Fools Like Us Read online

  “Pssh. I’m an adult, Chancellor. I can handle this.” Courtney puffed it again.

  “Yes, but I am your Daddy, remember? I got a say in what my boy does to his body.” I added a growl.

  “Shhh…fine.” Courtney threw the pen back into his purse and stared at me wide eyed. “Your boy needs things to deal with the shit swirling in his head.”

  “Like?” I turned away from Courtney and eyed the screen.

  “Um…” Courtney’s gripped my bicep. His shoulders went rigid. “Just, uh… thinking about what my friends say.”

  “It worries you that much you gotta get high?”

  “Yeah. These guys are my brothers, especially Rory. He’s gonna have a conniption fit.” Courtney grasp tightened. “I’ve pissed him off before, so I know.”

  “Well, I’m sure they’ll get over it. You’re a grown man able to make your own decisions.”

  “That’s debatable…” Courtney muttered.

  “What?” I turned my head slightly, noticing his eyes bulge. “Courtney, are you truly ready for this?”

  “I am… I…” Courtney blew out a shaky breath and kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry, Chancellor. I don’t mean to worry you with my shit. Plus, I hate leaving you. I wish I could stay, but I just accepted this substitute teaching position at Caldwell.”

  “I’m not stopping you.” I put the laptop down onto my legs and brought him in for a hug. “Although I’ll miss the hell out of you, I understand you’ve got a job. I’m hoping one day you’ll see you won’t need to have one, but I won’t force that down your throat now.”

  Courtney hugged me back which was a good sign. He relaxed against me and ran his nails over my bare skin. “As much as I like the idea of not working, I can’t do that. I’ve got student loans up the wazoo.”

  “And I would…”

  “Uh uh… No…” Courtney pushed off and shook his head. “We don’t know each other yet, baby. Even if I did, I can’t do that to you.”

  “You’re my husband though.”

  Courtney flashed a loopy smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t. Maybe you can help me with them later, but right now, I’m not taking a red cent from you.”

  “Perhaps not right this minute, but just know I’m here if you need my help, okay? Don’t try to do it all alone. You are my boy, aren’t you?” I held out my arms for Courtney to fill them.

  “Yes.” Courtney took the bait and kissed my cheek.

  “Do you need more time to think about it?” I raised an eyebrow, waiting for the answer. In my heart of hearts, I hoped he’d say no, but I couldn’t expect him not to have second thoughts.

  “No. I’m set on that, but I need to touch base with my friends. When I left them the message earlier, I forgot about our plans.”

  A part of me wanted to make him cancel them, but I was a daddy and husband, not a tyrant. “Did you want to hang out with them and put this off for a day or two?”

  “No…no.” Courtney laughed and blinked. He rubbed his own arm and released quick breaths. “I wanna get married.”

  I exhaled and laced my fingers with his. The fear in his eyes and sudden jerky movements told me Courtney was hiding something. “Are you going to tell them about us over the phone?”

  “Oh hells, no. I’ve gotta do it in person or they’ll hurt me. They’re gonna do that anyway, but I can’t do that to them.” Courtney squeezed my fingers.

  “Okay. As long as we’re on the same page, everything will be fine. Let’s get this marriage application done.”

  Although I wanted to ask more questions, I refrained. There was something bothering Courtney, but I supposed he’d tell me in due time.

  What deep dark secret lie beneath this young man’s bubbly exterior? I had to find out because one thing I hated was surprises I couldn’t do anything about.

  Courtney

  The worried look in Chancellor’s eyes was a punch in the gut. How would he accept that the desire to be pampered, not be alone, and my maniacal ex were the main reasons I accepted his proposal? I never said I wasn’t a selfish asshole. Definitely not marriage material, but I suppose the more Chancellor got to know me he’d find that out.

  Although that expression bothered me, I wouldn’t tell him now.

  I desperately wanted another toke on my vape, but I didn’t grab it from my purse when Chancellor left. I’d be the good boy he wanted and not smoke as much.

  At least not around him.

  No question I’d be getting high when I went back. I’d need it after talking to my friends.

  Despite me begging to soap each other up, Chancellor insisted we shower separately. Something about not be able to resist me under the water. Surely, I’d have to explore that later.

  “Okay. Are you ready?” Chancellor walked in, tugging his shirt cuffs.

  Watching my new Daddy waltzing into the room, my mouth dropped open. If a fly was buzzing around my head, it would’ve found a home.

  Fuck baby.

  Not surprising that Chancellor didn’t get lazy when it came to dressing up for our impromptu nuptials. I’d thought he’d wear a suit, but this three-piece black with a vest and three-quarter length jacket, overshadowed me big time. Here I was in my party clothes I’d worn the night before looking like a two-bit ho, while he wore clothes fit for a king. If only I could go back to my room and grab something a little more proper.

  “Damn. Don’t you look delectable.” I moistened my lips and sauntered over to him. I ran my fingers over his perfectly pressed lapel.

  Chancellor laughed. “I’m getting married today.” He pressed a kiss to my head.

  “Have you been saving this for the big day?” I toyed with his collar. Nothing needed straightening, I just wanted to put my hands on him.

  Chancellor licked his lower lip and bit down. “Mhmm.” He wrapped both arms around my waist, letting his hands drop to my hips to squeeze. “Mmph. Do you know how much of a rise you’re getting out of me right now?”

  “Lemme feel.” I dragged my hand downward until I reached the bulge between his legs. “Ooh. You’re pitching a tent there, Daddy.” I continued running my fingers over his sizeable erection, then cupped his balls.

  “Shii… You need to stop that.” Chancellor managed through ragged breaths. He closed his eyes then reopened them, giving me the “wanna toss you back onto the mattress and fuck you silly,” look. “Any more of this and we’ll have our own private ceremony.” Chancellor playfully smacked my ass then gripped my right hip, giving it a good shake.

  “It won’t be legal then.” I said and kissed him.

  Chancellor returned the peck. “True. We’re gonna grab a car then, head down to the marriage bureau, then when we get the okay, go to the chapel.”

  “Fine with me. I texted my friends and told them I’d see them tomorrow. I was going ask to see them before, but I thought better of it.”

  “Oh? I thought you guys had plans?”

  “We did, but I don’t want them to try keeping me there so we can’t get on with ours.” I meant that because those loons would probably kidnap me so I couldn’t go through with this.

  Chancellor nodded and moistened his lips. “All right. I’ll take your word for it. Wouldn’t want to ruin any friendships.”

  “You won’t.” Again, that was debatable too. It wouldn’t be a forever damaged, but cancelling on them wouldn’t sit well, especially with Gabe. Eventually we’d work it all out.

  Regardless, I wasn’t changing my mind about being with Chancellor. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn’t pass up no matter how upset my friends and parents might be.

  This was my life to live or destroy as I saw fit.

  Honestly, I didn’t see any reason to be fearful. Chancellor’s calm disposition and willingness to please told me, this impromptu marriage would be one of the best decisions I’d ever made.

  Once we arrived at the marriage bureau it took less than ten minutes to file our application. Must’ve been a slow day on this fro
nt, which should’ve made the people helping us happy. Instead, the clerk’s side remarks, and side eye regarding my appearance pissed me off. If it weren’t for Chancellor’s quick wit and patience, I would’ve been arrested for harassing a city employee.

  Chancellor caught the disgusted look in my eye and ushered me out the door.

  “What a bitch!” Out of earshot, I couldn’t hold in my tongue any longer.

  “Calm down.” Chancellor held our license in my hand as we jogged down the stairs. “She was out of line, but my last comment put her in her place.”

  “Who the fuck does she think she is? Kim Davis?” As we arrived onto the pavement I reached for my purse, about to pull out my vape pen, then I stopped. Daddy would have to relax on this no vaping shit a lot sooner than later.

  “Maybe.” Chancellor brought me in, covering my lips with his. “You ready, sweetheart.”

  With our mouths connected, I forgot all about the stupid clerk and anyone around us. My legs wobbled, skin prickling from Chancellor’s embrace. Knowing it wouldn’t be long before we said, ‘I do,’ my dick pulsed under my dress. “Yes. I’m so ready. More than.”

  Chancellor patted my thighs and squeezed them. I had to say, I loved having a man that didn’t give a fuck about public displays of affection. Already a good sign we were indeed a good match. “Great. Since my car is close to where the chapel is, we’re going there first.”

  “Okay. I’ll follow you wherever you want to go, Daddy.” I grinned at him, wrapping my arms around his waist. I nuzzled the spot under his ear and licked it.

  Chancellor flashed a loopy smile and smacked my ass. “Careful what you wish for, baby boy. I got my ways of convincing you to stay a little longer.”

  “You could, but…” I stopped myself before I said something I couldn’t retract. Despite knowing my responsibilities, my willpower was low. Chancellor was right about tempting me.

  “But.” Chancellor kissed my head. “We’ll talk about that later. The chapel is waiting on us.” He moved far enough to tap his phone.

  I leaned on his shoulder, relaxing against him. I could get used to being a kept man, but my pride wouldn’t allow it. Once I got out from under the lust filled haze I’d start thinking clearly.

  After we grabbed Chancellor’s car, he drove us to the chapel. Not surprising that his automobile was impressive since he built them.

  “Did you make this one too?”

  “No. It’s a classic Jaguar my father bought. After he passed, I fixed it, putting in a new engine and interior, then repainted it. He runs like a dream.”

  Impressed with his handiwork, I looked around the car. “It almost as a new car smell.”

  “Almost. I don’t drive it all that much.”

  “Oh?”

  “Only when I have clients. It’s usually a good luck charm to land a new contract.”

  “So, you got it?”

  “Yes.” Chancellor placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed. “And I got you.”

  Heat rushed to my cheeks and I looked away. Chancellor already knew how to get me. No way would I be able to resist his million-dollar smile that did loopy things to my insides. “I got lucky too. There I thought I was gonna spend the night with a casino employee and ended up with the high roller.”

  Chancellor growled and smacked my thigh. “Good thing I convinced you to come home with me. And a high roller? I’m not much of a gambler, but really, I’m the luckier one.”

  “Maybe, but I came out on top too. Why aren’t you taken?” I had to ask him because he just seemed like the ultimate catch. Did he have a secret lover he wasn’t telling me about? A wife? Even if he did, he probably wouldn’t confess that now.

  “Hadn’t found the guy that liked to be taken care of. I’ve always wanted a boy to nurture. Some men don’t like that.”

  “I get that, probably the masculinity thing. Toxic shit! Their loss is my gain though because I do. You’re the answer to my prayers. All I’ve ever asked for is someone who’d make me feel special. Shit, Chancellor, we gotta make this work.”

  “We will, don’t worry. I’m already setting some things in motion.” He turned the wheel with one hand like a pro.

  “Yeah?” That made me perk up. This marriage would be so much better with Chancellor in Illinois. Him in my bed, keeping me warm and satiated. If he was around, I wouldn’t think about being with anyone else.

  Chancellor put the car in park and glanced at me, smiling wide. “Yes. I won’t be leaving you alone for long. Not taking anyone else until we get settled.” He cupped my chin. “Now. We’re here. This is your last chance to say no.”

  “I’m not saying anything. I want this, Chancellor. I want to be your husband today.”

  “All right. Let’s head inside then. We’ll figure out what to do afterwards.” He kissed me quick and got out, taking the marriage license with him. He appeared on the other side, opening the door for me.

  “Oh, I already know. The honeymoon night at your house, with you pummeling me into the mattress.” I took his hand as he helped me out of the car.

  “Ah, yeah, we could do that, but there’s other things on my mind.”

  “Really? More than making love on our wedding night?”

  “No, not the what, it’s the where.” Chancellor palmed my face in his hands and nuzzled my nose. “I’ll always see our place. I want our honeymoon to be special.”

  Although the our did excite me, I didn’t comment on it. Kept man or not, I wouldn’t lay claim to anything Chancellor owned. “Doesn’t matter where, babe. It will be fun and special regardless.”

  “True, but I want more. I always want more, Courtney. And usually, when I want more…”

  “You go the extra mile…”

  “To get what I want.” Chancellor finished for me and took my hand, leading me to the chapel doors. I rubbed his bicep, staring at him with half-lidded eyes.

  Oh damn, this man had me. We hadn’t known each other more than a day and I was officially hooked.

  Soon I’d be Mr. Chancellor Hague-McNamara since he was more than okay with hyphens. Daddy Chancellor was everything I’d been wishing for and more.

  Chapter Six

  Chancellor

  Once we presented our marriage license, a lady who resembled someone from That 70’s Show, led us to the front of the chapel where a justice of the peace stood, dressed in an all-white pants suit. An arch covered with white flowers was in the front.

  Smells of strawberry incense tickled my nostrils as we walked.

  Courtney actually sneezed, so I supposed neither of us were a fan.

  “Bless you honey. The smell will go away soon. We always burn it to give the new couple good luck.” She handed him a handkerchief.

  “Thanks.” Courtney accepted it.

  I glanced at him and nodded. “You good, babe?”

  “Mhmm. Let’s get this party started.” He plunged the cloth into the front of his dress. Apparently, he’d realized he took what wasn’t his. “Shit, sorry.”

  “No worries. I’ve got a million just like them.” She handed him a bouquet and grinned. Then she waltzed away, taking her place at the organ in this makeshift church with seven sets of benches on each side. I’d never been into one of these. Hadn’t planned on it either. We could always have a larger wedding for our friends later.

  When I tell them.

  Like Courtney said about his buddies, mine would be just as shocked at this move. Doing things without thinking had been a trait of mine my entire life, but never something this drastic.

  Hopefully Courtney wouldn’t make me look like a fool.

  “Hello. Courtney and Chancellor, right? Mr. and Mr.” He said proudly, seemingly unfazed.

  “Yes, sir. We’re ready to say I do.”

  “Good. Please turn to face each other and join hands. Do you have a ring?”

  “Yes.” Now that I knew his ring size, I’d be getting him something fancier before he left. “Will you…” The justice went right into th
e important words. Honestly, I was grateful for him cutting through the excess to get to the main reason why we were here. Not enough time for Courtney to change his mind and leave me standing at the altar.

  Well, I suppose he still could, but I had an inkling something else made him want to jump into this other than his desire to be coddled.

  “Chancellor?”

  “I do.” I said simply and grinned.

  Courtney returned the smile, then looked at the man, still holding my hand. He appeared to be calm. No worried expressions or wide eyes that might’ve signaled a, ‘what the fuck am I doing,’ moment.

  Admittedly, my heart thundered in my chest, shorting my breath. My palms were sweating as was my forehead, but I wouldn’t let on how concerned I was that he’d change his mind.

  Fuck.

  Usually, I kept my cool, but at this moment, my knees were about to give out from the pressure.

  Come on already. Say the words so he won’t change his mind.

  Pitiful, I know, but then again, I was asking someone almost half my age to make an irrational decision that would impact the rest of their lives.

  Maybe I should be the responsible one and call it off.

  Maybe…

  When the guy finished reciting the vows, Courtney turned to eye me. “I do.”

  I released a ragged breath and pulled his hand up to my lips. I slid the ring on his finger, signaling our union.

  With the biggest weight being lifted off my shoulders, my heart slowed to the correct pace.

  As the man dragged on about everyone having the right to marry, I stared into my new husband’s eyes, getting lost in the blueish green irises. A whirlpool of colors, bright and gleaming. I couldn’t wait to look into them while making love to soft music and candlelight as a backdrop. This evening wouldn’t be any normal honeymoon, but one he would remember and take back with the Land of Lincoln with him.

  “You may kiss your husband, Chancellor.”

  I didn’t have to be told twice. I wrapped my arms around his waist and yanked Courtney into me, crushing my lips atop his. The moment our mouths connected, my dick hardened under my trousers, aching for release.