Page 37 of Wrestling with Daddy

“Sure.”

Nathan’s voice didn’t sound so confident but he was binging on the loaded tortillas before Ken could consider what he said.

He wasn’t complaining. He needed time himself as his mind kept replaying the abrupt kiss, the shock that had gone through his system. Nathan’s body had pressed against his, allowing him to feel everything even if his body hadn’t had time to catalog every ridge and dip as he would’ve wanted it.

Ken was going to be in trouble, even if he only stayed for the week.

Another inward curse.

When had it become a fact that he was staying, and not leaving once he saw that whatever it was that drew him to Nathan wouldn’t work long term?

“I have a question about before,” Nathan spoke as he finished chewing.

Ken growled.

He couldn’t help it.

Nathan’s not my boy. We haven’t discussed punishments or expectations.

Or anything.

“Surprise me.”

Nathan fidgeted in his seat for a second, but he met Ken’s gaze head-on right after.

Ken admired that, if nothing else.

“So I have to ask every time before I kiss you, but what if physical touch was my love language? Do you want me to feel neglected like that?”

Ken guffawed. “If physical touch is your love language, which I can believe, actually, that just means you have extra motivation to ask. Or you can make an effort to motivatemeinto initiating more of those kisses.”

Not answering right away, Nathan only hummed, shoving more of the flavorful nachos into his mouth.

Ken wasn’t as hungry as the boy clearly was, but he still ate quite a bit, deciding that they’d either prepare or find a place to have a lighter dinner—perhaps a salad bar if there was any around.

Mediterranean food could also work.

Ken knew a place downtown from the last time he’d visited.

“I think you’re gonna grow annoyed of your rule pretty soon.”

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see, brat.”

“Good.”

Ken didn’t know about that, but he appreciated the enthusiasm.

He needed to find some silver lining in this whole thing and whatever it was shaping up to become.

CHAPTER10

nathan

“So…May I kiss you now, Sir?”

Nathan had been preparing himself all throughout the rice pudding they’d shared for dessert, rolling the words in his tongue while pretending to savor the cinnamon-infused treat.

He’d also debated on which honorific to use. Daddy was what he thought of when he looked at Ken and all that salt and pepper hair, the soft laugh lines around his eyes and the way his body towered over him without being too overwhelming.