Page 18 of Puck Me Daddy

His words filled me with warmth, and I felt a sudden urge to throw my arms around him. But instead, I simply smiled and said, "Thank you, Daddy."

The word slipped out easily this time, and I felt a flutter of anticipation at the thought of what was to come.

Demian opened a drawer in his desk, taking out a small yellow bundle. He brought it over to me, revealing a plush bear with oversized ears and a soft, inviting smile. The sight of it tugged at something deep within me.

"Take this," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "It's to remind you that I'll be there for you, even when we're apart."

I hesitated for a moment before accepting the gift, feeling the velvety fur beneath my fingertips. As I hugged the stuffed animal to my chest, a warmth spread through me, banishing the lingering chill of uncertainty.

"Thank you, Daddy," I murmured, the words coming more naturally now.

Demian's eyes softened, and he leaned down to press a tender kiss to my forehead. “You can tell me his name tomorrow.”

I nodded solemnly. “Yes. I need to get to know his personality first.”

Demian grinned. “Well, of course you do. You can’t go calling your stuffie Mr. Sunshine if it turns out he’s super grumpy.”

I giggled. “Exactly. And I can’t call him Cuddles if he doesn’t like to be touched.”

Demian arched an eyebrow. “He likes to be touched, sweetheart. I can promise you that.”

I felt my cheeks burn thinking about touching Demian . . .

"Right, I'll pick you up at 9 a.m. tomorrow, sweetheart," he murmured, taking my phone and punching his number into it. "Text me your address, then get some rest. I want you ready for what comes next."

He smiled led me towards the door. "Make sure to wear something . . . appropriate."

His gaze held mine, conveying a silent understanding of what he meant by 'appropriate.' A frisson of excitement coursed through me, mingling with the ever-present nerves.

Stepping into the elevator, I clutched the plush bear tightly, its softness offering a measure of comfort in the face of the unknown. My heart swelled with a potent mixture of trepidation and a sense of belonging that I couldn't quite explain. Tomorrow, I would delve into uncharted territory, guided by the man who now stood watch over me in both body and spirit.

Chapter 6

Istepped into myapartment, the click of the lock echoing like a gunshot in the quiet. My heart pounded, a mix of thrill and anxiety coursing through me. The living room lights were dim, casting long, dancing shadows that matched the whirlwind in my mind. Every corner, every surface seemed to echo Demian's words, his presence, and the weight of the contract I'd signed.

I dropped my keys into the bowl by the door, the clatter jarring. My bag hit the kitchen counter with a thud, and I pulled out the NDA, the crisp paper crinkling under my touch. I spread it flat, my fingers tracing the bold signature at the bottom. His signature. A shiver ran down my spine, a blend of excitement and nerves.

"What have I gotten myself into?" I murmured, scanning the words again. Confidentiality. Non-disclosure. Terms I knew well from work, but this time, they sent a jolt through me. This wasn't just a story; this was his life, his trust.

I looked down, my gaze landing on the plush bear in my hands. Its beady eyes seemed to stare back reassuringly, and the softfur was comforting against my chest. A swell of warmth spread through me.

"This is crazy, Tilly," I whispered to myself, hugging the bear tighter. The warmth turned into a knot of uncertainty. I was used to chasing stories, not becoming part of them. But Demian . . . there was something about him. And I loved the way he’d looked after me tonight. I even loved the way he’d insisted I go home to rest after this, to give me time to process everything. I loved it, but I was impatient for more.

I sank onto the couch, the bear still clutched to my chest. The room was silent, but my mind was a whirlwind. I could see Demian's face, hear his voice. "Baby girl," he'd called me. The words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of excitement and fear.

I tried to relax with a couple of cartoons but it was no use. I needed to try to sleep, to clear my head completely so I could wake up refreshed and ready for whatever tomorrow had in store.

“Come on, Bear,” I said. “Let’s get ready for bed.”

As I cleaned my teeth and put on my pajamas, I wondered what to call my new stuffie. It felt like a big decision, one I wanted to get right.

The bear's glassy eyes stared up at me as I tucked us both into bed, its fur soft against my cheek. My mind was a blender set to high, thoughts whirling and crashing into each other.

I tossed and turned, the cool cotton sheets twisting around my legs. Dreams came in fractured pieces—ice rinks filled with stuffed animals, contract clauses written in crayon, Demian's stern face melting into a smile. I jolted awake more than once, heart pounding, only to find the bear still clutched tightly in my arms.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered, flipping my pillow to the cool side. But even as I said it, a warmth spread through me. There was something comforting about having the stuffie there,a tangible link to Demian and the strange new world he was introducing me to.

Eventually, to my great relief, morning light crept in through the blinds, casting stripes across my comforter. I stretched, feeling the tight muscles in my shoulders protest.

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