Page 40 of Derek

6:34 am:Good morning, babygirl. How was your night?

6:41 am:Fine. I hope you slept well, too? Have a nice day, Daddy. Can’t wait for Friday to arrive.

As Sonja typed the message, she realized it was true. She wanted to be with Derek, not only at the club but also at her house. Although Derek had a more beautiful home, they spent most of their time together at her place because of Snuggles.

6:43 am:You too, babygirl, and I’m looking forward to Friday, too!

Sonja trotted over to her sports car after the busy Friday lunch crowd had left. Suzie would stay with the crew and keep an eye on cleanup so Sonja could go to her appointment at the beauty salon. Thank God, it was finally the weekend! She was bone tired after an entire week of short nights. It seemed like it was getting harder for her to cope with her sleeplessness.Is it because I’m getting older, or is it because sleeping beside Derek gives me an inkling of how a good night feels?

2:18 pm:Heading to the spa now—‘Grinning face with smiling eyes’ emoji, ‘Clapping hands’ emoji

2:19 pm:Okay, babygirl—enjoy and relax. I’ll see you in about three hours at my place.

2:20 pm:Yes, Daddy. Looking forward to seeing you—‘Face blowing a kiss’ emoji— Need me to bring something?

2:20 pm:No, thank you, baby. I’ll take care of everything.

All right, time to indulge in some pampering. Sonja rarely took time for this kind of treatment, but Suzie and Connor had given her a gift card for a spa at the rebranding of their café almost a year ago, and it was about to expire. Sonja was amazed when she realized it had been over a year and a half since her mentor, Carol, had retired. Suzie and Connor had bought out Sonja’s former partner in The Savory Table, and Suzie had added her baked goods to the menu. Connor had come up with the new name, and they had reopened as The Sweet and Savory Table the previous October.

Sonja drove the eight miles to Green Leaf Massage and parked her Miata in the lot near the building. The temperature was pleasant for October, but the wind was quite cold, and she was glad she didn’t have to walk a long distance. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with tranquil music playing. An attractive man greeted her.

Sonja introduced herself and presented the gift card.

“Ah, yes, Ms. Madden. You’re scheduled for a ninety-minute massage and a reviving foot rub. Brooke will be ready for you in a few moments.”

Sonja wiped her mouth with a napkin. She was afraid she would fall asleep over her plate if she weren’t careful. After the pampering at the spa and a copious meal, all she wanted was to snuggle up with Derek on the couch.

“I have something for you,” Derek said as he stood up to clear the table. “Let me deal with the dishes, and then I’ll get it for you.”

Sonja jumped to her feet. “I can help.”

“No need, baby. You’ve been on your feet since six this morning, and you look tired. Would you like to stay in tonight instead of going to the club?”

Sonja rose and collected their glasses with one hand and the remainder of the lasagna with the other. “Iamtired, but not from work, and I would love to stay home tonight.”

While Derek filled the dishwasher, Sonja cleaned the kitchen counter and told him about her spa adventure.

“What a thoughtful gift. You should pamper yourself more often.”

She hummed. “Maybe.”

Derek kissed her on the mouth with just a soft press of his lips. He was a patient kisser, and she liked that he didn’t dive in with his tongue right from the start. Some of the men she’d dated had been more like dogs, licking and slobbering. Derek seemed pleased with the feel of her lips against his as he coaxed her to relax against him and grant him access. After minutes of worshipping her mouth with his, he pulled back and grinned. “You make me forget everything. Let me get your present. Please, wait for me on the couch by the television.”

Sonja did as he instructed, bursting with curiosity. What was it this time? Another dress? When he came in with an artfully wrapped present in his hands, she stretched her neck to see the package better. She couldn’t make out what it was from the shape.

Derek grinned. “Curious?”

Sonja smiled back and nodded. Derek held out the gift to her, and she took it eagerly. It was soft, the material yielding under the wrapping paper. Sonja tore away the paper, and the cutest white teddy bear gazed up at her. Sonja pressed the bear against her chest and beamed up at Derek. Their eyes met, and she felt he was studying her the way Snuggles watched her opening a can of food. Of course, Snuggles never had this much love and adoration in his eyes. Sonja was speechless, enthralled by his gaze, and on the verge of tears at the thoughtful gift.

As she searched for words to express her gratitude, warmth swelled in her chest, too big to contain. She didn’t need to say anything—she could feel the emotion written all over her face.

Derek settled beside her on the couch and pulled her against his body. She snuggled and managed to say, “Thank you, Daddy.”

Derek pressed a kiss on her hair. “You’re welcome.” She could feel him smile. “I realized you had all these stuffed animals in your bedroom and none here.”

Her heart melted.

He is the most amazing man I’ve ever met!

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