He thinks for a second. “I’m not going anywhere without you, Sophia. Not ever again.”
I lean into him, practically swooning.
“Did you pack for a few days?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Do you need to do anything else around the house first? Plants need watering? A pet chameleon needs feeding?”
I giggle and shake my head. “Neither.”
“Then I guess we’re off.” He releases me to turn and pick up my bag by the front door. He heaves it up, grunting as though it weighs a thousand pounds.
I swat at his arm. “Daddy…”
He chuckles. “You do realize you won’t need anything in this bag while you’re at my house, right?”
I frown. “Why not?”
“Because I already bought you the few clothes you’ll need, and besides, I like you naked.” He winks.
My cheeks heat. “I can’t stay naked all the time.”
“Why not?” he teases as he leads me out the front door. He takes my key and locks it before tucking it in my bag.
Soon, I’m safely buckled into his SUV just like last night, and Tate is pulling away from my house. It’s surreal. I’m going to his home. I suspect it will be nicer than mine. Much nicer.
I fidget while he drives, looking around, watching where we’re going. When he pulls into a gated neighborhood, I gasp. This is way, way, way nicer than any place I’ve ever lived or even visited. I suddenly feel out of his league.
“You okay, Little one?” he asks as he takes my hand.
I nod, gripping his fingers. My eyes are wide as I take in the homes up and down the streets of his neighborhood. They’re all different. Unique. Custom-built.
When Daddy pulls into the driveway of an extremely modern home, I can’t believe my eyes. There are so many windows. Ithink the living room and whatever is above it are just wall to wall windows.
I’m still staring, mesmerized, as Daddy pulls into the garage and parks. He rounds the SUV to help me out, grabs my bag, and guides me toward the door. “Are you nervous?”
I nod. “Very.”
“Why?” When he opens the door and motions for me to enter before him, I suck in a breath. We step into the kitchen. It’s all stainless steel and white. Sleek. Modern. Luxurious. I’d be too scared to even use the microwave in here for fear I might leave smudges on the door or the handle. What if my food splattered inside?
Daddy sets my bag down and presses his front against my back, his hands coming to my shoulders. “It’s just a house, Baby girl.”
I twist my neck to look at him. “Are you serious? This is way more than just a house. It’s a mansion. I would never be able to afford something like this in my entire life.”
He bends to kiss my shoulder. “You don’t have to, Little one. I already bought it.”
I start shaking. I’m way out of place here. I feel like I should kick off my shoes so I don’t leave prints or dust on his tile floor. “It’s so…clean.”
“I have a cleaning service that comes in once a week.”
I guess that makes sense. How could he ever clean this entire place otherwise?
“Come. Let me show you around. Then I’ll feed you. I bet you’re hungry.”
I turn to look up at him. “Feed me? Like Theo does for Layla?” I shudder.
“If you want. But I didn’t mean that literally. We’ll experiment, Baby girl, and figure out what suits us.”
