“Boy,” Jude growled. “That is not going to work.”
“Why not?” Liam whined. “Just give me the pizza. And why didn’t you just tell the delivery person the right address to begin with?”
“I wanted to talk to you,” Jude replied.
Now? He wanted to talk now? What about when he ignored Liam this morning? “Uh, it's not really a good time. I have a guest.”
“I know,” Jude said. “Can you please stop hiding behind the door?”
Liam sighed. This was probably the end to any kind of friendship that he would have with Jude. If Jude had any idea of littles, then Liam’s secret would be out. Nothing he could do about it now.
Liam pushed the door all the way open before crossing the threshold.
Jude held two pizza boxes with a plate on top.
“What’s that?” Liam pointed at the plate.
“My apology,” Jude said.
Liam didn’t understand.
“I was a jerk to you this morning,” Jude said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep well, not that it’s any kind of excuse. I know I can be a bit of an asshole. You don’t deserve that.”
He nodded. Liam didn’t deserve it.
“So, I made you and your friend some homemade cookies,” Jude said, passing the pizza boxes and plates to Liam.
“What kind of cookies?” No one had ever made him cookies before. Especially not homemade.
“Chocolate chip,” Jude said with a smile. “Is there any other kind of cookies for a playdate?”
Liam nearly dropped everything. “What?” he shrieked. Playdate? That meant that Jude totally knew what was going on. Not good. Not good at all.
Jude shook his head. “Careful, don’t drop that. Pizza might not be a proper dinner, but it’s okay as a treat now and then.”
“Okay.” What else could Liam say? He had no idea what to do.
“Now get inside. Make sure you lock your door. I didn’t hear you unlock it to get the pizza.”
“Yeah.” Liam might have forgotten since he’d been so excited when Nicky arrived.
Jude took a step forward. “Everything’s okay. Have fun with your friend and I’ll talk to you later.”
Liam nodded. Later. That was the best idea ever! He’d deal with this later. “Thanks?”
“You’re welcome.” Jude turned and started walking down the steps.
Liam stood there and watched until after Jude had returned to his own house.
“He is hot!”
Liam jumped again.
Cackling, Nicky rescued the pizza and plate of cookies.
“Jerk!” Liam stomped his foot. “That wasn’t nice.”
“It was funny though.” Nicky headed into Liam’s house. “Come on, I thought you were hungry.”
