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“Fine,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I do like them. But it’s more in aI’m fascinated by youkind of way. I heard them speak at a conference a year ago. It was fucking amazing.”
“It’s hero worship and not lust? Is that what I’m getting?”
“Lust hasn’t really factored into it. At the conference, I was too far away to see them well. And after, it was absolute chaos with people wanting to get to the next session.” His voice was steady as he relayed his perspective.
I felt better knowing Moseley wasn’t trying to use my business for his own personal dating. It was also interesting to me thathe’d suggested Auden based on a single event— which I’m sure is what led to him watching them over the last year.
“Reach out to all of them to see if they’d like to talk business with me. Keep it discreet though. I don’t need word getting out everywhere or I’ll never have a moment of peace.”
“Sure thing, Grizzly.” He wrung his hands together; his body coiled like he had more to say.
I grunted. “Was there anything else?”
“Umm… well… you see, sir. I would like to schedule you an eye appointment. That font on the screen was stupid big. If you’re having trouble, there might be more to it.”
While I didn’t like the idea of needing medical intervention, I also wasn’t an idiot. Moseley was right. Something had to give.
“Here’s my phone. Use my medical app to make the appointment for later this week if possible. I’d rather know sooner than later.”
CHAPTER 3
Paxton
I could have been blown over by a small gust of wind when I saw that Grizzly emailed me back. The message was very brief, basically telling me he wanted to do a video call to discuss my future and goals. It was what I expected, but also very unexpected.
I wanted to scream from the rooftops that I was getting a chance to talk to my favorite agent, to talk to the man I had been more than a little obsessed with for a long time. Instead, I politely responded with my availability over the next week and then went about my day.
I had practice, which went as usual. The guys were all pissy because Coach Conway kept highlighting how good I was compared to them. I told the man more than once that it wouldn’t boost team morale to do so, but what did I know? I was just some college kid.
Not like I hadn't spent my entire life working towards professional baseball or seeing how others reacted when thingschanged. No, he was older and wiser and that meant he knew best. So I let it go.
Once we wrapped up practice and I showered and changed, I headed towards home. Going out was too exhausting and the idea of calling anyone up was pointless. I wouldn't be good company, not with the nerves settling over me at the possibility of meeting Grizzly.
Also, practice was just fucking hard. Mentally, I wasn't there. I had checked out. I needed to get my head on right before tomorrow or else I would be dealing with mental and physical strain.
On my apartment door, there was a paper note. I rolled my eyes and took it down as I unlocked the door. Flipping it open, I saw that it wasnt just a note, but an invitation. There was a birthday party happening for one of the princesses and Doyle had decided I needed to come.
The only major problem I saw was that the party was tonight. As in an hour from now, since I'd gotten home so late.
I grumbled for a moment and then accepted my fate. If I didn't show up, he would just call my phone endlessly until I answered. Then there would be a guilt trip and a whole lot of mess.
Why go through that when I could simply change clothes, go to the party, and probably have a good time?
I enjoyed hanging out with the Princess Pack, even though I wasn’t a Little myself. No, I was very much a Daddy in all aspects of my life. Control was needed, and I liked being able to guide someone through their day. I wanted to be there to support them with whatever they wanted to do.
Having the princesses around was like having my own little family. Little being the operative word. Their Daddies always took care of them, making sure they ate and slept and were punished appropriately. So I just got to be the fun uncle of sorts. I could walk up to anyone at any point of play and join in.
They welcomed me and cared about me. It was a blessing, one I didn't take lightly, which was why I was definitely going to the party.
I didn't have a gift, but considering the note said no gifts necessary, I shook off the doubt I had about coming empty-handed. With a fresh pair of jeans, a baggy sweatshirt—since it was still fairly cool in spring—and a baseball cap, I took off for Princess Aster's house.
The drive wasn't long, given that he lived in the city in one of the old abandoned warehouses. His husband Charlie, who was also his Daddy, had remodeled it into this amazing home boutique combo. Right next to it, they had a whole building dedicated to basically a Little land playhouse.
Honestly, they were couple goals.
Once I parked my car and knocked on the door, I understood the night would not be anything like I was used to. First of all, it was Fisher who opened the door. He had on a party hat in the shape of a seahorse. When he saw me, his eyes went wide, and he bounced on his toes.
"Paxi, you're here!" he said, reaching out to drag me inside.
