Trust in Me - Quinn Ward Page 0,19

and college so I could start hormone therapy and heal from top surgery. My parents were seriously the coolest, and they’d given me a check to cover the out-of-pocket costs so I could transition to adulthood in every way.

“You don’t need to explain,” Theron reassured me before kissing the tip of my nose. “With any luck, there will be plenty of time for me to learn everything there is to know about you. Now, let’s get some food in you so you can focus on studying while I finish going over some reports.”

“That sounds…” Saying it sounded perfectly domestic was strange, but that was my first thought. It scared the crap out of me that this man had some sort of magical powers to make me forget all the reasons I didn’t want to get involved with anyone. And imagining a future where we could eat and work together was foolish, at best, when neither of us could possibly know if there was a future at all.

Theron tucked me against his side and led me through the first floor of the house. The large windows at the back of the living and dining rooms overlooked a huge yard with mature trees providing a curtain of privacy. I still wanted to know why a single guy had a home this big, but I didn’t ask for fear I wouldn’t like the answer. He pulled out a chair, nodding for me to sit. I allowed my hand to rest on top of his for a second as I tried to find the words to explain how much it meant that he was even willing to see if there was anything beyond physical attraction between us.

Once I was seated, Theron pushed in my chair. I folded my hands in my lap, swinging my legs because the table was higher than normal, and it was more fun than simply letting them dangle. Theron set a plate down in front of me. The chicken strips, mac and cheese, and carrots were very carefully placed on the plate, so nothing was touching. I stared at the plate, fighting the unexpected emotions I felt over something so inconsequential to most. That plate felt symbolic to me.

“I didn’t ask what you liked.”

I blinked a couple of times before turning my head to look up at Theron. His brow was furrowed as he watched me. Would it be wrong for me to address the elephant in the room? “It’s perfect.”

“Do you want any sauce or dressing? I have ranch or peanut butter.”

I scrunched up my nose. Peanut butter on chicken strips? Gross. “I’d like some ranch, please.”

I wasn’t sure which of us was more surprised by the sing-song lilt in my voice. A sense of rightness filled me as Theron grabbed my dressing and I stared at the plate. I picked up my fork and stabbed at the noodles. This wasn’t a boxed mix with powdered cheese, it was gooey awesomeness and it smelled divine. I hoped he had more because, now that there was a plate in front of me, I was starving. I wouldn’t tell Theron, but I hadn’t eaten breakfast, either.

When Theron scruffed my hair, I leaned into his touch. I wanted more. Wanted him. This was a glimpse of what the future could be, and I wanted more of it. “Thank you, Sir.”

I wasn’t at a place where I could call him Daddy. That would take time and trust. But calling him by his name felt wrong. He was something special to me, and I needed him to understand that I wanted whatever he was offering.

Theron crouched down next to me. I reached out to cup his cheek, not sure how I felt with him being lower than me. It was silly, but I’d spent enough time at the club to know each of us had our place. “You’re welcome, my precious boy. I know I haven’t done anything to earn your respect, but I promise I will do my best by you always.”

I reached out for Theron’s hand, tugging him upright. Maybe it was silly, but I didn’t like him being lower than me.

Stupid stereotypes.

“Thank you for making me lunch.” On my drive over here, I’d thought about the last time anyone had gone out of their way to feed me. Other than my family when I was home, I couldn’t think of a single time anyone had made my needs their priority. “Are you going to eat, too?”

Theron shook his head before taking