Page 21 of Strict Daddy

"Your strength amazes me, Poppy," he said softly, his blue eyes filled with warmth. "You've faced so much and yet remain so kind and hopeful."

His words pierced straight to my heart. For so long, I'd seen my past as a burden, something to hide. But in Byron's eyes, I saw admiration, not pity.

"I've never told anyone all of this before," I admitted, feeling both vulnerable and strangely empowered.

Byron's gaze held mine, intense and sincere. "Thank you for trusting me with your story," he said. "You're incredible, Poppy. I hope you know that."

In that moment, I felt truly seen – not just the parts of myself I showed the world, but all of me. My heart swelled with an affection so deep it almost frightened me.

After dinner, Byron suggested a walk, and I eagerly agreed.

The crisp night air nipped at my skin as we strolled through the nearby park, the stars twinkling above us like scattered diamonds. I was acutely aware of Byron's presence beside me, the warmth radiating from his body.

Our hands brushed against each other, sending little sparks through my fingertips. I wondered if he felt it too.

"So," Byron's voice broke the comfortable silence, a hint of playfulness in his tone. "I bet you never thought your fitness journey would lead to a night like this."

I laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Definitely not. I was just hoping to maybe fit into my old jeans."

"And look at you now," he teased, his eyes roaming appreciatively over my figure. "Those jeans don't stand a chance."

A blush crept up my cheeks, but I felt a surge of confidence. "Well, I had a pretty good trainer," I shot back with a wink.

Byron's answering chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. Then, with a gentle decisiveness that made my breath catch, he took my hand in his. His palm was warm, slightly calloused, and it fit perfectly against mine.

We continued walking, our joined hands swinging slightly between us. I marveled at how natural it felt, how right.

"You know," I said softly, "a few months ago, I never would have had the courage to go on a date like this. To open up the way I did tonight."

Byron squeezed my hand. "I'm honored you chose to share that part of yourself with me," he said. "Your journey isn't just about physical transformation, Poppy. It's about rediscovering your strength – the strength that's always been there."

His words settled deep in my chest, warming me from the inside out. We reached a scenic overlook, pausing to admire the glittering city lights spread out before us.

Byron turned to face me, his expression suddenly serious. "There's something special about moments like this," he said softly. "When everything feels right."

I met his gaze, my heart pounding. "Yes," I whispered, barely trusting my voice. "It does."

The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in our own little universe. Byron's eyes, usually so intense, were now filled with a warmth that made me want to melt into him.

I found myself leaning closer, drawn by an invisible force.

Byron's hand brushed my cheek, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. "Poppy," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Would you like to come back to my place for a mug of cocoa? No pressure, just . . . I'm not ready for this evening to end."

"I'd love to," I heard myself say, surprising even myself with the steadiness in my voice.

The ride to his apartment was a blur of anticipation and nervous energy. When we arrived, I couldn't help but gasp softly as we stepped inside. The space was elegant yet inviting, filled with rich textures and warm lighting that made me feel instantly at ease.

"Make yourself comfortable," Byron said, gesturing to a plush leather couch. "I'll warm up some cocoa."

I sank into the soft cushions, my fingers tracing the smooth leather as I took in my surroundings. Framed photographs lined the walls – landscapes mostly, but a few candid shots that hinted at a life well-traveled. It felt like I was seeing a new side of Byron, one that went beyond the intense trainer I'd come to know.

He returned with two mud of steaming cocoa, settling beside me with a smile that made my stomach flutter. "To new beginnings," he said, clinking his mug gently against mine.

The cocoa was delicious.

We sipped in comfortable silence for a moment before Byron spoke again, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of... something I couldn't quite place. "There's actually something I've been meaning to tell you, Poppy."

I tilted my head, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"

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