[ 18+ ] Adrianna Lee's whole world had come crashing down, unexpectedly, all around her. Losing all stability in her life, she's questioning what's the next steps to take.
That is, until an adorable seven-year-old comes bouncing into her life-which...
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I couldn't sleep. Not after everything that happened last night. I took a shower, tried to sleep. But it wasn't happening.
So I found myself sitting on the bar stool, drinking my second cup of coffee, waiting for Adrianna to wake up.
I woke up in your bed alone. It felt wrong.
And something I'm one hundred percent certain of, Daniel? You're more than worthy.
I feel safe with you because I trust you. You don't scare me.
Her words echoed through my head all night long. I couldn't stop hearing it over and over. I have fucked up a lot in my life. Nancy is one who never lets me forget what an asshole I was, or how I ruined everything for her. Sometimes I wonder if my dad died without really being proud of me. Of seeing the man I've become today. Or if he'd be disappointed I can't get mom to be closer to me.
I run a company, we always make investments into other companies that may not be the best types of people we want to represent. I own a club that a lot of things could go wrong in. How would my daughter look at me when she starts maturing and understanding how life works? How would Adrianna really look at me if she knows just how much of a failure I am and how much I'm trying to cover it up.
And something I'm one hundred percent certain of, Daniel? You're more than worthy.
I groan in frustration. I wanted her more than I can even put into words. We haven't known each other long and yet she trusts me. She sees me in a way that leaves me wanting more.
I push myself up and out of the bar stool before I can stop myself. I walk over to her door and knock gently. There was a soft grumble before she muttered something, making me smile. "Adrianna, can I come in?"
The door opens and I can see the sleep still on her face, her eyes half open. She gives me a lazy smile before nodding. "I'll be right back."
She practically stumbles into her bathroom, which makes me chuckle. So, I walk in and take a seat at the edge of her bed. I lean back on my palms as I wait for her to walk back in. When she does, she looks almost shy as she gives me a small smile and sits beside me.
"What time is it?"
"Early," I clear my throat and face her. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep."
She nods. "A lot on your mind?"
I stare at her for a moment. Just taking her in. Her eyes, tired, but still alert and searching mine. Hair a tangled mess. Lips upward in a small smile.
"You're beautiful, you know that?"
Pink flushes her cheeks. "Daniel."
"It's true," I reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear. "So, so excruciatingly beautiful. Even when you just wake up."
