Page 41 of Trained By Her Daddy

He closed the refrigerator door and pivoted to face me. “We’re not in a state of chaos, princess. You were disciplined for your misbehavior, and then you apologized to Officer Green. That dreadful event is behind us now.”

My head dropped as huge tears brimmed my eyes. “But you never said I was forgiven.”

Instantly, he sat down next to me and cupped my chin in his large hand as he spoke slowly. “Of course, you’re forgiven, my sweet girl. You were forgiven yesterday after I’d disciplined your naughty hide.”

“You once said every day begins with a new slate, but it didn’t seem that way today.”

His striking hazel eyes met mine. “After I discipline you for any misbehavior, you’re automatically forgiven. But this morning you evidently felt the need to test me with some sass before we went to meet with Officer Green. So, I decided you needed another reminder of who’s in charge of our home to put you in a contrite mood. Did I not make that clear to you?”

“You did, but maybe I don’t fully understand the whole clean slate concept. When I was a kid and did something wrong, my dad would give me the silent treatment for a week. It was one of his favorite ways to make me feel unworthy of his love.”

“Being ignored in that way is a form of emotional abuse which would never happen under my roof. Lori, my feelings for you aren’t going to change no matter how much you test me. Don’t you know I’m in love with you?” As John got me comfortable in his lap, I not only had the pleasure of inhaling his sexy pheromones, but I’d also basked in the warmth and protection of his manly body while he hugged me tight. It hadn’t been two weeks we’d been living in the same house, and yet it seemed like we’d known each other forever. Was it too soon for me to hear him say the words I’d waited a lifetime to hear? My parents never told me they loved me, and I never uttered that phrase to anyone before. Not anyone.

When I didn’t respond to either of his questions, he pulled back to study my demeanor. “We both know this is not a simple relationship. But you need to trust me. You need to trust that your Daddy will always have your best interests at heart.”

“On my first day here, I acknowledged the importance of respect and trust between me and my Daddy.”

“Yes, but now it can’t be lip service. You need to mean it.”

“I do mean it.” For God’s sake, I had the best of both worlds with this man. First and foremost, I adored how John cared for me in every way. And even though the lessons he tried to teach me were hard at times, I finally understood why they were all necessary. Then of course, there was our pure animal attraction—which was off the charts! The complexity of John being my lover and my Daddy might seem odd to some, but it was exactly the relationship he missed having—and the one I so desperately needed. If this was what it felt like to be in love, then count me in. I nestled my head under his chin and whispered, “I love you too.”

“I don’t think a long-distance relationship is making sense at this juncture. Maybe it’s time we talk about you moving in. What do you think, princess? Would you like to live here with me?”

My head was still spinning from his declaration of love, and now he wanted me to move in with him? To some, it would seem like the natural progression in a relationship. But so many positive things didn’t usually happen to me in one day—let alone before lunch. Was this too good to be true?

His wink was subtle as he pursed his lips. “I’ll understand if you’re not ready to make such a permanent commitment, yet.”

I raised my chin and stared into his eyes. “I’d need to move all my things from Philly and sublet the apartment. It might take a while for that to happen.”

“Have I not proven to be a good Daddy so far?”

To an outsider, his question would seem rhetorical. But I knew he wanted an answer, and though John seemed to be in a good mood—he wasn’t a patient man. “Of course. You’re the best.”

He nodded. “So, what would a loving Daddy do in this situation?”

Jesus. I’d never had a loving Daddy before, so I had to take a shot in the dark on that one. “You’d take care of all the arrangements for me?”

“Good response, angel. You give me your landlord’s phone number, and I’ll make sure everything is attended to. If need be, I’ll continue to pay your rent until the apartment is sublet.”

Naturally, the rent wasn’t the only thing I’d need to worry about. “John, I have two closets brimming with clothes and there are rooms full of furniture.”

“There are companies who can pack up your things for storage and immediately ship what you need right now. If you have a desk, or a favorite chair—we can put it in one of the bedrooms. I’d been thinking about turning one of them into another office, and if you like, it could be your office. What do you think?”

Since I’d been staying with him—my laptop had been gathering dust on his kitchen island, just waiting for me to start a new novel. And though I’d enjoyed sitting on a high-top stool in order to send an e-mail or two, an office sounded so official and private. Yes indeed, it would be the perfect spot for me to work in. “How do you always know what I need?”

His Cheshire cat grin was wide. “Because I’m your Daddy.”

I slid off the chair to rub my backside. “There’s no doubt about that.”

“Any questions, young lady?”

“Just one,” I said, pursing my lips. “Is grilled cheese still on the lunch menu?”

“Of course, it is. You sit tight, and I’ll go prepare it for you.”

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