Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 42491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
“Sure; I’ll be right back with that.”
When she left, I turned back to Henley and explained, “Since we’re going for ice cream, I think you should drink less sugar with the rest of your meal.” Henley hadn’t said he wanted me, per se, but I was in full-on Daddy mode until he told me to stop.
But to my delight, he only gave a shy smile and a nod. “Okay.”
As I looked at his precious face, I thanked the universe for the kismet, coincidence, or whatever it was that put this sweet boy in my path. “I also think we have a lot to talk about.” He nodded again, but his eyes snapped away from mine when Lilly brought his water. “Are you comfortable speaking here?” I asked when she left again.
“Would you be mad if I said no?”
“Of course not, kitten.” I cupped his cheek and he sighed in relief. “I asked because I care how you feel. I’m very proud of you for being honest with me.” His answering grin nearly stopped my heart. “You finish your meal before it gets cold and we’ll talk later.”
He nodded, and though I’d already told him that he made me proud and happy, I wanted to show him as well. I leaned in and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to his temple. When I pulled away, his eyes were wide and his mouth was open. I picked up a fry from his plate and popped it between his lips, making him blink in surprise before giggling.
As much as I was enjoying our dinner together, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I had so much to discuss with him, and I could feel down into my bones that it was going to be good.
Chapter Four
Henley
My mind raced with a hundred questions as I sat in the passenger seat of the police cruiser. It had been spinning since we left Flip's, where we’d shared a delicious dinner and Amir had insisted on paying.
It was also where he’d shocked me with the information that he was a Daddy. It made perfect sense; Amir was kind, caring, and a great leader. But until he revealed the truth to me, I thought my suspicions were just wishful thinking.
But sitting beside me was a man who potentially embodied everything I wanted and needed. We still had to talk about things to make sure we were truly on the same page, and I was absolutely terrified that we wouldn’t be.
Amir said he liked to be in control of ‘everything’, but what if his version of everything was different from mine? What if I needed too much? Or what if he liked to be in control, but wasn’t too keen on age play aspects? He claimed to be looking for a little boy to care for, but what did that mean to him? What if he thought my needs were silly? Or weird?
My insides were a tangle of nerves, and I’d already tied countless knots in my hair. Maybe I should have had this conversation with Amir at the restaurant to avoid this wait, but I was too nervous of people overhearing and judging.
“I can practically hear your gears grinding over there,” Amir said, capturing my attention. I looked over to find him smiling warmly at me. “Are you okay?”
Not entirely, but I still nodded. “I’m sorry for being so quiet; I don’t mean to ignore you.”
“Oh, I know that.” He reached across the console to offer me his hand, and when I folded our fingers together, some of my anxiety melted away. “I wasn’t trying to ignore you either; just giving you a little space since I could tell you were thinking so hard. Are you feeling nervous?”
He could read me so well after only knowing me for a short time. There was no reason to try to hide what he already knew, so I nodded again, and he asked, “Will you please tell me why?” I liked how he pressed without being demanding.
“I’m worried that we might not want the same things,” I admitted quietly.
“Thank you for telling me.” He squeezed my hand and another knot loosened in my belly. “Are you worried that I will be critical of your needs? Or are you worried that our needs won’t match, and a relationship between us won't work?”
I swallowed hard before answering, “Both.”
He gave me another hand squeeze. “These are very tough questions and I’m proud of and grateful for your honesty. But one thing I need for you to understand is that I will never judge you for the things you desire in a relationship, no matter what they are. I never want you to hide anything from me, and I’ll never hide anything from you.”
His words were soothing balm to the furious blush that covered most of my body. I instinctively trusted him; partly because of his job, but also from the kindness and understanding he’d shown me so far.