Top Dog

“That’s not thanks to me, Carrie. You’re the one who was willing to do what it took. But I’m glad you did. I haven’t felt like this before. I want you by my side. I want to take care of you for a change.” He stroked my hair and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. “Will you let me?”

“I’m not sure I can get used to that.” I had always been the one to wait on others and tend to them, and I hadn’t ever had anyone do that kind of thing for me. Not even my stepmother.

“Do you want to try?” He looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“Yes—”

His mouth was on mine before I had a chance to finish the word, and I couldn’t believe that this was all happening for us.

He pulled away and met my eyes. “I want to go meet your father. I’d like to ask his permission to date you.”

“I’m sure he’ll like that. You want to go right now?” I had left my father on the way over, and he’d been in good spirits, and we’d had a good conversation. “Just remember, if he asks, I met you on a girl’s weekend with Lindy. I’d rather him not know.”

“Yeah, me too.” We shared a laugh, and he called Lindy for his check then the two of us headed out to his car where we climbed in back and gave the driver directions to the home. Then as we shut the tinted glass, he pulled me close.

“God, I’ve missed you.” He buried his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply. “You’re scent, your taste.” He kissed me, planting a soft peck on my lips. “I can’t wait to be inside you again.” His words sent chills up my spine and neck and I met his eyes and placed my hand on his thigh.

“Why wait?” His eyes widened, and he grinned, and suddenly his hand was on mine, bringing it against the huge erection in his pants.

“How long will take us to get there?” he asked.

Nothing was far in Viola, Nebraska.

“Long enough if you’re into quickies,” I teased.

He took my free hand and kissed it and shook his head. “Oh, no. When I have you next, I want to take you nice and slow.” He slipped his hands between my legs and rubbed against my mound. The memory of the two of us together that last time, when I was so confused, and the misunderstanding hung over us came back to me, heating me in my most private places.

I squeezed my knees and moaned. “I can’t wait.” I kissed him, and we stroked one another a little longer until we were both turned on, and I was soaked.

By the time we prepared to meet my father, we’d calmed down. But I couldn’t wait to get him alone.

“This is where your father stays?” He asked with his brow raised. I felt a little bad knowing it wasn’t the best facility, but he stopped me and met my eyes.

“I can hire him a nurse, Carrie. I’d like for you to be able to take him home from here.” My heart raced, and I kissed his mouth. It was all I’d ever wanted, was to be able to afford care. Now, not only would he have the surgery, but he’d have care. As quickly as the thoughts sank in, I realized I couldn’t accept the offer.

“I can’t let you do that, Chance. It wouldn’t be right to ask you to do that for us.”

“You didn’t ask, and neither am I.” His eyes narrowed, and suddenly the Dark Prince stood before me. “You’ll be a good little girl and do as I say.” His lips curled in the corner as a smile spread mine and I leaned in close where no one could hear me respond.

“Yes, sir.”

I knew better than to argue with him when it came to taking care of me, and now he’d be sure to look after my father too, whether I wanted it or not, and how could I complain? I’d do anything for my dad.

“Good girl,” he whispered in my ear, and as the chills spread across my flesh, we hurried down the hallway to my father’s room and knocked on his door. And his face lit with surprise as I pushed the door open and peeked inside.

The blush rushed to my cheeks. I’d never brought anyone to meet my father before, especially someone I cared so much about. But then again, I’d never been in love until now.

CHAPTER NINETEEN - CHANCE

I’d never asked a man for permission to date his daughter, and the more I thought about it, as we walked toward her father’s door, I’d only taken the time to meet a few.

Carrie had awakened a part of me though, a part that wanted to do things right. I wanted to take care of her and make sure that she never wanted for anything. I had the money to do it too. All that time I’d brought those women to my castle, it was on my terms. My way. But it

wasn’t about my needs anymore. She’d taught me that.

We stopped outside a door in the hall of the assisted living home, and Carrie knocked. “Hey, Daddy?” She pushed the door open, and I was surprised to find the man on the other side of the door had her eyes. He was also much younger than I’d expected. He wasn’t in the home for his age, though, and by the gray color of his pallid skin, I could tell he needed care.

“What’s happening, Ladybug?” Her father’s eyes lit up as I entered behind her. “To what do I owe two visits in such a short morning?” He raised his bed higher to a sitting position.