Page 26 of Daddy Crush (Silver Fox Daddy)

I looked around the café, the place where I’d happily imagined myself spending the rest of my life. So much had changed in such a short time. Now, every spot in the place was a reminder of him, how I’d suddenly catch his gaze riveted on my face, then moving slowly down my body.

The mere touch of his hand when he’d passed me a bag of coffee beans would send shivers through me. His special employee discipline program, where he spanked my bare bottom, was something I looked forward to.

I could feel my cheeks flush and my heart rate increasing just thinking about the closeness we shared during those times. Even though Ava was there now, that moment was still ours alone, a secret between only us two. And no matter how much I tried to deny it, I ached for his touch once more—for one more chance to feel those firm hands caressing my body before punishing me for whatever minor infraction he’d deemed necessary for the day.

All I could do at this point was make sure everything ran smoothly in the café.

Ava appeared eager enough to learn, and we spent the morning going over the details of the coffee and sandwich menu. Somehow, we managed the lunch rush together, probably because she knew all the techniques required to make excellent coffee. She just had to learn the specific ingredients used at The Daily Grind. At the end of the day, we both wiped down the tables and cleaned the floors.

“How long have you known Duke?” she asked.

I stiffened, replying, “Just about forever. He and my dad are best friends.”

Her tone was friendly, smiling, bantering in a relaxed manner. “Bummer. I could have sworn there was something between the two of you. Beyond the obvious boss-employee relationship, I mean.”

She clapped both hands over her mouth, her eyes flying open. I gripped the countertop tightly to keep from giving anything away.

“God, Clover, I’m so sorry. I always realize some things are better left unsaid right after I say them.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I reassured her, realizing her direct approach to things was growing on me. Then my head puzzled with new thoughts, and it turned out, Ava wasn’t the only one who couldn’t keep her mouth shut. “Why did you think there was anything between us?”

Finished with wiping the display counter, Ava grabbed the notebook she’d made notes in all day. She leaned her head back and gazed into my eyes. “Hard to explain. The main thing was every time you weren’t looking at him, he was feasting his eyes on you. Literally. Like he wanted to eat you up. Maybe it’s just a one-sided thing. Sorry, if telling you this makes it awkward for you.”

I tilted my head, telling myself awkward was when you thought you were falling in love with someone, and they didn’t feel the same. Awkward was when the man you had a crush on refused to look at you or speak to you the same way. Awkward was falling for your dad’s best friend.

“I’m okay, Ava. Don’t worry about it.” It was a lie, and I felt bad deceiving her so early into our working relationship. I’d gotten myself into this mess, and I’d figure a way to get myself out.

We returned to work until everything was clean and shiny. That done, we took off our aprons with a sigh of relief—me because I wanted to escape this day as quickly as possible, and Ava because she probably wanted to get home after such a long day on her feet at The Daily Grind.

We said goodbye at the door with one last wave before departing.

I headed to the vacation rental shared with my family, where no doubt I’d spend another long night filled with thoughts about Duke... and me... and whether we were meant to be.

15

DUKE & CLOVER

Duke

It was cowardly, but the only way I could think to get her alone was intercepting her on her way home to the vacation rental, where she was staying. Thanks to me, The Daily Grind was no longer a place where just the two of us could talk before work, but I knew it had to be that way. I wanted to be with Clover every minute of the day, and when we were alone, I had no willpower, no ability to resist getting her naked.

After our weekend together, I knew if I didn’t stop things now, it would be too late. My dependence on her wasn’t healthy. If things went on between us, there’d be no resisting her if I tried. I needed to be near her. Whenever she was around, I felt one of three things: a rush, a buzz, or a sense of peace. When she wasn’t around, I was preoccupied with seeing her again. I’d taken foolhardy risks just to be with her and felt twitchy, distracted, and on edge if too much time passed without indulging in her sweet pussy. I recognized the signs of addiction all too well, and I was developing one for Clover.

As she came towards me on the sidewalk after finishing her shift, I couldn’t stop staring at her face. She bit her lip and looked away, and it pained me to see how I now made her uneasy.

But it would be better this way. Better for her, because she deserved so much more.

We stood in front of each other, both of us with so much that needed to be said, yet neither of us spoke. I wanted to tell her I loved her and wanted to be with her, but it wasn’t right.

I cleared my throat and looked away. “Clover, we need to talk. About your father...”

Clover tensed up and took a step back, eyes widening. A few strands of her hair caught on her mouth, and I longed to brush it away for her. To shove my hand in her hair and pull her towards me.

“What about him?” she asked warily.

“Well,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck, “you know he wouldn’t approve of us being together. Can’t say that I blame him. I wouldn’t want any daughter of mine dating someone twice her age who hadn’t exactly proven himself a grown-up in life.”

She nibbled her lip again, sending a direct hit to my dick. “So, what do you suggest?” A frown creased her forehead, and I longed to kiss it away and pull her into my arms.

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