“Not if that is how you really feel.” She takes the salad bowl from me.
“Can we try again when we get done with dinner?” I ask.
I see her ponder the question for a moment. I feel like shit for pushing her away. I’ve lived a long enough life to have an open mind. All I’m trying to do is take myself down another road that leads to self-sabotage. It’s still her. It’s still me. It could be us if I’d get the fuck out of my own way.
“If you’re sure.” She nods.
“I am.” I reach over and squeeze her hand. “I have one request, though, and it’s kind of a big one for me.”
“Okay.” She looks up at me.
“Don’t call me Daddy.” I wince. “I—already have a daughter, and that feels weird.”
“Is that the only thing that is off limits?” Some of the light returns to her eyes.
“For now.” I exhale sharply. “Only because I have no idea what you’re going to throw at me next…”
“I’m sure I’m due for another trip to the principal’s office.” She chews on her bottom lip.
“I can work with that.” I nod in agreement. “At least you’re in dress code this time.”
“Am I?” She grins.
“Your dress comes to your knees…” I shrug. “Better than last night.”
“I’m missing one thing from last night.” She leans closer—close enough to purr into my ear. “I’m not wearing any panties…”
I can’t definitely work with that.
If I don’t choke on my food first.
Chapter Eleven
Ainsley
I didn’t even think about the fact Lawson has a daughter when I said I could call him Daddy. I got carried away and nearly brought our date to an abrupt halt. That would be my luck—finally find a guy who doesn’t reject me and ruin it because of my daddy issues. No surprise that I still have some pent-up issues over the first guy to decide he didn’t want a damn thing to do with me.
But Lawson is different. He makes me feel so comfortable that I want to explore my fantasies with him. Not to mention that kiss—it set my entire body on fire.
At least we’re finally back on neutral ground. The stumble is a small price to pay. Every relationship has them. Wait. Relationship? Is that what this is turning into?
This is a date. He cooked for me. He bought wine. I assume the candles sitting on the counter didn’t get lit because I showed up too early. Holy shit. This was supposed to be romantic. It turned into some kind of fantasy when the reality could’ve been amazing on its own.
“This is really good.” I get out of my head long enough to acknowledge how incredible the bourbon glazed chicken is.
“My grandmother would be thrilled to hear that I didn’t totally fuck up her recipe.” He laughs and nods.
“You didn’t. I could eat this every day.” I cut another piece and stab my fork into it.
“If you like this, you should taste one of her desserts.” He reaches for his whiskey. “They’ll give you diabetes before you can even take a bite.”
“I’d love to.” I look down and smile.
The atmosphere seems to be back to where it was before I took a deep dive into my dark side. He’s smiling. He’s laughing. I can’t escape my fantasies, but I do need to learn to live in the moment. This one is incredible.
We have polite conversation for the rest of dinner, and I’m glad that I didn’t eat anything earlier in the day, because wasting a single bite would be a crime.
“Well then, Ms. Andrews.” Lawson’s demeanor changes to the serious expression I saw last night. “I believe you need to go wait for me in my office; it’s the second door on the right at the end of the hall.”