Page 17

TREVOR

I push my headphones to around my neck and knock on the door. “Housekeeping.”

The tag on the doorknob reads ‘Fresh towels, Please’ and I ready them as I wait on the response.

I knock again. “Housekeeping.”

“Come in.” The voice is familiar, but I can’t place it. Not until I push open the door.

My eyes go wide. Daddy Andy stands in front of me with the prettiest smile on his face. “Sweetheart.”

“Andy.” My heart pounds. Brain goes into overdrive. “Are—Are you stalking me?” I backtrack out of the room, but he catches my cart.

“Oh shit. No, Trevor, I promise. This is just a really funny coincidence.” He turns around and rummages through a bag while my head tries to decide if I need to run or not.

Andy doesn’t give me predator vibes and never has, so I stay to hear him out.

He turns back to me with papers in his hands.

“I reserved the room before we ever met. My business partner said I had to take a vacation, or he was kicking me out of the firm. I picked a random beach, and this place came up.” He hands me the papers and I relax.

“Sorry, for…” I nibble my bottom lip. “Never messaging you back. I got in my head that you probably didn’t want to talk to me again after I safe worded about talking.”

“I’d love to talk to you. Maddie kind of spilled the beans that you worked here and at the carnival. I was hoping to see you at some point. But if you don’t want to see me, that’s fine. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

I drop my head and fiddle with some toilet paper rolls on my cart.

“I really enjoyed our time together. But…” I chew on the inside of my cheek.

“Little Trevor.” My shoulders drop. “I don’t know how to bring him back.

I’ve tried, but it’s not the same. I can’t stay in my Little headspace for longer than a few minutes and I get frustrated so I stop. ”

Andy goes pale. “Oh, Trevor, I’m so sorry.” He takes a few steps towards me, but stops. “Maybe he’ll help?” He rushes to the bed and pulls something pink from under the covers.

“Bandit! You saved him.” My bottom lip trembles and I reach for Bandit, but drop my hands. “I’m all gross. Can you keep him safe until the end of my shift?”

“Absolutely. When’s that?”

“Noon. Would you like to go out for lunch? I can take you where locals go if you want. Or someplace touristy. Your pick.”

“Local place would be lovely.”

“Do you really need towels?” I lift the pile.

“No, I just wanted to make sure housekeeping came in. I hoped it would be you.” He snorts. “Silly, I know. I probably could have just asked the front desk, but that felt creepy.”

I snort. “As if waiting for me isn’t?” I cock a brow, but can’t contain my chuckle.

Andy laughs, and the sound is so rich it reaches my soul. My shoulders relax. I want to crawl into his lap and take a nap.

“I didn’t think everything through.” He looks around. “I can see how this might look stalkery, but I promise, I was already going to be here.”

“I believe you.” Bandit looks so right in his arms. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Andy gives me another grin, and it takes all my willpower to leave the room.