7. Dexter

Chapter 7

Dexter

When I saw a package in my loading cart with Avery’s name on it, I decided to swing by his shop to give it to him there instead of waiting to take it to his house later. The bell chimed as I pushed open the door, and the voice that I’d started to hear in my head called out to me. "Welcome to Avery's Little Treasures."

Walking into his store was like stepping into a kaleidoscope of color and light. Stained glass creations hung from every wall, casting rainbow patterns that took a moment to get used to.

"Dexter!" Avery was behind the counter, and his dark hair caught the light in such a way that it glowed blue. It was cute. He looked like a smurf.

"Hey, honey.” I went straight to him. “I thought I'd drop off your package here so I could see you early." I held up the small brown package, marveling at a nearby display of delicate glass hummingbirds. “Whoa, did you make those too?”

"I did.” He took the package and put it under the counter. “Care for the grand tour while you're here?"

“I’d love it.” I placed my hand on the small of Avery’s back as we wove through the store. Every shelf was crammed with an eclectic mix of local artisan goods and kitschy souvenirs, interspersed with products he’d made himself. "This is quite the collection you've got." I ran my fingers along a rack of postcards of his dirty wall hangings. “I should get some of these to send to my parents in Florida.”

"We cater to all types here, so yeah, you should.” Avery laughed and then handed me a card with a mountain man chopping wood on it. “Maybe this? I love all the cutesy stuff but stained glass is my true passion." He led me to a workbench in the back that was littered with tiny shards of colored glass and copper foil. An unfinished piece showed a Santa in front of a fireplace and a naked guy hanging an ornament on the tree.

"It's beautiful." I chuckled as I leaned in for a closer look. “And hot.”

"It’s still a work in progress, but thanks." Avery's eyes crinkled with pride and amusement. “Are you on a break?”

“Actually, no.” I glanced at my watch, surprised at how much time had passed. "I should get going. But I was thinking about bringing over some of Mabel's chicken alfredo tonight. Do you like that?"

"That sounds wonderful, Da-Dexter. I’ll pick up something for dessert."

I expected him to be my dessert, but I didn’t say that out loud. Instead, I just gave him a quick kiss and headed out the door.

I savored every bite of our delicious food, but mostly I was savoring my time with Avery. It was the perfect opportunity for us to actually get to know each other, which I was desperate for.

I grabbed one of the garlic rolls and pulled off a corner. “So, how long have you been single?”

Avery looked up from his pasta and grinned. “About a year now. My last Daddy and I just weren't compatible…and then I moved. What about you?”

I nodded and put down the roll. “I haven’t really had any long-term relationships before. There are a few clubs in Seattle I go to a few times a year. I have some friends there, but mostly just for scenes or playdates. I've been focused on work for the occasional Lactin Brotherhood events.”

Avery's eyes lit up. “I did some research and was surprised they’re so active in Seattle. How did I not know about milk daddies before moving here?”

“There aren’t a ton of us, but those who are motivated will seek us out.”

His lip popped out in a cute pout. “I would have been motivated if I knew you were out there.”

That made me smile and reach out across the table to hold his hand. When he placed his in mine, I felt like I could fully breathe. “Well, I’m here now. So, tell me, what kind of dynamic are you looking for?”

He bit his lip, looking thoughtful. “Ideally, I’d love a full-time Daddy. Someone to come home to, to take care of me when I’m Little.” He sighed and squeezed my hand. “I feel so much better when I can just play and be in my diaper and…have some milk, but it’s not the same when I’m all by myself.”

“Is that what happened last night?” I slid my chair closer so I was right up beside him. “When you went out in the snow?”

“Yes.” His eyes dropped, but he leaned over, putting his head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I was playing, and then the snow looked so pretty and deep and it was perfect angel snow.”

I hated that Avery felt bad, so I scooted farther back and pulled him onto my lap. “Just promise you’ll never go out in the snow like that when you’re by yourself. You have to wait for Daddy to watch over you.”

He pressed his face against my chest, almost hiding from me. “But I don’t have a Daddy…do I?”

I chuckled and kissed the top of his head. “Well, maybe I can be your Daddy, if you want to try that.”

He pulled back and looked at me. “I wanna try that.”

My heart quickened. “Well, I’m looking for a boy to nurture and take care of. Someone who trusts me to always put him first. And I love that you need milk and diapers. That’s so fucking perfect, baby.”

Avery wrapped his arms around my neck and nuzzled closer. “If you’re my Daddy, I promise to always be careful until you’re around to supervise.”

This boy. “Well, I want you to be careful even when I’m around, but yes, I appreciate the promise. And I promise to keep you safe and always be there when you need to be Little.”

His cheeks flushed as he glanced at me shyly. “And will you make one more promise?”

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“I want you to stay here forever, but if you have to go home at night, you can't leave tonight until you put me to sleep with milkies.”

I chuckled softly, already mentally and emotionally claiming my place as his Daddy. “Of course, baby. Daddy always has milkies for you.”