Page 32 of Possessing Paisley
Whoa. That was a lot. So much to unpack there. He’s never had a woman sleep in his bed? Why me? Does he really like me so much that he’d let me be the first?
“Okay,” I whisper.
“So, Daddy from now on. Understand?” He hooks a finger under my chin and tilts my head back so I’m forced to look directly at him.
I part my lips to prepare my next argument. “Yes, Daddy,” I murmur.
What the fuck? That wasn’t an argument. I said I’m not just going to lie down for him. He’s not always going to get his way.
His expression softens, and he leans down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. “Good girl.”
Okay, maybe it was worth being agreeable.
“You’re meeting the girls over at Declan’s?”
“Yes. We’re meeting around nine.”
He studies me for a moment before he gives a slight nod. “Okay, baby. I’ll let you get ready, but if you start having any heavy or sad feelings, I want you to call me right away.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure you will, but if for some reason you’re not, you’re to call me. Are we clear?”
Letting out a deep sigh, I wrap my arms around his waist. “Yes, Mr. Bossy Pants. Go away now. I need to shower. I smell like you.”
His arms tighten around me. “Hmm. I think I like that. Maybe I want my scent on you. It will keep all the other men away.”
The corners of my lips curl up, and I give him a gentle shove. “There are no other men.”
“Better not be. If there are, they’ll be six feet under after I find them.”
I roll my eyes and wave my arms at him. “You’re unhinged. Now, go.”
“So, are you going to tell us why Kieran stormed across the yard in a towel this morning, looking like a bear with a thorn in his paw?” Cali asks the second I sit at the dining room table.
Cali has her own office in the house that’s plenty big enough for us to work in, but for whatever reason, we’ve turned this room into a makeshift workspace. Maybe it’s because Grace, their house manager, hovers over us out here, bringing snacks and drinks and encouraging words. She’s the sweetest woman.Motherly. Or at least what I always thought a mother should be like.
Heat spreads through my cheeks. Of course someone caught that this morning. The news is probably spreading through the estate like wildfire. Me tiptoeing home in Kieran’s shirt with my dress and shoes in hand. Then, not even twenty minutes later, him stomping over in just a towel. Awesome.
Chloe is trying not to laugh, but she covers her mouth and sets her coffee down as her shoulders start to shake. “Sorry. I know this probably isn’t funny for you.”
I roll my eyes and take a long swig of my latte while all three women stare at me expectantly. “Fine. I guess since everyone already pretty much knows. I spent the night at Kieran’s last night after I discovered I forgot my house key.”
“Uh-huh. And?” Scarlet motions for me to continue.
Letting out a deep sigh, I glance at my best friend, worried she might be mad at me. Being the intuitive little thing that she is, she waves her hand dismissively.
“Girl, you know you have my blessing to hook up with Kieran. It’s not like I haven’t noticed that you two have the hots for each other.”
The coffee cup nearly slips, but I quickly set it down and glare at Chloe. “We didn’t have the hots for each other. Up until last night, we hated each other. I think.” I press my fingers to my temples.
“Well, I think it’s fantastic. Kieran needs someone to keep him on his toes. He’s a real curmudgeon sometimes,” Cali says.
We all burst out laughing at that because, yeah. He really is. A sweet, thoughtful, bossy, stubborn, irritating curmudgeon.
“I don’t know what’s happening between us. Just that we’re exclusive to each other for now. We’re keeping it casual, though.”
Scarlet raises her eyebrows and leans back in her chair. “Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that, babe.”