work together was foolish, at best, when neither of us could possibly know if therewasa future at all.
Theron tucked me against his side and led me through the first floor of the house. The large
windows at the back of the living and dining rooms overlooked a huge yard with mature trees
providing a curtain of privacy. I still wanted to know why a single guy had a home this big, but I
didn’t ask for fear I wouldn’t like the answer. He pulled out a chair, nodding for me to sit. I allowed
my hand to rest on top of his for a second as I tried to find the words to explain how much it meant
that he was even willing to see if there was anything beyond physical attraction between us.
Once I was seated, Theron pushed in my chair. I folded my hands in my lap, swinging my legs
because the table was higher than normal, and it was more fun than simply letting them dangle. Theron
set a plate down in front of me. The chicken strips, mac and cheese, and carrots were very carefully
placed on the plate, so nothing was touching. I stared at the plate, fighting the unexpected emotions I
felt over something so inconsequential to most. That plate felt symbolic to me.
“I didn’t ask what you liked.”
I blinked a couple of times before turning my head to look up at Theron. His brow was furrowed
as he watched me. Would it be wrong for me to address the elephant in the room? “It’s perfect.”
“Do you want any sauce or dressing? I have ranch or peanut butter.”
I scrunched up my nose. Peanut butter on chicken strips? Gross. “I’d like some ranch, please.”
I wasn’t sure which of us was more surprised by the sing-song lilt in my voice. A sense of
rightness filled me as Theron grabbed my dressing and I stared at the plate. I picked up my fork and
stabbed at the noodles. This wasn’t a boxed mix with powdered cheese, it was gooey awesomeness
and it smelled divine. I hoped he had more because, now that there was a plate in front of me, I was
starving. I wouldn’t tell Theron, but I hadn’t eaten breakfast, either.
When Theron scruffed my hair, I leaned into his touch. I wanted more. Wantedhim.This was a
glimpse of what the future could be, and I wanted more of it. “Thank you, Sir.”
I wasn’t at a place where I could call him Daddy. That would take time and trust. But calling him
by his name felt wrong. He was something special to me, and I needed him to understand that I wanted
whatever he was offering.
Theron crouched down next to me. I reached out to cup his cheek, not sure how I felt with him
being lower than me. It was silly, but I’d spent enough time at the club to know each of us had our
place. “You’re welcome, my precious boy. I know I haven’t done anything to earn your respect, but I
