Page 13 of Their Perfect Daddy

DANNY

T oday is the day Micah comes back to work. Technically, he still has two more days scheduled off but knowing him, he’ll be in bright and early since he texted me his flight arrived yesterday. The man can’t resist coming to work if he’s able.

While I’d normally be super excited to see my friend, I have a bad feeling about what it means that our relationship has changed. Of course, he has no clue of these changes. Mostly because I’m making them up in my head.

It’s what happens when you see your boss’s brother’s dick.

Since I’m off my game, I decide to overcompensate for things.

First off, I show up early. Then, I make a pot of coffee and start checking emails.

By the time Micah walks through the door, I’m caffeinated and armored for anything he throws my way.

I doubt he’ll know anything, but it’s best to be prepared.

I’m also a bit distracted because I swear I’m being delusional. When Skye gave me a two-finger salute after getting out of the shower, a sense of déjà vu hit me.

The second I realized I was trying to superimpose my crush on a virtual stranger to someone I’d met in real life, I backtracked all thoughts. There was no way they were one and the same.

Today I’m going to focus on work. No more distractions.

Greeting Micah in my most cheerful voice, I say, “Hey, boss. How was your trip?”

Since I know the trip was an attempt to catch the attention of a certain football player, I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively. Micah snorts and shakes his head.

“I’m not giving you any dirty details. I will just say that me and my boyfriend had a grand time.”

Holy. Shit. That’s epic.

Clapping excitedly, I can’t help the nervous bounce that follows. “That’s wonderful!” I tell him honestly. “I’m so glad it worked out!”

“How were things here?”

My heart stops for a minute before I realize he’s asking about the shop and not my sex life.

“They were good. It’s been steady. You taught me how to do everything, but I didn’t expect you to be back for two more days,” I tease. We both know him better than to believe he’d stay home.

“Jett had to go to practice. I miss him already, but there was something going on he needed to handle.” His shrug tells me he has no clue how important things are for the team right now.

He’s such an amateur in his knowledge of the sport. I’m going to have to guide him, or he’ll be lost. Though… that does put us spending more time together. Will I be able to keep secrets from him with more exposure and time to get loose-lipped?

I fucking hope not.

“That makes sense,” I reply with a nod. “The team is probably scrambling for the next game. Their opponents have a strong offensive line. Our defense needs to be tight.”

Micah makes a face he likely thinks shows interest and understanding. Except I know my friend well enough to sense he’s not following along well.

Or maybe it’s that he’s distracted. He’s already glanced at the clock twice since walking in the door. Impatience bleeds through his posture too.

“Hey, Danny, are the Bulldogs’ practices closed?” he asks a moment later.

Yeah, he was deep in thought.

My smile comes easily at his enthusiasm. “They are, but I know for a fact that some of the boyfriends and spouses get access to the field during practice. In particular, Finn and Raymond both get to go.”

"Perfect," he says while reaching for his phone.

I don’t get the chance to eavesdrop further because the office phone rings. Shooting him a look that says I want all the details later, I go about my normal spiel.

“... this is Danny speaking.”

“Hey, Danny! I’m looking to book an event. Before you say anything though, this is a destination thing since I don’t live in Bellport. It’s just that I love the style y’all do, and I want a touch of home for this one.” Her Southern accent slips free the longer she goes.

Laughing, I pull over my open notebook. “That’s fine. We might still be able to help to some capacity. Tell me more about the plan.”

She goes on to explain the private anniversary party she wants to throw her parents. They’ve been married for ten years, yet they don’t celebrate it. Part of me wonders about the timeline of marriage and kids, and then I shake myself.

We don’t judge here. People do things in their own time.

Besides, I have a feeling Sundae, the girl on the call, will tell me when the timing is right. She’s already divulged way more details than needed about the party planning disasters she’s experienced.

Micah is across the room texting on his phone. He’s grinning down at the device like he just won a coveted prize. I want to ask him what it is, but Sundae deserves my full attention.

I am on the clock after all.

“Let’s go back to the basics first. What are your parents’ names and where would this be? Then we can discuss a theme and guest list,” I tell her, interrupting an intense monologue about types of frosting.

She giggles. “Sorry. I can get carried away. Parents are Suzie and Tammy Crocker. Ideally, the event would be here in Vegas. I’m not sure how you feel about that part.”

“Vegas?” I ask incredulously. “There are dozens of planners there. Even the hotels have their own planning teams. This doesn’t make sense.”

I worry for a moment this is some type of prank call or something. Maybe I’m being duped by this woman.

Except I don’t get bad vibes. Curiou s ones, but not bad.

“To be completely honest, the two of them met in Bellport decades ago. They fell in love and wanted a kid of their own. It was the South though. And in a time where it wasn’t heard of for two women to have a child alone. Heck, they couldn’t even get married legally.”

I nod as I listen to her story. It’s a truth many faced. I’m thankful it’s changed; however, it doesn’t lessen what others went through.

“Anyway, there were some fertility issues, so they found donors—both for eggs and the, um, the other stuff. The sperm.” She gags and I laugh.

“I hate that word. Makes me feel funny. Back to the story though, the two of them loved Bellport and have talked about moving back. They’ve only stayed here because of me. ”

“Parents tend to do what’s best for their kids.” As I say the words, I picture my laborer parents who worked so hard to take care of me. They put in long hours and weekends to ensure I had everything I ever needed.

The minute I made enough to support myself, I moved out to give them breathing room. After a few months, they decided to buy an RV and travel the globe. Occasionally, they roll through to say hi. It’s usually during spring since summer is ‘Satan’s asshole’ hot according to my father.

“You still there?” Sundae’s voice pulls me back to the present.

Satan’s asshole can wait.

“I’m here. Sorry. Got distracted thinking of what this could mean for us.” A little white lie.

“Does that mean you’re taking us on?”

“Well, I can’t make the final say. My boss has to be in the loop.” Said boss turns to me with a raised brow at my words. “Actually, hold on, Sundae. Let me give him the basics. He just became available.”

She gives me an excited reply that I don’t hear as I put her on hold and face Micah.

“What does Sundae want?” he asks.

I wave my hand at the phone. “Our services obviously. But get this—it’s for a party in Vegas. The couple used to live here. Sundae wants to give them a piece of home for their anniversary.”

Micah’s eyes go wide. “That’s a big deal. I’m immediately torn between shutting it down now and taking it on without hearing anything else.”

“Yeah, that’s my opinion too. With something of this nature, one of us would have to go there to coordinate, right?” I ask the question despite knowing the answer.

There has never been an event where one of us wasn’t there to supervise from start to finish. It’s part of our process, and it guarantees we catch anything that could go amiss.

“You can totally take the time for this trip, right?”

“I mean, I guess I could,” I reply without the excitement I’d usually have.

Any other time, I’d be all about jumping at the offer. It’s just really hard to do when all I can think of is how this will take me away from the two men I’ve been waiting to see—one of them being Micah’s brother.

He doesn’t know about the first incident with Monty. And he sure as hell has no clue about the shower shenanigans.

“You don’t seem all that happy with an all-expense paid trip to Vegas. This could be a good thing for you. You’ll have access to tons of resources and if the budget is right, you can go as big as you want. I won’t be there to police you or anything.”

His words pull me from the funk I’m in. Not looking in his direction, I shrug.

“That’s true. I think I’m just tired.”

I can tell he doesn’t believe me. He doesn’t push for more information.

Instead, he picks up the call. “Hi, Sundae. My name is Micah, and I own the company. Danny was just telling me about your event.”

As he’s talking to her, I pull out my phone. When the screen lights up, I see I have multiple missed messages. I frown, realizing the device has been on Do Not Disturb all this time.

I remove the setting with the swipe of a button. Once things are back to normal, I open my texts and smile.

Daddy:

Good morning, Princess. Have a good day at work.

Brat:

Yeah. What Daddy said. *eye roll emoji*

The chat is quiet for an hour or so, then Monty is back in there with more of his foolishness.

Brat:

Did you know there is no such thing as teleportation? I looked it up today after my workout. Because I wanted to instantly get to where you both were. It doesn’t exist yet though.

Brat:

Think I could pay some scientists to make it?

Brat:

Then again, someone might use it for evil. Is my need to be in the same room as you both worth possibly risking the downfall of mankind?

Brat:

Ohhhhh. What if it’s a private research company? Maybe then they don’t have to tell anyone else. Right?

I’m shaking with laughter because I can totally hear him trying to rationalize these thoughts. It’s good to know I’m not alone in my desire to be around them. It’s been far too long since our time together.

And sadly, with this new project, I’m not sure when the next time will be. Instead of thinking about the negatives, I focus on the next set of texts.

Daddy:

You are something else, brat. There is no reason to spend all that money. We’ll see each other when the time is right. I’m sure we’re all adult enough to coordinate our schedules.

Brat:

I plead the fifth. Adulting? What’s that?

Brat:

Would rather nap and play video games. Please and thank you.

Brat:

See! I have manners!

Daddy:

Someone wants a spanking.

Brat:

Wait… is that really possible? I’m not sure how I feel about them.

Daddy:

Then it’s a good thing we’re not together right now. Or you might have had to safe word when Daddy issued a punishment.

Brat:

Well, then. Guess you’re right.

Brat:

If Danny doesn’t answer soon I’m going to go to his work and kidnap him.

Daddy:

You have practice, and he’s running the shop alone while your brother is out of town. You don’t need to worry about him. He will reach out soon. I know it.

That’s the last message and it’s from twenty minutes ago. I quickly type out a response to them both giving a touch of detail, yet not too much.

Princess:

I’m alive! Been busy with work stuff and then Micah showed up. We have a big potential client on a call. More details later. K?

Brat:

Yay! You’re here. Boo, you’re leaving. I guess that’s fine. I’m going to go bench press 3x Daddy now. *laughing emoji*

Princess:

Why is that so hot?!

Daddy:

Not sure, Princess. I thought one Daddy would be enough for you. Should I find you more?

Princess:

No! One is more than enough. I’m still not sure what to do with you.

I plant my face in my hands as I read back the last message. Way to make yourself sound pitiful, Danny. Thankfully, I’m not made fun of or anything. He gives me the best possible reply.

Daddy:

Patience, Princess. We’ll figure it all out together. For now, I’m yours as you need. Daddy or Skye is fine. I’ll answer to both.

Daddy:

*attached selfie with hand on his chin*

When the picture loads, I freeze. The tattoo is a whole hell of a lot more than familiar now. I know exactly what it’s from.

I quickly shift to my social app to pull up the profile for TheLimitlessSkye . It doesn’t take long to find a video to pause for a proper comparison.

Flipping back and forth between the two, I note all the similarities. Daddy is the same person I’ve been crushing over for months.

What type of good deed did I do to have this type of luck? And how the hell do I confront him about this?

After a few minutes of thought, I decide texting is best. I open a private conversation for us since I’m not sure he’ll want Monty to know the truth as well.

Princess:

Daddy, I have a question.

Daddy:

You don’t have to preface a question but go ahead. I’m happy to answer.

Princess:

I’m not so sure you’ll feel that way in a minute.

Daddy:

We won’t know until you tell me what you’re thinking.

Princess:

*attaches link*

Princess:

Is this you? The tattoos match and everything. But I didn’t want to assume just because I prefer it to be true.

Daddy:

I see.

I stare at the screen, willing him to say something else. Anything.

When the message alert goes off a few minutes later, I nearly jump out of my skin.

Daddy:

It is me. I didn’t realize you were one of my followers. Is it weird for you to know it’s me?

Princess:

Absolutely not! I love it. Your hands have always been a weakness of mine. I’ve watched too many of your videos on repeat.

Daddy:

Well that’s good to know. We might have to set up a live experience for you soon now that you know.

Princess:

Yes, please! I’m all for it. I can even wear some of the new lingerie I bought with the gift cards Monty gave me.

Daddy:

You sure can. We haven’t done a fashion show for those yet, either.

Princess:

Ohhhh. Great idea, Daddy. Sexy lingerie private fashion show + sexy hands doing naughty things = a really good time. I’ve always wanted to subscribe to your VIP group. Now I get the real deal in person.

Daddy:

As soon as our schedules line up, we’ll make it happen. You have all the VIP access you want.

I give a silent scream and a happy wiggle at his reply. There’s not an ounce of hesitation in his words. It reassures me to know he’s being honest with me. He didn’t try to hide anything from me, nor did he redirect the conversation to avoid things entirely.

That Daddy of mine is a keeper.