Page 65 of Taming You

She shakes her head. “No, Josh is very serious about daddy-daughter dates. He’s tried to work less during the week, but it’s hard when he’s so needed and he just bought the team, so he dedicates his weekends to time for us and with Cate.”

“He’s a good dad.”

She nods. “A very good dad. I’m lucky to have him.”

“You’re both lucky.”

We settle on the couch, and Liv tosses me a blanket before pulling up a romcom and pressing play. We make it through three movies before Josh comes home, and I figure I should head home. I shoot Matt a text, letting him know I’m just going to catch the train home. I don’t want him to have to get Jayden ready and into the car when I’m perfectly capable of getting myself home. He texts me to wait, but I tell him I’m fine.

When I enter the living room again, Liv is on the phone, and she’s staring right at me with a grin so big I’m sure her face hurts. That look tells me everything I need to know.

“He didn’t,” I say when she hangs up, and she nods.

“I’ve been given strict instructions to not let you leave until Matt gets here to take you home.”

“I’m a grown-ass woman. I can get myself home.”

“Matt said it’s dark and he’s taking you home.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m leaving. I love you, and I’ll see you later.” I turn to the front door, and Josh steps in front of it. “Josh, could you please let me go.”

His eyes dart over my shoulder and back to me. “Sorry, Liv said you’re staying.”

I look over my shoulder at her and scowl. “Seriously?”

She shrugs.

“You’ve got him so pussy whipped he’s not letting me leave?”

She shrugs again, and I shake my head.

I turn and start to head down the hallway towards the washroom. When Josh starts to move away from the door, I turn and try to beat him to the door, but it’s no use. “Fucking hockey player,” I mutter.

It’s no use. I settle at the end of the couch and cross my arms like a toddler, and at this point, I don’t give a fuck. I’m being locked in my best friend’s apartment because her brother won’t let me take the train home. The same train I’ve taken for years, all because it’s fucking dark. Stupid daylight savings.

Liv’s phone rings, and she answers and presses a button and I know Matt’s here. I’m not happy with him right now. Matt knocks on the front door, and Josh answers, letting him in.

He’s got Jayden in his car seat in hand, and when he spots me he asks, “What did I say this morning, Bug?”

I turn and face him, not leaving the couch. “Nope. You’re not going to Bug me right now. I’m pissed. I’m a big girl, I can get myself home. I told you not to come get me.”

Liv meets Matt and takes the car seat from him, and he walks towards me. There’s something in his expression that goes straight between my legs, but I fight it. I’m not backing down on this. When he’s in front of me, he leans over me on the couch. As I look up at him, his expression softens.

“Do you trust me?” he asks, and I nod. “Do you believe that I care about you?”

I nod again.

“Do you believe I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re safe and taken care of?”

That’s a big question, but I somehow know deep in my bones it’s true. I nod.

“Then I’m not going to let you take the train home in the dark when I’m perfectly capable of coming to pick you up and make sure you get there safely.”

“But Jayden...” I whisper.

“He loves car rides, and I’m sure it will put him right to sleep on the way home.”

“But—”

---