"Good. Rampage will take care of her. He's protective of women traveling alone." He glances at the clock. "It's getting late. You should probably head home."
"What if I don't want to go home?"
"Then you stay. But we both have early mornings tomorrow."
"I know. But I sleep better with you."
His expression softens. "Me too. Okay. Stay. But we're actually sleeping. No distractions."
"Define distractions."
"Chloe." His voice holds warning and amusement in equal measure.
"Fine. Just sleeping. I can behave."
"Can you though?"
I swat his arm playfully. "Yes, Daddy. I can behave."
"We'll see."
We get ready for bed, and true to my word, I behave. Mostly.
Okay, there's some making out. But we do eventually fall asleep tangled together.
And when morning comes, Tyler's alarm going off, I'm still wrapped in his arms.
"Morning, sleepy girl," he murmurs.
"Too early."
"I know. But I have PT. And you need to open the shop."
"Five more minutes."
"You said that yesterday. And the day before."
"And I'll say it tomorrow too."
He laughs, kissing the top of my head. "Come on."
We move through the morning routine like we've been doing it for years instead of weeks. Tyler makes eggs while I steal sips of his coffee. We eat quickly, both of us aware of the time.
"Tonight?" he asks as we're getting ready to leave.
"I'm closing at six. Come by after?"
"I'll be there." He kisses me at the door. "I love you."
"I love you too. Have a good day, Daddy."
"You too, baby girl. Text me after lunch. Let me know you ate."
"Yes, Daddy."
The day at the shop is steady, and I'm restocking pastries when my phone rings.
Tyler's name on the screen. But it's only two p.m.
