Page 57 of Collision of Winters
I used his name to transport us outside the Daddy/Little universe, because I understood that he might struggle extra if he only viewed me as his mischievous goofball. And that mind-set had kinda taken a hike after my talk with Chris.
Wade cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. “I’m starting to realize that I need more time to process things after my burnout. In addition to that, I’ve maintained a very simplelifestyle during my recovery. I lead my life on a schedule to prevent surprises—and you’re the biggest surprise of my life, blue.”
Aw. That made sense, of course.
“I want to say no to all of this and tie you to the cabin with your new shoelaces,” he stated. “I just got you. You’re mine now, Kayden. Everything has changed—you’ve turned my world upside down in a matter of days. And now you’re going to start this new adventure, which will present some risks. Risks that I will struggle with.”
I reached over and grabbed his hand?—
“Please keep both hands on the wheel if you’re going to drive like a maniac,” he told me.
I stifled my grin and gripped the wheel with both hands. He was being cute!
“I’m going fifty,” I pointed out. “It’s not fast.”
“It is when there’s no road,” he argued.
Oh please. My driving was so smooth that the dogs didn’t even react in the back. One look in the rearview, and I could see Atlas and Cat literally sleeping in their cages. Prince and Tundra were sitting up, tongues out.
Wade’s frustration was clear as day, and I felt for him. He wasn’t usually this easy to read.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” I murmured. “We created a Daddy/Little bubble in the cabin, and we’re leaving before we’re really ready.”
A breath gusted out of him, and he nodded once, looking out the window. He kept his gaze fixed, as if he needed a semblance of solitude for the moment, but he did reach out and give my leg a squeeze.
“How can we make this easier?” I wondered. “Is there anything I can do? I’m guessing it’s more difficult for you to switch between Daddy and…I don’t know, boyfriend or big brother?”
He glanced my way at that, expression pensive. “I’m not sure yet. I haven’t struggled with it in the past, but it’s been a long time since I had a partner. And, as has become glaringly obvious, you’re different.”
I wanted to grab his hand so bad.
“You’re different too,” I offered. “You’re the one I’ve compared every potential guy to in the past, and no one could measure up.”
He sighed and rubbed my thigh. “But it’s easy for you to switch between the mind-sets?”
I shrugged and checked the sideview. The ground wasn’t as shrubby here. Instead, we drove on a lot of rocks. I had to be careful.
“I think it depends on the mood,” I answered. “I woke up with birthday energy. Plus, I’m ready to go back to the real world with you.”
He hummed. “So you are ready to leave the bubble.”
Touché. Except… “I’m ready to expand it,” I corrected. “I’m ready to go on dates, spend the night at your house, have family dinners, visit you at work for lunch, and bake cupcakes for you with Yaya. I guess I’ll use broccoli since you hate sugar so much.”
Score! I made him crack a grin.
“Oh, Kayden,” he sighed. He sighed a lot sometimes. “I’m ready for that too.” The daredevil even grabbed my hand, and he kissed it and threaded our fingers together. “I just have to get ready to see you take on risks at work. But don’t mistake that for doubt. I believe you’ll make an excellent logistics officer.”
I beamed and squeezed his hand.
“You know, I think this calls for a treat,” he said, reaching for his backpack on the floor in front of him. He didn’t release my hand, though. “For the record, I like strawberry cupcakes with vanilla frosting.”
Oh God, that made my mouth water. “Consider it done.”
He sat back again and showed the treat in question, and I grinned. My favorite Push Pop flavor, Coke!
“Fuck yes!”
He smiled and opened it for me. “I bought a whole box of twelve, so don’t tell me I’m too harsh on the sugar intake.”
