Page 2 of Their Perfect Daddy

MONTY

Months before The Injury

T here are two very significant moments in my life when I thought I had it all figured out. The first was when I found out I was going to get a stepbrother and a new parent. The idea of having a traditional family made me so happy.

The second was when I was drafted to the Bulldogs. It felt like the universe allowed me to stay in Bellport despite having interest from other teams.

Years later, I still use those moments as a guidepost for when major life events happen. I compare everything to them, asking myself if I’m just as happy now as I was then.

I’ve been chasing the high for ages. Nothing comes close. I’ve reached the pinnacle of happiness already.

No matter the number of friends I have or the parties I throw to keep myself surrounded, it’s all a loss. It’s all pointless.

But then my brother decides to come to one of my games.

And I get that feeling again. The one that sends excitement racing through my veins.

I play my heart out on that field, showing him his little brother is pretty fucking awesome—if I do say so myself. After we demolish the other team, I invite him to a party at my place, to which he actually agrees. I’m more than a little excited to get to tell everyone he came to support me.

Since I do so well on the field, the guys ply me with drinks as soon as they arrive at my place. By the time Micah shows up, I’m more than a little drunk.

I spot him from where I’m propped up in the kitchen when he struts in with a guy by his side. A really hot guy.

Fuck.

Is that his boyfriend? That’s going to suck if so.

I want my brother to be happy, but I also want a chance to know this guy a bit more horizontally, if you know what I mean.

“brOTHER!” I shout as I hop off the counter and move his way.

He smiles at me. “Monty.”

“So glad you made it. Did you enjoy the game?” I can’t resist hugging him. He’s made me so fucking happy.

“It was amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.” He puts his hands on my shoulders. I have to fight the urge to cry. “And I’m sorry if I never told you how proud I am of you. Today proved just how damned talented you are, brother. I’m glad you get to do what you love.”

Well, shit.

So much for holding back. I’m about to bawl like a baby at his praise.

Does he not understand how much I’ve idolized him for years? How much I begged for a sibling only to get one hand delivered to me years later?

It was the best surprise ever, even though I acted as if it wasn’t. Teenage angst is a real issue, ok?

“Fuck! You weren’t supposed to say all that. Now I’m going to get emotional.” I joke to cover the serious cryfest about to commence. Maybe if I make it funny, the feelings can get pushed back into their neat little box.

Micah laughs. “Want me to call Dad? He’ll sympathize with you, and you two can cry together.”

Low blow!

Ugh.

I punch him in the shoulder. I don’t do it nearly as hard as I would a teammate. He’s delicate whereas my teammates are built to take the hit. I’d never forgive myself if he bruised.

That’s when my world gets rocked in a completely different manner. I’m enamored by the friend beside him. I have to know who he is and if he wants to spend forever with me.

Or maybe slow down a bit.

“Oh, yeah. This is Danny. He’s my friend, and we work together. Danny, this is my brother?— ”

The gorgeous man beside him interrupts his speech. “Monty Tempest. Tight end for the Bellport Bulldogs. Fastest in the league three years standing.”

“You’re friends with a fan and still don’t come to my games?” I bat my lashes at Micah to pass along my disappointment. It’s also to distract from the fact I’m damn near drooling over the other man.

It doesn’t seem right to have these two working side by side. Why has it been so fucking hard to convince him to show up if he had someone to come with?

I always figured he just didn’t want to sit alone.

“In my defense, he didn’t know we were related,” Micah admits quickly. “I don’t like to name drop you.”

Awwww. Ok, that’s actually kind of sweet.

While I’d love for him to tell everyone we’re related, I can get how that might be too much. Some people take the level of fame I have as a way to build themselves up. I’d hate for Micah to experience that because of me.

Danny bobs his head too. “Exactly! I demanded he bring me the second he said you had tickets. There’s no way I could miss seeing the team live. I’ve been wanting tickets for ages but could never find good seats.”

I want to promise him that spot for the rest of forever. If he shows up, especially with my brother, I’d give them the world. Family support with a side of eye candy? Sign me up.

Taking the moment to flirt a bit, I give him an up and down look. If he has any interest in me at all, it should be obvious what I’m doing.

“You keep this one coming to the games, and you’ll have a seat every time. Deal?”

Danny agrees right away. “Yes! Absolutely!”

Finn and Raymond show up next, their voices excitedly calling out for my brother and Danny. I’d be irrationally jealous if I didn’t know the two men were tied down to my teammates.

Speaking of which, they’re tagging along right behind their boys. I grin at them. They completely ignore me since they only have eyes for their boyfriends. I’m invisible when they’re around.

Not that I mind. The only set of eyes I want on me that way haven’t stopped giving me glances since I approached him and my brother.

I ask how the two Littles know my brother, which brings up a discussion of the game. I’m about to draw Micah into it; however, I notice him looking at someone across the room. It’s a look I haven’t seen from him. I suspect I know what it is.

My brother has a crush. And I’d bet anything I know just who has caught his eye. The only guy standing over there who fits his type would be my teammate.

“Jett! Come meet my brother,” I yell before I can think better of it.

I feel Micah tense for a brief moment. Jett comes over, greeting me and then the others he’s familiar with.

He’s always kept to himself more than anyone else on the team. If it’s not the game itself or talking about trains, he has no desire to be involved.

While others find it off-putting, I appreciate the guy for knowing what he wants and doesn’t want. Besides, I think he might be neurodivergent, and I’m not going to judge him for it. We are who we are. People come in all shapes, sizes, skin tones, and mental processes.

When the guys share that Jett mentioned I’d be the best fit for the plays I ran during the first half, I can’t help the way my jaw drops open. I got that playtime because of him. How fucking awesome is that?

“Man, if you liked hugs, I’d hug the fuck out of you. Thanks for believing in me.”

“Nothing to believe in. Your stats show you’re an excellent tight end. While the percentage of completed touchdowns between Bellamy and Aries is higher due to their compatibility on the field, you’ve shown great improvement through the years.”

There’s nothing I can really say to that. I don’t have the words when he gets all big brain intellectual on me. And again, he’s not a hugger.

Before I can suggest anything else as a way to show thanks, I hear chanting come from the other room.

“MO! MO! MO!”

With a reluctant smile, I tell the group, “Hosting duties call. Have fun!”

I take off to join the others. I don’t really want to leave the group I’m with; however, I refuse to ever be called a bad host. These guys depend on me to deliver a good time.

That’s exactly what I intend to do.

When I reach the rowdy group, I find it’s the usual crowd. They’re all single guys around my age or a bit older who love to party when given the chance. Since we spend so much time being ‘on’ for our careers, the chance to let loose is one we all take.

“What’s up, guys? Getting started without me?” I grin as I shake my shoulders at them.

That earns me some chuckles and slaps on the back.

Chadwick, one of the offensive linemen, nudges me with his elbow. “You’ve been absent for a bit. We had to summon you before we start another round of cornholes.”

I laugh. “You wanted to get me wasted at my own party? I’m already buzzed. Cornhole shots are going to have me plastered in a few rounds.”

“That’s the point, my friend. It’s not like you have to drive home or anything.” He waves his hands around to prove a point.

I mean, yeah, he’s right about that part. I could pass out drunk anywhere in this place and no one would bat an eye.

It’s more that I don’t want to get to that level. Especially not with my brother here.

Micah makes me want to do better. He makes me want to be the best so he can be proud of me.

My therapist, Dr. Soto, might call that people pleasing. I’d have to give her a gold star for that evaluation because she’d be a thousand percent right.

While I know it’s not the healthiest habit, I can’t seem to help myself. We’re unpacking it in my sessions. It’s a work in progress though.

“Don’t be a party pooper. Time to get drinking. Who’s ready to get the game going?” Chadwick asks the crowd around us.

It’s that exact moment when someone pops up on my other side. “Oh, a game? Can I join in?”

I recognize the voice before I manage to turn to look. It’s Danny, Micah’s friend.

His cute smile makes me want to say yes to whatever he asks. The small bit of rational thought I still have tells me I’m treading in dangerous waters.

I don’t know Danny all that well. And sure, I’m attracted to him. That doesn’t mean he’s going to fit in with this group of guys. They’re different from my brother. And the side of me that comes out when they’re around isn’t always flattering.

“Sure, little dude. You want to play with us behemoths, then let’s do it.” Chadwick thumps his chest going full on caveman before charging out onto the back patio. That’s where all the outdoor party games are set up. I follow at a slower pace since I want to stick beside Danny.

He’s intriguing in a way I didn’t expect. Then again, I didn’t even know he was coming. How could I expect him to be any kind of way?

I nearly smack myself in the forehead for the ridiculous thoughts. His closeness has me all kinds of discombobulated.

Or maybe it’s the alcohol I’ve already consumed that’s not helping the situation.

“What game are we playing? I didn’t hear,” Danny whispers before we make it to the rest of the group.

I blink over at him, my throat suddenly thick at his proximity. How is he so hot? And why are his lips so damn kissable ?

It takes everything in me not to lean over to get a taste of them myself. I don’t want to be the stranger who forces himself onto someone else because he had one too many drinks.

With a big step to the side, I motion to the outdoor area. “Cornhole shots.”

“How does that work? What are the rules?”

“You miss a shot, you take a shot. It’s pretty simple.”

Danny nods as he looks at the set-up. “Then why are they so excited to play?”

That’s when Chadwick shouts, “Because there are obstacles!”

“Obstacles?”

The way Danny repeats the word makes me think he’s not all that prepared for what’s about to happen. Then again, how could he prepare for the chaos that is the Bulldogs football team shenanigans?

One of the other guys starts showing the obstacles. It’s the strangest fucking game idea, and considering we came up with it while drinking, it’s no surprise.

After the guys explain the plan to him, which includes dodging water balloons filled with whip cream, a bubble wand, water guns, and the occasional pool noodle interference, Danny seems more excited to play.

“This is pretty cool actually. I can’t say I’ve ever thought of half this,” he admits to me.

With him this close again, I feel my resolve continue to drift away. I only want to pull him close, kiss him, and then snuggle with him for hours. Maybe fuck him, too, if he’d be up for it.

Chill out, Monty.

You only just met the guy .

Since I’m the host of the party, I get to go first. The guys decide to hit me with the water gun right away. The shock of cold is enough to leave me gasping.

My bag misses the hole, as I expected it would. I’m handed a shot, which I throw back with ease. It burns going down, warming the cold seeping through my shirt.

“Well, now I know they won’t take it easy on me.” Danny’s mumbled words have me looking his way.

His eyes aren’t on the game though. They’re on my shirt.

The shirt currently clinging to my abs.

With a smirk, I decide to see just how far this attraction might go. I carefully lift the shirt from my skin, taking my time tugging it off. It’s not this difficult to remove. I just… I wanna see something.

Sure enough, Danny’s eyes remain on me the whole time. He doesn’t even blink as I strip my upper body bare.

“That’s better,” I say with a sigh.

He nods slowly muttering, “Yeah, it is.”