their own. Gretel’s stepmother had kicked her out of her father’s house when she didn’t want any reminders of Gretel’s kind mother.

Hans’s parents had perished in a car accident in his teens.

He’d lived with his grandfather for years, learning all he knew from the master craftsman.

Gretel had worked along with him to absorb all the skills that seemed to flow through the old man’s blood.

“I’m not a bare bones type of guy,” Magnus announced as he dismissed one estimate. Tapping the second larger amount, he stated, “I want this to be the home I’ve always dreamed of having. We’ll go with this estimate.”

“You realize there could be some variation in our estimate? I always suggest that clients budget an extra five percent on the final total in case they decide to upgrade the countertops or do extensive painting,” Gretel warned.

“Got it. When can you start?” Magnus asked.

“We can start next week, sir. Please sign the bottom of the estimate and we’ll give you a copy. We’ll need half up front to purchase the material, one fourth at the midway point, and the final fourth at the end,” Hans informed Magnus, squeezing Gretel’s knee in three short, happy bursts.

“I’ll give you eighty percent to begin with and the final twenty at the end.

If we make changes or run into problems, I’ll write you another check.

” Magnus pulled out his checkbook and his phone to make some calculations.

When Hans agreed with the amount he suggested, Magnus quickly wrote out a check.

“Starting next week will allow the check to clear. Is there any other paperwork we need to complete?” Magnus asked.

“No, sir. I think that covers it.” Hans extended his hand to shake Magnus’s.

“And I am looking forward to you helping the house come alive,” Magnus said, shaking Gretel’s hand as well. “Now, with all the business taken care of, may I speak to you personally?” Magnus requested.

Hans looked at Gretel before giving him their permission.

“I have looked near and far for my Littles—a Little boy and a Little girl—to have and to hold. If I am completely off base in my suspicion that you are interested in this lifestyle or if you already have a Daddy, will you clue me in to avoid any misunderstandings?”

Gretel scooted a bit closer to Hans, who immediately wrapped an arm around her waist. When he started to answer the dynamic man across the table from him, Gretel whispered, “How did you know?”

“There were small things. The faint, fading imprint of a ring on your mouth at the beginning of the day, Gretel, that appeared to be from sucking on a pacifier. Hans’s protectiveness of you that didn’t cover his struggle to take that role on completely.

My first impression was that you are a bonded pair but you are looking for someone dominant to complete your relationship. Am I off-base?”

Gretel lifted her fingers from tracing her mouth and shook her head.

“I’m wrong?” Magnus asked.

“We don’t ever tell anyone. We’ve never met a Daddy in real life,” she whispered.

“Now you have. Will you explore the possibility that we match together as you rebuild my house? Will you allow me to woo you?” the elegant man requested.

“We don’t want there to be any unpleasantness if we aren’t right for you,” Hans hedged. His glance over to Gretel told her he was trying to be professional while controlling his excitement.

“I promise you I will back off completely and only interact on a professional basis if you or Gretel decide I am not a good match for you.”

“Okay,” Gretel said, whispering once again.

“Thank you, Little girl. And you, Hans?” Magnus asked.

“We are a package deal, sir. No one will tear us apart,” Hans answered, lifting their intertwined fingers to rest on the table. Gretel knew Hans wished to make sure that Magnus wouldn’t try to make her his only Little.

“I assure you I am extremely attracted to the idea of having a Little boy in my life. I can’t wait to find out if you enjoy snuggling on Daddy’s lap as much as I hope you do,” Magnus revealed.

Gretel watched Hans’s face redden with embarrassment. How could Magnus have already figured out that Hans’s strong builder appearance disguised his love to cuddle and be loved? “My lap isn’t big enough for him,” she shared.

“I wouldn’t think so, but I’ll bet mine is just right. Come let us try it out.” He opened his arms and beckoned Hans forward.

When the Little boy froze in place, she recognized that Hans hesitated to expose the truth about himself, fearing scorn. To cover for him, Gretel stood on shaky legs to ask, “Can I go first?”

“Of course, Little girl.” Magnus turned his arms to welcome her with a pleased smile.

She walked forward, clinging still to Hans’s hand, forcing him to shift closer to Magnus as well.

Carefully, she sat on Magnus’s thighs, feeling the hard strength below her bottom as she nestled against his chest. An arm wrapped around her waist, holding her securely against his broad chest. Unable to resist, she laid her head on his shoulder after turning to grin at Hans.

“What a delectable lapful,” Magnus complimented, giving her a squeeze. “Tell me something about the Little you keep hidden inside.”

“I don’t like vegetables and I always sleep with Hans and my bunny, Snickers.”

“I will look forward to meeting Snickers. I will always ask you to take two bites of whatever is on your plate before refusing to eat anything. Vegetables keep you strong.”

Gretel wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “Vegetables are smelly and taste bad,” she complained.

“Two bites, little girl. Maybe you’ll love my cooking and change your mind.”

Gretel couldn’t help the skepticism from showing on her face. His chest jiggled under her cheek as he laughed. His hands smoothed over her arm and back, reassuring her.

“Are you a mean Daddy?” burst from her mouth.

“If you mean that there will be rules and consequences for breaking those rules, I am a strict Daddy. I want to keep you safe and happy.”

“Consequences? Is that a fancy word for spanking?” Hans asked, shifting even closer.

“Yes. And other punishments,” Magnus revealed. “If your tummy hurts and you tell me you feel poorly, I’m not going to place you over my knee for a spanking.”

“I’d throw up on your shoes,” Hans commented with a grimace.

“Exactly. Going to bed before your bedtime would be more effective. Of course, only after you get some tummy medicine in your bottom.”

“In my bottom?” Hans echoed.

Gretel watched him squirm on the seat. The idea of Magnus’s intimate care intrigued him. Their play together frequently included this sensitive area.

“Hans likes things in his bottom,” she shared.

“Gretel!” Hans protested.

“It wouldn’t have been a secret for long. Do you want to share any clues about Gretel?” Magnus asked.

“She’s a major grump in the afternoon.”

“I am not!”

“You are!”

Magnus laughed and lifted Gretel’s chin. Lowering his lips toward hers, he waited for a second to allow her to tell him no. When she tilted her mouth up silently giving him permission, Magnus kissed her lightly and then again.

He tasted so good—warm, masculine and his own special flavor—totally different from Hans.

When he lifted his lips from hers, an involuntary sound of protest escaped from her lips.

She wanted more. Looking into his face, she opened her mouth to ask for another and paused when he nodded at Hans.

He was right. It was Hans’s turn. Gretel leaned back slightly and saw Hans leaning forward as he watched carefully.

Standing with a bit of a wobble, she tugged Hans to his feet. “Sit on Daddy’s lap,” she ordered.

“We don’t know he’s our Daddy,” Hans hissed into her ear as they swapped positions.

“You will soon,” she promised.

He didn’t have time to argue with her. Magnus helped Hans sit on his lap. The handsome Daddy wrapped his arms around her best friend and hugged him close. She couldn’t hear the words he whispered into Hans’s ear, but saw her partner relax.

Hans nodded and leaned forward to press his lips against Magnus’s.

She watched him try to control the kiss.

Magnus returned his kiss but easily changed the power dynamic by tangling his fingers in the younger man’s thick, blond hair and holding him in place.

Again, Gretel saw the moment Hans yielded to the man wishing to be their Daddy.

His shoulders rounded, and he seemed to shrink from the business owner to the Little boy she recognized so well.

“Thank you for trusting me, little boy,” Magnus told him after ending the kiss. When he hugged Hans close, he melted against Magnus’s broad chest.

Unable to stop herself, Gretel moved toward the two men and wrapped her arms around them both. Magnus skillfully included her in the group hug. Her heart swelled in her chest with happiness. This could be it. They could have found the man they’d given up hope of finding.

Her phone ringing disrupted their shared embrace. Automatically, she shifted to move to it. Magnus held her in place for a fraction of a second before telling her to answer. As Gretel greeted her caller, she smiled. He was already in charge.