His Little Boy

Chapter 7

Dinner was an overall success.

Hell, I had never laughed so much in my life then I had that night with Nickolai. We shared a few drinks, halved the meals which came in handy since Nickolai could eat a horse under the table if he tried and I wasn't such a fan of the whole 'eating' thing on a regular basis. Even Keenan had a night full of giggles and affection. Male affection mind you. Something that poor young boy wasn't used to receiving just yet. He was the perfect gentlemen, opening doors and paying the full tab. Though I insisted that he allow me to pay for some due to Keenan's presence as well as my own. I could see that he was serious about both of us here and that made my insides warm.

"Did you still want to come into the studio tonight? I understand if you've had a long night and want to go home with Keenan...?" Nickolai smiled with that boyish grin that I already felt affections for. Of course I wanted to go back to the studio with Nickolai. There was obviously no question about it, so with a bright smile and a nod to him I had sealed my fate for the night. The whole ride to my place Nickolai rested his hand on my leg, his warm large palm covering the expanse of my thigh. It was a good feeling. One of safety and security and I felt my heart swell even more. Luckily I had composed myself by the time we reached my place and my father walked out the front door like an overprotective parent ready to meet me in the driveway. I felt like I was sixteen all over again on my first date.

"Nice night?"

I smiled, removing Keenan from his car seat despite Nickolai's offer to do so for me. "The best I've had in a long time. Dad - "

"Yes, I can watch him while you two do some adult things." He sighed in what must have been mock frustration. "God forbid I interrupt Sam's happy time. Sheesh. But do remember youngins', no more babies! Ha! Hear that Keenan? No more babies for Mummy, isn't that right baby boy!? Yes it is." I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched dad carry Keenan into the house and hopefully put the tired baby to bed.

"You have such an awesome dad," Nickolai chuckled as I climbed back into the Jeep with his help. Well more like his hand strategically placed just above my ass. Boy got some confidence now though.

"Yeah, it was harder growing up but I guess that was his way of compensating for mum not being around. He thought that if he could play both roles he would give it his best shot. It worked for a while, then he got a girlfriend...then another...and another...and now I want to be sick anytime I visit."

He chuckled. "Well lucky for you I'm a one woman kind of guy." He winked as his hand once again left the gear shift to rest on my leg.

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Damn straight you are. We wouldn't be in this car if you were the same boy you were at seventeen-eighteen."

He winced and hesitated as to whether he should remove his hand or not. "Was I really that bad, Sam?"

I sighed and turned to look at his forlorn features. It was easy to see the boy had some regret over the way in which he conducted himself during his teenage years. I couldn't hold it against him, I have no doubt I did some stupid shit then too. All those hormones and new ideas....who didn't get a bit too adventurous in high school?

"No, I don't think you were that bad. But if you closed your eyes and imagined you had a daughter who dated a guy exactly like you would you smile? Or would you cry?"

He glanced from me to the road, obviously gaging my reaction. "I wouldn't be over the moon, but isn't that what teenage years are for? To discover yourself, your likes and dislikes, sexual preference or preferences I guess?"

I smiled and squeezed his hand that rested on my lap. "Good answer, you passed that test easily enough. And you didn't even need a cheat sheet!"

"Hey!" he exclaimed, "I had a moment of weakness. Once! One time Sam!"