Page 56 of Daddy's Pride

Is there? We live one hundred miles apart, give or take. I’ve never had a long-distance relationship, but I imagine it would be hard work. We’d be apart more than we’re together. I can’t ask Harris to drive to me every time we want to meet, but once the activity centre is open, I’ll be working weekends, while his job is strictly Monday to Friday, nine to five. At least, it’s supposed to be.

“Daddy?”

Shit. I’ve been quiet too long. What do I say? I adore him. I want him. I need him. My heart burns for him in a way I’ve never experienced before. But could we make it work?

“It’s okay. We had a fun week together. That’s enough,” he whispers.

Except it isn’t. “There could be an us if we both want it,” I say firmly.

Fuck the distance. We’ll never know if it can work if we don’t try.

“I want it, Daddy.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “So do I.”

“How do we make it work?”

“We communicate. Lots of phone calls and texts. We visit each other when we can. But I warn you. The moment my parents find out I have a boyfriend, they’ll want to meet you.”

Harris laughs. “The same goes for my parents. Are we crazy?”

“Why would we be?”

“For trying the long-distance thing when we barely know each other.”

“Boy.”

“Yes, Daddy?”

“What did you tell me in the car when we went to Scarborough?”

“I know you. I trust you.”

“Precisely. I know what I want, boy. I want you.”

“And I want you, Daddy. I wish?—”

My heart pounds. “What do you wish for, boy?”

“I wish I’d never said goodbye. It’s crazy, but I wish I’d stayed. I’m sorry. I’m being needy and pathetic and clingy. I miss you. Last week was intense. I’m still reeling from it.”

“Me too.” If only I could thread my fingers through his. If only I could touch him. “I’m only ever a phone call away, boy.”

“Thank you.”

“You need to eat.” I don’t want to stop talking to him, but he needs to care for himself.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Cook, and then, when you’re ready to go to bed, call me so I can say goodnight.”

“Is that all you’ll do, Daddy?”

“If you’re very good, I’ll say sexy things to you.”

“Phone sex?”

I chuckle. “Would you like that, boy?”

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