Page 40 of Boy Toy Not Included

The moment they were seated, Kuba pulled his chair closer to Diesel’s.

Diesel draped his arm across the back.

Nova and Tory shared a menu, chatting happily over what they might split.

Diesel looked around the table, and so much pride filled his chest. This was exactly the life he had always wanted for himself.

“I thought I saw you two come through the door.”

At the heavily accented words, Diesel turned to find Krystof.

Kuba immediately stood. “I didn’t know you were still in town.” They hugged.

“Just one more night.”

Kuba turned back to the table. “This is my dad, Krystof.” He motioned toward each person at the table, making introductions. “This is Diesel’s mom, Nova. Her girlfriend, Tory, and of course you’ve met Diesel.”

Krystof nodded toward each person. “Charmed.”

Tory and Nova responded simultaneously. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Nova turned into the mom she was. “We can get them to bring us another chair. I’d love to get to know you. Kuba already feels like part of the family. We absolutely love him.”

A kind smile touched Krystof’s features. He honestly was a gorgeous man. Even though he wasn’t related to Kuba by blood, they stood the same and had the same mannerisms. He could see the influence and wanted to know the man.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m just on my way out.” He focused on Kuba. “There’s still business in L.A. for me, but you know I’m only a phone call away. Maybe you remember to use that phone for more than emergencies.”

Nova chuckled. “The joys of raising boys.”

Krystof flashed her another smile. “They think they outgrow you.” He focused on Diesel. “I’m glad we ran into each other. I’d planned to stop by tonight, but this is better for my flight schedule. Would it be a terrible inconvenience if I spoke with you privately?”

Diesel immediately stood. “Of course not. Kuba knows what I like, so there’s no need for anyone to wait on me to order.” He cast his mom an apologetic look. “I’ll be back.”

She waved him away. “No problem. We’ll still be here when you get back.”

Krystof hugged Kuba again. “Love you.”

“Love you too, Dad. Let me know when your plane lands safely.”

Krystof nodded and then headed for the front. Diesel joined him. They stepped outside together before Krystof focused on him. “I wanted to thank you for being so understanding with Kuba. Losing his mom hit him in ways I didn’t know how to reach. You have him smiling again.”

Diesel took every word to heart. “I love him. You never have to thank me for that.”

Krystof chuckled. “Yes, I do. You could have been done with him when he finally broke over the Dread ordeal. Instead, you heardhim out and forgave him. You’d be surprised how many people have no grace to give. But I can see that you truly care for him, and that’s exactly what a parent wants for their child.”

Diesel couldn’t say Krystof’s words didn’t warm his chest. “I’m glad we ran into each other. I’d planned to reach out to you. The bonus you sent was way too generous. I’d like to return it.”

A smile exploded across Krystof’s face, taking fifteen years off him. “You’ll need that bonus. My son has expensive tastes. Plus, my hope is that you don’t intend to take on another client. That number is a pittance to me. It would be an insult for you to return it.”

Well, fuck. Krystof had him with that one. Judging by the smile he wore, he knew it.

Krystof waved him forward. “Come. Hug your future father-in-law.”

A surprised bark of laughter burst from Diesel, but he hugged Krystof. The guy had them married already.

Krystof pulled away, smiling like an idiot. “You laugh, but you’ll see. Svoboda men are irresistible and loyal. He won’t let you get away.”

Diesel realized his smile matched Krystof’s. He didn’t hate the idea of spending the rest of his life with Kuba. In fact, that was exactly what he planned to do. First, he needed to get to know his future stepmom.