Page 60 of Daddy's Pride

“Be my business partner.”

I wasn’t expecting that. Did I hear him correctly?

“Your passion, enthusiasm, and ideas are fueling every step I’ve taken toward making the Open Arms Activity Centre a reality. I wouldn’t have got as far as I have without you. Heck, I’d have given up on the whole idea.”

“That’s not true, Daddy.”

He gathers my hands in his. “It is, boy. You told me that if you could do anything at all, you’d want to do something that matters.”

I nod.

“Do you believe the activity centre matters?”

“You know I do, Daddy. You want to create a place where everyone feels welcome and everyone can succeed. It’s going to be amazing.”

“Yes, it will be, especially if you’re there to help. Besides, I have an ulterior motive in asking you to be my business partner.”

I blink. “You do?”

“Yes. It would make sense if you’re on site. Move in with me.”

My heart beats so fast I’m sure it’ll fly off into the stratosphere. Thankfully, I’m lying down. I’d have collapsed if I weren’t. My limbs have turned to jelly. My head is spinning. This can’t be happening. This wonderful, gorgeous man can’t be asking me to move in with him and be his business partner. Can he?

He chuckles. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Not a ghost. I need a moment to process. You’re not asking me because you feel sorry for me, right?”

“No,” he replies firmly.

“Then why?”

“Because I love you.”

“I must be dreaming.” I pinch myself.

“You’re not.”

He grabs my wrists, pins them against my pillow, and kisses me so hard he steals my breath. Then he bites my lip harder than I pinched myself. It’s the most perfect thing he could have done.

“Still think you’re dreaming, boy?”

“No, Daddy. I-I-I love you too.” My heart swells the moment the words pass my lips. “I love you.” I laugh, suddenly giddy. “I love you.” I grasp his face, tickle his beard, and kiss him. “I love you!”

He lies over me, kissing and stroking me, as our declarations sink into my heart. I love him. He loves me.

He nuzzles my nose. “Now that’s settled, will you move in with me? Or do you enjoy doing the long-distance thing?”

“Fuck, no. I want to be with you, Daddy.”

“So, will you?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes!”

He laughs. “And be my business partner?” He raises his voice and his eyebrows.

“Yes.”

Why did I even need to think about it? Miles is everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s everything I need. He makes me happy. I want to help him turn his dream into a reality. I want to share his dream and be part of it. Most of all, I want to be with him.