Page 64 of Don't Call Me Daddy
“What if I want you to?”
“Ivy,” he hisses, his pleading stare boring into me. “You’re playing with fire, and sooner or later, you’re going to get burned.”
I narrow my eyes in challenge. “Maybe that’s the only way I’ll learn.”
“Then, I suggest you find yourself someone with a little more patience because I don’t have time for your games.”
“I think you’re full of shit. You’re making excuses because you’re afraid of what will happen if you let yourself have what you want. It’s like you don’t think you deserve to be happy, like you’re addicted to tormenting yourself and depriving yourself of anything that would bring you pleasure,” I challenge back.
“Or … I have more important things that require myfullattention.” He brushes me to the side as he moves to pass me.
“I’m so sorry, Boss Daddy. Please forgive me for distracting you with my tight clothes and great ass. Besides, you’re the one who insisted on tagging along on my camping trip,” I retort.
“Forgive me for worrying that you’d get yourself killed out here alone. I guess I’m just the bad guy for actually giving a shit about your well-being.”
“Don’t get all defensive. I’m just saying it’s only one night. I would’ve been fine. I’m smart. I can figure things out.”
He rolls his eyes. “Which is exactly why I insisted on coming with you. This isn’t one of those times where winging it is a good idea. Anything can happen out here, and you need to be prepared.”
I nudge him with my shoulder. “Or … you can go with the flow and see that things have a way of working out. It’s called an adventure.”
He scoffs a laugh and tugs on my long, braided pigtail. “If you call getting ticks and blisters an adventure, then you can keep your adventures to yourself. Besides, someone had to plan ahead so you can roast s’mores over the campfire tonight.”
That makes me perk up, and I spin to face him. “You packed stuff for s’mores too?”
“Yeah, but I’m not sure I’m in the mood to share anymore.”
I bump into him a little harder, but he doesn’t move, just looks down at me with a teasing smile. We walk like that insilence for a while, and it almost feels like this could be real, like this could be my life. But it’s all a show, and we both know it.
When we get to the top of the hill, I lean against a tree as I try to catch my breath.
“You should’ve told me to slow down if you were struggling.” He pulls my inhaler out of his bag and hands it to me.
I take a couple of puffs, immediately breathing easier.
That’s two thoughtful gestures today. Where am I, and where has my grumpy fake fiancée gone?
He points to a waterfall up ahead. “The campsite’s on the other side of the waterfall. Can you make it the rest of the way, or do you need me to give you a piggyback?”
I narrow my eyes and grin. “You know, my legs are pretty tired from that hike …”
He rolls his eyes. “Seriously?”
I shrug. “Hey, you offered. I just want to conserve my energy.”
He moves his backpack to his chest and squats down for me to climb on without complaint. I could get used to this princess treatment even if it comes laced with sarcasm and snide remarks.
Without missing a beat, I climb on his back, wrapping my legs tightly around his waist and pressing my body flush against him. I don’t miss the way his thumb traces soothing circles over my thigh as he holds me without any complaint, and I can’t help but think he enjoys this as much as I do even though he’d never admit it.
Yeah, a girl could definitely get used to this.
“There they are, the two lovebirds,” Mary calls out as Leo places me down to sit beside her. “Ivy, dear, tell me you didn’t hurt yourself on the hike up.”
“She’s fine, just got a little winded on that last hill,” Leo answers for me.
“Well, I’m glad you were able to put those muscles to use.” Mary gives us each a hug. “I hope you don’t mind, but we had to give you the little tent. Guy and Luka insisted they each needed to be able to spread out, and your father’s air mattress takes up so much room, so we needed the big one.”
She points to the line of tents set up in a row and a small one set off to the side. It looks like it’s barely big enough for one person, much less Leo’s six-four frame.
