Page 16 of In the Middle of No(ah)where (Rockport Ridge #2)

Marcus

W ith Noah in my arms, the uncertainty that loomed around us faded. I was wondering if he was single and still interested, but apparently, we are on the same page so far. Having him pressed against me feels like coming home. The warmth and comfort soothe me to the core.

Speaking of warmth.

"Aren't you warm in long sleeves?" I whisper in his ear while he's pressed against me.

He pulls back slightly and offers me a smile while rubbing his arm absentmindedly.

"No, I'm used to it. I always wear long sleeves. I'm so fair; it helps protect my skin from the sun," he tells me, and I don't push the issue. The way his eyes divert away from me tells me that there is something else going on. "I don't tan like you do."

"It's all genetics. Besides, I like your fair skin." I give him a little wink before releasing him completely, guiding him further along the path, passing the metal elephant art statues at the entrance of the elephant habitat.

Using my badge to unlock the employee entrance, we enter the main building.

"Nothing exciting in this building except office spaces.

My office is in here," I open the door and motion for him to step inside.

There isn't anything special about it—a large desk pressed against one wall, bookcases lining another filled with textbooks and science books, along with some animal figurines and photos.

In the other corner is a filing cabinet with a lamp on top, which adds a warm ambiance to the space.

"This seems like a nice place to work," he tells me while glancing around the space.

"It's not bad. I enjoy having my own office for research.

I can put on some soft music and get lost in whatever it is I'm working on without being bothered.

" It hasn't always been like this. When I first arrived, I had to share a space with another worker because this hallway in the building was being renovated.

Noah walks over to my bookcase and picks up a photo. "Who's this?" he asks.

"Those would be my parents. They live in Orange County."

"California?"

"Yes. That would be the one." Most people think of Florida when they hear Orange County, so I'm pleased he guessed correctly the first time. "How do you know about Orange County, California?"

“They have Legoland.” He sets the photo back on the shelf, turns around, and offers me a wide grin.

I shake my head. "Technically, Legoland is in San Diego County. But close." I offer him a wink. "Are you ready to continue the tour?"

"Yes. Lead the way, Da—"

Noah freezes and looks away from me. I don't tease or press the slip-up of him almost tacking on Daddy to the end of his sentence.

As much as I want to pick up where we left off, I know a lot has changed over the couple of years we've been apart.

He's putting on a carefully crafted facade, but his eyes reflect that everything might not be as it seems.

With the initial awkwardness dissipated and a tentative sense of comfort blanketing us, I try to keep our reunion light—keeping the conversation in neutral territory. There will be time for the heavy stuff later.

???

"So, the elephants use their trunks to hunt for the food?" He asks while putting a handful of vegetables into one of the many hiding spots around the habitat for their evening feeding.

"Yep. In the wild, elephants use their trunks to aid in hunting for food. By us hiding the food around the habitat, it helps stimulate their brains," I tell him while his smile grows with the new knowledge.

"And what's that out there?" He asks, pointing to a newly erected structure in the center of the enclosed area.

"Come on. I'll show you."

I open the door and guide him out into the habitat for a close and personal tour. Usually, the elephants don't engage with the staff while roaming, and we just let them be. For the encounters, we guide them into the barn for a bit more privacy so the elephants feel secure.

"This is called a utility tree, I explain as we approach the structure that looks like a modern art sculpture of a tree. It has many functions and benefits for the elephants.

"I see some of the toys hanging from the…branches?" He says, sounding a bit unsure as he points to some large balls and barrels dangling from the structure."

"Yep." I encourage him to explore the tree as we get closer.

"I've seen them playing with the ball. They're like big puppies." He says before letting out a soft giggle.

"I never thought about it like that, but yes." I hold out the pail of vegetables. "Come on, Puppy, let me show you where to hide this in the tree."

If there were a picture next to the word 'swoon ' in the dictionary, it would be a photo of Noah and the way he looked when I used the endearment 'Puppy .'

Once we finish the walking tour of the habitat, I lead us back into the barn to put the pail away and fill out the logs, indicating that the evening feeding has been completed and the locations where we placed the food, as it changes daily to keep the elephants' brains stimulated.

During the next feeding, we check to ensure all of the food has been consumed.

Otherwise, we need to remove it so it doesn't rot.

Before I close the door to one of the supply rooms, I glance over and see Noah nervously biting his lower lip. What's going through my poor boy's mind? Nope, not my boy. Not yet, at least.

The Daddy in me wants to wrap him up in my arms, protect him, and never let him go again.

The Dom in me wants to help him get out of his headspace.

I recall when we first met, he asked me about the consequences.

Particularly spanking. Oh, how I'd love to see his cheeks redden from my handprint.

However, since this is my workplace, I don't think spanking him would be appropriate.

Let me see how he responds in another way.

"Noah. Come here," I tell him with a bit more authority in my tone while pointing to the floor in front of me.

He looks up at me with wide eyes, and at first, I think I overstepped.

But then a blush creeps up his neck. Stepping over to stand in the spot I pointed to, he stares down at his worn-in Converse.

Using my thumb and pointer finger, I lift his chin so his damp blue eyes are staring back at me.

"Tell Daddy what's going through your mind.

I know I'm not your Daddy, but I want to help you.

Right here. Right now. You remember your safewords? "

We discussed the stoplight system safewords during one of our chats years ago, so if anything bothers him, he knows how to put the brakes on.

He nods shyly.

"Noah. I need to hear your consent." I tell him.

"Yes. I remember talking about the stop light system."

"Good boy, Puppy," I tell him softly before pulling him into my chest and holding him tightly. "Now, what's going on in that brain of yours? I can see you struggling with something." I tell him with a softer tone.

"I-it's just…," he takes a deep breath. "I've thought about this since we parted ways that night we ran into each other at the aquarium. I've missed you. I mean…"

"I've missed you, too," I cut him off. "I know we barely knew each other back then, but I did feel a connection to you. I've searched for you all over town and thought maybe you moved away for college after all."

He shakes his head. "Still here."

"I see that. And I'm glad we get to reconnect. I know we can't pick up from where we left off, but I would like to get to know you all over again. If that's something you want." I tell him truthfully.

"Very much." He says in barely a whisper.

"Good. Now, tell me what was making you nervous a few minutes ago."

His cheeks blush even darker, and it makes me more curious. "Don't hate me. But I saw you standing next to the wall, putting the pale away and saw the leather straps. My mind went in a whole different direction rather than training elephants."

Oh.

"Is that something you want to explore?" I ask.

"I think so. But it goes deeper than that." He starts to shift uncomfortably. "Can we save this conversation for another date?" he asks. Eyes pleading.

"Of course, Puppy. What else?"

"There is something I've been dreaming about…

if you think it would be okay," he tells me, a little braver this time but shifting from foot to foot still in my hold—nervous energy buzzing through him.

Since we are similar in height, he pulls back slightly, offering me his heated eyes.

His thumb skims down my stubbled jaw before he leans in, pressing his lips to mine.

At first, I don't move because I'm in shock.

I spent so much time dreaming of this moment that I'm at a loss now that the moment is here.

Not sure what to do, I stand still, getting my brain to register what is happening.

Before Noah can pull away, I place my hand on his lower back, making soothing small circles before deepening the kiss.

My lips move across his. Tongue teasing the seam, seeking entrance before tasting the world's most delectable dessert.

The kiss is everything I thought it would be.

Passion and heat explode between us. I realize this isn't a kiss. It's worship.

Holding tight to Noah, I feel his body quake as he buries his face in my neck. I give him a minute to process what happened.

"Did that really just happen?" he whispers.

"I hope so. I also hope we can do that again…soon." I tease.

At the sound of a sniffle, I place my hands on his shoulders and push him back slightly, not sure what I would witness on his face.

Regret?

Embarrassment?

"I'm okay. Just a lot to process for today."

He's right. There is a lot to unpack with everything that happened today. I need a night to process it as well and figure out how to move forward.

"Noah. Before we run out of time together, may I take you out to dinner this Friday?" I request.

"I work Saturday morning." He lets me know quickly.

"Perfect. We can make it an early night then."

"Okay."

I lean in and seal the date with a lingering kiss, causing Noah to melt into me.

Noise out in the barn has us pulling away, smiling at each other like lunatics. Entering the main room again, we see Barrett and Caleb climbing down from the feeding deck. I smile, knowing that Barrett is pulling out all the stops and will have that boy eating out of his hand in no time.

When they see us getting closer, Caleb yells out with his eyes focused on Noah, "I fed Samba!"

Barrett shakes his head. "Inside voice, Peanut." Caleb let out a visible shiver. Yep. Eating out of his hand.

Caleb lowers his head in embarrassment. "I fed Samba," he whispers. "What did you do?"

Noah looks at me with a blush climbing up his neck. Yes, Noah. What did you do?

"I just explored the habitat and got to hide some food for the elephants." He explains, but his hand rubs his face, which looks a little raw from my stubble. Barrett gives me a knowing grin, but Caleb is deep in what looks a lot like little space.

As Barrett gets wrapped up with Caleb, I hand Noah my phone. "Can you put your number in? I'm not going to risk leaving again without it." After handing it back to me, I shoot him a text. "Now you have mine."

"Thanks for today. It was totally unexpected and a good surprise." He says bashfully.

"Yes, it was."

Turning back to Caleb, Noah asks, "Caleb, what do we tell Barrett and Marcus?"

"Oh, um…thanks for today. It was the best date ever!" Caleb says very excitedly and then pales, realizing what he said. "I-I-I mean day. Best day ever." Oh, he's adorable, and Barrett is going to be smitten in no time.

While they hash out future plans and swap contact details, Noah and I spend a few more minutes in small talk. He steps up to give me a hug, and I welcome him into my arms, breathing in his clean scent.

"Do you need a ride?" Barrett offers them.

Noah shakes his head. "I drove us here."

"You two be safe getting home, then. Text me when you arrive so I know you made it safely," I tell Noah in my daddy tone. I just can't help it. I want to make sure he's safe.

"Yes, Daddy," Noah quips teasingly, but I know there is a lot of desire behind those words.

"Brat," I tease back.

Barrett and I walk the boys toward the main entrance and say our goodbyes. Watching their retreating backs, I look over and see not only the fondness on Barrett's face but also the longing. Yep, I feel ya, my friend. It's going to be a long few days until I can see my boy again, too.