"I fell for you too. Maybe not the first day, but definitely by the end of the first week. You were so different from anyone I'd ever met. Patient and observant and genuinely interested in me."
"Because you're genuinely interesting. And kind. And brave. And everything I didn't know I was looking for."
I tilt my head up to kiss him. "I love you."
"I love you too, baby girl. More than anything." We get up and get ready for bed. We’ve just snuggled in when my phone buzzes.
Emily: Haven't heard from you since this afternoon. Everything okay?
I glance at Tyler, who's reaching for his phone, then type back.
Chloe: Everything's perfect. More than perfect.
Emily: You're telling me everything tomorrow. EVERYTHING.
Chloe: Deal
"Emily checking in?" Tyler asks.
"Yeah. She's nosy but she means well."
"She's a good friend. You're lucky to have her."
"I am.” He hands me a bottle of water to put on the nightstand on my side of the bed. "You take care of me so well, Daddy."
His eyes darken at the title. "I like when you call me that."
"I like calling you that. It feels natural."
"It is natural. It's who we are."
I curl into him, and he pulls the blanket over both of us.
"You all ready for bed?”
"Yes, Daddy."
"Good girl." His hand strokes through my hair. "Sleep now."
I close my eyes, safe and warm and completely sated in every way. And as I drift off, I think about how much my life has changed in just a few weeks.
I wake to sunlight streaming through the curtains and Tyler's hand tracing lazy patterns on my back. We both have the day off and I’m looking forward to the first lazy day I’ve planned in months. With the increase in prices, I was able to hire an additional part time employee and he and Jess were working today.
"Morning," I mumble.
"Morning, beautiful. Sleep well?"
"Amazing. You?"
"Best sleep of my life." He presses a kiss to my bare shoulder. "How are you feeling?"
"Good. But I wouldn't say no to breakfast."
"Coming right up. But first—" He rolls me onto my back, hovering over me. "Good morning kiss."
He kisses me thoroughly, and by the time we break apart, I'm breathless.
"That was some good morning kiss," I manage.
