10. Avery

Chapter 10

Avery

I woke to an empty bed, but the sheets were still warm where Dexter had been. I wanted to just stay here and wait for him to come back, but I had to get up too. I sat up and stretched, noticing Dexter's hoodie draped over the chair. Without thinking, I slipped it on and sucked in a deep breath, soaking in his lingering scent.

"Just a few more hours and he’ll be back!" That was my new chant to reassure myself as I went through the motions of getting ready.

Once I got to the shop, I found myself staring blankly at my projects as my mind drifted to Dexter's smile and the way his eyes crinkled with happiness when he watched me play.

A customer's voice snapped me back to reality as she pointed at a painted pint glass. "Excuse me, do you have this in blue?"

I exhaled and plastered a smile on my face. "Unfortunately, everything is one of a kind, so I don’t have any inventory in the back.” I tapped my chin as I thought of something similar. “But I think I might have something else you’ll like.”

As I searched the clearance rack for a similar glass in teal, my phone buzzed with a text from Dexter. Miss you already. What do you want for dinner tonight?

My heart leapt, knowing he was thinking of me. Just you. Anything else is fine. I grinned but tried not to look too distracted with the customer watching me carefully. Don’t forget an overnight bag.

The day dragged on, and each minute felt like an eternity as I reorganized displays, dusted shelves, and did just about anything I could to keep busy. Luckily, a tour bus pulled up after lunch, with a flood of holiday shoppers.

"Welcome to Avery's Little Treasures!" I called out, pushing encroaching thoughts of Dexter aside. "Feel free to browse, and let me know if you need any help."

From that point on, I was swept up in questions about the origin of my creations and wrapping up purchases. I’d almost forgotten how much fun it could be to be busy at work and talking about my art. It was exhausting and exhilarating—exactly what I needed to get my mind off Daddy.

When the last customer left, I slumped against the counter and sighed. “Finally.” Realizing with a start that it was almost closing time, I had renewed energy. With the bus gone, I decided to flip the sign to closed and lock up early.

Dexter was coming over soon, and I didn’t want him to wait.

A few minutes later, I pulled up to my cottage, and my heart skipped a beat as I spotted Dexter's familiar delivery van parked out front. Just seeing it there sent a thrill of desire through me. Daddy was here!

I didn’t even make it to the lawn before he swept me into his arms with a look of pure joy beaming from his face. “Hey there, snow angel. I’m glad you’re home.”

"Me too! I’ve been so excited all day." I rested my head on his shoulder and sniffed his scruffy jaw. "I’m so glad you’re early. I couldn’t wait another minute to see you."

Just being securely in his arms made the stress of the workweek melt away. The scent of pine and cinnamon clung to him, reminding me of the busy holiday season that had been keeping us apart. But with just a few days left until Christmas, it was almost done.

Besides, he was choosing to spend his free time with me. He really did care about me. "I hope you're hungry. I may have gotten carried away at the grocery store."

"Starving. Lead the way, Daddy."

Daddy moved efficiently in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and seasoning chicken like a professional chef. Laughter filled the air when he told me about being attacked by a litter of possums hiding under a porch step, and I told him about my record sales day. It was officially my highest grossing day since I opened the store, but that still wasn’t the best part of my day.

This was.

Stealing kisses between stirring the pot and setting the table. Just having someone in my home like this was surreal. It felt both surprising and exactly right, as if we'd been doing it for years instead of mere days.

After we ate a yummy dinner, we settled on the couch and Daddy put on one of my favorite cartoons. I curled around him with his arm draped around my shoulders, pulling me close.

Daddy kissed the side of my head during a commercial. "Mmm. I could get used to this."

It was just the beginning of our first full weekend together, but I was very sure it wouldn’t be the last. I could feel that Dexter was the right Daddy for me, and when he pulled me onto his lap and let me nuzzle against his chest, I was reminded that no other man could give me everything I needed. Only Dexter could be my Daddy.

And I hoped that only I could be his boy.