Big Daddy

I saw the diner in the distance, and Dream confirmed he was still out front. When I pulled in, there were a few cars parked, including a dark one I’d never seen.

“I’m here. You wait by the back door, and when you see me open the door, you jump in. Make sure you have your stuff. We’re not coming back today.” I hung up the phone and hurried around the building. Once I saw her at the door, I stopped and threw the truck’s door open as wide as I could. She ran out and dove in, and before I could tell her to get down, she laid out next to me, her head close to my lap. I casually turned around and drove back out.

“Did you see the black car? That was him. He’s not coming after us, is he?”

I glanced in my rearview. “No, not a chance.”

She raised up and then pulled her seatbelt across her. “Thanks.” Tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry I called. I was just desperate. I didn’t’ want to involve you or Star in any of this. I just panicked.”

I hated that she was afraid. The guy was a bastard piece of trash, and he needed to be wiped off the face of the earth. “It’s fine. I told you to call me, remember. You did the right thing. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you, Dream.”

“He’ll find me.”

“He won’t. You’re not going back to Liza’s.” She opened her mouth to protest, but I shook my head. “I don’t want a fucking argument, Dream, not right now. You’re not going back to Liza’s. You’re going to stay with me, and that’s final.”

She crossed her arms, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I sounded as controlling as her ex had been.

I softened my voice and tried to reason with her.

“Star’s staying with my neighbor, so you can use the guest room, and you won’t be putting anyone in danger. We’ll figure out what to do from there. I’m not trying to hold you captive Dream. I just don’t want him to be able to find you in any of the places he’d expect you to be.”

“I guess I can kiss my job goodbye, especially if I don’t show up for the early shift tomorrow.”

I felt bad for her. It couldn’t be easy getting your life together only to have the rug pulled out from under you time and time again. She was no different than Star, and I was just as determined to help Dream too.

“It’s just a job, and you don’t need to spend your money staying with me. I’ve got plenty to take care of things, and I can make a few phone calls to some of my SEAL brothers. They’ll be able to help with this asshole.”

She simply nodded and looked up at me with a look in her green eyes that nearly undid me.

We arrived at the cabin, and I jumped out and walked around to get her door as she collected her bag and apron.

She winced as she stepped out of the truck. “My feet are killing me. I think I’ve had too much excitement for one day.”

“Calm down, and I’ll fix us something to eat.”

We went into the kitchen, and I took some sodas out of the fridge. “I have a pizza. It’s one of those that is supposed to taste like you had it delivered.” I opened the freezer and pulled it out.

“Is it pepperoni and ham?”

“Your favorite?” I chuckled. I had a feeling she’d only told Star that to get her to warm up. I preheated the oven and then searched for a pan.

“Yeah, actually, I like anything. But from now on, that’s my favorite.” She gave a halfhearted smile and then cracked open her soda.

“I feel like a walking grease stick.” She pulled the ponytail holder from her hair and gave her scalp a scratch as her dark brown hair fell to her shoulders.

“You look beautiful.” I had to speak the truth, and she looked down to her drink and ran her thumb across the condensation.

“Thank you. I wish I felt it.”

I wanted to reassure her of how gorgeous she was, to tell her all the things her body made me feel. Would she think it was sexy that I stroked my cock to the thought of her lips wrapped around it? I cleared my throat and turned my back to her before she got another eyeful.

“You can use my shower if you like, I have some sweats and a T-shirt you can wear until I’m able to get with Liza about your clothes. I can coordinate something later. Star won’t be home, and I’ll be in my workshop, so you’re welcome to make yourself at home and watch TV or whatever you like.”

“I’d love that, thanks.”