Page 56 of The Sweetheart
“Matteo said he would put feelers out to some of his contacts in the city, so maybe he’ll turn up. Don’t give up. You did something really good today. I’m glad I got to be a part of that.”
“Yeah. Yeah, we did.” Nolan felt a wave of affection flood his system at the pride on his face.
“Hey,” he said softly. Kai turned to look at him, curiosity in his eyes. “Stay with me this week. Matteo said you’re only working Wednesday and Thursday. I can take you. What do you say?”
“Seriously?” Kai asked, surprised but almost hopeful.
“Yeah, of course I’m serious. Stay with me.”
“Yeah, okay,” Kai said shyly. “Do you have to work?”
“Yeah, but you can come by the shop and maybe Katie will come keep you company.” Nolan didn’t bother to say he was still annoyed with her for stalling him yesterday, but he guessed he could give her credit for being a good friend to Kai even though they’d only met two weeks ago. Nolan huffed a small laugh.
“What?” Kai asked.
“Nothing. I just can’t believe it’s only been two weeks since we met. I feel like I’ve known you much longer.”
“Same. You’re officially the longest relationship I’ve ever had, Daddy.”
“And hopefully the last?” Nolan waggled his eyebrows, earning him a grin. Kai stared at him for a moment without saying anything. Nolan desperately wanted to know what he was thinking about, but then he lunged across the console and kissed him hard. Nolan stopped thinking altogether until his phone chimed with an incoming text message. Kai broke away,curling close and resting his head on Nolan’s shoulder. Nolan dropped a kiss on it and glanced at the dashboard screen.
Chris:
Call me.
Nolan ignored the message. He’d call him tomorrow. Tonight, he just wanted to spend time with Kai while he rode the high from the day.
“Daddy?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Can I ask for something else?” Nolan smiled down at him, pleased that he was becoming more comfortable asking for anything.
“Anything, baby.”
“Can we ask Myles where he got that underwear from?”
Nolan shifted as all the blood in his body rushed south. Yeah, he was definitely not calling Chris tonight.
“Of course. We’ll get right on that.”
“Have you lost your fucking mind?”Nolan’s gut squeezed at Chris’ tone. He knew without him saying anything else what this was going to be about, but he leaned back in his office chair, taking in Chris in all of his fury. He’d intended to call Chris that morning after his first meeting but had gotten distracted. The fact that Chris had taken time out of his day to chase him down could only mean one thing.
“What’s jumped up your ass, brother?” Nolan asked, resigned.
“I told you to fucking call me.” Chris glared.
“I was busy. Are you coming in, or are you going to yell from the door.”
‘“Did you know he was a?—”
“Close the door, Chris!” Nolan barked. Kai hadn’t come by his office yet, and he hardly needed his employees, people herespected, having their opinions of him tainted beforehand. Chris slammed the door and stormed across the room, planting his hands on Nolan’s desk and leaning into his personal space.
“So you do know. He’s a fucking con artist, Nolan. So I ask again, have you lost your fucking mind?”
“You couldn’t let me have this, eh? How long did you wait before you ran the background check?”
“What do you want from me? He’s spending time with Katie. You have him practically living in your house!” Chris yelled.
