Tyler: Did you eat breakfast this morning?
I look at the cinnamon roll I've been nibbling. Does that count?
Chloe: I had a cinnamon roll.
Tyler: That's dessert, not breakfast. Did you eat any protein? Fruit?
Oh. He's doing the Daddy thing. Already.
Chloe: Not yet.
Tyler: Chloe.
Just my name. But the way he types it, I can hear the gentle reproach in his voice.
Chloe: I'll eat something. Promise.
Tyler: Good girl. I'll check when I get there. I'll be there at 6:05
I stare at my phone, warmth spreading through my chest.
He's checking on me. Making sure I take care of myself.
And instead of feeling controlled or suffocated, I feel... cared for.
I scramble some eggs and eat them with wheat toast, taking a photo as proof and sending it to Tyler.
Tyler: That's my good girl. Proud of you.
I'm grinning like an idiot when Jess arrives at 5:30.
"Someone's in a good mood," she observes, tying on her apron.
"I had a good night."
"I heard. Emily texted me. Said you and Tyler are exploring the dynamic?" She waggles her eyebrows. "Does that mean what I think it means?"
"If you think it means we're seeing each other and figuring out if we're compatible, then yes."
"Compatible how?"
Heat creeps up my neck. "Just... compatible."
"Chloe are you blushing?"
"No."
"You absolutely are. Oh my God, is he a Daddy Dom? Is that what this is?"
I busy myself with wiping down the espresso machine. "Maybe."
Jess squeals. "I knew it! The way he looks at you, all protective and intense. Total Daddy energy. I’ve thought that about him for months."
"Can we not analyze this right now?"
"Fine. But I'm totally grilling you later." She starts setting up the pastry case. "Also, you made extra cinnamon rolls. Special occasion?"
"I'm experimenting with a new recipe."
