Page 31 of Daddy's Little Dreamer

“N-no.”

He held up two fingers with barely a sliver of air between them. “This much. We’re only a couple weeks into this and I’m ready to toss in the towel, scream I love you and move you in with me and that is saying a lot coming from a previously confirmed bachelor.”

Wait. Did he just say? “You-you love me?”

“I did. Did it hit me hard and fast? Absolutely. Have I said those words to another? Never. I live for your giggles and your smiling face at the end of a long day. I adored watching you run around naked, dancing to whatever song played in your head. But mostof all I love you and the way you lie in my arms and nurse as your head finally goes silent and you’re able to sleep. You are it for me, Trevor. I want it all and I want it with you.”

I tackled him to the floor. I couldn’t help myself.

“Cold! Cold! Cold tile!”

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry Daddy.” I tried to help him up, but he was a heck of a lot bigger than me.

Daddy stood and pulled my naked body against his. “So now, Sweet Bee, will you take a deep breath and instead of focusing on me leaving, focus on my staying?”

“Yes, Daddy. I promise, Daddy.” I’d replay that in my head on an endless loop. “Daddy.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I love you, too. So, so much.”

When Daddy’s lips met mine it felt different than before. Not quick and onto the next anything. He took his time, really kissing me. It was like he tasted my lips and savored every bit of them, nipping and soothing away the sting. I was in heaven. Never had my mouth or me been so treasured.

Like I mattered.

I finally mattered to someone. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I felt it, felt it in his words and in his touch.

“Easy there.” Daddy steadied me as we pulled apart. My legs were a bit wobbly. “Let’s get dressed and eat.”

“’K.”

How easily I’d gone from unsure Trevor back to my happy, silly self. Right now, nothing could wipe the smile from my face or thehappiness in my step. Daddy was for real and the stars finally let me have my wish.

“Being a grown-up sucks.”

Daddy laughed as we turned into my complex. “When it comes to times like this, I must agree. Only seeing you on the weekends is hard but at least I get to read to you each night.”

“Yeah, but I slept all night with you.”

“Well, how about next weekend I pick you up on Friday and take you home on Sunday. Then we can see how two nights and two days go. What do you say?”

“I say yes, yes, yes!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Daddy parked in front of my building. “Give me a kiss, sweet bee.”

“Yay! Kissing is my favorite.” Though that was the first time I ever kissed someone who smiled the whole time.

“I thought I’d find you out here.” Mom climbed out of the window to join me. “You got your wish, so what else are you asking for?”

“Not asking, thanking this time. Don’t want the stars to think I forgot my manners.”

“Never, love. Anyone who knows you knows that. I take it that it’s going well with Jayger?”

“Better than I ever imagined. I just hope I don’t mess it up.”

“I doubt that could happen. That man looks at you like you’re the only man on earth. He better treat you right, that’s all I’ve got to say.”

“He treats me like a prince, Mom. I had so many gifts waiting for me at his house. He makes sure I eat well and cooks for me. He took me to the park, and he even played with me. No one but you have ever done that.” How sad did that sound? Further proof I was a freak with no friends.

“This, plus you have your new friend, Brandon. I’d say things are finally going your way.”

“He um, he told me he loved me.”

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