Page 4 of Her Bossy Daddy

“I’d imagine with a mug like mine, it was the latter.”

“You’re killing me tonight.”

“Only tonight, love?”

His tone worried me. The dodged phone calls. Hanging up on him during the video chat and then refusing to make time. Our conversation had been going along pretty well until my brain picked it all apart. I bet he wants to know what’s bugging me, but I can’t tell him yet.

Thirty-five seconds ticked by in utter silence.

“Well, I’ve got to go. I’ve got some things to do before bed tonight.”

“I thought we could talk about a few things in person.” His low tone sent chills up my spine.

“My phone is dying, I think.” I fished another excuse out of the big bowl of them in my head and tossed it to him.

“Right. I imagine you can’t find your charger either,” he sighed. “You can’t push me away, love. Even if you try.”

“I really did lose my charger. Oh, no! Now you’re fading out.” I made crackling noises in between the words. “Bad reception. Fading out.” He had the right to be annoyed. It was the first time in over two years where I’d refused to open up. We had a lot to get out on the table, but I wasn’t ready.

“Right. I love you.”

“I love you.” A huge pit formed in my stomach as I ended the call and then texted him. Goodnight.

He replied immediately. We’ll figure this all out even if it takes a while. Goodnight, love. Sweet dreams.

I texted back, You too, and then set my phone down on the coffee table. We would figure our situation out because the main issue was all of my hang-ups. He’d been the most wonderful man in all the roles he took on. I sighed and got off my couch. I didn’t have a lot to do before bed, but I’d wanted off the phone with Liam. I certainly wasn’t ready for him to come over here in person. No, he had the ability to get me to open up about all sorts of things even when I didn’t want to, so being face to face wasn’t an option.

---