by Maren Smith
My heart swelled from his affection, and it felt so full. I giggled into my hands. “Can we have the chocolate peanut butter one, Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart, but you need to save room for dinner. I put it in the oven to warm up, it should be almost done.”
“Okay, but I bet those cupcakes taste better.”
I giggled, light and bubbly sounds that fell out of my lips and all of me relished the moment. Even if Fabian didn’t become my forever Daddy, I needed to spoil myself more often. He’d known exactly what I needed.
Dinner was perfect. The chicken and spices mingled nicely in my mouth. The second round of cupcakes tasted even better, raspberry cheesecake and mocha madness, followed by the world’s best hot cocoa. Fabian’s gentle but firm handling of me kept me planted in my Little space all night. I hadn’t planned to stay in it, but the freedom to explore and be myself brought me more joy than I had experienced in a long time. Curled up on Fabian was the best seat in the house, but halfway through the cartoon movie about friendship, my eyes were so heavy they shut.
“You’re snoring, little fawn. Let’s get you to bed.”
“I’m not sleepy, Daddy.” I protested sleepily, but he was right. I had missed most of the movie.
“You can finish watching it tomorrow. Come on.”
Despite the information about my car, I had a sinking feeling it was my last night at the cabin. Panicked, I clung to him when he attempted to lay me down.
“Please stay with me.”
“You need to get some sleep, Hadley.”
“Please, Daddy?”
“If I stay in here tonight, sweetheart, I’m not going to want you to leave,” he admitted. “I care about you, and it’s already going to be hard to see you go.”
“I’m sorry for not telling you what was going on in my brain today.” I took a deep breath and let the emotions I’d been staving off come into my head. For once, they didn’t overwhelm me, and I embraced it all. “You’ve said and done all these amazing things for me, and I’m big on self-sabotage. Real big.” I spread my hands out. “If I left without a trace, then I could blame everything on myself. I’m so afraid of you hurting me, that it’s easier to hurt myself and stomp out my chance at happiness in order to avoid the pain.”
“We’re going to work on your self-sabotage cycle so you can see your worth, Hadley. You have so much potential hiding behind self-doubt. You are breathtakingly beautiful, and I’ve had more fun with you in a week than I’ve had in years. You’re funny and caring and so many other wonderful things. You’re going to shine so bright when we’re done polishing you.”
“Are you going to polish me with a paddle?”
“Don’t get smart, little fawn,” he warned, and waggled his eyebrows. “You’re deflecting.”
“You've been so incredibly patient with me and understanding and caring. I’m scared of going back home and uncovering the truth—that I’ve been unconscious in the hospital this whole time, and I dreamed it.”
“You’re not dreaming.” Fabian stroked his knuckles down my face. “We can talk more in the morning.”
I kissed him sweetly. “Tonight was the best.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” He kissed my cheek. “Rest well, Hadley.”
“Good night, Daddy.”
Fabian tucked the blankets around me, shut the light and closed the door. The space seemed empty without him, and I clutched a hand to my heart, wishing for the safety of his arms. He talked like we were already in a relationship, and in the same dynamic we’d discussed. It was exactly what I wanted.
I never expected to fall in love, but my fairytale rescue seemed headed towards, at least, a happy-for-now, and the endless possibilities lulled me to sleep.
Chapter Six
My car ended up being repaired overnight, seemingly like magic. One of the mechanics found the needed part lying around in his basement. On top of that, though my vacation was supposed to extend a few more days, my boss had emailed me. An unexpected project desperately needed my attention, and she begged me to get back as soon as possible. A few comp days sweetened the request, though I did let her know about my bum ankle. Then she added sprinkles to the deal by allowing me to work remotely at least until I made a doctor’s appointment. Out of excuses, I reluctantly agreed. It was time to head back to the reality of my mundane life without Fabian, unless other things fell into place.
“At least you won’t have to carry me all over your cabin anymore,” I said softly to Fabian as we stood near my car at the repair shop.
“I’ve told you how much I enjoyed carrying you around, little fawn. In fact, I’m going to miss it so much that I’ll resort to carrying Zeus around.”
Zeus barked several times in a row as if voicing his displeasure at Fabian’s plan.
“I don’t think he’d like that.” I kissed Fabian on the cheek. “Home is about three hours depending on traffic. Do you want me to text you when I get there?”
“Yes, I want to make sure you’re safe, little fawn. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Till later.”
It took all of my composure not to bawl in front of Fabian as I hugged and kissed him a dozen more times before I climbed into my car and waved goodbye.
Two minutes up the road, away from the man who had cared for me so sweetly the past week and his wonderful dog, I broke down in tears and cried all the way home. I willed the tears to stop, but it was no use. I had blocked my emotions for so many years that they all seemed to be coming out of me at once, like a salty detox.
Four hours later, I pulled into the drive only to be greeted by a red Porsche. My stomach tied up in knots. What the hell was Rob doing at my house?
“Hey, baby!” He spread his arms out wide as if he wanted to hug me. “I missed you.”
“I don’t have time for this.” I collected my bags and the Army water bottle Fabian had sent me home with. I grabbed the mail and painstakingly made my way to the door while Rob waited for me. I needed to put my foot up and rest it after the long drive, so his antics irritated me on multiple levels.
“You forgot my gold chains in your little care package. I need to check your jewelry box. I almost called the police.”
“I never touched your stupid necklaces, but I’ll go check. You shouldn’t have touched my things in the first place.”
“Since you have my stuff in your house, I’m allowed to enter the premises.”
“Like hell you are.” I narrowed my eyes at my ex-boyfriend. “I got all your shit and dumped it at your brother’s house. If you put something valuable inside one of my sentimental objects, then you’ll have to wait for me to go and get it.”
“I’m coming in.”
“No, you are not. If you put one toe inside my door, I’ll call the cops myself.”
“Aren’t you a feisty little firecracker?”
“Don’t call me little anything,” I warned. “Wait here. I’ll be down in a few minutes. I busted my ankle so it’s going to take me longer than usual.”
“Oh! My girl’s got some fight in her.”
“I'm not your girl. Go sit your ass in your flashy car or you can phone the police and they can get your stuff.”
“Uncle, uncle.” He laughed as he held up his palms in surrender, but the sound prickled along my nerves and pissed me off.
I got myself inside relatively easily and found the chains he was referring to. I never put them in my great-grandmother's jewelry box, so whatever had possessed him to put his heavy gold necklaces inside of it along with my most precious pieces, was beyond my reasoning. I unlocked the front door, surprised to see Rob had remained in his car. It was one tiny victory. I hobbled out to it and thrust the chains in his face.
“Don’t contact me again.”
“Why you so mad, baby?”
“Goodbye, Rob.” I waved over my shoulder and hurried inside.
Once I locked the door behind me, I sank to my knees, shaking. It had taken all of my strength to stay c
ool, calm, and collected. I had believed all the lies he fed me over the years, and it would be easy to fall back into his manipulation.
I pushed up and off the floor and went to my kitchen. Ice for my ankle and a hard lemonade for me. Once I situated myself on the couch, I set up a doctor’s appointment and then texted Fabian like I had promised.
Home.
I’m glad you’re home. How was the drive?
It was ok. My ex was here waiting for me.
The phone rang immediately, and I answered it.
“Hello?”
“Is he still there?” Fabian nearly growled and the low timbre sent shivers up my spine.
“Nah-no. I didn’t let him in the house. He was looking for some necklaces, so I got them and told him not to talk to me anymore.”
“I’m proud of you for standing up to him.”
My heart swelled with pride. “I miss you already.”
“I miss you too, little fawn.”
“Do you, um, want to come over this weekend?” I bit my lip hard. He had just spent a week taking care of me. It was preposterous to assume he’d want to jump into it again so soon.
“I’m not sure I–.”
“Never mind.”
“I wasn’t finished speaking.”
I slammed my mouth shut with an audible smack.
“I’m not sure I can wait an entire week.”
“Sorry for interrupting you.” I sighed. “Fridays are only four-hour shifts, so unless I’m stuck home with my ankle, I’ll be back here by one in the afternoon.”
“Okay, until Friday it is. Text me your address.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that later.”
“Do it while we’re on the phone.”
“Yes, Sir.” I complied; and the action eased some of the fears that plagued me during the ride home. Fabian wanted to give the two of us a chance. I hadn’t been in a functioning relationship in far too long. Really, I wasn’t rushing into anything. The message showed opened.
“Good girl.”
“Oh, no. I just thought of something. My townhouse isn’t big enough for Zeus.”
“My neighbors up the road have a multitude of animals ranging from chickens, goats, cats, dogs, and an ostrich. Zeus loves staying with them. You can come visit here next time. He misses you too.”
“Rather presumptuous of you to assume there will be a next time.”
“There will be.”
“You do sound awfully sure of yourself,” I teased lightly.
“Oh, I am.” He chuckled. “Did you make an appointment to get your ankle checked out?”
“Yup, the doctor was able to get me in for Monday morning. Driving home aggravated it a bit, so I’ve got it elevated.”
“All right. Let me know what the doctor says. Stay off that foot as much as you can.”
“Okie doke.” I took several swigs of my lemonade. “Do you, um, want to talk for a little bit?”
“I could talk to you for hours, Hadley, but I’ve got some things to do in town. I can text you later on tonight.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I will anyway.”
“I had a feeling you were going to say that. I’ll talk to you later. I love, uh, look forward to it.” I almost dropped the L-bomb less than a week after meeting him. What the hell? It was a phrase I hadn’t uttered to anyone, especially not Rob, in years.
“I look forward to it as well, little fawn. Talk to you later.”
“Later, Fabian.” I ended the call and held the cell phone to my heart. He was coming to my house this weekend! Joy bubbled through my body. The thoughts forced me to a calmer place, and I marked the date with an app. For the first time in a while, I had something to look forward to.
Chapter Seven
The week ticked by with extreme slowness. My ankle had a serious sprain, and the doctor ordered me not to drive for three weeks. My job allowed a temporary work from home situation so my ankle would be elevated, and I wouldn’t need to find a ride service. The brace was clunky but at least I could move without it hurting.
I texted Fabian mid-week, explained how we should get together at a later date, and that I’d call him. Something about his responses made me think he would show up as we originally planned. I flopped myself onto the bed. I wanted to see him, but Rob had been showing up almost every day insisting I let him into the house to gather more of his things. I obliged earlier even though I had stood up to him the first time since my ankle had been extra sore. It was a bad move. My phone blew up with messages from my ex. Rob was outside again demanding some other trinket.
Pushing off my bed with conviction, I hobbled down my hallway. I had already given him a few things that weren’t even his just to get him to leave me alone, but clearly, I hadn’t made my position clear enough.
“There isn’t anything else of yours in my house. Make a list if you think something is missing but get off my property.” I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at Rob. He was the world’s biggest jerk and had been pushy and condescending for a half an hour, trapping me in the driveway.
“You’ve got my antique low-ball glasses. I’ll just come in and get them.”
“You’re not allowed in my house. Go away.”
“I’m not a dog, babe. You can’t shoo me away.”
“I’m not your babe.” Rolling my eyes, I braced against the garage. “Go away!”
A familiar truck rolled up the street and turned into my driveway. Fabian hadn’t listened to my excuses. He came anyway, a thought that tumbled my stomach. He wouldn’t put up with Rob’s ridiculous behavior. The driver’s door opened, and Fabian stepped down.
My mouth literally fell open. A black tank showcased drool-worthy arms of steel with his tattoos proudly displayed. Navy athletic shorts cut close to his body and outlined massive thighs, ones I’d laid across. My gaze traveled down his incredible thighs, over his sculpted calves, all the way to the combat boots on his feet. Damn. I wiped a line of drool from my lips and closed my mouth. My pussy clenched with need just from the sight of Fabian and my other reactions were not unnoticed by Rob. Fabian carried a duffle bag in his left hand, and it piqued my interest.
“This is private property. Get out of here, Tarzan.” Rob stepped closer to me, but I immediately moved in the opposite direction.
“Fabian.” He smiled down at Rob, towering over my ex-boyfriend’s five-foot-nine frame, as he swaggered up my driveway. “You’re right. This is private property. You should be on your way.”
“Listen here, buddy–”
“We’re not buddies.”
“Lose my address, Rob.” I snapped. “Seriously, you have no reason to be here.”
“You stole personal belongings, cupcake,” Rob accused me with a finger pointed at my face.
“I’m not your fucking cupcake!”
Rob puffed out his chest. His bravado showed a puny, manipulative man who refused to release me.
“Relax, Hadley. He’s not worth getting upset over.” Fabian took my hand and squeezed it. “Make a list of whatever items belong to you. Email it to me and we’ll arrange a time to meet. Or you can go ahead and call the authorities. They will undoubtedly retrieve what is yours but there will be the trespassing charges brought up along with harassment. You’ve been asked more than once to stop coming here.”
Rob clenched and unclenched his fists and his face flushed as red as a tomato. He seemed ready to give Fabian a piece of his mind, but after a full minute of silence, he pulled out his phone. A mugshot floating around the internet would be bad for his image. “What’s your email?”
“Fabian dot Reed at mail dot mil.”
“Uh, hang on.”
“Foxtrot Alpha Beta–”
“I got it, Lieutenant Tarzan.”
“Sergeant Reed if you’d like to be formal.”
“Whatever.” Rob glared at Fabian. “Good luck with Hadley. She’s a worthless, whoring bitch. She won’t amount to anything, and I’m glad to be done with her.”
>
Fabian leaned down until his mouth hovered dangerously close to my ex’s ear, and whispered, “Talk about my girl like that again, and I’ll make sure the rest of your pathetic existence is a living hell. I’ve got friends in high places and they’ll take my word over yours in a heartbeat.” He straightened to his full height. “You have thirty seconds to get into your car and leave.”
Rob gulped and his eyes widened. He was such a coward when it came to owning up to his actions. “I apologize if you were offended by my words. I’ll email you, Sergeant Reed, and thank you for your service.” He got into the car and rolled down the window. “Hope you give her what she deserves.” Rob pulled out of the driveway, and we watched him leave.
Was Rob actually regretful after calling me a whore and a bitch in one breath? It was more likely that he meant I deserved terrible things. My hands trembled, and I bit down on my lip.
“He’s not worth your time, little fawn.” Fabian tugged me to him and kissed the top of my hand. “Don’t let his nasty words take up space in your head.”
“I wish those damn signs had been lit at the beginning of our relationship. I wouldn’t have invited him to live with me.”
“Hindsight is twenty-twenty, sweetheart.” Fabian placed his arm under my knees and scooped me up. “You shouldn’t be walking around. Did the doctor give you crutches?”
“Yes, but I took three steps with them and fell face first into the ground, twice. She x-rayed my collar bone since it was all bruised up and declared crutches weren’t for me.”
“I agree. No crutches for you.”
“You would have laughed.”
“I’d have been more concerned for the rest of your limbs.”
We walked inside and Fabian locked the door behind us. I gestured to the living room, and he sat down on the plush navy seating, setting his bag down on the floor next to us.
“How was the drive?”
“It was fine. Not much traffic.” He brushed a piece of my hair behind my ear. “You look stressed, Hadley. How can I help you relax?”
