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Chapter Ten

Ethan

Falling in love with James was easier than I thought love could be. It felt better too. I’d always imagined it would be painful and scary and wrought with bickering and disagreements. But joy and trust radiated through me in endless bursts of warmth.

Every time he walked into the cafe or I walked into his apartment, my brain turned to mush because I couldn’t concentrate. All I could do was be there for him and allow him to be the one who was always there for me.

When Daddy spoke to me, I forgot what I was saying or why I was saying it, because the only thing that mattered was that everything felt right.

The weeks that followed our first night together were filled with stolen kisses, lingering hugs, and endless excuses to be together. I never wanted to leave because I always wanted more.

We saw each other daily after finding ways to run into each other without making it seem like we were trying, even though we both knew we totally were.

“That cruller looks delicious.” James stepped away from the pastry case long enough to officially put in his order and run the app over the scanning gun to pay. His suit jacket was slung over his shoulder, a vision of confident perfection.

“They are.” I pulled a plate with a half-eaten cruller out from under the counter. “This is my third one.”

“What happened to your caffeine addiction? Are you telling me you’ve switched to flour and sugar?”

I laughed and waved off his comment. “Maybe I just have a Daddy addiction.” I winked at him and rang up his standard coffee order.

He chuckled and waved his credit card over the payment reader. “Lucky for you, I’m a renewable resource.”

The first time I told him I loved him, he looked like he might cry. It was strange and amazing. And when he said it back to me, I understood the emotions. There were so many that all came together at once. Tears were inevitable.

Even when he had late meetings or dinners, James found ways to include me in his life. One night, he took me to a fancy restaurant and spent half the time whispering silly jokes in my ear that he must have gotten from a kids’ book.

I felt like I was living in a romantic comedy montage, and I didn’t want it to end. Everything between us just felt natural and easy. Every moment seemed to confirm that we were meant to be.

Two months flew by before I even knew it, and on the morning of our anniversary, I found Daddy waiting outside my apartment with two steaming cups of coffee. “Happy anniversary, sweet boy.”

I took the cup, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning because he had a special day in mind for us. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Today, we have… no plans. We’ll just hang out and see where the day takes us.”

“Okay.” It wasn’t what I expected from him, but he always kept me guessing.

We wandered through the park, spent way too long tasting every food truck parked by the mall, and then went back to my place to play video games.

As expected, I totally kicked his ass, but Daddy insisted he let me win. Both were probably true.

“How’s the book coming?” He squeezed my hand as we headed back to his place. “You said you’re getting close to done.”

I knew this conversation was coming but I’d been waiting for the right moment to fess up. “Yeah, um. It’s done.”

“What?” He stopped walking and turned me in his arms. “Like, done done?”

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, it might need some tweaks after an editor gets a hold of it, but I’m not doing anything else for now. I’m happy with it.” I bit my lip and shrugged. “I’d like your opinion before I send it to the publisher.”

“Absolutely.” He pulled me into his arms and kissed my head. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. And Darryl has been asking when he’d get to see the full manuscript. He’s excited to work with you.”

It wasn’t a done deal but it was further than I ever thought I’d get with my book so I just nodded. “I’m excited too. Terrified and excited.”

As the evening rolled in, Daddy pulled me onto his lap and kissed my temple. “I have one more surprise for you, sweetheart.”

My heart skipped a beat as he pulled out a small gift and handed it over. “What’s this?”

“Open it and find out.” His palm closed over my thigh as I released the bow.

Inside the box were two shiny keys. One had a tag that said “Maui” and the other tag said “apartment.”

“What’s this?” My brain did a somersault as I stared at them.

“Those are keys. To my homes. My heart. Everything.” He pointed to the one in my right hand. “This is to my place across the street.” He then pointed to the other key. “And the other is to the house in Hawaii. I want you to spend time in both.”

“Hawaii?” I practically squeaked out the word because my shaky lungs didn’t have enough air in them.

“Yep.” He chuckled and then handed me an envelope. “Here’s the other half of that gift.”

Inside the envelope was a plane ticket to Maui.

My first instinct was to ask if he’d gone insane, but the look on his face told me he was dead serious. “You’re taking me to Hawaii, Daddy.” My hands were shaking, and my face hurt from smiling so much. I threw my arms around him and didn’t take a breath until I was gasping. “I can’t believe this.”

“I’ve wanted to take you there since the first week we met up again.” His arms wrapped around me, grounding me in place.

“I never get to go anywhere.” I was super excited but also a little nervous. “I can’t even remember the last time I was on a plane.”

He held me close, reassuring me with his strength. “Daddy’s got you, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek and then my lips. “I’ll always keep you safe.”

That warmth I always felt with him spread through me all over again. “I know. I’ve always known.” I cleared my throat of the emotion threatening to block it.

James was my everything, and as much as he was taking care of me, I knew that I was what he needed, too.

As the night wore on, I found myself slipping into that soft, needy place where all I wanted was to be cuddled by Daddy. I snuggled against his chest and let his steady heartbeat lull me into the contented state where nothing mattered but him.

“Are you sure you’re ready for me all the time?” I asked, my voice small and playful as I burrowed deeper into his arms.

He stroked my hair, his touch tender and knowing. “I’m ready for everything with you, baby.” He kissed the top of my head.

“Me too, Daddy.” I released a happy sigh and closed my eyes. We had forever ahead of us, and I couldn’t wait to see what it would bring. “Anything and everything. As long as I get you too.”

The End