Page 21 of Daddy's Little 1

Yeah. “Holy” is the right word.

ChapterTen

Roman

I settwo glasses of wine on the coffee table which has candles on either end. The lights are off, and Brenna is on the couch, flipping back and forth between different televised New Year’s Eve parties.

It’s so domestic that it strikes me as strange for a moment. Because it doesn’t make me want to run.

It only makes me think about that word.Forever.

She smiles up at me and pats the spot next to her, offering me some of the large blanket wrapped around her.

Her offer makes me realize what I’ve been missing out on all these years. But maybe it’s more about the right timing. And the right woman.

“I don’t think I’ve ever cooried and watched television with a woman. Not unless my mother counts when I was a child,” I admit.

“Cooried?” Brenna queries.

“Snuggled. Cuddled.”

“Ah.” She grins and lifts the blanket. “Then get in here.”

I slide in next to her, and shecooriesinto me. My phone buzzes, startling me. I dig it from my pocket, frowning when I see it’s a video call from James. He and Brenna have spoken several times since he’s been away, but I guess he’s ringing tonight to wish us a Happy New Year.

I show Brenna, and she mutes the TV, pressing into the end of the couch and sitting up straight. She nods, and I answer, turning the phone where James can see a little of us both.

“Hey, guys! I know it’s about an hour before midnight there, so I thought I’d call,” he says cheerily.

“Hey, Dad.” Brenna waves, her smile genuine and causing those damn dimples I instantly want to kiss.

But I have to be careful. James will know one day. He’ll notice, or I’ll have to tell him. I push thoughts of the inevitable confrontation away, not wanting to spoil this time with Brenna.

“You look happy. I hope Roman’s responsible.”

Shit.

Brenna blushes, and I clear my throat, turning the camera my way for a moment. I see her covering her mouth from the corner of my eye. I don’t know if it’s shock, worry, or because she’s smothering a smile.

“Well, she seems to like her gifts, and she has all the streaming platforms at her fingertips.”

“And Roman took me shopping,” she hollers over me.

James chuckles. “Sounds like my daughter's dream. Thank you.”

Our eyes meet for a second as I pan back to her. She’s made her dreams clear to me, and I doubt James would approve.

“How are you, Dad?” Brenna asks, changing the subject.

“Well, Bumble,” he starts, and my shoulders immediately sag. When he talks like that, he has bad news. “Things are going well, but—”

“You’ll be staying a little longer,” she finishes, her smile disappearing.

I want to hold her, but it’ll have to wait.

“Yes, but only four days more than we thought.” He looks away from her disappointment.

“Okay, I understand. I’m proud of you for doing such a good job. And I’ll be fine,” she assures him.

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