He isn’t my Daddy. He is just being nice and driving me from point A to point B and feels some sort of responsibility to make sure that I am healthy on the way. At least that’s what I’m telling myself with each passing hour.
But Tobias has done several things that make me wonder if he sees more with me than just a passenger. I know he’s told me that he wants to take care of me for the rest of my life, but he doesn’t know me.
“Good girl. Now, let me help you back into your seat, and we’ll continue on with our drive,” he says.
“I don’t know if I want to go there tonight,” I whisper.
“And why is that?”
“Because I don’t want him to ask me a million questions tonight. I’m already tired, and it’s only going to get worse…”
“I bet with one look, he’ll know that you need rest and not to be scolded tonight. Trust him. He won’t do anything bad,” he murmurs as he helps me climb back into my seat.
He buckles me up, and I hold my breath the whole time. Something inside me tingles every single time Tobias takes care of me. What is he doing to me?
“Is everything okay?” he asks. “Breathe.”
I take a deep breath in and slowly let it out.
“Good girl. Now, do you want to tell me if everything is okay?” he asks. “What has you holding your breath?”
“You’re doing things for me,” I blurt out without thinking.
“I’m doing things for you?”
I nod.
Does that sound ridiculous? When was the last time someone had done things for me without me having to ask?
“I don’t think I like where this is going,” he mutters before looking me in the eyes. “Do you do everything for yourself?”
“Yes.”
He sighs. “Well, I hope you get over that because from now on I’m going to be doing things for you.”
“I don’t know what to do,” I mumble.
“Just accept it. I want to take care of you and treat you like a princess,” he explains and starts the car. “There are a few things we need to talk about before we get to the lodge.”
“Like what?” I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t really like to discuss things.”
“Like your sleeping arrangements and who is going to be looking after you while you are there. Things like that. You do know about the lodge and the rules, right?”
“Of course. Aiden has told me about it every time we talk on the phone. I even read the contract that he sent me,” I proudly say. “I know things.”
“Perfect. If you ever forget or are unsure about things, anyone who lives there will gladly answer your questions. Now, when we are there, do you want to stay with me or with Aiden?”
I start to play with my hands. I know Aiden and want to be with him, but there is just something about Tobias that pulls me toward him. Whatever it is makes me want to stay with him the whole time I’m there.
“You can always change your mind if you’re worried about that. Neither one of us is going to get our feelings hurt,” he says. “I would personally love for you to stay with me so we can get to know each other better, but I understand if you aren’t comfortable with that. If you want to stay with Aiden, all I ask is that we can still get to know each other during your stay.”
“I’ll stay with you,” I whisper before I can stop myself.
I shut my eyes tightly and take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay.
“Okay, I’ll let Thorin know. If you ever change your mind, just let anyone know and we’ll change it for you. But can I ask a question?”
I hum.
