Page 74 of Off-Limits Daddy
“I mean really serious. No more sneaking around. No more pretending we’re just friends if someone’s watching.”
“I want people to know I’m yours,” I said simply. “And that you’re mine.”
Ari looked at me for a long moment, and I let him. Let him take all the time he needed to see the truth on my face, to weigh it against the fear that had lived in both of us for so long.
His smile was soft. Unsteady. Full of something that looked an awful lot like wonder.
“Okay,” he whispered. “Yeah. More than okay.”
I wrapped an arm around him and pulled him down beside me, letting the sun warm our backs as he curled into my chest. His sketchpad lay forgotten in the grass, page fluttering in the breeze. I didn’t need a picture.
This right here? It was burned into memory.
His laugh brushed against my collarbone as he adjusted the crown one more time. “You look ridiculous.”
“Yeah, well, you’re the one who made me wear it.”
He grinned. “Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view.”
I kissed him again—lazy and unhurried, both of us smiling too much to keep it serious. Somewhere nearby, a bee buzzed past. A bird called overhead.
But in our little patch of sunflower and blue sky, there was nothing but soft laughter, quiet kisses, and the quiet, certain joy of being known.
TWENTY-THREE
ARI
Me: Let’s do something normal before I combust.
I thumbed the message one-handed, sprawled on my bed, my legs tangled in sheets and half-finished laundry. A second later, I added:Also it’s your last day off and I’m selfish.
The typing bubble popped up almost immediately.
Daddy: Define normal.
Me: Not art. Not overthinking.
Daddy: Sounds fake. What else you got?
Me: The beach. Towels. Sunscreen. Sand in places we’ll regret.
Daddy: Are you asking or bratting?
Me: Both. Please, Daddy?
Daddy: Dramatic little thing. What time should I pick you up?
Me: I’ll be ready in 45. You bring snacks. I’ll bring the drinks.
Daddy: *eye roll emoji*
Me: Promise I’ll behave
Daddy: *eye roll emoji* *eye roll emoji*
Fifteen minutes in, I texted a mirror selfie. Shirt off. Swim trunks slung low. Purple sunglasses.
Me: Thoughts?
