Page 13 of Daddy, Sir

She could tell he didn’t believe her. Tatiana sniffed. It smelled amazing in here. “But I’m hungry now.”

He nodded. “Let me get you some soup. I made baked potato soup. Do you like it cheesy, with bacon, or both?”

“You made soup? Both, please.”

He headed for the open kitchen a short distance away and put together a bowl for her. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I like to cook. It’s kept me from eating MREs in desperation.” When she looked confused, he added, “Meals ready to eat.”

“Not so good, huh?”

“It’s nutrition and fuel.”

He took a seat on the coffee table in front of her and balanced the tray on his lap. Her boss dipped a spoon into the hot mixture and held it close to her lips. “Blow on this first. It’s too hot.”

Tatiana reached for the spoon, and he pulled it away.

“You’re in an awkward position. Let me help you. Blow.”

Not knowing what to do, she followed his instructions. The taste when he spooned it into her mouth was amazing. Her eyebrows flew up her forehead in amazement. She savored the delicious mixture and swallowed before complimenting him, “That’s better than a restaurant’s.”

“I’m glad you like it. Have some more.”

He quietly fed her. Tatiana kept waiting for it to become awkward, but it didn’t. When she was about halfway through the bowl, he set the tray down to grab a pain pill. She took it gratefully. Her leg throbbed inside the cast.

“I can’t believe I broke my ankle. I am such a klutz.”

“Don’t speak poorly about yourself. I’m sorry you were hurt as well. I don’t like seeing you in discomfort. Have a bit more soup.”

Soon, she couldn’t take another bite. “That’s it for me. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. Do you have anything I can get?” he asked casually.

“No,” she answered, horrified.

“Neither do I. I was tested about six months ago.”

Tested? Her face flamed with embarrassment. “You mean sexually? No. I’ve been tested recently, too. Are you supposed to ask me that?”

“I’m not asking as your boss.” He took a bite of the soup remaining in her bowl and quickly polished it off. “I’m asking as the man who thinks he’s your Daddy. What do you think?”

“About my boss asking?”

“No. The military could fire me tomorrow for the appearance of impropriety. I’m asking as a man who thinks I’m your Daddy.”

“Oh. I don’t want you to lose your job. I should go.”

“Not going to happen. You need help. Do you have someone else you could call?” he asked.

“No,” she admitted.

“First, your job is completely safe. Are you interested in me at all as your Daddy?”

Tatiana froze. He held her gaze with his. She wouldn’t lie to him. “I’ve never had a Daddy. I’ve read about them and dreamed about them, but never met anyone who I knew was a Daddy.”

“Do you think I could be a good Daddy for you?” he asked quietly.

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes.”

“Thank you for being brave. You tell me if something changes, and I’ll back off.”

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