Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70014 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70014 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
That got another laugh from Stefan as we went over and sat down in the nest he’d made. “They’re funny, but it was a bit odd. They were trying to operate in the don’t be nosy rules you seemed to have set, but it was hard for them. They really did their best, though.”
That sounded frightening, honestly.
“Just remember they’ll accept a safeword if they go too far.” I was glad when he nodded so quickly. “And don’t forget, they like you and want to be your friend too. Kenzie liked you before we ever started dating, and he’s ridiculously open about what he’s feeling.”
But that was good in some situations.
Like being able to show my little that he had friends.
“I like that.” He sounded relaxed and like he wasn’t quite as grown-up any longer. “I liked having a tea party too even if I didn’t get little. They don’t mind that, but if I’m not very careful, they’re going to help me into a heart attack talking about stuff.”
I couldn’t help chuckling because he was right. “They will. They’re frighteningly helpful sometimes.”
Stefan gave an adorable sigh. “Everyone around here is.”
“They are, but we don’t have to worry about that now. We’ve got a Lunchable to enjoy and I might even have a treat for my cute lunch date.”
He sucked in a breath and his eyes got wide as he straightened. “That’s two surprises.”
“Then you are a very lucky boy.” Giving him a quick forehead kiss, I smiled. “And I’m a very lucky Daddy.”
Chapter 17
Stefan
I was stuck…and I was pretty sure the rock was dating the hard place because we were long past introductions. I had questions for Daddy that really were Daddy-type questions, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to watch him while I asked.
I didn’t feel bad about that, though, because if I was little, I was allowed to be nervous about that kind of stuff.
“You’re thinking very loudly over there.” Boyd’s teasing comment as I parked the car in front of the house said I hadn’t exactly been subtle, but nothing in his tone said I’d worried him.
But as glad as I was of that, I still didn’t know what to say. “Can…I want to…”
Ugh.
Boyd smiled tenderly and leaned over the center console to kiss my cheek. “Let’s see if I can start this off. You want to talk about something? You have questions or just something to work out?”
He was a very smart Daddy.
“Yes. The second one, please.” I just didn’t know how to get us any further. “I’m…looking at you while I talk feels more difficult than it should, though. But don’t be sad. I’m not hiding from you.”
Oh, that hadn’t come out right.
Thankfully, his smile just got brighter since he obviously thought I was cute. “That’s fine. Well, we could solve that several different ways. We could have you sit in front of me so you were leaning against my chest as we talked. We could text or talk on the phone from different rooms. Or if we wanted something that you might not have thought of, I could shift and you could talk to me that way.”
I could talk to Daddy dragon and not Daddy human?
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Rubbing my hands along the wheel, I tried not to look even more nervous as I started worrying about something completely new. “That wouldn’t be rude to human you? This you? Regular you? God, I keep getting more and more offensive. I’m sorry.”
As I closed my eyes and banged the back of my head into the headrest, I sighed but Daddy chuckled. “You’re so cute. No worries. I know it’s hard to find the right words.”
“It’d be easier if you were two separate beings. Then I could call your dragon a different name and it would be easier to use in a sentence.” I just needed more practice and then I’d sound smoother when I talked about his dragon side.
“You’re doing wonderfully. It’s hard because you’ve only interacted with us when we appear human. I’m not going to get offended when you can’t figure out how to say something and no one else will either.” Boyd reached over and stroked my head. “And if they get huffy, remind them that you picked the dragons, but you’re very sure the mages would welcome you to their team.”
That made me laugh and most of my stress popped like a bubble. “That would make some of them crazy. Especially Mr. Kennedy.”
There were a handful of old men around town that would have a heart attack if I said that.
Boyd let out a wicked chuckle. “Oh, I’d love to see that.”
“Naughty Daddy.” I couldn’t help smiling as he huffed.
“Wonderful Daddy because I’m going to shift so we can curl up in the backyard and you can talk without having to worry.” I started to tell him that I could have the conversation now, but he leaned over and kissed my head. “Should we bring a blanket and some pillows so you can be comfortable?”