He leaves, and I immediately text the group chat.
Chloe: He gave me a travel mug that says Daddy's Girl and a stuffed kitten and invited me to his place for lunch.
Madison: STOP. That's the cutest thing I've ever heard.
Lily: Ethan did similar things when we first started. The small gestures matter so much.
Holly: What are you going to wear?!
Emily: More importantly, are you going to let him take care of you?
Chloe: I'm going to try. He's very... insistent.
Madison: That's the Daddy Dom coming out. Ty's the same way. He literally makes me text him when I eat lunch.
Lily: Ethan tracks my water intake. I thought it was overbearing at first, but now I love it.
Holly: It's not overbearing when it comes from a place of care. That's the whole point of the dynamic.
Emily: Just remember—you're still in control even when you're surrendering control. If something doesn't feel right, you speak up.
Chloe: I will. Promise.
Maya: I want updates! All the updates!
Amber: Same. This is better than Netflix.
The rest of the morning passes in a blur of customers. By the time two o'clock rolls around, I'm a bundle of nerves.
Jess practically shoves me out the door. "Go. Have fun. Let the hot soldier feed you and take care of you."
"What if I mess this up?"
"You won't. Just be yourself. That's who he wants." She grins. "Now get out of here before I lock you out."
I drive home, shower, and change into soft leggings and an oversized sweater. Comfortable but cute. Then I carefully pack Mochi into her carrier along with her food, toys, and bed.
"We're going to see Tyler," I tell her. "Be good, okay?”
She mews at me like she understands.
At exactly 2:30, Tyler's truck pulls up outside my building.
I grab Mochi's carrier and the container of chocolate chip cookies I baked this morning, then head downstairs.
Tyler meets me halfway, taking the carrier and the cookies without a word.
"You didn't have to come up," I say.
"I wanted to. Can't have you carrying all this yourself."
He opens the passenger door, making sure I'm settled before putting Mochi's carrier in the back seat where she can see me.
The drive to his place is super quick. He lives in a newer apartment complex a block away, and his unit is on the third floor.
"Fair warning," he says as he unlocks the door. "It's pretty bare bones. I haven't exactly decorated."
That's an understatement.
