The apartment is clean and organized but sparse. He has a comfortable looking couch, large TV and a coffee table. Everything in shades of gray and navy. Not a lot of decorations or pillows. I immediately make a checklist of items to bring next time.
"It's nice," I say diplomatically.
"It's boring. I know." He sets Mochi's carrier on the floor. "But it's functional. And the important stuff works. Ihave a kitchen, bathroom, and an extremely comfortable bed. Depending on my optempo I’m not here a lot.”
He guides me to the couch. "Sit. I'll get Mochi set up and then make us lunch."
"I can help?—"
"Nope. Today you rest. That's an order."
The firmness in his voice makes something low in my belly tighten. Why am I turned on when he gives me commands?
"An order?"
"That's right. You're going to sit on this couch, relax, and let me take care of you. Understood?"
"What if I don't want to sit?"
His eyes darken. "Then we'll have a conversation about following Daddy's instructions. Is that what you want?"
Oh God. We're doing this. We're actually doing this.
"No," I whisper.
"No, what?"
My breath catches. "No... Daddy."
The word feels foreign on my tongue but also right. So right.
His expression softens. "Good girl. Now sit. I'll be right back."
I sink onto the couch, my heart racing. Did I really just call him Daddy? Out loud? In his apartment?
He returns a few minutes later, Mochi’s temporary litter box settled in the bathroom.
"She's already exploring," he reports. "Brave little thing."
"Like her mama," I say without thinking.
Tyler's smile is devastating. "Exactly like her mama."
He disappears into the kitchen, and I can hear him moving around. Pans clanking. The refrigerator opening and closing.
"What are you making?" I call.
"Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Comfort food."
My chest warms. "That sounds perfect."
"I remember you mentioning you like simple food. Not fancy. Just good and warm and filling."
"When did I say that?"
"Three weeks ago. You were talking to a customer about your favorite meals growing up."
"You remember that?"
