Page 43 of Accepting Love

I glance from one to the other. “I feel ganged up on,” I say pensively. “Should I be scared?”

Daddy cups my face and kisses me right on the mouth. It’s brief, but it’s the first time he’s kissed me in front of Audrey. “Nope. You shouldn’t worry about a thing. That’s my job.”

I return to eating, finishing my breakfast while Daddy eats his. I know Audrey already ate. She starts earlier in the morning than me.

“Are you done, Little one?” Daddy asks after I clean my plate.

“Yes, Sir.” I wipe my lips on my napkin. His plate is empty too.

Audrey reaches for both of our plates.

Daddy touches her hand. “You don’t have to clean up after me either, Audrey.”

“We’ll talk,” she says with a smile.

Daddy lifts me down from my seat and pulls me between his legs. He runs his hands down my pigtails. “How about if you go brush your teeth before you start practicing.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I won’t bother you while you’re working. Come find me if you need me. Is it okay to interrupt you when it’s time for lunch?”

I nod. “That’s what Audrey does. Otherwise I’ll forget to stop. Just wait until I’m done with whatever piece I’m playing.”

“Got it.” He cups my face and holds my gaze, smiling.

My heart is on a constant pitter-patter. I keep thinking I’m living in a different dimension. It’s surreal. I can’t believe Zane is in my space. He’s not even Zane. He’s Kingston Slade, owner of Slade Studios. He’s a full-time Daddy. And he thinks he’s mine.

I want that so badly. I want him to be mine. I want rainbows and cotton candy. Sunshine and coloring books. Ice cream and cartoons.

I lean into him between his legs.

He kisses the top of my head before he pats my bottom. “Go brush your teeth, Little one.”

I wrap my arms around him first and hold on. I don’t want to leave the room. What if it’s not real and he’s not here and when I stop for lunch there is no Daddy?

When I finally lean back, I look at him. “Will you be here all morning?”

“Yes. I promise. I have some work to do. After I meet with Audrey, I’ll find a space to open up my computer and make some calls.” He smooths his hand around to my neck and gives a gentle squeeze. “I’m not going anywhere, Little one,” he reassures me. He understands. He’s not talking about this morning. He’s talking about ever. So am I.

Chapter10

Zane

“So, everything I need to know is on this written wall calendar?” I ask Audrey skeptically.

“Yes. She likes it that way. She likes it to be tangible. I’ve tried to get her to use her phone, but she resists.”

I grin. “Okay then. Wall calendar it is.” Who am I to argue with a Little girl who likes a handwritten calendar?

“You can use this office to work. Caro rarely uses it. She isn’t fond of the behind-the-scenes part of the job.” Audrey smiles. “If you haven’t noticed.”

“I have.” I lean against the windowsill and cross my ankles. “I know it’s weird having me here, taking up space so abruptly. I hope you’re not angry.”

“Not at all. I’ve prayed Caro would eventually find the perfect man to spend her life with. I hope you intend to fill that role. If you have any doubts, please don’t string her along. She’d be devastated.”

I shake my head. “Not a single doubt. I’ve known this for a very long time. I would have staked my claim on her months ago if she’d let me. My hands were tied. The rules at Surrender are strict. The most I could do was ask her out. If she turned me down, I had no other recourse. She was entitled to her privacy. It’s a hard club rule.”

Audrey nods. “That’s good, but I’m glad you’re here now. I know she’s had her eye on you for a long time too, she simply wouldn’t admit it.”

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