by Elouise East
It was not easy for boys to accept Isaac’s need to be a Daddy all day long, inside the home environment and outside in the world. He was particular about the boy he needed, too. They had to be on the older side of the scale, not young enough to be infants. Isaac had attempted that type of relationship before, and it didn’t fit in with his personality. Every Daddy was different, as every boy was different.
Unlocking his front door, he exhaled heavily, finally regaining enough calm to breathe unhindered. He needed to start at the gym again. Maybe it was something he could begin after he’d finished training the newbie executive.
Isaac had seen him around the office—who could miss the shock of blue hair—but hadn’t been introduced until today. Henley certainly wasn’t shy, which would be a benefit, but he seemed…fidgety. Isaac couldn’t put his finger on it, but he supposed he’d find out next week. In three days, he would be collecting Henley for his first day of training.
Flicking the light on, Isaac divested himself of his coat and shoes before shuffling to his kitchen to shelve the leftovers his mother had foisted on him earlier that evening. Friday night was family night, and he and his three siblings and their families all congregated at their parents’ house for dinner. Isaac rarely missed them, only on the occasion when his work nights out couldn’t be organised for the Saturday as they usually were. Most people would think him strange for bowing out of a family dinner to go on a work night out, but for him, family nights happened every week, whereas the work nights were bi-monthly, and he believed it was important to ensure a good working relationship with those around him.
His thoughts took him to Henley again. Isaac wondered whether Henley would continue to go out with the customer service staff as well as the executives. He appeared to have a good relationship with them, so Isaac would be surprised if he brushed them off now he’d changed jobs. Not that Isaac knew Henley well yet.
He stretched his arms above his head as he strode down the hallway to his bedroom. It was only ten o’clock, but he was shattered. It had been a long week of driving to the extreme edges of Britain. Most of the time, he was able to schedule appointments that were close together in location, meaning he could get a hotel and save himself some driving. Unfortunately, this week hadn’t been one of those weeks. He’d been in Sheffield, Brighton, spent two days in Cardiff and then up to York. Sleep was the first thing on his agenda this weekend. Starting after he’d had a shower.
****
“We wanted to see if you’d come for breakfast with us.”
Isaac blinked his eyes blearily as he tried to decipher the time on the clock beside him. As the number eight swam into view, he groaned and rolled to his back. “It. Is. Eight. On. A. Saturday. Morning. Felicity.” Every word was punctuated with a growl.
“I know! We’ll buy you breakfast, though. We’re at Pete’s Café on Main Street. We’ll have coffee waiting…?” Felicity sing-songed the last sentence, earning another growl from Isaac, although he wavered.
“Fine. Give me half an hour or so.”
“Yay! See you soon, Is.” Her nickname for him made him smile despite the early wake-up call. She must have something to tell him if she was waking him up as the sun barely peeked over the horizon when she knew he normally slept in on a Saturday. He blew out a breath and pushed to a seated position. With his eyes still wanting to close, he rubbed a hand across them, bringing his fingers towards the middle to wipe the sleep away.
It was only as he shuffled to the bathroom that he realised Felicity had said “we.” Isaac doubted she was talking about her husband, Van, so it was more than likely Sarah, his other sister. Double trouble indeed. There had better be coffee waiting.
An hour later, he finally made it through the door of the café to find his two sisters, chittering like old ladies across a table from each other. His sisters could easily have passed as twins: their dual blue-black hair hanging to their shoulders, and their slim frames reminiscent of their mother’s appearance made him smile. Their whole family took after their mother, so she would never be able to disown any of them.
“Isaac!” Felicity jumped up from the chair and flung her arms around his neck.
He stumbled backwards under her attack, chuckling in her ear. “Anyone would think you hadn’t seen me for years when, in fact, it was only last night.”
“I know, but I have news that I couldn’t share last night.”
Isaac pulled back, narrowing his gaze on Felicity’s face. “And…”
She smiled wide. “We found a surrogate.” She bit her bottom lip, trying to contain the excitement on her face that her body had already shown.
“That’s great news.” He dragged her in for another tight hug, rubbing his hand up and down her back as he felt her breath hitch.
Doctors had told Felicity several years prior that she was unable to have kids, and it broke her heart as well as her husband’s. After attending counselling for a year or so, they had finally begun talking about other ways of expanding their family. They had originally chosen the adoption route until Felicity acknowledged her wish to have something that was a part of Van if it couldn’t also be a part of her. They’d been through another few difficult sessions with the psychologist before agreeing to the surrogacy route.
Their first attempt to find someone had failed when the surrogate pulled away after a few meetings. Although Felicity knew that there were others out there, it had been a difficult time for them all. Both Felicity and Van agreed to take a step back for a few months to reconnect as a couple before delving back into anything. Neither wanted their relationship to suffer, and Isaac was damn proud of them for it.
“I hadn’t told anyone before because I didn’t want to jinx it,” she admitted as she dropped back into her seat. “But the contracts have been signed, and everything has been given the go-ahead. As soon as Shelby’s ready, we’ll start.”
“I’m so happy for you. Are you going to tell Mum and Dad?” Isaac sat beside Sarah, wrapping her in a one-armed hug.
“Not yet.” She played with her coffee cup, turning it around in place as she lowered her gaze. “I want to wait until I have something else to tell them.”
“Understandable.” Isaac smiled at her, resting his hand over hers. “I’m so pleased for you.”
“Me, too,” Sarah added.
“Well, you know where I am if you need anything.” Isaac would be there whatever the weather to help if she needed it. If any of them needed it. “Have you told Jeremy?”
Felicity snorted. “No. He’d go straight to Mum about it if I did. He can wait like they have to.”
“He’s going to be so pissed at you when he finds out.” Sarah rolled her lips inwards, attempting to hide her glee.
Felicity shrugged.
“Anyway, where’s my coffee?” Isaac mock growled.
Sarah pushed at his shoulder, moving him so she could scramble out. “I’ll get it.”
Felicity hooted as Sarah skipped across the tiled floor.
“What’s all that about?” Isaac asked, watching his little sister gesture wildly when she reached the counter.
“She has the hots for the barista. Every time we come in here, she’s the only one who’s allowed to order.”
Isaac grinned. He might pass by the counter on his way out and see what he could do for her, obviously, without her knowledge. He could honestly go for a couple of cakes to takeaway. Anything for the chance to make her happy.
And he did just that. After an hour of catching up on the topics that were not parent-friendly, he made his excuses and expressed an interest in some bakery items. Sarah attempted to come with him until he gave Felicity a significant look, and she ushered Sarah out of the door quickly, “remembering” something they had to do. He’d have to thank Felicity later.
“Good morning, sir. What can I get for you today?”
Isaac leaned his elbows on the counter as he stared at the delicious looking sweet treats. Indicating two of them, he casually asked, “Do you
have a girlfriend?”
The barista, Miller, his nametag said, glanced across at him with raised eyebrows and an increasing blush on his cheeks. “No, sir.”
“A boyfriend?”
The colour increased as he cleared his throat. “No, sir.”
“What do you think of my sister? The one who ordered for us?”
Miller concentrated heavily on his movements, but Isaac could see his jaw clenching. “She’s…beautiful.”
“That she is.” He paused, standing upright once more. “Would you like to go on a date with her?”
Miller’s surprised gaze found his as he pushed the cake box over the counter. “What? Really?” At Isaac’s nod, he beamed. “I’d love to.”
Isaac smiled. “Are you free tonight?”
Miller nodded emphatically.
“Alright. Meet her at Romano’s at eight. I’ll make sure she’s there.” He hesitated, narrowing his gaze at Miller. “Don’t mess her around or stand her up. Got it?”
“Yes, sir. No, sir. I’ll be there.”
“Good.” Isaac paid for his treats, nodded and left the café.
As he reached his car, he texted Felicity and told her the news, indicating it was up to Felicity to get Sarah to Romano’s at eight. When she complained, he cited the fact that she got him out of bed on his sleep-in day. She soon acquiesced.
Driving home, Isaac was content. He was happy with how his life was for the most part. He wished for someone to share it with, though.
****
Monday morning dawned far too early for Isaac’s liking. Being a night owl made waking up difficult, but every damn morning, he obediently woke at five-thirty to ensure he had time to get a shower and some breakfast before getting on the road. Today, however, he had to leave slightly earlier to collect Henley first. Henley had offered to drive to Isaac’s place, but Isaac had told him not to worry.
By seven, he was outside Henley’s house. He had planned to knock on the door, but Henley came bounding down the path, swinging a backpack onto his shoulder and a lunch bag by his side.
Isaac raised his eyebrows at the exuberant display so early in the morning but didn’t comment.
Flinging open Isaac’s passenger door, Henley dropped heavily into the seat. “Good morning, Isaac.” Henley grinned as he stuffed the two bags into the footwell between his legs.
“Morning.” Isaac’s eyebrows had yet to lower. He could see that Henley was a morning person, and he wasn’t sure if he could handle so much energy at that time of day.
Running his gaze over Henley’s outfit, Isaac decided that he fit the look required for being an executive. He wore grey trousers paired with a matching waistcoat and a light pink shirt. Small earrings in the shape of the infinity symbol dangled from his earlobes. Through the open neck of the shirt, Isaac caught a glimpse of a braided necklace but couldn’t see anymore, and when Henley moved his arms, Isaac heard jangling. With the other visible jewellery, Isaac was led to believe Henley also wore bracelets. All the items were allowed as part of the uniform, so Isaac was pleased with what he saw.
“Are you happy with how I look?”
Isaac flicked his gaze to Henley, noting the eager light in his eyes. “Very much so. You’ll fit in well.”
“Thank you,” Henley uttered. “Are we leaving now?”
Isaac wondered for a moment what Henley meant until he realised they were still parked outside his house. Clearing his throat, Isaac thought quickly. “I’m waiting for you to put your seatbelt on. We need to keep you safe.”
Henley’s eyes closed for the briefest moment, then he twisted to reach the belt and slid it across his body, clicking it into place. When his gaze met Isaac’s once more, Isaac’s breath caught. He wasn’t entirely sure what the look was about, but it was powerful enough that he blinked away from the spell and put the car in gear.
As he drove towards the motorway, Isaac flicked through what he knew about Henley. Mr Sanders hadn’t given Isaac a lot of information to work with, other than Henley was a sociable guy and would do a good job. That was great, but Isaac needed more. He supposed he could go straight to the source as he was sat right next to him.
“What made you decide you wanted to do this job and not stay in customer services?” Isaac asked as he merged onto the dual carriageway, keeping his eyes straight ahead or on his mirrors.
“Well, I’m talkative. Although you probably didn’t know that because I haven’t said much since we’ve been in the car. But that was because I thought you wanted to concentrate on the road. Apart from that, usually, I like talking to other people and getting to know them better. And with this position, it felt like I’d be able to do that every day. Also, I like fashion, so clothes…yeah. I think I can do a good job of it.”
Isaac waited to see if Henley had anything else to add to his dialogue, but when nothing else came, he smiled and said, “You’ll be able to see over the next few weeks what’s involved, but talking to people is a must.”
****
Chapter 3
Henley
Henley wasn’t sure if he detected a teasing note in Isaac’s tone, but if there was, he ignored it because he didn’t want to get off on the wrong foot. When he’d been waiting for Isaac to show up, he’d been pacing the hallway by the front door for at least half an hour, trying to remind himself not to overshare—or rather over-talk—straight away.
That lasted all of around twenty minutes. It was Isaac’s fault, though. He’d asked the question. It would’ve been rude not to answer it.
“How long have you been doing this job?” Henley asked, crossing his right arm over his waist and leaning his left elbow on it as he fiddled with his earring while staring across at Isaac. He was a gorgeous specimen, and not just on the outside. Henley always believed that kindness bled through into how other people saw you regardless of your outer appearance. Ignoring his thoughts on Isaac, Henley studied him in a detached manner as he had done when he’d first seen him. Now, he was closer, though.
Isaac wore some extra weight around his waist, but his basic build was solid, so it wasn’t as easy to see. His face was lined in the right places, indicating he had plenty of laughter in his life, although some of those lines were harder to see as they blended in with his stubble, which was about the same length as his salt and pepper hair. Henley hadn’t thought Isaac was old enough to have grey hair, but maybe he was. It had him wondering how old he was.
“I’ve been doing this for fifteen years now. I came into the role straight away, without working in the customer service department first.”
“Wow. You must have started here straight after school. How did you know what you wanted to do at that age?” Henley rested part of his upper lip between his teeth as he fought back a smile. Isaac had given him the perfect opening to talk about ages.
Briefly glancing across the car to Henley, Isaac’s mouth curled up. “Thank you for the compliment, but I was twenty-nine when I started. I’m forty-four now.” He sniffed. “If you wanted to know my age, you could’ve asked.”
Henley snorted, covering his smile with his hand. “Sorry.”
“You don’t need to be sorry. You need to be upfront. If you want to know the answer to something, ask. It’s important to be open about things.”
Turning his gaze to the passing scenery, Henley thought about that. He wasn’t sure he could be honest about everything, especially his reasoning behind applying for the job, but he could be as open as possible about most other things.
“Did I lose you?”
Isaac’s voice washed over him, and he forced himself to concentrate. “No. I was thinking about what you said. You’re right.”
They were silent again for a moment, an unusual occurrence for Henley until Isaac broke it with a question of his own.
“Do you have any family?”
“How much time do you have?” Henley sniggered.
“Around two hours, give or take.”
“I wasn’t…” Henley paused when he
noticed the smirk on Isaac’s face. “Funny.” He held his hand out in front of him, counting off his fingers. “I have four older sisters: Tracey, Ariel, Arianne and Rebecca. My dads chose a mixture of adoption and surrogacy to welcome us all into the family. Ariel and Arianne are twins born of a surrogate, and when they were four, Tracey was adopted into the family. She was eight at the time and had been bounced around the system for too long.” He didn’t know the whole story about Tracey’s life before she came to them, but he knew it wasn’t an easy one. “Rebecca came as a surprise into the family at age one. Dad and Pops hadn’t planned on adopting another child because their surrogate was already pregnant with me. But they told us they’d talked it over and decided that if they had managed with twins, they should be able to manage with a one-year-old and a newborn. And that was that.”
“A very eclectic family.”
“Definitely. We’re really close. Dad and Pops are getting on in years now, so Rebecca lives with them, helping them out and looking after them when they allow it. I try to help out when I can.”
“Sounds like you all do a lot for each other.”
“I certainly wouldn’t be like I am today if it wasn’t for them all, that’s for certain.”
“What do you mean?”
Henley grinned, twisting in his seat to face Isaac. “I had four sisters to show me how to dress, how to do makeup, how to wear jewellery, what colours go to together, how to do my hair. Everything. Can you imagine me as anything but what I am now?”
Isaac flicked his gaze over to Henley’s again for a brief second before returning to the road ahead. “I withhold judgement until I get to know you a bit better.”
Henley giggled. “Excuses, excuses.” He paused, regaining his breath. “Anyway, what about you?”
“What about me, what?”
“Say that twice as fast,” Henley murmured before answering Isaac’s question, “What about your family?”