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I was good with just curling up and watching a movie but I wasn’t sure what Daddy was thinking about. He was a bit more of alet’s do somethingkind of person. When I was little that energy seemed to be focused on taking care of me, but the plan was for me to be big while Sofie was around.

I liked being little, but all the sides of me were in agreement that it was big Desmond who was going to be in charge while she was around, not cute Dessie.

Plans should’ve been an easy conversation, but Daddy looked naughty. His grin was devilish and his eyes sparkled.

I’d made some kind of strategic error but I wasn’t sure what that was.

His silence dragged out but from the way his head cocked, he was thinking about how to say something. So clearly he knew that Sofie might be able to hear us too. After a few seconds, he nodded to himself. “I was thinking that we should try out the social club you belong to. I’d like to meet your friends.”

Really?

It was okay for him to be nervous and want to take his time.

Swallowing, I let out a breath and tried to think of how to respond. “I’d like that, but we already discussed that we didn’t have to rush anything.”

Anything like hanging out with people from the club or dating in public…and the club wasn’t regular public but it was an interesting kind of almost-public.

I knew he wasn’t hiding me because I’d just met Sofie and she was planning on telling everything she knew to her mother as soon as she got the go-ahead from Daddy. But this was different. The club and being my Daddy in that kind of space was very not-private.

Shaking his head before he seemed to think about it, Daddy frowned. “No, it’s not rushing.”

If he said so.

“We could always just go be pests and show up at Austin’s house. I’m sure you know if he’s actually busy or not.” Daddy probably had his phone bugged, so I wasn’t worried about just heading over there.

Daddy laughed. “That sounds like a punishment. I’d really rather meet your friends.”

“You’ve been dating long enough that if he’s not ready to meet your friends, then I’m calling Mama.” Sofie’s helpful push said I’d been right to expect her to be able to hear us.

Daddy rolled his eyes. “Tattletale.”

“You’re dragging your feet. Does Mama need to give you thatwhen you find your matelecture again? Don’t think I won’t tell her.” Sofie’s voice sounded like she was getting closer and before she’d finished threatening Daddy, she was strolling through the kitchen.

He didn’t look worried or pissed, so I just finished my coffee and tried not to laugh. Daddy was nervous, but he wasn’ttattling to Mamalevel yet even if Sofie didn’t have any idea what meeting my friends would entail.

“I’m off to get groceries.” She shot Daddy a glare as she picked up her purse and headed toward the garage. “Call Mama or I will.”

They made me really glad I was an only child.

Chapter 23

Tyson

“We could always go get ice cream and go home to watch a movie.” Dessie’s third attempt at distracting me as we drove over to the club wasn’t bad, but the chances of him being hungry were slim to none.

Every time I’d turned around Sofie had been feeding him and there was no possible way for his stomach to be anywhere near empty.

“I think this is going to be more fun and you told me that the Daddy in charge of the playroom usually has a movie on. At the very least, we can cuddle and watch that while your friends stare at me.” I wasn’t under any assumptions that we’d be subtly ignored.

Nope.

It was going to be a three-ring circus of giggles, blushing, and confusing questions if Dessie’s little side was anything to go on.

His sigh said he wasn’t so sure about the plan. “I’m sorry they’re going to stare.”

“I can handle it.” Reaching over, I rested my hand on his neck and gave it a squeeze. “They’re curious littles and they’re not going to expect me. I’m fairly certain they’re going to stare andask me curious questions. Then after a few minutes of awkward, everyone will get used to me.”

His barely suppressed laughter said I was on the right track.

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