Page 15

Confessions and Coffee.

Theo

A few mornings later, I wake up early, feeling happy and refreshed. Ending my evenings by texting with Adrian has done wonders for my soul. Even though we haven’t been able to see each other since that night at the bar, I love how we always find the time to text.

Theo: Good morning.

Theo: Do you still want to meet up before Higgens’ class? I’m headed to the café now.

Adrian: Morning!! I’m on my way! See you soon.

The fresh scent of coffee and pastries greets me as soon as I walk through the door.

With the café quiet, I explore their shelves of merchandise.

Brynn U’s little dragon mascot is on several things like mugs, shot glasses, and pens.

And on the top shelf, there are random coffee gadgets that I have no idea how to use.

When I spot a shelf of stuffed animals, my mind wanders over to the conversation I had with Felix.

He never confirmed if Adrian is a boy or little, or if he is a submissive at all, but by the encouragement I got from his brother, I’m going to assume he is.

Would he like it if I bought him a cute little stuffie?

Or maybe even a good luck figurine of the Brynn U dragon?

The bell over the door chimes as Adrian walks in.

He’s wearing a hoodie with the dragon mascot on it, and I’m immediately reminded of the thoughts that were just floating around in my head.

His eyes drop to the figurine in my hand when he makes it to my side.

Placing it back on the shelf, I casually go in for a hug, as if that’s what I do when I see all my friends.

Newsflash: it isn’t. I’m not necessarily a touch-feely type of guy, but Adrian brings it out of me.

Pulling him tight against me, I’m surrounded by his citrus scent as he melts into my embrace. I don’t miss the way he lingers, and I don’t mind. I’d linger in this moment for as long as he wants. When he finally pulls away, I get a good look at his face and see the dark circles under his eyes.

I purse my lips. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

He shakes his head. “My roomies got a little wild, and it was way too loud. I had to go to the library to study. I’m so freaking lucky that part of the library is open 24/7. I don’t think I’d get any sleep otherwise.”

Startled, I jerk back. “You slept at the library?”

“Not on purpose. Delfy House started partying early. So, Rizzo and I went to the library to study for a bit. I accidentally fell asleep while reading my econ textbook.” Adrian places a hand over his mouth to hide a yawn.

“I usually catch up on some sleep at this time and head over to practice after, but…”

I arch a brow. “But what?”

Adrian blushes, a deep red high on his cheeks. “I didn’t want to… miss this class.”

Because of me. He didn’t want to miss class because of me. I can read between the lines. Guilt swirls in my stomach. Adrian was so bummed out when we couldn’t meet up earlier in the week, but damn, I didn’t know it was so bad at Delfy House that he literally had to sleep in the fucking library.

Sighing, I press a palm to the small of Adrian’s back and guide him toward the line that’s starting to form.

“While I appreciate seeing you this early in the morning, I don’t think you should lose sleep over it.

You need a good night’s rest before each practice.

Plus, what you worked out with Higgens for attending his other classes seems to work for you. ”

Adrian squirms, looking down. I didn’t mean to make him feel guilty, but that damn need to take care of him overrides any of my thoughts.

And that’s when it hits me. I can’t push down my need to care for him because I do care for him.

I’m developing strong feelings for Adrian, and I want him to know that.

I want him to know I’m here for him. That I care.

Changing my tone, I go for cheerful, because I need to see that pretty smile on his face and know that I put it there.

“Well, there isn’t much we can do about it now.

Why don’t I treat you to your favorite coffee, and we’ll worry about your schedule later?

If you want, I can have a look at it. I’m sure there’s somewhere you can sneak in some extra time to catch some z’s.

Even if you have to take a nap here or there, we can figure it out. ”

Adrian beams at me. “You’d help me do that? Wouldn’t it be boring?”

“Not at all.” We shuffle forward in line, our arms casually brushing against each other, and sending jolts of electricity through me. I glance around us to make sure no one can overhear. “I kind of have a confession to make.”

He eyes me curiously.

“That night at the bar, your brother thought I looked familiar.”

Adrian’s blush returns and spreads down his cheeks to his neck. Interesting. Does he already know? Or is it something else entirely?

“Felix saw me at Clutch, the local kink club. I’m a Daddy.”

A surprised gasp leaves Adrian’s lips. “Oh. Um. I wasn’t sure. I mean, it’s kind of obvious when you say it out loud,” he rambles. “And I kind of hoped, but yeah. Thank you for confirming.”

Fuck, he’s so adorable.

We make it to the front of the line, and I ask him what his favorite drink is here. Our arms brush again, and I lean in close. “Would it be okay if I ordered for you?”

Our gazes lock as he gives me a sweet smile and nods.

It might be something minuscule. Something so small that others wouldn’t understand.

But for me, I’m asking if I can take control, and he’s giving me permission.

Does he understand? Does my wide grin tell him how happy it makes me when he lets me take care of him?

As if reading my mind and giving me all the reassurance I need. He leans against me, almost cuddling up to my side as I order our coffees for the two of us. After I pay, we find a small table to wait and chat, but just before I sit down, he tugs on my arm and whispers in my ear.

“I have a confession to make, too.” His breath is caressing the shell of my ear, causing me to shiver.

I pull back to look at him. “And what’s that?”

There’s a sparkle in his eye and a sassy smile playing on his lips. I love that smile. I’m completely captivated by the way he switches from sweet and shy to sassy so naturally. It just does it for me. He does it for me.

I always thought I should settle for one or the other, but never dreamed of seeing both in one person.

He glances around, like the way I did when I made my confession. Then he playfully tugs me back to him. “I’m looking for a Daddy.”