Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
We had Madigan, Abel, and their three friends in the truck in front of us, and I recognized Jameson’s truck behind us.
We drove higher up in the mountains, and I side-eyed Tracy.
I’d thought it would be more difficult to put a gag on the Daddy in me, especially since I identified so strongly with him, but for every moment I spent with that boy, the more confident I became. We fed off each other’s moods and reactions naturally, and we knew what tonight was all about. He had his game face on, and he was prepared to the point where I was impressed by his forethought. He’d ultimately opted for cargo pants instead, because of the side pockets, and he’d stashed away everything he might need. First aid, a flashlight, trail mix, an emergency whistle, a Sawyer Mini water filter, and a multitool.
“Just in case something goes wrong,” he’d said with a shrug.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. He loved the outdoors, and it showed. He’d grown up fishing and hunting small game with his grandfather.
I was gonna fall for him damn quick, wasn’t I?
I’d never met anyone like him, that was for sure. I’d had partners with whom I’d shared an interest or two, or kink, or work. Never all three together. He was a fucking unicorn.
Earlier today, I’d told him I wanted to take him out on a proper date, and he’d suggested dinner at my cabin. He wanted to see it. He wanted us to cook together, listen to music, and he wanted to hear about my plans for my property.
I couldn’t think of a better date.
It was honestly humbling too. He showed such great interest in me, and I reckoned I wasn’t used to that.
Just being near him now was breathing life back into me.
“Okay, I can’t keep quiet anymore,” Tracy said.
I lifted my brows, unaware he’d been troubled by something. “About what?”
“Your work trips.” He shifted in his seat to face me better. Too bad it was dark out. I couldn’t see his features clearly enough. “You mentioned when we had lunch that you travel a lot—every other month or something like that. I remember you did that before too, and you were gone for so long.”
I reached over and grabbed his hand. “I also said those trips won’t be as long anymore, didn’t I?”
He nodded. “A week or two. But still. I’m gonna miss you and maybe die.”
I didn’t like the way he said that. I furrowed my brow. “First of all, I don’t have anything planned until before Christmas. I have four days of meetings in LA. Then I’ll be back. Second—” I squeezed his hand “—Adam needs another chef at Coho. And once he’s found someone, I’ll be the first to convince you to take time off every now and then to come with me.”
He seemed to perk up at that. “Really?”
Could I allow myself a sigh of relief yet?
“Really.” I threaded our fingers together. “I also happen to be my own boss, so I can plan my trips when they suit your schedule better.”
He let out a breath and leaned closer so he could hug my arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so dramatic, but now that I have you, I guess I’m a little scared it’s all gonna go away. I don’t wanna lose you.”
Fuck, my damn heart.
I kissed the top of his head and followed Madigan up another dirt road. Maybe it was much too soon to talk about these things, but screw it.
“You’re not going to lose me, baby. Hell, I was just thinking about how being with you makes me feel alive again. This week has been some of the best days in my life.”
He squeezed my arm and pressed his face against it. “Same for me.”
I smiled to myself and swallowed a wave of emotions. Hope was a powerful drug, and fuck me if I wasn’t high on it. It was all his doing.
“We’ll find a way to make it work,” I murmured. “The goal is always for us to be together.”
“Best goal ever.”
I grinned. His happiness was infectious, and I had half a mind to pull over to the side and kiss him stupid.
I’d do it later.
Tracy released a breath and kept hugging my arm. “I guess it’s okay to be a little insecure in a new relationship.”
It sure as fuck was. Lord knew I was too.
“We’ll navigate those insecurities together as well,” I answered.
He nodded and rested his cheek on my shoulder. “You better say something cruel, Sir. I wanna put on jammies and cuddle.”
Oh. Well, then. Even though that sounded incredibly appealing, we had fantasies to bring to life tonight.
“All right.” I cleared my throat. “Chocolate sprinkles are nasty.”
He gasped and instantly glared up at me.
I did my best to contain my laughter.