even realize it.”
“I’m so not perfect,” I scoffed. “I’m going to let you down. Nights like tonight are rare for me. I’ll
never be at your beck and call.”
Daddy tugged on my arm, pulling me so we stood chest to chest. I winced when he pinched my
chin, forcing me to look up at him. “Don’t pretend you know what I do or don’t need. If I say you’re
amazing and I’m lucky to have this chance with you, the proper response is ‘thank you, Daddy’. Got
it?”
“Yes, sir.” My cheeks flushed as he held me tightly, running his hands along the length of my spine.
“I just—”
He leaned back, pressing a finger to my lips. “You’re tired and this is foreign territory for you. I
get it. Now, what do you say we go upstairs and see what happens?”
“Yes, Daddy.” He smiled brightly and I stood a bit straighter knowing I’d pleased him.
I wanted to hate him for mentioning that I was exhausted. I’d been so keyed up on the drive over
here, it was like I’d sucked down an energy drink. My mind had been out of control trying to figure
out what he expected from me, and I still had no clue. But as we climbed the staircase to his
apartment over the garage, my feet felt like they were encased in concrete. I leaned against the railing
while he unlocked the door and couldn’t stop a yawn so wide it caused my jaw to pop.
Daddy led me through the apartment, not turning on any lights until he reached a small lamp in the
corner. The soft yellow cast of the bulb made everything feel warm and homey. There was nothing
spectacular about his place, but it felt grown-up—which made sense, since he’d already had a career
he retired from and now did whatever the hell he wanted. The living room furniture was a chocolate
brown suede with cushions that looked so deep and soft it wasn’t hard to imagine falling asleep the
second I sat down.
“Come on, sweetheart,” William urged as he led me to the couch. He held my hands as I lowered
myself to the cushions. I was right; they were just the right combination of firm and cozy for me to
sink back, allowing my head to fall against the back of the couch. I knew I wasn’t being a very good
guest, but now that we were behind closed doors, I was having a hard time fighting sleep. I hummed
quietly as William brushed the hair away from my face. When he traced a thumb over the puffy skin
beneath my eyes, I nearly lost it. “My sweet, sweet boy. You don’t take care of yourself.”
“I try,” I protested weakly. His palm felt warm against the side of my face. I resisted the urge to
