Chapter 9 #3
We spend the rest of the evening cuddled on the couch. Tyler puts on a movie but I can tell his mind is elsewhere.
"What are you thinking about?" I ask.
"How different my life was a month ago. I was lonely without realizing it." He strokes my hair. "And how you changed everything."
"I feel the same way."
"Do you ever regret it? Taking a chance on me?"
"Never. Not even once." I shift to look at him. "Do you?"
"God, no. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." He kisses my forehead. "I just want to make sure I'm giving you what you need. That this dynamic is working for you."
"It's working perfectly. You take care of me without making me feel smothered. You set boundaries without being controlling. You see all of me and love all of me." I pause. "Why are you asking? Are you having doubts?"
"No doubts. I just want to make sure we keep communicating. This only works if we're both honest about what we need." He sounds vulnerable. Is he worried about me leaving? Does he think he’s not doing enough? Should I be reassuring him more and telling him how wonderful he is?
"Then I need you to trust that I'll tell you if something isn't working. I promised I'd be honest, remember?"
"I remember."
"And I need you to believe that I'm here by choice.
Not because I feel obligated or trapped or anything like that.
I'm here because I want to be. You are doing an amazing job taking care of all my needs.
You let me be little when I need to be and you make sure big me is sexually satisfied every time we have sex.
You care more about me getting off than you.
Not all men would do that. You are the perfect Daddy for me. "
His arms tighten around me. "I love you so damn much."
"I love you too, Daddy."
My phone buzzes again.
Emily: Okay I just got a text from someone named Rampage saying Tyler gave him my info and he'll make sure I'm safe in Grand Ridge. This is the sweetest thing ever.
Chloe: Tyler takes care of people.
Emily: You found a good one, babe. Hold onto him.
Chloe: Planning on it.
Emily: Good. Now I'm going to pack for my trip. Text me this weekend and tell me how things go with the kids.
Chloe: Will do. Be safe up there.
Emily: I will. Love you.
Chloe: Love you too.
I show Tyler the messages.
"Good. Rampage will take care of her. He's protective of women traveling alone." He glances at the clock. "It's getting late. You should probably head home."
"What if I don't want to go home?"
"Then you stay. But we both have early mornings tomorrow."
"I know. But I sleep better with you."
His expression softens. "Me too. Okay. Stay. But we're actually sleeping. No distractions."
"Define distractions."
"Chloe." His voice holds warning and amusement in equal measure.
"Fine. Just sleeping. I can behave."
"Can you though?"
I swat his arm playfully. "Yes, Daddy. I can behave."
"We'll see."
We get ready for bed, and true to my word, I behave. Mostly.
Okay, there's some making out. But we do eventually fall asleep tangled together.
And when morning comes, Tyler's alarm going off, I'm still wrapped in his arms.
"Morning, sleepy girl," he murmurs.
"Too early."
"I know. But I have PT. And you need to open the shop."
"Five more minutes."
"You said that yesterday. And the day before."
"And I'll say it tomorrow too."
He laughs, kissing the top of my head. "Come on."
We move through the morning routine like we've been doing it for years instead of weeks. Tyler makes eggs while I steal sips of his coffee. We eat quickly, both of us aware of the time.
"Tonight?" he asks as we're getting ready to leave.
"I'm closing at six. Come by after?"
"I'll be there." He kisses me at the door. "I love you."
"I love you too. Have a good day, Daddy."
"You too, baby girl. Text me after lunch. Let me know you ate."
"Yes, Daddy."
The day at the shop is steady, and I'm restocking pastries when my phone rings.
Tyler's name on the screen. But it's only two p.m.
"Hey, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine. I just got a call from Rampage. He wanted to confirm that Emily's arriving Saturday around noon."
"That's the plan. Why?"
"He was asking if she'd want a tour of the town. Said he'd make sure she got lunch before she heads back."
"That's really nice of him."
"He's a good guy. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case Emily mentions it."
"Thanks for looking out for her."
"Of course." He pauses. "I should go. But I'll see you tonight."
"See you tonight, Daddy."
I text Emily immediately.
Chloe: Tyler's friend Rampage might offer to show you around Grand Ridge and buy you lunch.
Emily: The giant tattooed biker wants to buy me lunch?
Chloe: He's Tyler's friend. And apparently really nice despite looking scary.
Emily: I mean, I'm not opposed to lunch. And I've never been to Grand Ridge before.
Chloe: Just be safe, okay?
Emily: Always. Love you.
By the time six o'clock rolls around, I'm exhausted and ready to see Tyler.
He shows up right on time, and just seeing him makes my day better.
"Rough day?" he asks, reading my expression.
"Long day. I'm tired."
"Then let's get you home and off your feet." He takes my bag. "My place or yours?"
"Yours. I like being in your space."
"Our space," he corrects. "You're there more than your own apartment anyway."
"Is that okay?"
"More than okay. I love having you there." He opens the truck door for me. "Have you thought about maybe making it official? Moving in? We can find a new place that is pet friendly."
My breath catches. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"
"Not yet. But I'm thinking about it. Testing the waters." He climbs into the driver's seat. "Too fast?"
"Maybe. I don't know." My heart is racing. "Can I think about it?"
"Of course. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."
We drive in comfortable silence, but my mind is spinning.
Moving in with Tyler. Making it official.
It's a huge step. But also... it feels right. Natural.
We've been together for three weeks. Most people would say that's insane.
But most people aren't us.
Tomorrow is book club. Saturday Emily heads to Grand Ridge. Sunday Tyler's kids leave and he'll need me.
But right now? Right now I have this moment.
And it's enough.
More than enough.
It's everything.