Page 21 of Daddy's Treat

Hey shortcake. Walt’s been telling his mom all about you. They want you to come to our weekly dinner on Wednesday.

The text has me freezing in the doorway. It’s not until someone tells me to move that I find my feet again. Kade wants me to meet his family?! That’s a big deal. Isn’t it? It seems like a big deal. We haven’t even had the whole boyfriend-girlfriend conversation yet. Granted, I’ve already met Walt. Not under the most flattering circumstances, but the kid seemed to like me well enough.

Are you sure? I don’t want to mess up your family time…

I’m completely catastrophizing the situation when a text doesn’t come through immediately. He’s just doing coach things. No need to stress, Penny. I get my Cheetos and make my way back to my hidey-hole of a study spot with my cheesy, crunchy prize.

It feels like ten hours have passed before Kade texts me back. The time stamp on my text message says it’s been two minutes.

Of course, I’m sure.

I miss you, shortcake.

Warmth blooms in my chest, and my stomach dips with his confession. Hello, butterflies, glad to know you’re still around. He misses me! I’m feeling extra brave at the moment, so I flip on my camera and take my first ever selfie. Okay, I take twenty before I get one that I like. I don’t give myself any time to doubt what I’m about to do. I send the picture with a ‘miss you too.’

A couple minutes later, my phone vibrates with a picture message. Oh, wowza. The picture is of Kade. He’s shirtless and sweaty and smiley, and did I mention shirtless and sweaty? This one image will inspire my naughty dreams for the rest of my natural given life.

Sorry, I’m a little sweaty. I’ve been working out with the guys. Psyching them up for the game.

Is he seriously apologizing for sending me the best picture ever? Does he even know what he does to the female population?

No need to apologize, unless it’s for making me drool all over my notes.

I want to take the text back as soon as I send it. Who knew a person could have broken filters via text message? At least I’m consistent.

I’ve never apologized for making a woman drool for me before.

I giggle at that. Kade never makes me feel silly even when I say the wrong thing. It’s almost like he finds my awkwardness endearing or something.

There’s a first time for everything, Mr. Prescott.

His response is instantaneous.I think we’re going to have a lot of firsts, Miss Cooper.

There are double entendres all up in that text. I have no doubt he’s thinking about all the firsts he’s been introducing me to. Kissing, dry humping, orgasms, making out under the bleachers, and sleeping in the same bed as a man, just to name a few.

So, dinner Wednesday?

Kade never lets me evade answering his questions. No matter how uncomfortable they make me. He demands complete honesty, always.

I’ll be there.

Great! I’ll see you Monday, shortcake.

See you then, I type with a dopey smile.

* * *

My anatomy test is grueling.It’s the first time in my whole academic career that I’m not sure how I did. I was way too distracted by the clock and how long it would be until I could see Kade. I’ve got it bad for him. It’s crazy how fast he’s come to mean so much to me. I’ve never dated before, obviously, so I have no real-life experience to compare it to, but I don’t think feelings are supposed to happen so quickly.

Or maybe when you know you know? The books I read are full of insta-love turned happily ever after. I know they’re fiction, but some of it has to be based on real life… right?

Finally, seven o’clock rolls around, and it’s time to meet Kade. I practically skip to the Phys-Ed building. I get there just as the bus is unloading. A couple of the players smile at me as they lug their heavy duffle bags toward the building, proving that not all jocks are jerks.

Of course, two seconds later, hyena brushes past me, saying my newest nickname under his breath. Three other players give me assessing looks like they are trying to strip me with their eyes. It makes me uncomfortable. Then there is the one guy who is always louder than the rest. Cockier than the rest. The quarterback who is Lucy’s flavor of the month.

“Hey Slutty-Penny, when you’re done fuckin’ old men, why don’t you try on a real cock for size.” He makes some obscene gestures so that I get the full picture of exactly what he wants to do to me.

I’m saved from having to respond when Kade comes out of the building. He scans the lot for me, his eyes lighting up when he finds me. I’d like to say I keep my composure and saunter to him all cool-like. That’s just not who I am. No, I drop my backpack and run at him. He braces himself, and I literally jump into his arms.

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